The refs are supposed to allow the defense to complete a substitution when the offense substitutes. The Wildcats (up 10 in the fourth quarter) stopped Utah on fourth and short but were called for illegal substitution because their players didn't get off the field in time. Bogus!

I'm not one to blame officials when my team loses, but there were two terrible calls that impacted the game. The DPI on the 2-point conversion test was picked up wasn't even the biggest one.

As a @Royals fan, and a reporter who gets to cover them, it was hard to see Freddy Fermin go, but it was a good trade for the team. It was an even better deal for Freddy, who will become a starter on a likely playoff team. Go @Padres! Here's my feature: myinsidestory.substack.com/p…

Oneil Cruz is an exciting, young player for the @Pirates with immense potential. Take a look at today's FREE post to find out more about him: myinsidestory.substack.com/p…

Branch Rickey was named @ESPN's "most influential person in sports in the 20th century." Certainly, his critical role in breaking @MLB's color barrier was enough reason for that honor, but that's only part of the story. Here's the rest of the story: myinsidestory.substack.com/p…

In my opinion, Bobby Bell is the best athlete to ever play for the @Chiefs. He was a 6-3, 245-pound linebacker with 4.4 speed. He could throw a spiral 80 yards. In today's FREE feature, I talk about Bell's commitment to fulfilling a promise to his father: myinsidestory.substack.com/p…

I consider @CoachBillSelf a friend. I think it's reciprocal. I know we both share a love of sarcasm. As a @KStateMBB fan, it's hard to say, but I'm also a fan. I'm certainly glad he seems to be doing well after a health scare. Enjoy this feature of Self: myinsidestory.substack.com/p…

"Why do people sing 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame' when they're already there?" That's one of the many questions baseball player, coach and broadcaster Larry Andersen has "pitched" over the years. Today's FREE feature is on one of baseball's funniest men: myinsidestory.substack.com/p…

Lynn Kindred knew his future was not in basketball. The former Kansas teammate of Wilt Chamberlain also knew that Chamberlain's wasn't in medicine. Their paths crossed 40 years after they were teammates on KU's 1957 national runner-up team. See his story: myinsidestory.substack.com/p…

Buck O'Neil was a Kansas City treasure. I had the pleasure of being one of the thousands of people he treated like his best friend. If you're feeling resentful about anything, read this FREE post. It will change your heart: myinsidestory.substack.com/p…

It should have said, "before it was cool."

You know that person looks like someone you know, but you can't figure out who. Then you remember when it's too late. That happened to me when I exchanged greetings with @JohnGrisham, but didn't realize it until it was too late. Here's today's FREE post: myinsidestory.substack.com/p…

Today's FREE post is one of my all-time most-popular posts, so it's worth repeating. It's also worth reading, whether you've read it before or not. @TrackDavidson is a great dad and a great coach. Prepare to be inspired (and bring the tissues): myinsidestory.substack.com/p…

I can't wait for college hoops season to start because we'll once again get a full season of @DickieV on @espn! Today's FREE feature is on the "voice of college basketball," who is as genuine as they come. Enjoy it here: myinsidestory.substack.com/p…

Hank Aaron is my all-time favorite athlete, and I've made my living covering sports. Did you know he hit 755 home runs without every hitting 50 in a season? The dignity he displayed chasing Babe Ruth's home-run record is what puts him over the top. myinsidestory.substack.com/p…

Bo, by a landslide!

Pee Wee Reese's story is one of the best examples of putting others before self. Reese stepped up when his background and his teammates said he shouldn't. Baseball, and America in general, is better off because of his effort. Here's today's FREE post: myinsidestory.substack.com/p…

Very true, @KSeaboldt. But he looks so lost. Is it time to send him back down for a few days to build his confidence back up?

Today's post is free. In fact, the entire month of July is free. My goal is to get you hooked so you'll become a paid subscriber. Legendary @UCLAMBB coach John Wooden is one of the all-time greats in sports, and I'm not just talking about coaches. myinsidestory.substack.com/p…

John Wathan played for 10 seasons with the @Royals and reached the postseason seven times. No other KC player had a higher percentage of success (min. 10 seasons). Clearly, he was the reason for their success. Take a look at my feature on "the Duke": myinsidestory.substack.com/p…