I agree with Dick Vitale
Knicks still breathing. Ratings down, sans Clark.
Good morning, all!
The NCAA Men’s basketball tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985. Then lurking television money expanded the field to 68, with so-called play-in games. Now the president of the NCAA, former Massachusetts governor Charlie Baker, says the field could expand to 72 or 76 teams by the upcoming season. Say it ain’t so. More teams? Enough already.
NCAA officials say expanding the tournament is not about more money, that the NCAA will incur more expenses with a wider field. Do not believe it. Yes, the expense sheet will increase, but more teams translates to more TV and streaming money. The legendary Dick Vitale put it best with this post on X:
“Cheapens the regular season,” is correct. But in all sports these days, the regular seasons are being diluted with expanded post season formats. Remember: it is all about the money!
Here come the Thunder Chickens
Minor league baseball teams like to use alternate identities on occasion. It makes for a great promotion. The Hartford Yard Goats are no exception and last night they played as the Thunder Chickens. What is a thunder chicken? Glad you asked. It is a fancy description for a wild turkey. No, not the kind that’s 101 proof. It’s the kind you see roaming around. There are something like 35,000 in the Connecticut wilderness, which these days seems to encompass the entire state, what with turkeys and bears roaming even in populated areas.
Anyway, during the telecast of last night’s game, Jeff Dooley and I got to sample thunder chickens drumsticks, which weigh a pound and were on sale at Dunkin’ Park.
Yummy! Yes, it was delicious. Now pass the Wild Turkey. The one you can drink.
Here are some other DAN ON SPORTS top stories for Friday, May 30, 2025:
Knicks stay alive. Force Game 6 Saturday night
Stars ousted in five. Oilers-Panthers rematch
Commish says Rose decision was difficult
Griffin tries for two-in-a-row. Jumps out to lead in Memorial
Fastest to 2,500 K’s? How about Chris Sale?
No Clark? Ratings down
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DAN