This week NASCAR issued fines and other penalties to those involved in last Saturday&#039;s melee at Darlington.  Driver Kurt Busch was issued the largest fine, but the actions of his motor coach driver inspired the longest probation.  Steven Levine of the Sporting News and Rowdy.com joins Bill Littlefield to explain NASCAR&#039;s reasoning.
			
<a href="http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/05/19/kurt-busch">http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/05/19/kurt-busch</a>

NASCAR's Kurt Busch Turns Up The Heat

With the Stanley Cup Finals underway, the  Kings are captivating the hockey world, while the three-time champion Devils are viewed as underdogs. Mike Vorkunov of the Newark Star-Ledger talks with Bill Littlefield about the series.

<a href="http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/06/02/sympathy-for-devils">http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/06/02/sympathy-for-devils</a>

Sympathy for the (New Jersey) Devils

Bill Littlefield looks at the journey of Brian Banks, a former top-flight football prospect who spent over five years in jail for a crime he didn't commit.

<a href="http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/06/02/brian-banks">http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/06/02/brian-banks</a>

Brian Banks: NFL Prospect Gets a Second Chance

Luther Campbell, former rapper and Miami mayoral candidate, is fighting to be certified as a high school football coach in Florida. Sports Illustrated college football writer Andy Staples speaks to Bill Littlefield about Campbell's quest.

<a href="http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/06/16/luther-campbell-football-coach">http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/06/16/luther-campbell-football-coach</a>

Rapper Luther Campbell: 2 Live Coach?

In 1992, female athletes at Brown University sued the school for a failure to comply with Title IX. Twenty years later, Bill Littlefield revisits the case and examines its aftermath.

<a href="http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/06/23/title-ix-brown">http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/06/23/title-ix-brown</a>

Brown University: Revisiting The Case For Title IX

Who's going to win Euro 2012? Should the NFL have a franchise in London? Where in the world is the Los Angeles Kings' championship puck? Only A Game analyst Charlie Pierce has the answers to those questions and more.

<a href="http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/06/30/charlie-pierce-71">http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/06/30/charlie-pierce-71</a>

Charlie Pierce And The Week's Sports News

The Olympics always generate iconic moments. Guest host Karen Given reviews some of the most memorable scenes from the London Games.

<a href="http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/08/11/olympic-memories-london">http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/08/11/olympic-memories-london</a>

2012 Olympics: Many Memorable Moments

Gwendolyn Oxenham traveled the world with an open mind and a soccer ball. The former Duke University player documented her experiences as she explored new countries and interacted with strangers using the universal language of sport. Bill Littlefield speaks with Oxenham about 'Finding the Game: Three Years, Twenty-Five Countries, and the Search for Pickup Soccer.'

<a href="http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/09/15/finding-the-game">http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/09/15/finding-the-game</a>

Finding The Game: Universal Passion For Soccer

Paragliders flocked to Sun Valley, Idaho for the World Cup Paragliding Championships. 'Only A Game's' Sadie Babits reports on the feelings, tactics, and dangers of the sport.

<a href="http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/09/22/paragliding-competition">http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/09/22/paragliding-competition</a>

Paragliding: The Closest Thing To Flying

Las Azaleas are a gutsy team of female riders vying to represent the U.S. at the National Charro Championships in Mexico. They compete in a rodeo event that resembles a horseback ballet, ridden sidesaddle at top speed.  Bill talks with Azaleas co-captain Sandy Torres and Robin Rosenthal, one of the filmmakers behind the documentary “Escaramuza: Riding From the Heart.\"

<a href="http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/09/29/escaramuza">http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/09/29/escaramuza</a>

Escaramuza: A Family Tradition On Horseback

Natalie Nakase, a video intern for the L.A. Clippers, wants to become the first female coach in the NBA. ESPN's Kate Fagan wrote about the former NCAA and professional player, and talked with Bill about Nakase's work ethic and determination to succeed.

<a href="http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/10/20/nba-female-coach">http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/10/20/nba-female-coach</a>

Trying To Become The NBA's First Female Coach

Only A Game's Karen Given delves into the world of Canstruction, where architecture, design, engineering, and construction firms spend a Saturday fighting hunger...by building enormous sculptures out of food cans. 

<a href="http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/10/20/canstruction-fights-hunger">http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/10/20/canstruction-fights-hunger</a>

Canstruction Fights Hunger, One Can At A Time

In Formula Drift, drivers drift around a race track and are judged on driving technique, speed, and show. Only A Game's Susan Valot went to a competition in Long Beach, and has the story of this up-and-coming sport.

