Skip to main content

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 5/1/22


3 Up

1. Harvard Statement on Enslavement Past - We're currently in a world where dealing with slavery and oppression and all that it was in the past has created further division of the present, as well as ideals to move forward. We're all still trying to figure that out, but as we do, props are given to those who do it without the trendiness of the gesture. 

Harvard can be slammed for a whole lot in this arena, but they get the top spot this week for taking steps in a major way - just admitting its connection - is a great start. 

2. "Out of Pandemic" Phase - The world surely feels as "normal" as it's felt in a long time. While Dr. Facui's comments were well...confusing and required some cleaning up, the gesture is very much understood - we ain't that bad anymore! Things are definitely not going to snap back to pre-2020, but it definitely feels as close to non-pandemic-ish as it ever has. 
3. NFL Draft Ratings - The NFL is absolutely King in this nation. Nothing says that more than the ratings for the NFL Draft being down this year (probably due to no top quarterbacks involved), but yet, still crushing everything else on TV. It really is amazing. Props to all involved who produced the spectacular.  

3 Down

1. Russia Shuts Off Gas Line - Russia continues on in its bid for the worst thing of 2022 with further heel-like tactics of shutting off its gas supply to neighboring Ukraine and Bulgaria. The evil nation is forcing the two countries to pay in Ruble rather than the Euro. Watching Rocky IV never felt so enticing as it has this year...

2. Southern California Drought - 6 Million residents are now in a water shortage emergency due to reduced resources over the past three years. And just this past January, February, and March - typically the wettest months of the year for the area, turned out to be the driest on record - ever. 

Just crazy times we're living in. 

3. Trevor Bauer Defenders - Nope. I'm not getting into a discussion on whether Bauer is guilty in the court of law, the status of his innocence according to the law, or even within the state of society. However, the staunch defender of Bauer for the simple reason that he plays baseball is absurd and downright insulting. 

We have to be better. 

But yes, Bauer getting the gave gavel for two years - TWO! - makes this so interesting. MLB must have the goods in their investigation.

1 Wild

1. Wreckage on Mars - This is just...wow. Wild. 

Cover Photo

Memphis star Ja Morant jumps over Minnesota's Malik Beasley to throw down a thunderous dunk during an NBA playoff game on Tuesday, April 26. Morant also hit the game-winning shot to give the Grizzlies a 3-2 series lead.

Joe Murphy/NBAE/Getty Images

Recently Read

The Madness is Maddening

There is a lot that can be said about the state of college athletics, particularly basketball. NIL has surely shaken the foundation that once grounded college sports for the product that we see today. There is a lot that can be said, and lots of conversations that can be extended for hours of thoughtful dialogue (by the right people).  The current March Madness playing out - on both sides - has plenty of thoughts (and mostly feelings) bouncing around in my mind (and heart).  Just a few:  I really do love how much the Women's game has grown and improved. In various ways, the pureness of the game itself is often more enjoyable than the current men's game.  Despite the growth, the lopsided scores in the first two rounds are evident of a still top-end talent pool. Overall, there is room for growth in talent around the country. The "student-athlete" in this space is on life support. In many ways it's dead.  It's outright sad to see programs that have zero continuit...

Quick Ponder: My Island Vibes

I would love to have an island, of all the people,  who brought great vibes to my life - past and present.  My island would be amazing. 

Predictions and Wild Guesses for the 2025 MLB Season

Well, after that off-season where the Dodgers deferred enough money to build the Athletics a new ballpark, it's time for the remaining fanbases who don't have Guggenheim money to hope for the best. Even with Opening Day finally here, it's the only time of the year we can actually pretend everyone has a chance, and hope feels, well, somewhat authentic.  White Sox fans, how are we feeling?  As we do every year around these parts, I'm throwing out some predictions and wild guesses for the upcoming MLB 2025 season.  Good luck, White Sox.  --- STANDINGS (WIN) AL EAST  Yankees - 92 Red Sox - 90 Orioles - 88 Rays - 85 Blue Jays - 82 AL CENTRAL Royals - 90 Tigers - 90 Guardians - 88 Twins - 87 White Sox - 65 AL WEST Rangers - 92 Astros - 92 Athletics - 86 Mariners - 85 Angels - 77 NL EAST Phillies - 94 Mets - 92 Braves - 88 Nationals - 78 Marlins - 75 NL CENTRAL Cubs - 88 Brewers - 88 Reds - 87 Pirates - 83 Cardinals - 80 NL WEST Dodgers - 96 Diamondbacks - 90 Padres - ...