Doug Haller
@doughaller.bsky.social
Senior writer at The Athletic based in Arizona.
Reposted by Doug Haller
If you watch Holly Rowe’s work on ESPN, you know one thing: She exudes joy.
So @rustindodd.bsky.social reached out to her with a simple question: What has she learned about joy? @sportsiren.bsky.social
So @rustindodd.bsky.social reached out to her with a simple question: What has she learned about joy? @sportsiren.bsky.social
November 18, 2025 at 11:48 PM
If you watch Holly Rowe’s work on ESPN, you know one thing: She exudes joy.
So @rustindodd.bsky.social reached out to her with a simple question: What has she learned about joy? @sportsiren.bsky.social
So @rustindodd.bsky.social reached out to her with a simple question: What has she learned about joy? @sportsiren.bsky.social
I returned to Bloomington and covered an Indiana football game for the first time since I was a student there 30 years ago.
I was amazed at what I found. ⤵️
I was amazed at what I found. ⤵️
I covered an Indiana football game for the first time in 30 years – and I was amazed
Last season's run to the CFP was hard to understand. Perhaps a fluke. But the unbeaten Hoosiers are doing it again.
www.nytimes.com
November 18, 2025 at 12:24 AM
I returned to Bloomington and covered an Indiana football game for the first time since I was a student there 30 years ago.
I was amazed at what I found. ⤵️
I was amazed at what I found. ⤵️
I wrote about one possession last night that symbolizes this young Suns season — 10 passes, few dribbles.
And, of course, it ended in a Grayson Allen 3-pointer. ⤵️
And, of course, it ended in a Grayson Allen 3-pointer. ⤵️
For Suns, one possession, 10 passes and a key trait in a surprising start
Winners of five of their last six games, the Suns are starting to find themselves. And their unselfishness is a strength.
www.nytimes.com
November 11, 2025 at 3:51 PM
I wrote about one possession last night that symbolizes this young Suns season — 10 passes, few dribbles.
And, of course, it ended in a Grayson Allen 3-pointer. ⤵️
And, of course, it ended in a Grayson Allen 3-pointer. ⤵️
Kyler Murray’s uncertain present, and the Cardinals’ uncertain future at QB ⤵️
Kyler Murray’s uncertain present, and the Cardinals’ uncertain future at QB
Murray might have played his last game in the desert — if so, the Cardinals are looking for a long-term solution again.
www.nytimes.com
November 7, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Kyler Murray’s uncertain present, and the Cardinals’ uncertain future at QB ⤵️
Emari Demercado made one of football’s most ‘boneheaded’ mistakes. Here’s how he got past it.
Link: www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Link: www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
November 6, 2025 at 8:38 PM
Emari Demercado made one of football’s most ‘boneheaded’ mistakes. Here’s how he got past it.
Link: www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Link: www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Reposted by Doug Haller
From @theathletic.com: Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland died Thursday morning, the team shared in a statement.
Kneeland, 24, was in his second season with the team after being drafted in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Kneeland, 24, was in his second season with the team after being drafted in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland dies at 24, team says
Kneeland, 24, was in his second season with the team after being drafted in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
nyti.ms
November 6, 2025 at 3:16 PM
From @theathletic.com: Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland died Thursday morning, the team shared in a statement.
Kneeland, 24, was in his second season with the team after being drafted in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Kneeland, 24, was in his second season with the team after being drafted in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Reposted by Doug Haller
I'm starting a weekly coaching carousel notebook on intel I'm hearing + interesting nuggets. This week:
- Agents don't buy the Louisiana gov's bluster
- Latest at Florida State
- Some names at Colorado State
- Another Cignetti raise?
And a lot more: www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
- Agents don't buy the Louisiana gov's bluster
- Latest at Florida State
- Some names at Colorado State
- Another Cignetti raise?
And a lot more: www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
LSU settles down, Dabo Swinney heats up and the latest in college football’s coaching carousel
With LSU's president and AD now in place, the focus can turn back to the coaching search. Plus, contract quirks at Indiana and Kent State.
www.nytimes.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:02 PM
I'm starting a weekly coaching carousel notebook on intel I'm hearing + interesting nuggets. This week:
- Agents don't buy the Louisiana gov's bluster
- Latest at Florida State
- Some names at Colorado State
- Another Cignetti raise?
