Npr: Sports With Frank Deford

Sports & Recreation

NPR Morning Edition's Frank Deford gives weekly commentary on a cross section of the world of sports. Sometimes acerbic, often funny, always insightful. (Author: National Public Radio)

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Recent episodes from Npr: Sports With Frank Deford

Favre Gets A Bye Week -- But Will He Ever Say Bye?
Published: Nov 11, 09
The Minnesota Vikings had a bye week this weekend — and that's a problem for both sports fans and wordsmiths. But a week off is not really a bye — nor is it a reason not to discuss the NFL's age-defying quarterback, Brett Favre.
A-rod's New Success: Enough To Put Demons To Rest?
Published: Oct 28, 09
When the New York Yankees won the American League title, Alex Rodriguez was embraced by his teammates. The moment marks a turnaround for A-Rod, who has struggled in past post-seasons — and hasn't always had the affection of teammates and fans.
Tailgating: When A Picnic Turns Into An Event
Published: Oct 21, 09
For some football fans, firing up the grill and sharing a beer are as essential to pregame ritual as the coin toss and "The Star-Spangled Banner." Even late in the season, football fans will tailgate, gathering on the cold, hard tarmac to dine alfresco Americano — even when the weather is cold and very un-picnic-y.
Deford: Boise State Needs Ncaa's Help To Buck Bcs
Published: Oct 14, 09
Boise State has one of the upwardly mobile teams in college football — but there may be a limit to how far the team can go. Commentator Frank Deford says the powers that be in college football keep teams like Boise State from having a shot at the big time.
Chicago, Chrissie And Khloe: Of Love And The Game
Published: Oct 7, 09
Love blossoms for some athletes, while it wilts for others — including Chicago and the brutal rejection of its proposal to host the 2016 Olympics.
Baseball Announcers: More Than Just A Voice
Published: Sep 30, 09
They may not wear a uniform, but baseball announcers like Ernie Harwell become as much a part of the team as the players for some fans, says commentator Frank Deford.
Hockey: Why Can't The Nhl Just Keep It Canadian?
Published: Sep 23, 09
Back in the mid-1960s, the National Hockey League was bullish about its prospects in the United States. Today, the expanded league is struggling to pick up Sun Belt fans in far-flung markets in the South and Southwest.
Tv Flap: Will The Nfl Live Up To Its Socialist Ideals?
Published: Sep 16, 09
The NFL has a long-standing agreement that franchises share equally in television revenues. To commentator Frank Deford, that's socialism — and, he says, the league's TV policies are out of step with the times. At issue: blackouts meant to punish fans who are happy to watch the local team's games from home.
Can You Believe These Rankings?
Published: Sep 9, 09
Sports has always loved rankings, says commentator Frank Deford. But what do the rankings really mean? The latest brouhaha is in women's tennis, where Serena Williams, who's won three of the last four Grand Slams, is ranked No. 2 after a player who's won none.
A Fading Champ, But A Champ Still: Muhammad Ali
Published: Sep 2, 09
Former boxing phenomenon Muhammad Ali is hobbled by age and illness, but he continues to make public appearances. While some people find these appearances sad and unsettling, Frank Deford says many more have come to embrace him.
Football Fatigue Got You Down? Try Pigskinexia
Published: Sep 10, 08
Football season has begun — and that's a problem for some women who aren't crazy about the game but live with men who watch it nonstop. Frank Deford has a cure for the seasonal distress brought on by hours of TV football — and the bad behaviors it provokes.
Why Alex Rodriguez Struggles In The Clutch
Published: Sep 3, 08
Some players just don't seem comfortable in team sports, however talented they may be. Commentator Frank Deford says Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees is one such athlete, an outstanding player who nevertheless buckles under pressure to produce for his teammates.
Take The Olympics. Give Me My Nfl, Please
Published: Aug 27, 08
When it comes to the people who run sports, look out for federations — and for officials wearing blue blazers. Commentator Frank Deford says team sports are easier to run than individual sports, and domestic sports are more manageable than international ones. That means the NFL trumps the Olympics.
Good, Better, Best: Finding Phelps' Place In History
Published: Aug 20, 08
Ever since Michael Phelps clinched his eighth gold medal at the Beijing Olympics, analysts have debated the swimmer's place in the sports pantheon. But Frank Deford says it's impossible to compare Phelps to other sports greats, past or present.
The Swimming Legend You Never Heard Of
Published: Aug 13, 08
If not for a turn of history, Sunny Boy Kiefer would be included in an exalted group of swimmers, from Johnny Weissmuller and Buster Crabbe to Mark Spitz and Michael Phelps. Starting in 1935 when he was 17, Kiefer set backstroke records just about every time he jumped into the pool.