Disproving 3 Sports Myths That AREN’T Conspiracy Theories
There are many popular “conspiracy theories” in the world of sports. Some of them are entirely believable but you can’t prove them to be 100% true. My favorite is the idea that Michael Jordan did not really retire when he first left the Chicago Bulls.
In the midst of an investigation into his ties to illegal gambling operations in 1993, Michael Jordan decides to retire. His 18-month “retirement” seemed like a fake story when the NBA decided to not re-open the investigation into his gambling ties after his return. I completely buy into this theory.
There are other stories in sports that aren’t conspiracies, but they are repeated as fact without merit. These are a few of my favorites and I’d love to hear yours.
FALSE – It’s tough to beat a team three times in an NFL season
The only time a team in the NFL can face the same opponent three times is if they are a divisional opponent and they both advance to the postseason. When that happens you will most certainly hear that “trying to beat a team three times in a season is very difficult”.
The fact is, that is a complete falsehood. In fact, when that scenario unfolded the team that was 2-0 in the regular season wins again in the playoffs almost 65% of the time. So why is it constantly repeated as a storyline? My best guess is lazy sports media members.
FALSE – Most doubleheaders in baseball are split
I’ve heard people say that “it’s tough to sweep a doubleheader” or that “most doubleheaders are split”. Once again, it’s crazy how talking points like this ever get legs. As of 2024, the number of doubleheaders that end in a split is about 49%. MLB has been keeping data on this since 1961 and it’s amazing how even the statistic actually is. Next time you hear someone tell you this, ignore them!
FALSE – Load management in the NBA helps to prevent injuries
The NBA has had an issue with fans being denied seeing the stars of the game not due to injury, but because of the perceived need for more rest. It is spun as a protection plan for the players but the science doesn’t back up the strategy.
The league and fans overwhelmingly hate the practice and it was studied independently to see whether load management truly cuts back on player injuries. The answer was an emphatic no! Teams were involved in providing the injury data and the league paid for it. Load management is a crock.
What are some of your favorite of these non-conspiracy theories in sports?
I bet there are many that I didn’t put at the top of my list. I’d love to hear yours. Feel free to share them with me at John.kincade@bbgi.com.
Watch Kincade & Salciunas on the 97.5 The Fanatic YouTube page for discussion about the latest breaking sports news in Philadelphia.
8 Highlights Of Phillies Alumni Weekend
David Montgomery On The Wall Of Fame
Former Phillies President and CEO David Montgomery joined the Phillies Wall of Fame posthumously on Saturday night.
Montgomery spent 48 years in various roles within the organization, rising into the executive ranks during the 1990s. He passed away in 2019 after a five-year battle with cancer.
His wife Lyn Montgomery and his daughter Susa McFall attended the festivities on David’s behalf.
The Phillies alumni in attendance lauded Montgomery for the family atmosphere he created within the organization. The Roxborough native built a reputation for his inclusion of all ballpark staff, from star outfielders to security guards and from starting pitchers to elevator attendants.
Mike Schmidt spoke about Montgomery after the Wall of Fame ceremony.
“I think David was a big link to the city itself. Man of the people might be putting it too mildly, but David Montgomery was a man of the people.” -Mike Schmidt
Photo by Colin Newby | BBGI PhiladelphiaSeries Victory Over The Nationals
The Phillies didn’t forget there was a series to play. They had hit their low point of the 2024 season after a 5-0 embarrassment against the Miami Marlins on the first game of the homestand on Tuesday.
They’ve recovered nicely by salvaging the split against the Fish and pounding the inferior Nationals in a commanding weekend series win that made the franchise legends proud.
Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, and Cristopher Sanchez regained the form that helped the Phillies off to a hot start to gain control of the National League East. A loss on Sunday snapped a four-game winning streak, but they’ll hit the road now to face stronger opponents in the Atlanta Braves and the Kansas City Royals.
Photo by Heather Barry/Getty ImagesFull List Of Phillies Alumni Attendees
Circa 1980: Mike Schmidt, Steve Carlton, Greg Luzinski, Larry Bowa, Bob Boone, Bob Wine, Manny Trillo, Juan Samuel, Ron Reed, Dickie Noles, Gary Matthews, Garry Maddox, Steve Jeltz, Greg Gross
Circa 1993: John Kruk, Milt Thompson, Tommy Greene, Larry Andersen, Ruben Amaro Jr., Kevin Stocker, Jeff Manto
Circa 2004 Jim Thome, Bobby Abreu, Mike Lieberthal, Brandon Duckworth
Circa 2008: Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard, Carlos Ruiz, Charlie Manuel, Pat Gillick, Brad Lidge, Jamie Moyer, Joe Blanton, Ryan Madson, Aaron Rowand, Erik Kratz, Kevin Frandsen
Local Alumni: Mark Leiter Sr., Greg Legg, Art Mahaffey, Ramon Henderson, Terry Harmon, Gene Garber, Doug Clemens, John Briggs, Howie Bedell
Photo by Colin Newby | BBGI Philadelphia
