NPR Topics: SportsNPR sports news and interviews. Listen to Frank DeFord's sport commentary and download the sports podcast.Blemish, Anyone Bets Show Dark Side Of Tennis- September 17, 2008 Tennis may seem rather dainty. But, in fact, the sport has always had a dark underside, populated by gamblers and match fixers. Commentator Frank Deford says he's not reassured by a ruling that cleared a top player of throwing a match.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94669461&ft=1&f=1055 Cyclists Say U.S. Olympic Panel Bullied Them- September 16, 2008 Four U.S. Olympic cyclists who wore masks in Beijing and then apologized have said they were berated by the U.S. Olympic Committee. They say the panel threatened to expel them from the games if they didn't apologize quickly.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94680762&ft=1&f=1055 For White-Water Guides, The Thrill Is Never Gone- September 16, 2008 The Grand Canyon's rafting season is ending, after giving thousands of visitors one-of-a-kind memories. The guides that take them downriver are like larger-than-life superheroes. And that can be hard to walk away from.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94108011&ft=1&f=1055 U.S. Paralympic Sailing Team On Deck To Compete- September 14, 2008 Athletes with physical disabilities from around the world are competing in the 2008 Paralympic Games in China. Tim Angle, Bill Donohue and Rick Doerr represent the U.S. Paralympic sailing team.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94411025&ft=1&f=1055 The Merkle Game Remembered- September 12, 2008 In September 1908, the Chicago Cubs were battling the New York Giants in New York. When the game was over, there was uproar in the stands and Giants' rookie Fred Merkle was forever labeled "bonehead." Cait Murphy, author of Crazy '08, offers her insight.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94572511&ft=1&f=1055 In Chicago, Optimism For Cubs Despite Losses- September 12, 2008 The Chicago Cubs are atop the National League. It last won the World Series title in 1908. For decades, fans feared the team is jinxed or cursed, but this year is different. Despite recent losses, players, management and fans aren't panicking.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94572508&ft=1&f=1055 Charlotte, N.C., School Tackles Football Concussions- September 12, 2008 In many cities, high school games are a religion on Friday nights. But bone-crushing collisions have often led to injuries. One Charlotte, N.C., high school is tackling football concussions by outfitting players' helmets with high-tech sensors.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94572490&ft=1&f=1055 At Paralympics, No Short Supply Of Testosterone- September 12, 2008 The Summer Olympics ended last month, but Beijing is still playing host to the Paralympics. Associated Press sportswriter Stephen Wade, who is covering the games, says wheelchair rugby has lots of testosterone and tattoos, too.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94572487&ft=1&f=1055 For Blind Triathlete And Guide, A Win-Win Situation- September 12, 2008 Aaron Scheidies, who is blind, is a top triathlete, finishing 28th in a field of 1,127 in the Los Angeles Triathlon last week. His guide for the race was professional triathlete Matt Lieto, who says he was taken aback by Scheidies' abilities.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94561246&ft=1&f=1055 Roundtable: Athletes Politically Active Off The Field- September 11, 2008 This election season, an increased number of athletes — like Baron Davis and Curt Schilling — have come out publicly in support of their candidate. For more, NPR's Tony Cox moderates today's sports bloggers' roundtable with Greg Lee and D-Will.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94510833&ft=1&f=1055 |