The hottest Athletes Substack posts right now

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Top Sports Topics

The New York Times Makes Sports Miserable

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 8876 implied HN points • 25 Feb 26
🎾 Sports Athletes
  1. Sports should be an escape people enjoy, not a place where athletes are forced to pick political sides. Fans want to celebrate great performances without being dragged into partisan fights.
  2. When media outlets hunt for political angles or nitpick trivial facts, they sap the joy out of big sporting moments. That kind of coverage turns celebrations into sources of outrage instead of shared enjoyment.
  3. Spotlighting players' political interactions and amplifying minor errors shows journalism can prioritize culture-war scoring over accurately capturing what happened on the field. This approach turns communal fun into controversy.

The Profile: The son trying to live up to his father’s NBA legacy & the fentanyl vaccine that would prevent overdoses

The Profile • 297 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Athletes
  1. Bronny James, son of LeBron James, faces big expectations as he tries to make his mark in the NBA. Many believe he might struggle under the pressure of living up to his father's legendary status.
  2. The influencer brothers known as the Baseball Bat Bros have become major players in the bat market, rivaling professional athletes. Through fun and engaging videos, they have turned their hobby into a successful brand.
  3. A new vaccine could help prevent overdoses from fentanyl, which has become a huge problem in recent years. This development offers hope for combating the opioid crisis and saving lives.

And The '24-25 NBA Champion Will Be...

Knicks Film School • 654 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Athletes
  1. The NBA is seeing rising scoring trends, but this might change as the league is allowing more physical play. This could lead to lower scoring games in the upcoming season.
  2. There are discussions about adding players to teams, with specific names being considered for roster spots due to injuries and team needs.
  3. Former Knicks player Jamal Crawford will be joining the broadcast team, providing commentary for about ten games next season.

Welcoming (Not So) Old Friends

Knicks Film School • 1051 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Athletes
  1. Julius Randle's journey with the Knicks has been full of ups and downs, but he played a huge role in turning the team's fortunes around. He went from being seen as an afterthought to an All-Star player.
  2. Despite his impressive stats and contribution to the team, Randle might not receive the love he deserves from fans. Many see him as a complex figure, and his departure has sparked mixed feelings among supporters.
  3. Randle's legacy in New York will be shaped by how the team continues to perform after his exit. His impact was significant, making him one of the most important Knicks, but fans will see how they remember him as time passes.

Who Should be the Fifth Starter?

Knicks Film School • 753 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Athletes
  1. There's a debate about who should start as the fifth player on the team, with a focus on Deuce McBride and Josh Hart. Fans have strong opinions on who would be better.
  2. The idea of happiness comes up, suggesting that sometimes people aren’t satisfied and always want more, even if the team seems set for the season.
  3. As the team moves toward the opening night, discussions around player choices are heating up, reflecting ongoing excitement and anticipation for the season.
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And the Award Goes To...

Knicks Film School • 615 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Athletes
  1. The Knicks are expected to be strong this season, with a significant number of general managers predicting they will finish in the top three of the Eastern Conference.
  2. Jalen Brunson is recognized as one of the best point guards, with many executives valuing his leadership qualities.
  3. The Knicks had a successful offseason, with their player acquisitions being highlighted as impactful moves, and the team's offensive efficiency being acknowledged as a strength.

Under-the-Radar Lob Threats for the 2025 NBA Draft

Chad Ford's NBA Big Board • 59 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Athletes
  1. Vertical lob threats are important in the NBA because they help create offensive space, making it easier to score. They can change games by forcing defenses to choose between protecting the rim or the perimeter.
  2. Having players who can catch lobs and finish at the rim opens opportunities for shooters and playmakers. This diversifies the team's strategy and keeps defenses guessing.
  3. Prospects like Miles Rubin show promise as lob threats and could surprise teams in the 2025 NBA Draft. Their unique skills might not always show in stats but can be crucial for team success.

Freshmen Fireworks: Top Prospects Dominate in Exhibition Action

Chad Ford's NBA Big Board • 79 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Athletes
  1. Top freshmen are making a strong impression in exhibition games. Players like Cooper Flagg and Ace Bailey are showcasing their talent and preparing for the upcoming season.
  2. Cooper Flagg is projected as a potential No. 1 pick for the 2025 NBA Draft. He had an impressive outing with 22 points and several assists and blocks in his debut.
  3. There are emerging talents from overseas like Mouhamad Faye who could surprise everyone in the 2025 draft. Keep an eye on these rising stars as the season progresses.

