FINALLY SOME SMARTS WHEN IT COMES TO NATIVE AMERICAN TEAM NICKNAMES

I've watched this nonsense for some time now when it came to renaming teams with a reference to the Native American.  As a Chicago Blackhawks fan, I had dog in the fight.  Sunday, President Donald Trump weighed in with his big stick.  Perhaps he can cause those who felt they were being pushed to making a name change, to wise up.  

"President Trump implored owners of the NFL's Washington Commanders and MLB's Cleveland Guardians to revert to the organizations' old nicknames in a social media post.

Daniel Snyder changed Washington's team name from the Redskins to the Washington Football Team before the start of the 2020 season amid a summer of racial tensions.  The team eventually became the Washington Commanders, and Snyder sold the team to Josh Harris. 

In July 2021, team owner Paul Dolan announced the Cleveland Indians would become the Cleveland Guardians.  Cleveland had been known as the Indians since 1915.  Dolan previously said the decision to explore the name change came from "an awakening or epiphany" after the death of George Floyd".

All of these excuses are bunk.  How can you take a proud nickname of a professional sports team and treat it otherwise?  Both the Redskins and Indians were such. They represented the Redskins and Indians with class.  Their city deserved better.  Their fans deserved better.  And so did their sport. 

    

The Redskin logo designed by a Native American

As a Blackhawks supporter I had some real uneasy moments when this nonsense hit fever pitch.  Despite the uproar, Chicago management remained staunch. They didn't cave to change their nickname and the support they got from the Blackhawks nation was overwhelming.    

"Regardless, the push to keep the Native American team names has been strong, particularly with the Commanders' organization.  Trump already expressed his belief that the Commanders made a mistake when they changed the name from the Redskins. The Washington 'Whatevers' should IMMEDIATELY change their name back to the Washington Redskins Football Team.  There is a big clamoring for this, wrote Ttump on Truth Social on Sunday.   Likewise, so are the Cleveland Indians, one of the six original baseball teams, with a stored past".  The Redskins logo was inspired by Blackfeet Chief John Two Guns White Calf.

I would only hope with Trump jumping into the fray that some strong consideration to change comes.  It's time to take back the names of a couple of proud sports franchises. Actually, it's way past time because it never should have happened.  Trump might have an upper hand in this matter.  He has said he might not support a new stadium being built if a name change doesn't occur.  The new stadium deal involves federal land, though Congress transferred control to the city in January.  However, Congress retains control over the District of Columbia's budget.  

It doesn't make any difference if you're a fan of Donald Trump to agree with what he's suggesting.  It's simply Common Sense.  

"Our great Indian people, in massive numbers want to this to happen.  Their heritage and prestige is systematically being taken away from them.  Times are different now than they were three or four years ago.  We are a Country of passion and common sense.  OWNERS, GET IT DONE!!!"       

Washington officials remain a hard sell on changing the nickname back.  Cleveland remains mum. 

We'll see who blinks.  

IS THIS CAITLIN CLARK BERATING EVER GOING TO END?

I truly hope this is the last time I have to write about the Caitlin Clark saga as to how the WNBA players hate her and try to impose their physical play on her each and every game.   I said I hope, but I know it's not going to happen.  The real question is, where will this mindset take the league?  

"Caitlin Clark is a phenomenon that has changed women's basketball, women's sports and sports, Period", according to USA Today sports columnist Christine Brennan.  Brennan hits the issue spot on.  No ifs, ands or buts.  "But what makes her tick?  How did a kid from Iowa become one of the most recognizable athletes in the world?  And what does her presence mean for the future of the WNBA and how we talk about it?"  Brennan's new book, "On Her Game: Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women's Sports", is a classic read.  Brennan's words were calculated and gave a truthful look into what's at stake if changes don't take place in the league.   

"Reports and social media posts indicate that Brennan has been critical of the WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and the league's handling of Clark, particularly concerning the physical play she has faced.  Her criticism mainly focuses on what she perceives as a lack of protection for Clark and a missed opportunity by the league to fully embrace and support its rising star".   

For me, the Brennan book further supports my belief that the league should fire Engelbert and completely dismantle and rebuild its officiating crews.  The officials are horrendous, and safety has now become an even bigger issue.  To think the WNBA has a greater issue in this regard than the NBA is mind boggling. 

