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”
Author Archives: Paul Knepper
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”
Battle of the Birdmen
The Friday Faceoff – Koko B. Ware vs. Chris Andersen. Which Birdman is most fly?
How About a Little Separation Between Sport and State?
By Paul Knepper As I watched some girl from Glee sing America the Beautiful before Sunday’s big game, I found myself wondering when exactly the Super Bowl became mistaken for Patriots Day? Sports are supposed to be a diversion from controversial issues like politics and religion and I’ve grown increasingly disgusted by the way sportingContinue reading “How About a Little Separation Between Sport and State?”
Top Ten Athletes I’d Like to Hear Sing the National Anthem
by Paul Knepper Everybody has heard by now that Christina Aguilera flubbed the words of the national anthem in front of 160 million viewers prior to Super Bowl XLV in Dallas. Any time I hear a botched rendition of the Star Spangled Banner at a sporting event I think of Carl Lewis’s infamous hack jobContinue reading “Top Ten Athletes I’d Like to Hear Sing the National Anthem”
Paul Knepper 