I Hated Novak Djokovic. Now I’m Rooting for Him.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2805 implied HN points • 23 Aug 25
🎾 Sports Athletes
  1. Many tennis fans initially disliked Novak Djokovic because he was too good, often overshadowing other favorites like Roger Federer. It's common for people to root against someone who's very successful.
  2. Watching Djokovic's matches can be intense, especially when he's up against beloved players like Federer. His skills often leave fans with mixed feelings during critical moments in the game.
  3. Over time, some fans realize they appreciate Djokovic's talent and resilience, leading to a change of heart about his place in tennis history. People can grow to support players they once disliked.

Playing your best, up to the end

The Leap • 339 implied HN points • 19 Jul 24
🎾 Sports Athletes
  1. Playing your best is important, even when things look tough. It helps you learn and grow, no matter the outcome.
  2. Tracking your progress can give you valuable insights, especially when it comes to unexpected results. It’s a great way to see where you stand.
  3. Life can be like poker; sometimes you don't win, but that doesn’t mean you didn’t play well or that you can’t improve for next time.

So When Are We Allowed to Ask the Patrick Mahomes Question?

Freddie deBoer • 5321 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🎾 Sports Athletes
  1. Patrick Mahomes has had a noticeable decline in his performance over the last two seasons, which is surprising for someone viewed as one of the best quarterbacks. People should be allowed to discuss this drop in stats and performance even if his team continues to win.
  2. Despite still being a good quarterback, his recent numbers do not match the elite standards he set earlier in his career, which raises questions about his current ability. His style of play has shifted from aggressive to more conservative, leading to fewer big plays.
  3. Sports media often avoids criticizing star players like Mahomes due to their past success and the team's winning record. However, if other quarterbacks experienced similar declines, they would likely face significant scrutiny, suggesting that it's time for a more honest conversation about Mahomes.

Free Friday: Filling the Void

JoeBlogs • 2299 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Athletes
  1. Nick Saban and Bill Belichick are two legendary football coaches facing retirement and the question of finding happiness in the future.
  2. Coaching greats like Bobby Bowden and Joe Paterno faced the difficulty of retiring from their passion.
  3. The writer discusses the disappearance of old writings and the upcoming decision about staying on Substack.

The Case for Joey Votto

JoeBlogs • 3459 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🎾 Sports Athletes
  1. Fame and recognition can impact a player's Hall of Fame induction.
  2. A player's value on the field might not always reflect their chances of being in the Hall of Fame.
  3. Joey Votto's case sheds light on how Hall of Fame decisions are influenced.

The Future of Tennis Is Now

JoeBlogs • 3360 implied HN points • 16 Jul 23
🎾 Sports Athletes
  1. Novak Djokovic is a skilled tennis player with an impressive track record.
  2. There are laws of human nature that apply even in high-pressure situations like the Wimbledon final.
  3. Carlos Alcaraz, a young player, is considered special but still faces pressure and doubts.

Preseason Sundays: Baker Mayfield is in the Favre Zone

Freddie deBoer • 1639 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
🎾 Sports Athletes
  1. Brett Favre was known as a 'gunslinger' for his exciting but risky style of play. He took a lot of chances which led to both amazing plays and many mistakes.
  2. Despite his incredible career, Favre had a problem with turnovers, making it hard for his teams to win consistently, especially in playoffs.
  3. Baker Mayfield is compared to Favre because he also plays fearlessly and takes risks, but this can lead to similar mistakes in his games.

Did Taylor's man Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs) kneel during the national anthem? Is this the same moron, the same reckless punk to endorse Pfizer mRNA (Malone, Bourla, Bancel, Weissman et al.) vaccine?

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 1631 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Athletes
  1. Questioning Travis Kelce's actions during the national anthem.
  2. Criticism of Kelce endorsing the Pfizer mRNA vaccine.
  3. Speculating on the responsibility of Kelce and others for deaths related to the vaccine.