To see how Ms. Clark is impacting the league, take a gander at this:

"ABC had its most watched WNBA game ever on Sunday when Paige Bueckers and Dallas faced Clark and the Indiana Fever.  Indiana won in a blowout, 102-83, in the first pro matchup between the two-star guards.  The game averaged 2.1 million viewers".  Clark clearly is working her way back from a quad injury but still managed a double-double with 14 points and 13 assists.   

Clark is not only the face of the league on the court, but she is also a slam dunk off it.  Clark has an innate way of being one and two steps ahead of any competition she faces.  She is a marketing guru. Case in point, the upcoming WNBA All-Star game.  At the conclusion of the drafting of players by the captains from each team, Clark and Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx, Clark fired off a jaw-dropper.  

She did what?  Traded me?

"Clark announced on the WNBA Countdown show, she was trading head coach Cheryl Reeve to Collier (who is, of course, her coach in Minnesota) in return for New York Liberty head coach, Sandy Brondello.  While Clark didn't go into too much detail as to why she wanted this trade, it obviously makes sense for Collier to have her own head coach.  But fans were quick to notice that Reeve was notoriously critical about the amount of attention Clark received compared to the rest of the league heading into the Fever's star rookie season.  Not to mention that Reeve was coach of Team USA Olympics squad, from which Clark was infamously snubbed.  Reeve asserts having played no role in that decision.  Her continued criticism of Clark says otherwise.  The look on Reeve's face of Clark's actions definitely will add to their fiery relationship.  I'm not sure if it would be wise to take on Clark.  Caitlin is truly the much bigger commodity.           

When the WNBA season ends and contract talks begin for 2026, it will be interesting to see who carries the biggest stick regarding the league's future.  I have a pretty good idea.  Hey, and if there is a big blowout, Clark can always go start her own league.  I wouldn't put it past her

Enjoy your sports day!!!

    

CARVER-HAWKEYE SEATING GETS A BIG BUMP....FINALLY!!!

Well, it's about time! Let's see if we can have one word express something long, long, long overdue...FINALLY.

The University of Iowa made a decision this past Thursday to change the seating arrangements in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.  Now, students will be closer to the floor and be able to rain down their great support for the Iowa Athletic teams.

"There is nothing like the roar of Carver-Hawkeye Arena", said Director of Athletics Beth Goetz.  "Our fans are the heartbeat of every season, and their unwavering support is felt by our student-athletes and coaches.  We are excited for the upcoming seasons and creating the next wave of unforgettable Hawkeye moments".     

"While the announcement provided the various seating prices for the three winter sports at Car-Hawkeye Arena (Men's and Women's Basketball and Men's Wrestling), potentially the most exciting news in the release was that students will now have the ability to sit behind the south baseline.  

Carver-Hawkeye Arena became a little more rabid

"This will be made possible by installing a courtside riser with a capacity for over 200 individuals, which enhances the in-game atmosphere by bringing students closer to the action and providing additional floor-level concession opportunities. Previously, students were seated far behind the south baseline due to the oval-shaped seating configuration of Carver-Hawkeye Arena". 

This move has been a much-debated topic over the years.  Fans, sportswriters and reporters bought up the home court disadvantage the Hawks have had over the years. Former Athletic Director Gary Barta never seemed to want to address the situation.   Fans were less than satisfied with Barta's complacency.  Their chief argument had to do with Kinnick Stadium that sits south across campus of the basketball arena.  For years, Kinnick has been known as one of the toughest stadiums to play in across the country.  It's known for its raucous crowds and small sidelines which has been a great boost for Hawkeye Football.  "Why can't we make Carver-Hawkeye as tough to play in as Kinnick", was the chief cry from the fan base.  They now have their wish.  

The Women's Basketball team has enjoyed several years of unbelievable support.  The sellout crowds they've enjoyed these last few years have put Iowa on the map of a place to come watch a game.  With added student craziness, look out.  Waiting, waiting is a new and improved Men's Basketball Team.  The seating chart move should help increase their attendance.  

AD Beth Goetz continues to address the sports department in so many good ways.  Was it the perfect marriage when she became AD in 2024?  I'm beginning to think so.   

There are a few items that are moving up the Goetz's ladder for attention.  Will Kirk Ferentz retire at season's end?  Will becoming the top man in Big Ten Football wins and a victory total at years end that would enable him to be elected to the College Football Hall of Fame, finally be enough?   

And then there's Tom Brands.  He might be in the final run of his Hawkeye career as head wrestling coach.  Much bad news these past few weeks are showing cracks in the program.  A once proud Iowa team is finding it real hard to remain in the top 5 nationally.  