<a href="http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/11/03/formula-drift-racing">http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/11/03/formula-drift-racing</a>

Formula Drift: The Art Of Competitive Driving

Rychen and reporter Whitney Jones were highly competitive children. When the brothers grew older, Rychen kept looking for ways to harness his competitive energy and ultimately found ultra-marathons. Whitney brings us a day from his brother's 50-mile race along with commentary from the racer himself.

<a href="http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/11/17/why-run-an-ultramarathon">http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/11/17/why-run-an-ultramarathon</a>

An Ultramarathon Runner's Motivation

Troy Vincent, who played in the NFL from 1992 until 2006, is now the league's vice president of player engagement. He spoke with Bill Littlefield about the Jovan Belcher case and what the league is doing to help other players before tragedies happen.

<a href="http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/12/08/belcher-nfl">http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/12/08/belcher-nfl</a>

After Jovan Belcher Shootings, How NFL Can Support Its Players

The North Jersey Spartans play the same game as any other collegiate football team, but they don't all attend the same college.  OAG's Dave Grunebaum reports on coach Kevin Moss and his unlikely band of players, all of whom are trying to stay out of gangs and in school. 

<a href="http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/12/08/north-jersey-football">http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/12/08/north-jersey-football</a>

New Jersey Football Keeps Players Out Of Gangs

People today sometimes refer to it as the \"No Fun League,\" but there was a time when the NFL was best described as the \"National Forgotten League.\"  Bill Littlefield speaks with Washington Times sports columnist Dan Daly about his new book on Pro Football's first 50 years.

<a href="http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/12/08/national-forgotten-league">http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/12/08/national-forgotten-league</a>

'National Forgotten League': Pro Football's Little-Known Early Days

This year Fenway Park, the home of the Boston Red Sox, celebrated its 100th season. Only A Game's Karen Given looks back at some of the milestone moments that have happened under the watchful eye of the Green Monster. 
                    
<a href="http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/12/29/fenway-park-100-years">http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/12/29/fenway-park-100-years</a>

Fenway Park at 100: An Impossible Dream, The Splendid Splinter and ‘Sweet Caroline’

Imagine two nations that have more in common than most families. Then imagine four wars and a stockpile of nuclear weapons on both sides. This is the backstory each time India and Pakistan meet to play cricket. India and Pakistan recently played a three-game series in Dehli and Calcutta. Only A Game’s Ken Shulman was there.
                    
<a href="http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2013/01/19/india-pakistan-cricket-2">http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2013/01/19/india-pakistan-cricket-2</a>

India Vs. Pakistan: A Cricket Rivalry That Transcends Sports

Before he was a full-time sports writer, Mike Tanier taught high school calculus. Bill Littlefield speaks with Tanier about one of his former students, quarterback Joe Flacco of the Super Bowl bound Baltimore Ravens. 
                    
<a href="http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2013/01/26/joe-flacco-calculus">http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2013/01/26/joe-flacco-calculus</a>

Former Teacher Calculates Flacco’s Chances

He's broken the land speed record, 56 bones, and at one point he was Hollywood's highest paid stuntman. Now, Hal Needham talks to Bill about his new book Stuntman! (My Car-Crashing, Plane-Jumping, Bone-Breaking, Death-Defying Hollywood Life). 
                    
<a href="http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2011/02/12/stuntman">http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2011/02/12/stuntman</a>

Stuntman!

With the Big East breaking up, 2013 is the final year of the tournament as we've known it. Jim O'Grady went to Madison Square Garden to talk to fans about the changes.
                    
<a href="http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2013/03/16/big-east-tournament">http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2013/03/16/big-east-tournament</a>

2013 Big East Tournament Marks End Of An Era

Only A Game is based in Boston. Like many people in the city and across the country, Bill Littlefield has been thinking about Monday's events, and what they mean.
                    
<a href="http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2013/04/17/marathon-bombings">http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2013/04/17/marathon-bombings</a>

Reflecting On The Boston Marathon Trajedy

In the wake of Monday's tornadoes in Oklahoma, Thunder star Kevin Durant and the team each pledged $1 million to relief efforts.  Bill Littlefield speaks with Thunder General Manager Sam Presti about the donations.
                    
<a href="http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2013/05/25/thunder-support-community">http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2013/05/25/thunder-support-community</a>

Oklahoma City Thunder Support Tornado-Damaged Community

Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays are forever intertwined in baseball history. The iconic centerfielders lived very different lives, but author Allen Barra argues they had more similarities than differences. Bill Littlefield speaks with Barra about his new book 'Mickey and Willie.'
                    
<a href="http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2013/05/25/mickey-and-willie-allen-barra">http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2013/05/25/mickey-and-willie-allen-barra</a>

‘Mickey And Willie’ Details Ties Between Two Baseball Legends

In the NHL Stanley Cup Finals, the Chicago Blackhawks and the Boston Bruins went into overtime three times en route to splitting the first four games. The teams have shown some serious sports symmetry, but as Only A Game’s Doug Tribou reports they take very different approaches to the national anthem.
                    
