Topic: Style

January 30, 2012

A Novak Djokovic victory is almost always impressive but rarely inspirational, akin to watching someone recreate a Jackson Pollock painting drop by drop from the world’s longest instruction manual. As a physical accomplishment, it’s amazing. As a piece of drama, or really just athletic narrative, it’s a little dull. For full appreciation as an athlete in a state of continual self-improvement, he requires the right context.

January 20, 2012

Inverting the Court

Bethlehem Shoals

Rajon Rondo is identified by where he is, and isn't. He's the future of the Celtics, and he can't shoot jumpers. These are two of the most important markers of place in the NBA. Yet Rondo, remote by nature, isn't known for being where he should.

December 20, 2011

Devin Hester, Folk Hero

Eric Marsh

To appreciate Devin Hester is to be dazzled, shocked, exhilarated, to speak in tongues as if being touched by the divine, or to roll around on the floor uncontrollably like a seizure victim. He evokes otherworldly reactions because, simply, he is capable of otherworldly actions.

December 2, 2011

Defending the Realm

Avi Korine

I was shocked when Antonio Margarito was caught attempting to place plaster inserts into his hand wraps before his 2009 welterweight title fight with Shane Mosley. No matter what the cranks tell you, things like that don’t happen at the highest levels of the sport. I was shocked, but I wasn’t surprised that the exception was Antonio Margarito.

November 18, 2011

LeSean McCoy and the Insistent Style

Eric Freeman

After nine games and countless jokes about the Dream Team becoming a nightmare, the Philadelphia Eagles have firmly established themselves as the biggest disappointment of the NFL season. Perhaps more surprising than their 3-6 record, though, is that Michael Vick hasn’t even been the most electrifying player on the team.