FINALLY, I'd love to be a fly on the wall of Dan Gable's sauna at his Iowa City acreage.  He can't be happy.  

AND...may your team play passionately this week and be deserving of your love in SportsRealms.    

  

  

WHERE OH WHERE HAVE THE DRAFT SHOWS GONE?

 

Once upon a time the draft shows for each of the bigger sports had some entertainment and some factual information about the players that were being drafted.  The granddaddy of them all, the NFL continues to provide a pretty good couple of days of interest. Although I don't watch it from beginning to end like I used too, I find myself drawn to watching because of the plethora of information and video provided on each player drafted.  The families and friends are kept in the green room, so the main focus is on the athlete.    

The WNBA draft which was held on April 15th was lacking in so many things, that is except skin.   The ladies showed cleavage in about any way possible.  Dresses were slit up the side to give viewers ample look at their long legs.  Oh, and let's not forget the many ways made possible to showcase their rear ends. I really am concerned whether these players are more interested in their fashion career than they are in playing the game of basketball.  Facebook has become like the tabloid of old, Playboy.  Our culture has given in to this way of life.  Can't say I agree with it.

Next on the agenda was the NBA draft that was held this past Wednesday with the first round.  The second round was shown on Thursday.   Without question, this sport's draft lottery left much to be desired.  Viewers were confused throughout both evenings' coverage as to where the players were being drafted.  If there was a trade involved, the Commissioner and his assistant didn't announce said trade until several selections after the transaction took place.  Not only were viewers trying to figure out who was going where, the ESPN panel of Malika Andrews, Jay Bilas, Kendrick Perkins and Bob Meyers had the same issues.  At one point, Andrews had to look at her notes to make sure she was giving the right information.  It shouldn't be that difficult. What was rather repetitive was the blather of explaining the long roads each of the athletes had taken to get to their dream.  Ok, we get it.  But aren't all those roads long?  Some more than others, no doubt.  There was also way too much overkill with seeing the parents, friends, coaches and girlfriends at their respective tables.  The hands down winner of the evening was Chloe Kitts, of South Carolina, a baller for the Gamecocks Women's team and the steady of #9 selection, Collin Murray-Boyles.  The picture below gives an indication of the distraction she became.  Is she beautiful?  I would say very much so.  But the dress left little for the imagination on a night that clearly should have been Murray-Boyles when he was selected by the Toronto Raptors.     

Her response?  "It's crazy to think that last year we were sitting on the couch watching the draft and you looked at me and said, 'That'll be next year.'"-Kitts wrote on her Instagram accompanied by picture from the Draft Night   Kitts is expected to go high in the 2026 WNBA Draft.  I wonder if Collin will wear anything as revealing as his partner.  To be continued.....   

One more thing on the NBA.  Monica McNutt has to go.  She is a terrible sideline reporter.  Her conversations with the each of the drafted players was stiff and lacking in any substance.  "Tell me what you're thinking?" is not an idea of getting much of any kind of a response back. It might make more sense for a reporter doing the follow up with the athletes to be seated and enable a good, short discussion as to what their mindset is.       

And the night was to be about who?

This past Friday night and Saturday we saw the NHL's version of the Draft.  For me, their coverage has been rocketing up each and every year.  Again, the players are the focus.  The friends and family are present in the stands and give their support when their star's name is called out.  What I found creative was the interview each player had with his new organization after donning their new hat and entering what they called, the War Room.  The back and forth with the newest member of their organization, I found to be refreshing.  The biggest complaint I heard was the length of the first round which many thought far too long.  That's correctable.  I give the NHL an atta boy for thinking outside the box. 

Up next will be the MLB Draft Show on July 13th and 14th in Atlanta at the All-Star Game. I'm not sure what to expect from them this year.  They've shown over the years to be a little less than creative.  Now would be a good time to hit a home run.    I'd have to think the backdrop with the myriad of celebrities on hand would provide for a good show.    Mabe we'll have a little Holiday in Atlanta.  Like in Ethan, the brother of Jackson playing for the Baltimore Orioles and father, Matt, a former Athletic, Rockies and Cardinal player of note.  Ethan might be the first one off the board.  

Let's hope for a little less skin and a little more substance on the players of tomorrow.  As they say.....PLAY BALL!!!   

BASSETT'S DECOMMIT FROM IOWA SIGNALS BIG TIME TROUBLE FOR THE HAWKEYES

 

The University of Iowa Hawkeyes received some devastating news on Sunday.  The type of news that can cause some real problems for the Hawkeye wrestling future.  The top recruit in the 2026 class informed the University that he is decommitting and reopening his recruitment.   

