Only A Game

As Jason Collins and Michael Sam make news for their pioneering roles as gay athletes, Bill Littlefield wonders if a certain political controversy will collide with the world of sports.

Stories from this broadcast: John Powers: Ice Hockey And More; Sochi’s Stray Dog Controversy; Spectator Etiquette: To Cheer Or Not To Cheer; New Developments In Dolphins’ Bullying Scandal; ‘Where They Raced’ Details History of Los Angeles Auto Racing; ‘The Fight Of Their Lives’ Chronicles 1965 Roseboro-Marichal Fight; Charlie Pierce: The Week In Sports; Ski Resorts Struggle To Balance Popularity And Risks Of ‘Skinning’; Legendary Golfer Gary Player On The Death Of The Eisenhower Tree

With the Sochi games drawing to a close, Bill Littlefield says the best thing about the Olympics might be the variety of highlights.

With the Sochi games drawing to a close, Bill Littlefield says the best thing about the Olympics might be the variety of highlights.

Stories from this broadcast: NFL Prospect Michael Sam Out In The Open; From Sochi: Olympic Update With John Powers; Sochi’s Empty Venues: Good Seats Still Available; Olympic Tie: Two Golds In One Event?; Emery Lehman Skates From High School To Sochi; ‘Sexual Diversity And The 2014 Olympics’ Shares History Of Sexual Repression In USSR; Derek Jeter: Going, Going … Not Quite Gone; Charlie Pierce: The Week In Sports; Mid-Season NBA Update With SI’s Chris Ballard; Olympian Pete Donohoe Teaches Bobsledding

Among the many things that could distract a football team from its on-field work, Bill Littlefield thinks a gay teammate should be at the bottom of the list.

Stories from this broadcast: ‘Brooklyn Bounce’ Explores Nets’ Relocation

Bill was able to attend the 2012 Olympics in London. Two years later, he is happy to be watching the winter games from home.

Stories from this broadcast: Super Bowl Preview With Gregg Doyel; Seahawks, Broncos Renew AFC West Rivalry In Super Bowl; Seahawks Fans In NYC Flock To Carlow East; Northwestern Football Tries To Unionize; U.S. Nordic Skiing Is On A Golden Path; ‘Newton’s Football’ Explores The Science Of The Sport; News Of The Week With Charlie Pierce; Seattle, Denver Museums Wager Works Of Art On Super Bowl; Super Bowl Haiku XX

On Sunday the Broncos and Seahawks will meet in the Super Bowl. According to Bill, if you aren't watching the game, you've missed out on February's greatest event.

Stories from this broadcast: The Extra Point: Eliminating Football’s Most Boring Play; Fans Hedge Super Bowl Ticket Hopes On Team’s Success; Super Bowl Raps Drop In Denver, Seattle; Henrik Lundqvist: Hockey From NY To Sochi; Halfpipe Skiing Headed To Sochi — Without ‘Godfather’ Simon Dumont; ‘Ping Pong Diplomacy’: The Intersection Of Sport And Society In China; News Of The Week With Charlie Pierce; Letters From OAG Listeners; Todd Pierce: The Horse Preacher

Stories from this broadcast: Previewing The NFL Conference Championships With Gregg Doyel; NFL Settlement Remains Unsettled; Shane Battier And The NBA’s Nickname Game; ITF’s Anti-Doping Program Faces Criticism; Cubs’ Offseason Surprise: Clark The Mascot; ‘A Home Run For Bunny’ Tells Inspiring Tale; News Of The Week With Charlie Pierce; Tracy Barnes Gives Up Olympic Spot For Sister; WCMX: Taking Wheelchairs To New Heights

Just before the current NFL season began, the league agreed to pay $765-million in compensation for post-concussion disorders. This week the judge examining the terms of that settlement said, "Not so fast." Bill Littlefield is among those anticipating a better deal for the retired players.

Stories from this broadcast: San Diego Charges Into Divisional Round; Goodbye, BCS. Hello, College Football Playoff.; Youth Sports Injuries On The Rise; Glavine, Maddux, Thomas Bound For Hall of Fame; The Quad Jump: 1440 Degrees Of Controversy; ‘Kick And Run’ Explores Life Through Soccer; News Of The Week With Charlie Pierce; Phish, Russell Wilson Unite In Seattle; Hong Kong’s Festive ‘Race’ With Colonial Roots

Stories from this broadcast: Aaron Rodgers: ‘I Really, Really Like Women’