<a href="http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2013/06/22/blackhawks-bruins-national-anthems">http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2013/06/22/blackhawks-bruins-national-anthems</a>

Blackhawks, Bruins Take Different Approaches To National Anthem

Former college basketball standout Ed O'Bannon's suit against the NCAA has taken another pivotal step.  Rachel Bachman of the Wall Street Journal has been following the story and joins Bill Littlefield to discuss where the case is headed.
                    
<a href="http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2013/06/22/ncaa-class-action">http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2013/06/22/ncaa-class-action</a>

Judge Hears Arguments, Class Action Lawsuit Against The NCAA

One month into their eighth season, the Chicago Sky are trying to do something they've never done before: qualify for the WNBA playoffs. To help them in that quest, the team has an asset they've never had before: rookie Elena Delle Donne.  Only A Game's Karen Given has our story from Chicago.

                    
<a href="http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2013/06/22/elena-delle-donne">http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2013/06/22/elena-delle-donne</a>

Elena Delle Donne Soars With The Chicago Sky

The conflict between the Turkish government and protesters has some worried just three months before the IOC votes on Istanbul's bid for the 2020 Olympics. Christopher Clarey went to Istanbul and speaks with Bill about his experience. 
                    
<a href="http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2013/06/22/istanbul-olympic-bid">http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2013/06/22/istanbul-olympic-bid</a>

Dealing With Civil Unrest, Istanbul’s 2020 Olympic Bid Takes A Hit

Tim Jahnigen didn't like that kids around the world were playing with makeshift soccer balls, so he created one that can withstand even the most difficult circumstances. Gwen Knapp wrote about his project and speaks with Bill Littlefield. 
                    
<a href="http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2013/06/22/one-world-futbol">http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2013/06/22/one-world-futbol</a>

One World Futbol Ensures Everyone Can Play

Bill Littlefield and Only A Game analyst Charlie Pierce discuss 2013's entertaining NBA and NHL finals, San Jose's plan to court the MLB, and Russian President Vladimir Putin's NFL championship ring.
                    
<a href="http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2013/06/22/charlie-pierce-113">http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2013/06/22/charlie-pierce-113</a>

Charlie Pierce: This Week In Sports

Recent stories have inspired our listeners to write, post, and tweet. Bill Littlefield sifts through Only A Game's electronic mailbag.
                    
<a href="http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2013/06/22/letters-32">http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2013/06/22/letters-32</a>

Team Names, Whistling Memories And More From The OAG Inbox

Legendary tennis player Jimmy Connors made a career out of challenging everyone. His new book is no exception. He joins Bill Littlefield to talk about his life and his book.
                    
<a href="http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2013/06/22/jimmy-connors-book">http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2013/06/22/jimmy-connors-book</a>

Jimmy Connors Shows He’s Still ‘The Outsider’

Hockey season is over…literally as well as figuratively. Commentator Bill Littlefield looks back on the surprising way in which it ended.

                    
<a href="http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2013/06/25/bruins-blackhawks-stanley-cup-over-2">http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2013/06/25/bruins-blackhawks-stanley-cup-over-2</a>

Elation And Disappointment As Chicago Wins Stanley Cup

It's perhaps fair to suggest that the way Hernandez was embraced by the NFL despite his previous behavior off the field contributed to his skewed view of the way this world would always work.	
                    
<a href="http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2013/06/27/hernandez-murder-commentary">http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2013/06/27/hernandez-murder-commentary</a>

Now-Former Patriots Tight End Aaron Hernandez Charged With Murder

There’s the sports world and there’s the rest of the world; NPR® brings them together on Only A Game.

An award-winning weekly sports magazine hosted by veteran NPR commentator Bill Littlefield, Only A Game is radio for the serious sports fan and the steadfast sports avoider. Produced by WBUR in Boston, Only A Game puts sports in perspective with intelligent analysis, insightful interviews and a keen sense humor.

The hour-long program is characterized by Littlefield’s exceptional writing and affable personality. Only A Game tells the stories behind the box scores, including the explosion of interest in women’s sports, competitive opportunities for the disabled and the business of sports — as well as who wins and who loses.

Guests on Only A Game have included writers John Updike, Robert Pinsky and Roger Angell; commentators Bud Collins and Tim Kurkjian; current and former athletes Muhammad Ali, Kristine Lilly, former Sen. Bill Bradley and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar; and coaches Pat Summit and Geno Auriemma.

From Little League to the Big Leagues, from the Super Bowl to Soccer Moms, Only A Game is sports — NPR style.

Popular tracks by Only A Game