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NFL needs to address fan violence

By Jim Caltagirone For the Mirror The NFL has a public relations problem. The initial response has been typical. Following a series of high-profile brawls and assorted physical altercations among fans attending games during week two of the season, the television networks began packaging reports on fan violence at NFL stadiums. In textbook fashion, the image-conscious executives in league headquarters recycled the canned press release that emphasizes fan safety as a top priority. The hope is that all the fuss will soon fade away and attention can return to television ...

Braves star will get his shot in spotlight

By Paul Newberry The Associated Press ATLANTA — The last time the Braves made a run to the World Series championship, Ronald Acuna Jr. could only watch. Now, after a historic season that defied all conventional norms of the national pastime, Atlanta’s slugging speedster — or should we say speedy slugger? — has a chance to really shine in the playoffs. October, after all, is where reputations are made for the ages. Acuna has already established himself as baseball’s most thrilling performer, a guy who stormed right on through the 40-40 club — a group occupied by only ...

Pittsburgh offenses submerged

By Bill Contz For the Mirror PITTSBURGH — Here in the Steel City two teams, one college and one pro, share the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex as their practice facility, a venue which lists Water Street as its address. Based on recent performances from Pitt’s Panthers and Pittsburgh’s Steelers, local fans now openly question whether or not both clubs are taking on water. Striking similarities exist between the two, and most are well, downright offensive. Let’s start with these team’s offensive coordinators — gents I’ll refer to as the C&C boys — the Panthers’ ...

College football will need to find a home for the other guys

By Ralph D. Russo The Associated Press Now that the Power Five is about to become the Power Four, the schools left out of the recent consolidation of wealth produced by conference realignment are looking at creative ways to stay relevant. An idea floating around the Mountain West Conference calls for the creation of a multi-tiered conference or alliance of leagues that would use a promotion-and-relegation system akin to what is done in European soccer. Yahoo Sports first reported the existence of the proposal and Front Office Sports obtained the detailed presentation of a plan put ...

US Open is in class by itself

By Ira Kaufman For the Mirror Of all the sporting events I have the privilege to attend each year, the U.S. Open is one of my favorites. Over the past two weeks, I was lucky to attend 12 of the 14 days of the Open. The 2023 Open will be forever known for one: Coco Gauff’s emergence as the most dominant women’s tennis player (at only 19 years old) as she captured her first grand slam title, and also Novak Djokovic cementing himself as the GOAT by winning his record 24th grand slam championship. The Open is truly an experience, even if you are not a tennis fan. The ...

More flag waving at the Olympics?

By Paul Newberry The Associated Press Flag football at the Olympics? Admit it: You chuckled a bit at the thought. Well, hold the laughter. This apparently is a serious thing, though it’s increasingly difficult to keep a straight face with anything involving the International Olympic Committee. The suits who allowed 3-on-3 basketball — also known as pickup games at the local Y — into their grandiose spectacle and went along with the idea of handing out gold medals next summer for breakdancing are trying to lock down which new sports make the cut for the 2028 Los Angeles ...