Now that new Commanders’ ownership, one not despised by everyone, is in charge, Ron Rivera has entered a larger danger zone. Before this season, even in a losing situation, Rivera could be viewed by fans as a sympathetic figure caught up in Dan Snyder’s clown show. But with a change in management, that pretext is gone. With it goes any rationalization that Rivera’s job could be saved after another poor season.
Riled up: A group called the Native American Guardian’s Association has worked its way into the news by demanding that Commanders’ ownership bring back the Redskins moniker. Considering the source, seems like a strange request. Memo to diehards of all races: This is not happening. Drop it.
Add nickname: Can anyone really picture Roger Goodell’s office allowing a return to Redskins? There’s a better chance the team changes its name to everyone’s favorite off-beat alternative — the Washington Unindicted Co-Conspirators.
Breakaway: Musing about ways to deal with the logistical problems created for basketball and other sports by far-flung football mega conferences, UCLA coach Chip Kelly says, “Notre Dame is an independent in football, but they’re in a conference for everything else. Why aren’t we all independent for football?” Maybe because there’s only one Notre Dame. Still, anything that can save the UCLA volleyball team from traveling to Rutgers is worth considering.
A lifer: Florida State holds the second slot in the ACC preseason media poll, largely on the strength of quarterback Jordan Travis, who is returning for his sixth college season. Can we assume that by now he’s familiar with the playbook?
Until next time: The deadline for schools to leave the ACC has passed for another year. But now a new countdown begins, with the expectation that fidgety Florida State will continue exploring its options.
Quick hit: As the ground falls out from under the Angels this month, there should be nothing keeping Shohei Ohtani in Anaheim. The franchise hasn’t held up its end of the bargain.
Difference maker: Braves rightfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. — the presumptive N.L. MVP — has 27 home runs to go with 55 stolen bases, putting him in position to become MLB’s first ever 30/60 man. It’s a great thing that stolen bases are back in the game (though I still don’t like the rule limiting pitchers to two pickoff throws).
Wondering: If the large, soft bubble helmets used in NFL and college preseason camps are a deterrent to head trauma, why aren’t they used in regular season games?
Such a surprise: So the U.S. women’s soccer team is looking for a new coach. Who could have seen that coming?
Futbol finale: Here’s hoping his final season at Old Dominion serves as a great sendoff for popular men’s soccer coach Alan Dawson, whose program has stood strong over 26 years.
Pay scales: Patrick Mahomes is following Tom Brady’s script of accepting less money from his team, enabling the Chiefs to keep better talent around him. Market forces being what they are, in the three years since Mahomes signed a contract worth $45 million a year, the NFL’s best at his position has dropped to seventh on the quarterback pay pecking order. Of course, his financial fortunes will grow as his Super Bowl and MVP resumes do.
No way: In a survey of men and women recreational tennis players of all ages, 71% think they could win a game off a touring pro. As a high-strung lefthander once said, “You cannot be serious!” Characterizing the survey responses as delusional doesn’t quite cover it.
Poaching: In another alarming national development, tennis courts are being turned into pickleball courts. There oughta be a law.
Bob Molinaro is a former Virginian-Pilot sports columnist. His Weekly Briefing runs Fridays in The Pilot and Daily Press. He can be reached at [email protected] and via Twitter@BobMolinaro.
