Grain of Truth
Slate, August, 23 2004

Why were the Olympic beach volleyball tournaments in Athens, Greece being played on Belgium sand? Herein: a hard-hitting investigation into the secretive world of modern sand enhancement.

Nobody’s Mascot
Slate, April 1, 2005

A profile of J.J. Jumper: the hardest-working, least-appreciated mascot in all of sports.

Kobe and the Beanstalk
Slate, June 8, 2004

How the lanky brilliance of Tayshaun Prince launched an arms race of sorts in the 2004 NBA playoffs.

It’s Fun to Play at the YMCA
Slate, May 11, 2005

In a pickup basketball game, since there aren't any uniforms or color commentators, the only way to relive your performance is to seize on easily identifiable traits. I can't believe I had to guard the sweaty guy. Or, I totally crossed over the guy in the Michael Jordan jersey. If you stare at pro players long enough, they start to look less like superheroes and more like the guys we've all hooped with at the YMCA

The Gloater:
Slate, January, 13, 2006

In the blissful aftermath of a Redskins playoff victory, I remembered an oft-overlooked tenet of sportsmanship: It's not enough to celebrate your favorite team's victory in the company of your fellow fans. During times of conquest, I always remember to celebrate the other team's defeat in the company of their fans.

The Lords of Discipline
Slate, November, 8 2005

In today's NFL, bemoaning a "lack of discipline" isn't simply a part of the perfunctory hand-wringing after a string of losses. It's the diagnosis for anything and everything that goes wrong on and off the field.

Sibling Rivalry 07
Slate, August 29, 2006

Over the years, I've squared off against my brother in games ranging from the traditional (tennis) to the hastily made-up and poorly conceived (one-on-one tackle football in the basement). Recently, I invited him to my apartment to engage in the next generation of sibling rivalry: Madden 07.