Sports

Russian Doping Whistleblower Says He Fears For His Life

5:54pm December 27, 2017

NPR's Robert Siegel speaks with Michael Isikoff, chief investigative correspondent for Yahoo News about Grigory Rodchenkov, the whistleblower in the Russian doping scandal. Rodchenkov fled to the U.S. and says he now fears for his life.

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Sports

In 2017, Sports Was A Battleground For National Events

4:59am December 27, 2017

Steve Inskeep talks to USA Today sports columnist Christine Brennan and Washington Post writer Kevin Blackistone about the top sports stories of 2017 that resonated beyond the world of sport.

The New Orleans Saints kneel before the playing of the national anthem before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Oct. 22.

Louisiana Lawmaker Threatens Saints' Tax Breaks After Anthem Protests

12:15pm December 24, 2017

by Debbie Elliott

State Rep. Kenny Havard wants to eliminate tax breaks and other state funding for the New Orleans Saints NFL franchise after some players joined the pregame national anthem protests.

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The Dallas Cowboys, led by owner Jerry Jones, center, take a knee prior to the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale, Ariz., on Sept. 25.

Amid The Anthem Debate, A Dallas Cowboys Fan Gives Tickets Away To Teens And Cops

8:04pm December 23, 2017

by Bill Zeeble

One pro football fan decided not to boycott games this season because of the anthem controversy. Instead, he has used his tickets to send students and police officers to the games so they can talk.

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High School Football Team Helps Texas Town Rebound After Hurricane Harvey

5:42pm December 23, 2017

by Jimmy Maas

When Hurricane Harvey stormed ashore in August, it devastated Refugio, Texas. Now, several months later, the town is rebuilding and buoyed the success of its high school football team.

Sports

2017 Sports: Patriots Comeback, Warriors-Cavs, Best Sister Act

8:11am December 23, 2017

The year in sports had as much drama off the field as on it. Howard Bryant of ESPN relives the highs and lows of 2017 with NPR's Scott Simon.

Luger Albert Demchenko is one of 11 Russian athletes whom the International Olympic Committee banned for life on Friday. He will be stripped of the two silver medals he won at the 2014 Sochi Games.

IOC Bans 11 More Russian Athletes For Life

2:45pm December 22, 2017

by Laurel Wamsley

The sanctions mean that Russia has lost two more medals from its Sochi count. Some 200 athletes from Russia may compete at the Pyeongchang Games under a neutral flag.

Papa John's founder, chairman and CEO John Schnatter talks on Super Bowl 51 Radio Row, in February, in Houston.

Sports

Papa John's CEO Steps Down Following Controversial Remarks On NFL

12:24pm December 22, 2017

by Scott Neuman

John Schnatter, who criticized the NFL leadership last month for its handling of the anthem protests, will remain chairman of the board.

San Diego Padres broadcaster Dick Enberg waves to the crowd at a retirement ceremony prior to the Padres final home baseball game of the season on Sept. 29, 2016, in San Diego.

Sportscaster Dick Enberg, Whose Career Spanned 60 Years, Dies At 82

6:16am December 22, 2017

by Doreen McCallister

Enberg got his big break calling UCLA basketball games, then went on to do other events such as Super Bowls, Olympics and Final Fours. Enberg retired in 2016 after a six-decade career.

Sports

ESPN's Tumultuous Year

4:55am December 22, 2017

ESPN is reeling from President John Skipper's unexpected resignation. Journalist James Andrew Miller talks with Steve Inskeep about what may be the most challenging year in the company's history.