And a lot more: www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
- Agents don't buy the Louisiana gov's bluster
- Latest at Florida State
- Some names at Colorado State
- Another Cignetti raise?
And a lot more: www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
Suns coach Jordan Ott has taken over a rebuilding team in the desert, one that still isn’t sure what it can do and what it cannot.
Sunday’s defense against Spurs star Victor Wembanyama was an encouraging sign. 🔗⤵️
Sunday’s defense against Spurs star Victor Wembanyama was an encouraging sign. 🔗⤵️
How Suns limited Victor Wembanyama and handed Spurs their first loss
The Suns are still trying to figure out what they can and cannot do. Sunday's win was a good step.
www.nytimes.com
November 3, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Suns coach Jordan Ott has taken over a rebuilding team in the desert, one that still isn’t sure what it can do and what it cannot.
Sunday’s defense against Spurs star Victor Wembanyama was an encouraging sign. 🔗⤵️
Sunday’s defense against Spurs star Victor Wembanyama was an encouraging sign. 🔗⤵️
The Suns this summer gave up one of the league’s best scorers but have yet to see the returns because of injuries.
Until Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks are healthy, they’re doing all they can to improve. Friday was a positive step. 🔗⤵️
Until Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks are healthy, they’re doing all they can to improve. Friday was a positive step. 🔗⤵️
Suns show improvement while waiting for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks to heal
The Suns may struggle all year, but until Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks return to the lineup, they deserve a little time.
www.nytimes.com
November 1, 2025 at 6:12 PM
The Suns this summer gave up one of the league’s best scorers but have yet to see the returns because of injuries.
Until Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks are healthy, they’re doing all they can to improve. Friday was a positive step. 🔗⤵️
Until Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks are healthy, they’re doing all they can to improve. Friday was a positive step. 🔗⤵️
Reposted by Doug Haller
A Game 4 loss leaves the Dodgers no choice: As usual, they’ll have to clinch a title on the road www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
A Game 4 loss leaves the Dodgers no choice: As usual, they’ll have to clinch a title on the road
The Dodgers may still celebrate again this postseason, but it'll have to be at Rogers Centre this weekend.
www.nytimes.com
October 29, 2025 at 6:14 PM
A Game 4 loss leaves the Dodgers no choice: As usual, they’ll have to clinch a title on the road www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
At Arizona State, Kenny Dillingham has his dream job. Even so, outside interest in the young coach will rattle nerves in the desert, mostly for one reason: ⤵️
Kenny Dillingham’s Arizona State roots go deep, but this coaching cycle may test that
The outside interest will rattle nerves in the desert, mostly for one reason: Loyalty in college football is difficult to trust these days.
www.nytimes.com
October 28, 2025 at 4:01 PM
At Arizona State, Kenny Dillingham has his dream job. Even so, outside interest in the young coach will rattle nerves in the desert, mostly for one reason: ⤵️
Arizona State’s loss to Houston shows how vulnerable mistake-prone Sun Devils have become ⤵️
Arizona State’s loss to Houston shows how vulnerable mistake-prone Sun Devils have become
Life in the Big 12 is a walk on the tight rope, leaning this way and that, trying to maintain balance. Saturday night, ASU slipped.
www.nytimes.com
October 26, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Arizona State’s loss to Houston shows how vulnerable mistake-prone Sun Devils have become ⤵️
Reposted by Doug Haller
Forty-one years after 1984 and 37 years after 1988, Kirk Gibson is in the midst of his biggest October yet.
Here’s how Parkinson’s disease changed a World Series legend. And here’s how the new Kirk Gibson Center is helping change lives.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
Here’s how Parkinson’s disease changed a World Series legend. And here’s how the new Kirk Gibson Center is helping change lives.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
Ten years into his Parkinson’s diagnosis, Kirk Gibson is still changing lives in October
Gibson's most famous moment came 37 years ago this month. Now he's leading another team towards a very different goal.
www.nytimes.com
October 23, 2025 at 1:12 PM
Forty-one years after 1984 and 37 years after 1988, Kirk Gibson is in the midst of his biggest October yet.
