Press Box Chronicles

Today, we're going to talk about one of my all-time favorite athletes. An athlete that was literally the most insane, batsh*t crazy athlete I've ever covered. An athlete so crazy, he once punched his coach, threatened his team owner, and watched team practice from the sidelines - AFTER being cut. This is the story of Greg Fields.

In 1977, Rick Bell is drafted No. 1 overall out of the University of Southern California by the Tamp Bay Buccaneers. He's a 1,000 yard rusher, with speed, agility, size and strength. By 1984, he was dead. This is one of the most heartbreaking stories I've ever covered.

Delve into the life of Lyle Alzado, a once-feared NFL lineman whose career spiraled due to anabolic steroid abuse. Discover how his dedication on the field came at a grave cost. The discussion reveals the dark link between his steroid use and a devastating brain cancer diagnosis, ultimately leading to his untimely death. This story serves as a poignant reminder of the hidden dangers behind the pursuit of greatness.

It's July 29, 1998, and Hall of Fame Dallas Cowboys receiver Michael Irvin is at training camp in Wichita Falls, TX. All is good between Irvin, the Cowboys and the league. Then, he goes in for a haircut. What followed is one of the biggest cover ups not just in Dallas Cowboys history, but in NFL history.

Discover the untold emotional struggle of NFL legend Walter Payton during the iconic Super Bowl XX. Despite the Chicago Bears' stunning victory, Payton felt overshadowed and grapples with disappointment against the backdrop of triumph. Explore the highs of electrifying plays by teammates and the weight of fame pressing down on a true champion. This intriguing tale reveals the bittersweet nature of success, as public accolades clash with personal expectations in the world of sports.

When Sugar Ray Leonard returned from retirement to face Marvelous Marvin Hagler, the world watched two legends collide. What followed wasn’t just a controversial decision—it was a turning point. One man walked into the sunset. The other walked into the spotlight. Hagler vs. Leonard: the fight that split fans and shaped legacies.

Today, we dive into one of my favorite players of all time: Houston Astros ace J.R. Richard. Richard was a 6'7" pitcher out of Louisiana who was a terror on the mound. Then one day, he had a stroke. And the Astros did nothing. His career - and his life - were never the same.

In 1996, there we two high school phenoms coming out in the NBA Draft - Jermaine O'Neal from South Carolina, and Kobe Bryant from Pennsylvania. The New Jersey Nets were all be sure to pick Kobe Bryant at No, 8 overall. Then, it all changed.

Today, we're doing a bonus episode. As I say at the end of every show, leave a comment or drop a question, and I'll answer. Today is that day. We will do this more often going forward. This was fun. Enjoy!

In this episode I dive into the one of the many, many things that made the 1986 Mets so insane: their rap song Let's Get Metsmerized. In a time where sports teams all thought it'd be a good idea to do music, the Mets did it in the worse way possible.