The first question to ask the Houston Astros signal corps is: Why did you think any of this would stay a secret? As the sports world struggles with the implications of a team cheating to win a World Series for the first time since the 1919 Black Sox scandal, there are more questions than answers…
Fans are staying away from stadiums in great part because the games take too long to play. The new XFL is trying a number of modifications to cut the length of games
Football fans have spoken: the games last too damn long. Delays, reviews, timeouts and injuries turn 18 minutes of action into three-plus hours. At least that’s the results of research done for the new XFL, a football league that starts play on Feb. 8, right after the National Football League’s Super Bowl. The startup league…
If coaching has a capital offence, its ignoring the obvious probabilities that a good analysis could provide
We’re in the heart of the football malpractice season. Across the frozen tundras, National Football League coaches are being overwhelmed by the pressure of making key calls during the post-season. On Saturday, Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien was like a punch-drunk fighter from the very first quarter. Quickly down 7-0 after Buffalo drove on their…
But the NHL, the league that never misses an opportunity to miss an opportunity, will sit back and let others get the gravy
If there were a handicapping contest on who has the best handle on the future between the major sports leagues in North America, there’s little doubt the title would go to the National Basketball Association under its dynamic commissioner Adam Silver. When it comes to innovation, it’s “Hi-ho Silver away.” Silver, who replaced David Stern…
Petulant, indifferent young stars are in charge, thanks to their huge contracts. Coaches pay the price
On his voyage from coaching sage to the most ignorant coach to ever stand behind a National Hockey League bench, Mike Babcock learned a few important things. Principally, he learned that a coach’s job security is governed by winning. If you don’t win, you will be replaced. No news there. But he also understood that…
Deciding what to do about rampant rumours of Houston Astros cheating isn't simple. But one of baseball's best teams needs to be punished
“I’ll take Baseball for $800, Alex.” “The answer is: paint your fingernails bright colours.” “Alex, what is, ‘What does baseball think is the best way for a catcher to signal pitches to the pitcher?’” That’s pretty much the sophistication level of a 21st-century sport being governed by 19th century technology. And, as a result, teams…
The man voted the seventh-most famous Canadian has finally talked himself out of his job as hockey analyst/cranky old guy to the nation. To the utter confusion of people outside Canada, the removal of a TV figure has convulsed the nation. After 38 years, he is no more. Confession: I did an entire chapter on…
As Sportsnet trims costs and their cantankerous commentator missteps, the outcome seems likely
You have to hand it to Don Cherry. Only the bombastic star of Coach’s Corner could give the cause of the war dead a bad name. Cue Saturday night’s Hockey Night In Canada. Cherry had exchanged his usual floral table cloths for a blazer with a military crest to recall Remembrance Day. Much to the…
And it will have ramifications for Canadian student athletes and the hockey leagues that compete with U.S. colleges for talent
What were the burghers who run California doing instead of upgrading their power grid? Let me see. Banning fur? Check. Undocumented aliens on state boards and commissions? Check. Allowing college sports stars to get paid for the use of their likeness? Check. Really? After all this time, they’re going to let the top performers in…
From disputed strike zones to goal-line uncertainty to bloody high-sticks, major-league officiating can't seem to embrace high-tech
It’s Game Three of the 2019 World Series and the Washington Nationals hope to extend their surprising 2-0 lead in games over Houston. The Nats have revival project Anibal Sanchez on the mound to give Washington fans their first home-field win in a Series since 1933. But the Astros are off to a quick lead.…