I wanted to disagree at first, but I’m sold because of Hibbert. The Lakers can try Ryan Kelly as a stretch 4 (33% from 3) for the offense or Artest as a more active 4 for defensive purposes. They’re pairing Hibbert with specialists who best fit his weaknesses, and thus might salvage him after all.

oof, good observation. That’s so messed up.

nooo. Good story, heh.

Yes, the key is SHORT. Good reminder on that point.

I’d be interested to hear how Deadspin LLP would feel about this if they were the prosecutors. Given that this is a football-mad small town, I can almost see the secrecy as slightly positive...almost.

That’s what I’m wondering. I’m too pessimistic to think everyone has the victim’s interests at heart, but there are some benefits to the quiet. Deadspin LLP, any thoughts?

This is a nuanced and balanced take, what are you doing on the Internet? Agree.

Why can’t they just say “Taking more than X amount of punches without initiating an offensive action means you’re done?” Or “Taking more than X amount of punches without blocking one?” Sure, a count stat isn’t perfect, but look how 10 seconds for a boxing takedown or 24 seconds to get a basketball shot off has helped…

I so agree. To Simmonize this, Simmons is now the aging DH who may not hit 40 HR anymore, but still provides underrated veteran presence and is a threat to go deep in any at-bat. /sorry

Personally, I think ESPN only spends money when it involves hurting a competitor (see: Rick Reilly from SI) or crushing a new threat (see: the Fox Sports channel). Now that no threats are on the horizon, cutbacks have begun. But, I’d argue that ESPN getting cheap with Page 2 circa 2004-2008 is exactly what led to the…

Bless you for bringing this back.

Nice catch! Thought that sounded familiar.

Heh! ok, background; I was curious if anyone would make the argument that such race/country arguments are used in, say, World Cup (e.g., “The Brazilians play with this style”), and that we tolerate them more freely there. (I also, quite honestly, have some doubts that the coach presented the scouting reports in such,…

Regarding g-j: Is it racist to say “this race of player plays with this style?” We’ve all heard versions of “Blacks play athletic/undisciplined, whites play slow/smart” for years. Have we just put up with it because it’s conventional wisdom, or was this racist nonsense we should have objected to earlier?

ESPN would rather kiss up to corporate partners than pay actual creative talent. Frankly, shame on “us” who swallowed ESPN’s excuses about firing Bill Simmons. Bristol’s always been cheap with the lower-level talent. Now they’re squeezing higher up on the org chart.

YESSS.

Next up, “How to treat Deadspin commenters,” written by me. She’s a sex worker herself, as I recall, her information is biased and self-serving. Over it.

I know you were being a bit cute at the end, but thanks for making that point anyway.

It kind of excited me, though, because the women’s game keeps getting better, and the attendance of 20,000+ was also a decent sign. I mean, great weather on a Saturday afternoon and two Euro powers helps the gate, but I was glad to see a crowd.

I was at this game, and I have to admit...I don’t think the US can beat Germany. Germany’s finishes were too clinical, too directly on goal, every time. Sweden’s keeper had a great game, and still gave up four goals.