Here’s how Parkinson’s disease changed a World Series legend. And here’s how the new Kirk Gibson Center is helping change lives.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
Here’s how Parkinson’s disease changed a World Series legend. And here’s how the new Kirk Gibson Center is helping change lives.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
On opening night in Phoenix, new head coach Jordan Ott didn’t want to make it about him.
But the foundation he has worked to build was a big factor in the Suns’ comeback win. ⤵️
But the foundation he has worked to build was a big factor in the Suns’ comeback win. ⤵️
In Suns’ opening win, the foundation Jordan Ott has been building paid off
The NBA is a players league, so the Suns new head coach has gone mostly overlooked. But his performance this season might be most important.
www.nytimes.com
October 23, 2025 at 3:14 PM
On opening night in Phoenix, new head coach Jordan Ott didn’t want to make it about him.
But the foundation he has worked to build was a big factor in the Suns’ comeback win. ⤵️
But the foundation he has worked to build was a big factor in the Suns’ comeback win. ⤵️
The Cardinals have lost five games by a combined 13 points, but the margin isn’t as important as the results.
Losing is a habit.
⤵️
Losing is a habit.
⤵️
Cardinals, with five straight losses, need to question everything, including the head coach
Through seven weeks, the Cardinals have proved one thing: They are good enough to win, yet they are better at finding ways to lose.
www.nytimes.com
October 20, 2025 at 4:17 AM
The Cardinals have lost five games by a combined 13 points, but the margin isn’t as important as the results.
Losing is a habit.
⤵️
Losing is a habit.
⤵️
Reposted by Doug Haller
The Houston Rockets and star forward Kevin Durant have agreed to a two-year, $90 million extension.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/668...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/668...
October 19, 2025 at 1:40 PM
The Houston Rockets and star forward Kevin Durant have agreed to a two-year, $90 million extension.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/668...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/668...
Teams that survive in college football have the ability to quickly self-correct.
Arizona State showed as much in Saturday’s win over No. 7 Texas Tech. 🔗⤵️
Arizona State showed as much in Saturday’s win over No. 7 Texas Tech. 🔗⤵️
Arizona State’s win over No. 7 Texas Tech started with a lesson learned for the man in charge
The teams that survive in this sport are the teams that can rapidly self-correct. In that case, Arizona State passed a major test Saturday.
www.nytimes.com
October 19, 2025 at 5:08 AM
Teams that survive in college football have the ability to quickly self-correct.
Arizona State showed as much in Saturday’s win over No. 7 Texas Tech. 🔗⤵️
Arizona State showed as much in Saturday’s win over No. 7 Texas Tech. 🔗⤵️
Reposted by Doug Haller
Predictions! Here are my top eight teams in the Western Conference, with projected win-loss records and some deeper thoughts on each:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...
Predicting how the top of the NBA’s Western Conference will play out in 2025-26
The West is loaded with quality, and several teams could end up in the conference finals. But it's truly a one-horse race.
www.nytimes.com
October 14, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Predictions! Here are my top eight teams in the Western Conference, with projected win-loss records and some deeper thoughts on each:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...
The benching of Kyler Murray would have to be an organizational decision, and the Cardinals are not in the place to do it.
But that day is coming. ⤵️
But that day is coming. ⤵️
Slumping Arizona Cardinals need more cowbell and to stick with QB Kyler Murray — for now
With Murray sidelined, backup Jacoby Brissett started a QB controversy with his strong play against Colts.
www.nytimes.com
October 14, 2025 at 5:30 PM
The benching of Kyler Murray would have to be an organizational decision, and the Cardinals are not in the place to do it.
But that day is coming. ⤵️
But that day is coming. ⤵️
Reposted by Doug Haller
James Franklin's Penn State was ranked in the top five just 16 days ago 😳
On Sunday, he was fired after three straight losses.
H/T @slmandel.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...
