by Paul Knepper As I watched TNT’s coverage of the Slam Dunk Contest on Saturday night, I was struck by how remarkable it is that two individuals as talented as Cheryl and Reggie Miller grew up in the same house. In fact, countless families have produced more than one professional athlete, whether it be siblings,Continue reading “20 Most Athletic Families”
Author Archives: Paul Knepper
Breaking Down the NBA Trade Deadline Deals
The NBA trade deadline came and went at 3:00 PM Eastern Time and news of trades trickled in over the hour that followed. Due in large part to the uncertainty surrounding the next Collective Bargaining Agreement, it was one of the most active deadlines in recent memory. While the biggest trades involving Carmelo Anthony andContinue reading “Breaking Down the NBA Trade Deadline Deals”
Clyde In the Spotlight
One of the benefits of the Knicks revival is seeing Walt “Clyde” Frazier back in the spotlight. The only thing better than the tiger-print jacket he wore to Melo’s Knick debut was his response when asked what it was like to face Earl “The Pearl” Monroe… Said Clyde, “He’s the only man I’ve ever dreamedContinue reading “Clyde In the Spotlight”
The Game is Back in the City
by Paul Knepper Basketball may have been invented in Springfield, Massachusetts, but for nearly a century it’s been the city game. From the blacktops of Harlem to the Mecca on Seventh Avenue, the beats and rhythms of the game have embodied the hustle and bustle, ingenuity and artistry that is the very pulse of NewContinue reading “The Game is Back in the City”
Melo Takes His Hat Off
You have to admire Carmelo Anthony’s humility throughout this entire ordeal, which will culminate with him signing an extension for $65 million over three years, wherever he lands. He told a reporter a few days ago: “I take my hat off to myself for dealing with all this stuff that’s going on and still beContinue reading “Melo Takes His Hat Off”
How to Improve NBA All-Star Weekend
I think all basketball fans would agree that NBA all-star weekend has lost some of its luster over the past several years. There are some obvious ways to improve the festivities, like adding incentive for the players to play hard in the all-star game and requiring participation by those selected for the three point shootoutContinue reading “How to Improve NBA All-Star Weekend”
Don’t Forget the PCP
The NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is set to expire on March 4th and a player lockout is looming. Owners and players are deliberating several key issues, including; an 18 game season, rookie salaries, player safety and retirement and disability benefits. Executive Director of the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA), DeMaurice Smith, should beContinue reading “Don’t Forget the PCP”
Dealing With DeMarcus
Past the midway point of DeMarcus Cousin’s rookie season, as Dennis Green might say, he is who we thought he was; a superbly talented big man with troubling character issues. Sacramento fined their young power forward an undisclosed amount on Monday after investigating his role in an altercation with teammate Donte Greene following the KingsContinue reading “Dealing With DeMarcus”
Most Influential African-American Athletes
Sports have been a catalyst for social change in this country, especially within the civil rights movement, as African-Americans have battled institutional racism in order to earn equal opportunity and respect in the athletic arena. Through courage and determination, many individual athletes blazed trails for future ballplayers and in the process became heroes and roleContinue reading “Most Influential African-American Athletes”
Rocco and Me
By Paul Knepper Sports fans choose their favorite ballplayers for different reasons. Some root for athletes who play for their favorite teams, grew up near them or attended the same school. Others admire players for their style of play or flare. Some identify with athletes that exhibit the personal qualities they value in themselves andContinue reading “Rocco and Me”
Paul Knepper 