Free Friday: Fired Up

JoeBlogs • 1690 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Athletes
  1. Excitement for upcoming baseball Hall of Fame inductions and championship games.
  2. Overview of historical baseball figures and their challenges with Hall of Fame elections.
  3. Discussion on current baseball free agents and potential competitive team lineup.

Preseason Sunday: I'm Shorting Travis Hunter's Two-Way Ambitions

Freddie deBoer • 1268 implied HN points • 10 Aug 25
🎾 Sports Athletes
  1. Travis Hunter's talent as a two-way player is exciting, but it's very rare for someone to succeed at both offense and defense in the NFL. Most players focus on one position to excel.
  2. Having a versatile player can be valuable for a team, allowing them to save money on contracts and be flexible in game strategies. However, it’s tough to actually make it work in practice.
  3. The demands of the NFL are intense, with players needing to absorb a lot of complex strategies and plays for their positions. It's unrealistic to expect one player to master both offensive and defensive tasks effectively.

Sports Culture War State of the Union

House of Strauss • 31 implied HN points • 24 Feb 26
🎾 Sports Athletes
  1. Sports culture depoliticized briefly under Biden but has swung back since Trump returned, with more athletes openly appearing with him. This shift is helped by the decline of corporate media and platforms that reduce fear of public backlash.
  2. The "Blue Veto" describes progressive-media shaming that once forced public figures to hide conservative ties, but its bite is diminishing as people grow more willing to shrug off criticism. That dynamic means public appearances with Trump matter less for stopping or advancing him than they used to.
  3. Athletes, especially in contact sports, often hold different political views than coastal elites, and celebratory acts (songs, meetings) likely reflect real affinity rather than mere naivete. Older patriotic cultural symbols are being recycled and embraced by new audiences, signaling a change in sports culture.

Nothing is Ever Lamar Jackson's Fault

Freddie deBoer • 3558 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🎾 Sports Athletes
  1. Lamar Jackson is a great quarterback but often gets excused for his poor performances in important games. Many in the media seem to overlook his mistakes while criticizing other quarterbacks more harshly.
  2. Some people defend Jackson by pointing to others' mistakes in games, but they ignore that a quarterback's turnovers are significant in losing. It's not fair to just blame teammates when the QB makes big errors.
  3. Using playoff wins to judge quarterbacks is tricky. If Jackson played like others, he would face more criticism. Fairness in criticism should apply to all players, regardless of their race or past achievements.

Preseason Sunday: I'm Afraid That Justin Fields is Not a Very Good Quarterback

Freddie deBoer • 1206 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🎾 Sports Athletes
  1. Justin Fields might not be a good quarterback after evaluating his performance over 50 games. Many fans still hold hope for him because of his past potential.
  2. Fields has struggled with passing yards, averaging only 155.6 yards per game, which is quite low for an NFL starter. Elite quarterbacks usually get much more yards in fewer games.
  3. Even with his talent, Fields' inefficiency in throwing the ball makes it hard for his team to be competitive in a league that relies heavily on passing.

For Me, the Lack of Individual Creativity and Shot Creation in the Half Court is the Real Problem with the NBA

Freddie deBoer • 3465 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🎾 Sports Athletes
  1. The NBA has become too focused on team systems and analytics, which limits individual creativity and shot-making. This means fans don't see as much exciting, personal play on the court anymore.
  2. Players now are often coached to follow strict offensive structures, which can make their gameplay feel robotic and less entertaining, especially compared to past stars like Kobe or McGrady.
  3. The current rules and playing styles could be adjusted to allow more freedom for star players, making games more engaging and fun for fans.

Gonzo Awards: Worst Decision Of The Year

Richard Lewis • 1316 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Athletes
  1. Esports can be full of drama and downfalls due to incompetent narcissists.
  2. Astralis made a series of questionable decisions involving a coach named Hunden.
  3. Astralis' actions resulted in denigration of their own legacy, angering the community, lawsuits, fines, and no improvement in tournament results.

RIP Ryno

Points And Figures • 826 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🎾 Sports Athletes
  1. Ryne Sandberg was a beloved baseball player known for his smooth style and talent as a second baseman. Many fans remember him fondly.
  2. He had a significant impact on Cubs baseball, especially in the 1980s, and his Hall of Fame speech is still praised today.
  3. His passing at 65 due to cancer serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones.