"Bassett, who competes for Bishop McCort High School in Pennsylvania, was a major pickup for Iowa this past February, according to the Des Moines Register.  Bassett was a U17 World champion in 2021 and U20 World bronze medalist in 2024.  In the United States, he is also a three-time Ironman, Powerade and Super 32 champion.  He chose Iowa after a lengthy recruiting process, during which Bassett considered around 80 different programs".    

There has been a myriad of rumors for Bassett's change of heart.  Some say there was a disagreement between the parents and the Iowa coaching staff.  Others suggest something that at first blush makes no sense at all.  Bo Bassett and Melvin Miller wanted to train at the Hawkeye Wrestling Club, as other programs do with their recruits.  Brands told them no and he wasn't gonna be told how to run his program.  Melvin wanted to commit to Iowa.  He is the #1 ranked wrestler on the class of 2027 Big Board.  He is a teammate of Bassett at Bishop McCort.  Why would you choose something so petty to stand your ground it would cause some of the top wrestlers in the country to say, goodbye?    

As big a loss as there is....

Here is Bassett's story from his Instagram account.  "After a lot of prayer and talking with my family, I've decided to decommit from the University of Iowa.  This wasn't easy, but I believe it's not the right fit for me as a wrestler, a person or for my faith journey.  I'm grateful for the opportunity, and I'll never speak a bad word about their program.  This is about finding the place God wants me to be.  This is a huge decision in my life, and it has to be the right one".    

From Bassett's post, the words, "I believe it's not the right fit for me as a wrestler, a person or for my faith journey",  are more than damning to Iowa recruiting-wise.  It's words like that can set back a program for years.  It will be more than interesting to see where Bassett lands.  If it's Oklahoma State, wow!!  Penn State is clearly the leader of the collegiate wrestling world, but Nebraska and the Cowboys are trying all they can to close the gap.  Sunday's decision is going to put Iowa outside the top three for sure.  

Iowa had shown in recent months they were making some in-roads with some recruiting wins.  My guess is, some other committed athletes will now begin looking around.  Is this enough to signal a change at the heading coaching position?  Not sure.  But I do know this....an Iowa fan base is wanting things to return to the glory days.  It's been far too long in their minds.  This won't help matters.

Would love to be a fly on the wall in Dan Gables' sauna.  I'm sure he has a few thoughts of his own.

Hopefully better days ahead Hawk fans...

   

  

WHAT SPORT IS THE HARDEST AND MOST DANGEROUS TO OFFICIATE?

If you've been channel surfing in recent days, you've seen virtually all of the top sports in the world.  Hockey is in its final stages, the same for the NBA (WNBA is just getting started), MLB is in full speed, Golf just completed the U.S. Open, Tennis finished up the French Open and Soccer is still in full swing.  Heck let's not forget Football with its recent UFL Title Game.  Yes, you've been able to see a variety of sports, some that require officials on the field of play and others, like Tennis, where the judge sits in the safety of a chair.  Even Track and Field has its own nuances. So, having a chance to see so many, I asked myself the question, what is the hardest and most dangerous sport to officiate?   

A puck can do serious damage to the face, teeth and body, for sure 

 In doing some follow-up research to my question, it appears that baseball, football, soccer and hockey seem to be the leaders.  Let's take a look at each.

BASEBALL:  

A game of precision, power and speed.  Umpires need excellent vision, hearing and stamina. An ability to see the spin on a curve ball and a bang, bang play at first is crucial. It's going to be interesting to see how their duties change when the robo umpire comes into play in the not-too-distant future.  Some danger for sure, especially if you're hit by a 100-mph fastball or a battled ball at speeds nearing 120-mph.  A minimum of four umps on the field of play and replay help in the ease of making the right call.

FOOTBALL: 

In a typical college or pro football game, there are seven officials on the field. That number plus replay is again a helping factor in making crucial calls.  The most obvious danger is getting run over by 300-pound linemen, which seldom happens.  The weather might be one of the most difficult obstacles to overcome.  Play continues in nearly every condition but lightning.  The speed of the game and the physical play makes this job somewhat difficult.

SOCCER:

Endurance and good vision make for an excellent official.  There are generally three referees on the field.  Over enthusiastic fan bases typically make calling a soccer match extremely hard.  That fact alone makes their job dangerous. Soccer games have long halves with minimal stoppages.  Refs cover a large area and are susceptible to injuries from running and collisions.  