On Sunday, he was fired after three straight losses.
H/T @slmandel.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...
October 12, 2025 at 6:28 PM
James Franklin's Penn State was ranked in the top five just 16 days ago 😳
On Sunday, he was fired after three straight losses.
H/T @slmandel.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...
On Sunday, he was fired after three straight losses.
H/T @slmandel.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...
Reposted by Doug Haller
The TEAM position rankings @theathletic.com has many purposes*
These are also starting lineup predictions
Even though I had the Celtics where I had them, I was already ready to see a Boucher-Queta front court
*rage is not one of them
www.nytimes.com/athletic/666...
These are also starting lineup predictions
Even though I had the Celtics where I had them, I was already ready to see a Boucher-Queta front court
*rage is not one of them
www.nytimes.com/athletic/666...
2025 NBA team position rankings: Projecting all 30 teams’ depth charts
Team builders, coaches and players are more open-minded now than they were in the past when it comes to identifying useful players.
www.nytimes.com
October 11, 2025 at 12:35 AM
The TEAM position rankings @theathletic.com has many purposes*
These are also starting lineup predictions
Even though I had the Celtics where I had them, I was already ready to see a Boucher-Queta front court
*rage is not one of them
www.nytimes.com/athletic/666...
These are also starting lineup predictions
Even though I had the Celtics where I had them, I was already ready to see a Boucher-Queta front court
*rage is not one of them
www.nytimes.com/athletic/666...
Reposted by Doug Haller
I showed Marvin Harrison Jr., this photo.
“This you?”
“That’s me.”
On Sunday, the Cardinals receiver returns to the city where his dad became a star.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...
“This you?”
“That’s me.”
On Sunday, the Cardinals receiver returns to the city where his dad became a star.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...
October 9, 2025 at 5:27 PM
I showed Marvin Harrison Jr., this photo.
“This you?”
“That’s me.”
On Sunday, the Cardinals receiver returns to the city where his dad became a star.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...
“This you?”
“That’s me.”
On Sunday, the Cardinals receiver returns to the city where his dad became a star.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...
I showed Marvin Harrison Jr., this photo.
“This you?”
“That’s me.”
On Sunday, the Cardinals receiver returns to the city where his dad became a star.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...
“This you?”
“That’s me.”
On Sunday, the Cardinals receiver returns to the city where his dad became a star.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...
October 9, 2025 at 5:27 PM
I showed Marvin Harrison Jr., this photo.
“This you?”
“That’s me.”
On Sunday, the Cardinals receiver returns to the city where his dad became a star.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...
“This you?”
“That’s me.”
On Sunday, the Cardinals receiver returns to the city where his dad became a star.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...
Newcomers Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green have gotten the most attention, but Mark Williams could be the key to the Phoenix Suns season — if he can stay healthy.
🔗⤵️
🔗⤵️
Big man Mark Williams could be key to the Suns’ success — if he can stay healthy
The talent is obvious, but so are the concerns. Williams is excited to prove his availability to the Suns — and to everyone else.
www.nytimes.com
October 8, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Newcomers Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green have gotten the most attention, but Mark Williams could be the key to the Phoenix Suns season — if he can stay healthy.
🔗⤵️
🔗⤵️
Reposted by Doug Haller
This week's Athletic 136:
1. Miami
7. Alabama
21. South Florida
40. Penn State
93. North Carolina
135. Sam Houston
Full rankings: www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...
1. Miami
7. Alabama
21. South Florida
40. Penn State
93. North Carolina
135. Sam Houston
Full rankings: www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...
Ranking 136 college football teams after Week 6: Miami takes top spot after a wild weekend
After major upsets for Texas and Penn State, the two once-highly ranked programs continue to fall down the order.
www.nytimes.com
October 6, 2025 at 5:23 PM
This week's Athletic 136:
1. Miami
7. Alabama
21. South Florida
40. Penn State
93. North Carolina
135. Sam Houston
Full rankings: www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...
1. Miami
7. Alabama
21. South Florida
40. Penn State
93. North Carolina
135. Sam Houston
Full rankings: www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...