The Endless, Perplexing Controversies Over (How We Talk About) Lamar Jackson

Freddie deBoer • 2691 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🎾 Sports Athletes
  1. Lamar Jackson is an outstanding quarterback, but he faces unique scrutiny compared to others, especially regarding his playoff performance. Many see criticism of his playoff games as unfair, considering he has had a strong regular season.
  2. The media often treats Jackson differently than other quarterbacks like Dak Prescott, despite similar playoff records. This shows a possible double standard in how these players are discussed.
  3. Winning a Super Bowl is crucial for a quarterback's legacy, and both Jackson and Prescott need to prove themselves in the playoffs to be considered among the best. Fans and analysts should recognize this reality instead of making excuses.

Necessary Brilliance

Knicks Film School • 833 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Athletes
  1. The game between the Knicks and Wizards was closely contested and Jalen Brunson played a key role in securing the win.
  2. Jalen Brunson delivered an exceptional performance in the game, showcasing his value and determination as a player.
  3. Despite some issues in the team's roster, the Knicks were able to survive and win thanks to Jalen Brunson's contributions.

How to Be Hated: A Patriots Fan’s Advice to Chiefs Nation

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1525 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🎾 Sports Athletes
  1. Winning consistently can make fans of a team less popular with others. Many people get tired of seeing the same team win all the time.
  2. The Kansas City Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, have had massive success lately, making them a target for other fans' frustration.
  3. People can feel a mix of admiration and annoyance towards successful teams, especially when they dominate the playoffs and Super Bowls.

Nick Wright and the Shameless Clown Industry

Freddie deBoer • 4857 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Athletes
  1. Sports media can sometimes be toxic with aimless shouting and pointless provocations.
  2. Nick Wright exemplifies how sports media can corrupt individuals, where his persona often overshadows his potential thoughtful side.
  3. Wright's obsessive criticism and cruelty towards athletes, like Josh Allen and Nikola Jokic, stems from personal biases and a lack of accountability in the sports media industry.

Fred VanVleet and the fabric of the NBA

TrueHoop • 746 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🎾 Sports Athletes
  1. Fred VanVleet appreciates some NBA referees for their effort and fairness.
  2. Henry Abbott has been busy working on a book called "BALLISTIC."
  3. VanVleet's words have caught Abbott's attention and sparked his interest in discussing NBA-related topics.

The Real Reason The PGA Tour Let Brooks Koepka Back In

Huddle Up • 32 implied HN points • 13 Jan 26
🎾 Sports Athletes
  1. Brooks Koepka has been readmitted to the PGA Tour under strict conditions, including a required $5 million donation and limits on how he can enter big events.
  2. He’s barred from the Tour’s Player Equity Program for five years—a restriction the Tour estimates could cost him about $50–80 million—and he won’t receive a 2026 FedEx Cup bonus or automatic signature-event invites.
  3. The return was arranged unusually quickly after his LIV exit, but it depended on earlier decisions and leverage that gave the Tour the framework to negotiate his rapid reinstatement.

Basketball's new World Champions

Marc Stein • 628 implied HN points • 11 Sep 23
🎾 Sports Athletes
  1. Dennis Schröder and Germany are the new FIBA World Cup champions
  2. International competitions decide the true World Champions in basketball
  3. Teamwork and overcoming challenges led Germany to an unbeaten victory in the tournament

Attacking 12 pers. Pistol from a Tilt Front

MatchQuarters • 353 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Athletes
  1. Defenses in football tend to adjust to offensive trends over time.
  2. As offenses shift towards bigger packages, defenses must react by getting lighter and adjusting their strategies.
  3. The use of spread formations in college football emphasizes getting elite athletes in open space and has led to defensive innovations like the 3-Safety system.

I have all the answers!⏱

The Lap Count • 589 implied HN points • 15 Feb 23
🎾 Sports Athletes
  1. The Millrose Games provide historical context and insight into the world of track and field events.
  2. Transitioning from being an elite athlete to a coach requires a shift in perspective and empathy for athletes.
  3. There is a need for better incentives and prioritization to encourage top athletes to participate in key events like the USATF Indoor Meet and World Cross Country Championships.