NPR logo NPR
Sweetness And Light Sweetness And Light

by Frank Deford

The Score On Sports With Frank Deford
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell at a press conference in May. Goodell's handling of concerns about concussions and controversies surrounding players has led commentator Frank Deford to wonder whether Goodell is up to the job.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell at a press conference in May. Goodell's handling of concerns about concussions and controversies surrounding players has led commentator Frank Deford to wonder whether Goodell is up to the job. David Goldman/AP hide caption

itoggle caption David Goldman/AP

Deford: Is Goodell Good Enough To Lead The NFL?

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's two-game suspension of a Baltimore Ravens player for an alleged assault has been widely criticized. Commentator Frank Deford says American football needs a new envoy.

Listen Loading… 3:31
Wisconsin's Traevon Jackson at practice for the 2014 NCAA men's college basketball tournament. Commentator Frank Deford says that, despite NCAA claims to the contrary, most college players are not typical students — "their job is to play a sport."

Wisconsin's Traevon Jackson at practice for the 2014 NCAA men's college basketball tournament. Commentator Frank Deford says that, despite NCAA claims to the contrary, most college players are not typical students — "their job is to play a sport." Jae C. Hong/AP hide caption

itoggle caption Jae C. Hong/AP

Deford: NCAA Says Amateurism Is Alive And Well, But The Jig Is Up

In a trial underway in California, the NCAA is arguing that college ball players should not be paid. But every coach knows that many players are not typical students, says commentator Frank Deford.

Listen Loading… 3:40
Remodeling the National Stadium Mane Garrincha in Brasilia, Brazil, for the FIFA World Cup cost the Brazilian government $900 million.

Remodeling the National Stadium Mane Garrincha in Brasilia, Brazil, for the FIFA World Cup cost the Brazilian government $900 million. Eraldo Peres/AP hide caption

itoggle caption Eraldo Peres/AP

Deford: How To Host A Sports Extravaganza That Won't Break The Bank

Building new World Cup or Olympics facilities in different cities every several years is just too costly, says commentator Frank Deford. So why not, he asks, try something different?

Listen Loading… 3:38
In a recent Pew Reseach Center poll, 61 percent of Brazilians said hosting the World Cup, which begins Wednesday in Sao Paulo, is bad for the country, because it has diverted money from public services.

In a recent Pew Reseach Center poll, 61 percent of Brazilians said hosting the World Cup, which begins Wednesday in Sao Paulo, is bad for the country, because it has diverted money from public services. Nelson Almeida /AFP/Getty Images hide caption

itoggle caption Nelson Almeida /AFP/Getty Images

Go Ahead, Host A Giant Sports Spectacular. But It Will Cost You

Commentator Frank Deford compares FIFA, the organization that puts on soccer's World Cup, with the International Olympic Committee — and finds both lacking.

Listen Loading… 3:29
Even if California Chrome wins Saturday's Belmont Stakes, most Americans are too disconnected from horses to flock to the race track, says commentator Frank Deford.

Even if California Chrome wins Saturday's Belmont Stakes, most Americans are too disconnected from horses to flock to the race track, says commentator Frank Deford. Al Bello/Getty Images hide caption

itoggle caption Al Bello/Getty Images

Will A Triple Crown Win Save Horse Racing? Don't Bet On It

Many in the horse racing industry are looking to Triple Crown hopeful California Chrome to revive interest in the sport. He wants to believe it, but commentator Frank Deford says that's a fantasy.

Listen Loading… 3:34
Referee Mendy Rudolph officiates a Knicks-Pistons game in 1971. Refs often say it's best to go unnoticed, but an official who "makes a call with vigor and elan is really a beautiful part of the game," says Frank Deford.

Referee Mendy Rudolph officiates a Knicks-Pistons game in 1971. Refs often say it's best to go unnoticed, but an official who "makes a call with vigor and elan is really a beautiful part of the game," says Frank Deford. AP hide caption

itoggle caption AP

Don't Overlook The Unsung Umpire; Referees Can Be Pretty, Too

In professional sports, it's the players who get all the attention. But commentator Frank Deford says referees, who so often go unnoticed, bring their own style and artistry to their craft.

Listen Loading… 3:44
International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach and Comcast Corp. chairman Brian Roberts signed an agreement this month that secures U.S. broadcast rights for NBC Universal through 2032.

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach and Comcast Corp. chairman Brian Roberts signed an agreement this month that secures U.S. broadcast rights for NBC Universal through 2032. Arnaud Meylan/AP hide caption

itoggle caption Arnaud Meylan/AP

The Olympics: A Modern Day World's Fair (And Money Magnet)

World's Fairs still exist, but just two cities bid to host the 2017 Expo. In contrast, seven U.S. cities are vying for the 2024 Olympics, and the games just signed a $7.75 billion deal with NBC.

Listen Loading… 3:24
Fans outside Radio City Music Hall show support for their teams during the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft on April 25, 2013, in New York.

Fans outside Radio City Music Hall show support for their teams during the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft on April 25, 2013, in New York. Al Bello/Getty Images hide caption

itoggle caption Al Bello/Getty Images

Draft Season: All-American, Twisted And Downright Infectious

Commentator Frank Deford discusses what he considers the fifth major sports season — the two-month period when pro football, basketball, baseball and hockey all hold their drafts.

Listen Loading… 3:46