Muhammad Ali changed society? Give me an example. Ali did some amazing things and was a great athlete. But making generalization that he changed society is typical flash reaction from someone who views the world through sports.
— Stephen, doubting the GOAT
Kiz: , it was tough for me to hear that praising him as an agent of societal change is nothing more than a hot take. But I will remain cool and humbly say: At a time when racial injustice was rampant, and an Olympic boxing champ was barred from using many public restrooms, Ali dared to shout to the world that black was beautiful. He didn’t build walls; Ali knocked ’em down. That was big. But let’s talk small and personal. I met the champ once, prior to an NBA game in Detroit. This is how conversation started. Me: “Champ, gotta tell you: You were my childhood hero.” And Ali replied: “You ain’t as dumb as you look!” For next 30 minutes, we talked. About everything. Here’s the message I took away: Because nobody else will tell you, get up every morning and say, “I am the greatest!” Then go out, walk that talk and do great things. The encouragement rocked my little corner of the world.
Do the Rockies have a player who will raise the devil and turn over a food table in the clubhouse to let others know that losing isn’t acceptable?
— Patrick, swooning in June
Kiz: That man is third baseman Nolan Arenado. He loves playing baseball with all the passion you or I had for the sport as little leaguers. During a loss at San Diego, , it was a good sign. “Losing gets kinda old,” Arenado explained. Amen, brother.
Why is there essentially zero talk about ? I always thought there was a reason John Elway didn’t seem too concerned about his quarterback situation when . Maybe Elway had an under-the-radar alternative.
— Robin, name-dropper
Kiz: Coach Gary Kubiak has genuine fondness for Siemian, who is winning spring practice. But that’s not the same as beating Carolina, which is why drawing conclusions from football in June can make everybody from coaches to media hacks to fans look silly. If Siemian is the best QB in September, I trust Kubiak will start him against the Panthers.
And today’s parting shot is from a fan who appreciates the excellence demonstrate on the pitch for the U.S. women’s national team.
Thanks for covering soccer and not being an old stick in the mud, Kiz.
— Josh, Portland