HOCKEY:

The absolute #1 sport. Four on-ice officials are required in hockey.  Hockey is incredibly fast-paced, and officials must maintain constant awareness of the puck. Physical contact breaking up altercations happens often throughout the game as is the exposure to collisions with players from each team. Verbal abuse from fans and players are continual.  And lastly, the officials have to skate, skate, skate.  Players typically have a shift of 30-60 seconds.  Not the officials.  Endurance is essential.

A POSSIBLE HOCKEY SUBSTITUTE?

"In 1996, sports anchor Ed Harding explored a unique twist on hockey, a version played off the ice and in the water.  This version challenged players to keep their snorkels clear with navigating the game.  Actual underwater footage of the game showed how strategic people need to be. Just like in regular hockey, players duked it out in corners and fought for control over the puck.  Poetically, one player stated, "age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill".

YOUTH SPORTS (HONORBLE MENTION): 

It goes without saying, the most demanding officiating takes places at the youth level.  Overzealous parents and coaches are tremendously demeaning to officials at this level.  So much so, it is becoming harder and harder each year to find volunteers to fill these roles. 

Next time you watch a sporting event, watch the officials, umpires or referees and see how they do their job.  Each sport has its unique flavor to add to the difficulty of officiating.  Appreciate the job they do. Not everyone wants their jobs.  Can I get an amen?  

Heck, even Roller Derby has three officials.  Although you'd never know it.....

Have a great sports day.     

SIMONE BILES BORDERING ON SNL IGNORANCE

 Back in the 70's, actor Dan Akroyd launched on his co-anchor, Jan Curtin, with a famous line that has echoed over the years. The line was part of a comedic rendition of their Saturday Night Live newscast. Akroyd had become fed up with Curtin's lack of knowledge and fired off a one-liner, "Jane you ignorant s___t". If things could have gone viral back then, that shot would have been a huge success.  Considering today's social media, it still could be.  

Last week Simone Biles teetered on the same level with her comment on transgender men playing in men's sports. 

Here is the report from Fox News...   

"Seven-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles received harsh backlash on social media on Saturday after the gymnastics star sparred with former 12-time NCAA All-American swimmer Riley Gaines over the debate surrounding transgender athletes competing in girls' and women's sports.

Riley Gaines will not back down

Gaines, a former University of Kentucky swimmer and current OutKick contributor and host of the "Gaines for Girls" podcast, took to X on Friday to call out the Minnesota State High School League for posting a picture of the new state champions, Champlin Park High School.  Champlin Park used a male pitcher to win the title.  In response to Gaines' criticism of the post, Biles posted a message calling Gaines "truly sick" over her stance on trans athletes.  She even launched a personal attack at Gaines.   

You're truly sick, all of this campaigning because you lost a race.  Straight up sore loser", Biles said, referencing Gaines competing against former UPenn swimmer Lia Thomas at the 2022 NCAA Championships.  You should be uplifting the trans community and perhaps finding a way to make sports inclusive OR creating a new avenue where trans feel safe in sports.  Maybe a transgender category IN All sports!! But instead....you bully them.  One things for sure is no one in sports is safe with you around!!"

Biles signed off by telling Gaines she should pick on somebody her own size.    

The backlash to Bile's comments has been far-reaching.  As well it should.

Let's not forget this is the same athlete (Biles) that wore a Green Bay Packers-themed jacket to a Chicago Bears pre-season game last year.  The jacket featured photos of her husband, Jonathan Owens, who was once a Packer, but who had signed with Chicago that spring.  If anyone knows anything about sports, wearing Packer gear to a Bear's game is a serious lack of smarts.

Gaines has received a ton of support since this past weekend especially when she revealed a comment from Biles that she posted in October of 2017.  And it's not a great look.  "Ahh good thing guys don't compete against girl's, or he'd take all the gold medals".  Gaines has suggested that if Bile's competed against men, nobody would know about her.  Ouch.  That says a lot.  

I am inclined to think of an old saying my father used to say when ignorance reared its ugly head.  "You can't fix stupid".

We have so much to be proud of in athletics in our country.  It's a shame the prestige has fallen to this level.  What will Simone do next?  I'm sure whatever it is, it will show her ignorance. Keep endorsing the products, you do Simone and stay out of the politics of sports.  And from the sounds of it, it might be too late to do that.  Altheta is considering dropping her as a client.