Hot Air

Darvish Not Your Ordinary Import

Steve Murray — 2012-01-25T10:00:08+00:00

I’ve got to admit to not being very excited about the Texas Rangers signing Japanese pitching star Yu Darvish. It has nothing to do with the $51.7 million it spent to get negotiating rights to the 6-foot, 5-inch prodigy. Nor is it the $60 million contract, competitive balance in the American League or an entire season of Chris Berman-inspired name play (The Whirling Darvish, Yu the man!, Yu can’t touch this, Show Yu the money!) that inspires trepidation.

No Tiger, No Problem. Golf’s Safe In Hawaii

Steve Murray — 2012-01-18T10:00:38+00:00

The Hyundai Tournament of Champions and the Sony Open, the PGA Tour’s season-opening salvo, again raise the annual concern over the lack of top players venturing beyond the cozy confines of home.

Raiola’s Long Wait Is Finally Over

Steve Murray — 2012-01-11T10:00:17+00:00

Moments before the Lions played the Saints, Detroit center Dominic Raiola took a few moments to enjoy the atmosphere.

Basketball Fun Is Back In Manoa

Steve Murray — 2012-01-04T10:00:02+00:00

The Rainbow Warriors found themselves down 11 to a school whose coach said would have to play a perfect game to win.

A Tough Job Ahead For Chow

Steve Murray — 2011-12-28T10:00:16+00:00

A familiar refrain was heard at Washington Place a week ago welcome home. Two hours earlier at the press conference on campus, Norm Chow gave everyone in attendance what they were hoping for, gratitude, bold predictions and perhaps most important, a humbleness that always will play well to local audiences.

A Bill Of Rights For Sports Fans

Midweek Staff — 2011-12-21T10:00:49+00:00

In the days leading up to and following the end of Greg McMackin’s tenure at UH, message boards, talk shows and countless Facebook postings discussed the role of the paying public and their expected duty when it comes to athletics.

Miano’s Media Blitz Is Paying Off

Steve Murray — 2011-12-14T10:00:17+00:00

A day after the announcement that Greg McMackin was fired/retired/resigned, a colleague expressed concern that interim head coach Rich Miano hadn’t taken the opportunity to sell himself as a candidate during his rounds of morning news programs.

Taking The Sacrament That Is Tebow

Steve Murray — 2011-12-07T09:59:59+00:00

I learned something about myself recently. I hate Tim Tebow because he is a Christian. It’s much the same reason why LeBron James makes me so angry. I loved how he turned an otherwise boring free agent period into a self-aggrandizing media event as much as seeing Jim Gray and ESPN spread the love butter over the king’s regal thighs. I just couldn’t handle him not being a Cavalier.

Suh’s Antics Hide Lower Results

Steve Murray — 2011-11-30T10:00:50+00:00

I’ve been saying Ndamukong Suh isn’t a dirty player, that he’s one of those rare breeds who possess a level of rage that sometimes kills drives, but also makes for legends that NFL Films is quick to promote. Watching Suh stomp on Packer guard Evan Dietrich-Smith during the Lions’ traditional Thanksgiving Day loss did nothing to change that opinion. The former Cornhusker isn’t a dirty player he’s a petulant child, unable to handle disappointment or take responsibility for his actions.

Tough Choice Ahead On McMackin

Steve Murray — 2011-11-23T10:00:56+00:00

Some months back in a conversation with UH athletics director Jim Donovan, I commented that he has a job I would love/hate to have. He continued the comedic routine by handing over a stack of folders as if getting ready to clean out his desk.