Sports with Shook column

No pressure, no diamonds: The arrival of RGIII

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By Nick Shook, Gabriel Kramer, Wezley Garlick and Austin Moore
Read full post on Medium.com

Sometimes, an event in the sporting and cultural world inspires discussion. And sometimes, the Sports With Shook crew can’t get behind the mic together, but still has plenty to say. In lieu of podcasts, we take to the inbox and keyboard to discuss the latest happenings.

Nick Shook: You’re the eternal optimist, right? Or, at least you are with the Browns. So while I might already know the answer, I must ask — when you learned the Browns were signing RGIII (for real), did you feel like this:

Or…like this?

Gabriel Kramer: I’m feeling somewhere in-between. I’m definitely not “88-yard-touchdown pass” excited. But I’m not “torn ligament” disappointed. Continue reading →

Dri Archer grabs attention of NFL

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By Nick Shook

Read original post on TheBurr.com

Kent State running back Dri Archer is tripped up by Buffalo linebacker Jake Stockman during first-quarter action at Dix Stadium in Kent, Ohio, on Saturday, October 26, 2013. The Buffalo Bulls defeated the Kent State Flashes, 41-21. Photo by Ed Suba Jr. of the Akron Beacon Journal. Photo courtesy of MCT Campus.

Kent State running back Dri Archer is tripped up by Buffalo linebacker Jake Stockman during first-quarter action at Dix Stadium in Kent, Ohio, on Saturday, October 26, 2013. The Buffalo Bulls defeated the Kent State Flashes, 41-21. Photo by Ed Suba Jr. of the Akron Beacon Journal. Photo courtesy of MCT Campus.

In September of 2012, Dri Archer was just starting a record-breaking season as the Flashes’ do-everything back. Archer already had two kick returns for touchdowns under his belt and was quickly becoming the Flashes’ catalyst. National media took notice, honoring him with weekly special teams and all-purpose awards.

I took to the airwaves and social media to declare Archer the fastest man in college football. At the time, Oregon’s DeAnthony Thomas was the center of attention, even being featured in an ESPN the Magazine article about pure speed in college football. He was the consensus pick for fastest man in the NCAA. Continue reading →

Michael Sam handles NFL spotlight like a true professional

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By Nick Shook

Oklahoma State quarterback Clint Chelf (10) evades Missouri defensive lineman Michael Sam (52) in the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Friday, Jan. 3, 2014. Photo by Richard W. Rodriguez of Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Photo courtesy of MCT Campus.

Oklahoma State quarterback Clint Chelf (10) evades Missouri defensive lineman Michael Sam (52) in the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Friday, Jan. 3, 2014. Photo by Richard W. Rodriguez of Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Photo courtesy of MCT Campus.

The NFL has become a year-round attraction.

It started with the creation of the NFL Network 10 years ago, and the network continues to prove that its product is the best in America. NFLN started broadcasting the league’s scouting combine live years ago, giving around-the-clock coverage to a bunch of burly, athletic men running as fast as they can in a straight line (40-yard dash), running and cutting between cones and bench pressing 225 pounds consecutively as many times as possible.

But this year’s combine is different. It includes the first openly gay prospect. And that player is handling the spotlight excellently.

Continue reading →