Referees are constantly stuck between a rock and a hard place. The call they make will be sure to anger at least half of the people watching the game. It’s a thankless job that takes an incredible amount of hard work to progress to the top level. Occasionally, referees make[Read More…]
Behind the Bench
Spain’s young sensation: Dominating the pitch and defying the doubters
By the end of this past European Championship, it became impossible not to know the name “Lamine Yamal” and the story of the young star the world celebrated all summer. On June 15, 2024, Yamal made history by becoming the youngest player featured in the tournament, making his debut against[Read More…]
“Money’s nice, championships are better:” Eagles’ banner year battered by big departures
Since Super Bowl LIX, many National Football League (NFL) fans are questioning their team’s plan for the next season, namely the reigning champions, the Philadelphia Eagles. After a rough and defeated exit during the 2023-2024 season, General Manager Howie Roseman saw the importance of the offseason, marking one year since[Read More…]
Where’s the Ref? Israel and the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The movement to ban Israel and its teams from all upcoming FIFA tournaments has gained significant traction since February—a period of time contained, ironically, by ceasefire on its foundational end. The “Show Israel the Red Card” campaign began on Feb. 19, when Celtic F.C. supporters in Scotland unfurled a huge[Read More…]
Know Your Coach: Rachèle Béliveau
After 34 remarkable years at the helm of McGill’s Women’s Volleyball program, Coach Rachèle Béliveau has just completed her final season. Her journey from Olympic athlete to one of Canada’s most accomplished university coaches offers valuable lessons in dedication, adaptation, and passion for the sport. Béliveau’s volleyball career began in[Read More…]
To all the sports I’ve loved before
Jenna Payette, Contributor Dear Ice Hockey, “Anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” This quote from Steve Prefontaine hung in my brother’s room growing up and became the silent force that subtly shaped me. As the baby of my family, I was pushed to challenge my limits[Read More…]
Black History Month in the big leagues—is it enough?
From Tommie Smith and John Carlos raising their fists during the 1968 Olympics to Muhammad Ali’s refusal of the Vietnam draft to Colin Kaepernick taking a knee during the “Star-Spangled Banner,” Black athletes have a storied history of using sporting events as platforms for political statements—and of being punished heavily[Read More…]
English FA’s decision to scrap cup replays means less economic parity than ever
The Football Association Cup (FA Cup) is the most prestigious domestic tournament in European football. Comprised of teams throughout the tiers of the English football pyramid—from local semi-pro players who participate for fun to the biggest powerhouses of Europe—squads compete in a single-elimination tournament to determine which is the best[Read More…]
Football fan’s misogynistic tirade caught on camera sparks social media outrage
For many sports fans, the National Football League (NFL) playoffs are the best time of the year. In many parts of the country, a chill in the air and a dusting of snow on the ground can only mean one thing: The race for the Super Bowl is on. Philadelphia[Read More…]
What cities would be valuable additions to the PWHL?
A recent Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) game between the Montréal Victoire and Minnesota Frost in Denver set a U.S. attendance record, with more than 14,000 fans chanting: “We want a team!” This excitement has sparked conversations about which cities should host the league’s potential 2025-26 expansion teams. Chicago, Vancouver,[Read More…]
