Behind the Line

The woke NBA doubled down over the weekend with their political and social justice messages. We were treated with commercials...pronouncements from broadcasters...and Jamal Murray coming off a third straight huge game...turning his post game interview into a social justice message.All the while...the ratings continue to decline. We talk about a poll released over the weekend that clearly proves fans don't want political and social justice messages mentioned while watching games.We also explain how LeBron James is ruining his legacy with this commitment to social justice.

In less than two weeks...we're going to witness the new "woke" NFL. Roger Goodell and the league are following the NBA down the road of infusing politics and social causes into their broadcasts.There will be social justice messages in the endzone. There will be two national anthems played before games. However...all of this is only happening Week 1.In the past...the NFL has been immune to controversy and scandal causing a ratings decline. However...this could be the one issue that will cause a massive decline in ratings if the league pushes it the entire season.

LeBron James and the NBA continue to prove they don't understand the concept that sports and politics don't mix. With the boycotting of NBA playoff games on Wednesday and Thursday for political and social reasons...the league continues to alienate a sizable portion of their fan base.We give you the perspective from the players on this issue...and the reasons why they feel what they're doing is important.Then...we give you the perspective that no one in the media is talking about...and the one that's most important. The perspective of the NBA fans.We explain how this boycott is being perceived by fans of the NBA...and how it will continue the disastrous ratings decline the league has experienced so far in the playoffs.

It's no secret that the Lakers have been struggling offensively since arriving in Orlando. However...in their first round playoff series with Portland...their offensive woes seem to be a thing of the past.That's not the case. We explain why beating up on Damian Lillard and the Blazers isn't impressive...and expose a major weakness in the Lakers offensive game. LeBron James has always relied on a second star in each of this three championship runs. Does Anthony Davis have what it takes...or will he fold under the pressure?

When James Harden and the Houston Rockets had the Oklahoma City Thunder down 0-2...many assumed the series was over. However...it appears Billy Donovan has found a lineup to combat the Rockets small ball...and the Thunder are poised to win this series.We explain the problem with the Rockets relying so heavily on the 3-ball...and how Houston's best defense is their offense. If Oklahoma City can keep games close going into the fourth quarter...this playoff run is ending early for the Rockets.

Luka Doncic is taking over the NBA with his consistently great performances in the Mavericks first round playoff series against the Clippers. Even though he was a star coming into the playoffs...superstars are made in the postseason...and that three point shot will propel his career to new heights.However...the Los Angeles Clippers will win this series. We explain how many are once again overreacting to a Clippers loss...and how Doc Rivers will get his team refocused. We close on the Montrezl Harrell incident...and explain how the NBA once again messed up another PR situation.

Rumors began to surface over the weekend that the New Orleans Pelicans are interested in trading star point guard Lonzo Ball. Although he had the best year of his career during his first season in New Orleans...he was atrocious during the NBA restart in Orlando. We explain why trading Lonzo Ball is a horrible idea...and why David Griffin and the Pelicans need to be patient with him and the rest of this young team.

The Los Angeles Clippers loss to Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks Wednesday night sent shock waves through the NBA world. Many are accusing the Clippers of being lackadaisical...lacking team chemistry...and at risk of being upset by Dallas in the first round.However...many are putting too much stock into one playoff loss. We explain why Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers are fine...and will ultimately win this series against the Mavericks.

Before the NBA restarted in Orlando...we had been without sports for over four months. Many thought the ratings would be through the roof upon the return of the NBA. However...seemingly everyday we're seeing headlines of declining ratings.Are the NBA ratings actually in decline? Yes and no. We dive into the ratings and explain how NBA ratings are actually up since the restart. However...that's not all great news. We compare the NBA to other leagues...and explain the primary reason why the NBA is experiencing a steep decline in popularity.

New York Giants new head coach Joe Judge has decided to go with the drill sergeant mentality to instill discipline into his young roster. This may be great news to some Giants fans...seeing as the Giants have been near the top of the NFL in penalties the past three years.However...looking back at recent NFL history...the hardcore drill sergeant methods seem to fail. Is Joe Judge making a mistake that could lose him the locker room in the future?