Sports Columns

Letter to the editor: lessons from the bonfire

“There are lots of things to be cynical about in the world right now. There are all kinds of work to be done here on campus, in Princeton, and everywhere else where humanity comes with no promise of perfection. We could divide up as athletes and non-athletes, as occurs on many college campuses. But we have the opportunity here to do it differently — to respect and learn from every member of this community, their stories, and their experiences.”  

“There are lots of things to be cynical about in the world right now. There are all kinds of work to be done here on campus, in Princeton, and everywhere else where humanity comes with no promise of perfection. We could divide up as athletes and non-athletes, as occurs on many college campuses. But we have the opportunity here to do it differently — to respect and learn from every member of this community, their stories, and their experiences.”  

There is no asterisk, Tigers

“I’m here to tell you that Princeton’s 18–16 win over Harvard was completely legit, that the officials’ call was correct and appropriate under the NCAA’s rules, and that the bonfire on Cannon Green — and Princeton’s Ivy League Championship — was totally deserved.”

“I’m here to tell you that Princeton’s 18–16 win over Harvard was completely legit, that the officials’ call was correct and appropriate under the NCAA’s rules, and that the bonfire on Cannon Green — and Princeton’s Ivy League Championship — was totally deserved.”

Major League Baseball was right to condemn Georgia’s voting law. It shouldn’t have left the state.

“If MLB truly wanted to stop the attack on voting rights it should not have relocated — it should have just stayed in Georgia.”

“If MLB truly wanted to stop the attack on voting rights it should not have relocated — it should have just stayed in Georgia.”

There’s no crying (cancel culture) in baseball

“The question isn’t whether leagues like MLB should involve themselves in politics, but how they should leverage the role they already play. Every institution has a responsibility to act to protect voting rights as they come under increasing threat nationwide.” 

“The question isn’t whether leagues like MLB should involve themselves in politics, but how they should leverage the role they already play. Every institution has a responsibility to act to protect voting rights as they come under increasing threat nationwide.” 

When sport meets silence: the unraveling of collegiate athletics

During this time, coaches and athletes are especially in need of reassurance and guidance, yet the administration seems reluctant to offer a single word as to what we can expect in the spring, or even an inclination that they are attempting to find creative solutions to address the challenges we face. 

The mixed-up priorities of college athletics

The return of college football is not a positive sign of a country overcoming the pandemic; it is yet another example of a society unwilling to face the reality of the pandemic. And once again, young people and people of color will pay the price while the powerful profit. 

Sports subbed out: the safe choice

It is our duty to make the hard and correct choices, hold our heads high, show leadership, and realize other conferences, institutions, and people look to the Ivy League for guidance.

COVID-19 and student athletes: Response from President Eisgruber

This public health crisis has required us to ask all Princeton undergraduates to do a difficult thing: to complete their semesters online, and, in the case of our seniors, to forgo experiences that they had anticipated throughout their time here.

COVID-19 and student athletes: An open letter to President Eisgruber

We hesitated to write you because we feel you've done an outstanding job leading the University, and with the gravity of the pandemic backdrop, because you obviously are facing many unforeseen and serious challenges every day. However, we feel compelled to reach out to you on this issue because we feel strongly that Princeton has made the wrong decision on not permitting its students to withdraw and come back next spring. 

OP-ED | ‘Time will prove this choice misguided’: A group of Princeton athletes speak out

We write with the hope that this opportunity is not yet lost. We write with the hope that the University will align itself with the NCAA and reconsider its decision.

‘Stick to sports’ is getting old: A defense of Marshawn Lynch

The idea that athletes have nothing productive to add to our national conversation and that their intelligence begins and ends with their ability to run routes and read defenses shapes the way many people think about even our most dominant sports figures.

European soccer has a conspicuous racism problem

The illusion of social progress that has often accompanied Europe has steadily been challenged by a number of racist incidents in the arena of European soccer. Though this is not a new phenomenon (and is certainly not confined to Europe), a recent slew of fan abuse toward players of color will hopefully cause soccer institutions to finally get serious.

Examining compensation to college athletes

Ultimately, the arguments that defend the status quo in college sports reflect only a single viewpoint. Often, they fail to consider what profiting from one’s own likeness or from ticket sales could do for athletes who may not be able to reach professional level but still face the pressure of supporting their family, maintaining a very limited education, and finding time for physical and mental health.

COLUMN: Did the Warriors ruin the NBA?

Instead of ruining the NBA, the Warriors have made the playoffs more exciting. The more superstars in a series, the more interesting stories there are. 

Why the US Women’s National Soccer Team deserves equal pay

Sports columnist Matthew Fuller argues for why the United States women’s soccer team deserves equal pay.

On shutting down Zion Williamson

Zion Williamson’s injury poses issues for Duke, for Nike, and for his professional career. It also begs a larger question – should collegiate athletes see a share of the revenue they bring their Alma Maters?

COLUMN: Youth movement propelled men's basketball this weekend

First-years and sophomores played an essential role in Princeton’s wins this weekend. 

COLUMN: Bryce Aiken leaves men's basketball searching for answers

Bryce Aiken and Harvard handed men’s basketball its third consecutive Ivy loss. 

Five Lingering Questions about Super Bowl LIII

Columnist Matthew Fuller digs into Super Bowl LIII between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots with questions about whether the Rams deserved their appearance, Julian Edelman’s MVP achievement, Sean McVay’s brilliance, the importance of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick to the Patriot’s dynasty, and whether or not Super Bowl LIII was the worst Super Bowl in history. 

In defense of the bonfire

Look around at schools across the country of all sizes and missions, and you will see that almost without exception, football is a public social experience that brings the entire community together around a common cause, an important feature of a school’s character in a way that no other sport is. That’s why we began celebrating this victory against our rivals so ostentatiously, and that’s why we still do. We should continue to celebrate it in exactly that unique way.