What Price Fandom?

Fairway Fouls and Fútbol Fallout

Fred, Art, Laura, and Mark speculate on the unusually parched fairways at the British Open, sending drives flying well over 400 yards. Is climate change reshaping golf? Bryson DeChambeau faced a bizarre lie ruling after signing his scorecard. Should that even be allowed? Lionel Messi found himself again defending Argentina amid FIFA corruption questions. Why explain if nothing's wrong? Is the astronomical $4.9 million selling price for a Pelé jersey worthy of his legacy or memorabilia mania? And why has it taken so long to induct Walt Hazzard into the Collegiate Hall of Fame, decades after UCLA teammate Gail Goodrich?

Dodgers Are on a Roll, but October Storm Clouds Gather

Fred, Art, Laura, and Mark marvel as the Dodgers currently hold the top record in baseball. While the Marlins are surging and the Brewers are quietly dominating, can anyone actually catch L.A.? Shohei Ohtani plans to skip the All-Star Game to protect his arm - the right move, or a missed spotlight? Is it fair that Zack Wheeler and Sonny Gray got snubbed? While two dozen Dodgers plan a White House visit July 23, Freddie Freeman and Kiké Hernández may likely opt out. Will Mookie Betts show this time? And should Buffalo's new stadium erase O.J. Simpson's playing legacy?

Searching for the GOAT

Fred, Art, Laura, and Mark chime in about who was the most important athlete of the last century. Muhammad Ali, for his stand against the Vietnam War? Michael Jordan, with his global business brand? Billie Jean King? Jackie Robinson? Wayne Gretzky? Who truly changed sports forever? Is Caitlin Clark being protected enough from the continuing rough treatment on the court? Are crowds letting gambling have a negative influence on golf etiquette at the U.S. Open? And with Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams both making waves at Wimbledon, how many more chances will fans get to see them shine?

When Ex-Teammates Collide

Fred, Art, Laura, and Mark contemplate the outcome of the upcoming Dodgers-Padres series. Will they retain their considerable lead? Can Walker Buehler silence his former Dodger teammates in San Diego? After a flagrant throat punch that initially went uncalled, is the WNBA finally motivated to protect Caitlin Clark, its most valuable and marketable star? Can Darryn Peterson thrive in Salt Lake City after a turbulent year at Kansas? How does Pat Riley integrate Giannis Antetokounmpo into an already star-studded Miami roster? And, with NIL and the transfer portal gutting high school recruiting, will college football be recognizable in a decade?

A Spectacle on the White House Lawn

Fred, Art, Laura, and Mark marvel at the politically-tinged UFC extravaganza staged at the White House. Did Dana White really pay for the whole thing, or will taxpayers somehow foot the bill? How is an injured Dodgers squad somehow leading their division? Does money truly buy baseball immortality, and can Andy Pages help the team survive through the injuries? Is college baseball's bracket system punishing excellence with UCLA's stunning College World Series exit despite a 52-8 record? And is Jalen Brunson already cementing a Knicks legacy for the ages, while the defending Champions rank only fourth in 2027 title odds?