by Paul Knepper Nicknames have long played a prominent role in sports. They personalize the athletes for the fans, build camaraderie among teammates, add a humorous element to the competition and are essential to the myth-building of sports legends. There are many factors to consider when determining what makes a great nickname. Is it apropos?Continue reading “100 Greatest Sports Nicknames of All-Time”
Author Archives: Paul Knepper
Artest Just the Latest Athlete to Change His Name
by Paul Knepper Ron Artest has reportedly filed court documents to change his name to “Metta World Peace.” The enigmatic Lakers forward is just the latest in a long line of ballplayers who have officially or unofficially adopted a new name for any number of reasons. The first person to come to mind after hearing aboutContinue reading “Artest Just the Latest Athlete to Change His Name”
Steve Nash’s Showdown
by Paul Knepper Last night, two-time NBA MVP and owner of the Vancouver Whitecaps of MLS, Steve Nash, laced up his cleats at Sara D. Roosevelt Park in Manhattan’s Lower East Side for the fourth annual “Showdown in Chinatown.” The event, hosted by Nash, is an 8 on 8 soccer match for charity, involving several NBAContinue reading “Steve Nash’s Showdown”
Another Side of Serena
by Paul Knepper We’ve seen many different sides to tennis great Serena Williams: exulted champion, sore loser, controversial superstar, celebrity fashionista, sarcastic diva, feisty competitor and devoted sister, to name a few. But we’d never seen the vulnerable woman beneath it all, until her first round victory over Aravane Rezai of France on Centre CourtContinue reading “Another Side of Serena”
The Greatest Show in Sports
by Paul Knepper Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal doesn’t have the pageantry of the Super Bowl, the tradition of Michigan vs. Ohio State or the rancor of Red Sox – Yankees; what makes their matches so spectacular is the quality of play. Theirs is a rivalry built on brilliance and artistry, desire and power, spins andContinue reading “The Greatest Show in Sports”
The Unremarkable Odyssey of Joba (Steve) Chamberlain
by Paul Knepper On August 7, 2007, the Yankees called up 21-year-old flamethrower Joba Chamberlain to fill their desperate need for a set-up man for Mariano Rivera. All the kid did was strike out 34 batters, while allowing just one earned run in 24 innings and help the Yankees recover from a dreadful start ofContinue reading “The Unremarkable Odyssey of Joba (Steve) Chamberlain”
Ten Greatest NBA Duos
by Paul Knepper Basketball is a team game, though often performed at the highest level when two players work in concert. The pick-and-roll remains the most productive offensive set and no play is more enthralling than an alley-oop. Rarely has a lone superstar carried a team on his back to an NBA championship. Shaq neededContinue reading “Ten Greatest NBA Duos”
Cuban Allows Players to do the Talking
Since he purchased the team in 2000 Mark Cuban has been the face and voice of the Dallas Mavericks, even more so than his star forward Dirk Nowitzki. The young dot-com entrepreneur has been brash, outspoken, often controversial and a relentless self-promoter. Now, with the Mavs at the precipice of their first championship, their ownerContinue reading “Cuban Allows Players to do the Talking”
Tommy’s Take on Fernando-mania
Legendary Dodger manager Tommy Lasorda was always quick with a joke. During the summer of 1981, the skipper was asked what terms his Mexican-born pitching sensation Fernando Valenzuela might settle for in his upcoming contract negotiations. Lasorda’s responded: “He wants Texas back.”
Dirk and the Mavs Stun the Heat
by Paul Knepper Five years ago, the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat met in the NBA Finals. The Mavs won the first two games at home and were poised to put a strangle hold on the Heat in game 3, leading by 13 points with just six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Then theContinue reading “Dirk and the Mavs Stun the Heat”
Paul Knepper 