Sconnies Speak

Author: ghartlaub

  • Why Do We Reward Foul Baiting?

    By Brandon Epstein

    Since when has acting become such a huge part of the NBA? Do fans enjoy watching SGA throw his head back every time he gets touched to try and bait the refs into calling a foul? What about when somebody breathes on Joel Embiid a little too hard and the 300-pounder all the sudden goes flying to the ground and chucks the ball up at the last second to get free throws. If this isn’t enough to get fans riled up, what about when Jalen Brunson catches a defender on his back and decides to do the classic stop dribbling and jump backwards while flailing your legs out into the defender to draw a foul? None of these moves are basketball moves and are just bullshit tactics to get the refs to blow their whistle.

    As more players are starting to use foul-baiting tactics to their advantage fans are becoming frustrated with the number of free throws in games. These free throws are due to foul-baiting and how much it slows the game down. Players used to have to earn their buckets, and when they got fouled, it was very obvious contact. Now, players will emphasize any slight contact to get a foul call, and this has to change.

    The NBA has stood against foul-baiting in the past, with the creation of a rule to counteract one of the most common ways players would foul-bait, known as “The Harden Rule”. James Harden was one of the best players in the NBA and pretty much created a new strategy where he would launch himself into nearby defenders to draw contact with them as he was shooting to draw a foul. This is the definition of foul baiting, as a player would normally never do this if they were trying to make the shot in the first place. The Harden Rule was implemented so that players could not lean into a defender or use unnatural or non-basketball moves to draw a foul. This rule has certainly helped with the foul-baiting issue, but players are still finding new ways to exploit the refs. The same superstars are constantly doing this to get to the free-throw line at an absurd rate.

    Not only has the foul baiting issue caused frustration to fans for constantly having “soft” foul calls by players flopping a but it has also slowed the game down tremendously. It is very boring for fans to watch the same players take free throws 20 times a game. 

    While the actual length of games has not increased that significantly, since the 2016-2017 season there has been an increase in stoppages. A major part of stoppages is due to more fouls being called, which gives fans the perception that the game has slowed down.

    The NBA has shown that it knows there is a foul-baiting issue and has commented on this matter in the past. Previous exploitations have resulted in rule changes that have bettered the game, it’s time for a change to address foul baiting as well.

  • How the NBA and NFL Can Save Their All-Star Games? – Ask the NHL 

    By Halley Mackiernan

    All-Star Weekends and Pro Bowls were created to be the crown jewel of sports entertainment – a weekend filled with remarkable talent, high-stakes competition, and moments fans wouldn’t wasn’t to miss. So why did this year’s NBA All-Star Game and NFL Pro Bowl Games resemble an awkward family reunion no one wants to attend? 

    The defense was non-existent, players barely broke a sweat, and fans wondered why they even bothered to watch. What was supposed to be a showcase of competitive, high-performing sports games became a boring exhibition game that showed little if any honor towards the leagues and its remarkable stars. 

    And fans have noticed. Viewership for both events declined significantly from previous years, with the 2025 NBA All-Star Game experiencing a 13% decrease in viewership compared to the 2024 game and the 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Games hitting the lowest live audience since the 2021 “virtual” edition. 

    Meanwhile, the NHL cracked the code. This February, the NHL debuted the 4 Nations Face-Off, a mini-tournament featuring top hockey players from the U.S., Canada, Sweden, and Finland. What made it so successful? They actually gave their athletes something worth playing for – National pride. And because the players cared, fans followed suit. 

    Where is the Motivation? 

    The cause of the current NBA All-Star and NFL Pro Bowl problem is clear – they don’t offer their players a real incentive. With players only having guaranteed contracts and the risk of injury on their minds, it makes sense that they are hesitant to play their hardest. They are preserving their talent and athleticism for the moments that truly matter. But when you lack competitiveness in a televised sports game, the product is bound to suffer. 

    This year’s NBA All-Star Game was criticized heavily by sports fans as defense was practically illegal, and scoring records were broken in the least exciting way possible. Even the league’s own stars admitted it was hard to take the game seriously, including Draymond Green, who told ESPN that the new format for this year’s game was a “zero on a 1-to-10 scale” and “sucked.” 

    The NFL Pro Bowl faced similar critiques. With the game being recently reduced to a flag football game and a few skills contests, it feels more like a reality TV show than a sporting competition. 

    Bring Out the Stakes 

    What the NHL discovered – and what the NBA and NFL still need to find – is that athletes will put in effort if they have something bigger to play for. Pride, legacy, bragging rights. Make it more about money and entertainment; the athletes will commit. 

    Imagine if, instead of pointless skills challenges and effortless pick-up games during the NBA All-Star Game, the league introduced a Team USA vs. Team World All-Star Game. They could have Nikola Jokic, Luke Doncic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo leading an international team against top USA players, such as LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant. No one can tell me that doesn’t scream instant drama, trash talk, and actual effort. It becomes a game with legitimate stakes instead of just a show.  

    For the NFL, The Pro Bowl Game could also encompass a USA vs. The World concept. This would give international football stars like Chuba Hubbard and Moro Ojomo a chance to prove themselves against America’s best football talent. Sure, the U.S. would be favored – but that idea could improve the game’s drama. The opportunity for upsets, rivalries, and motivation. That’s how entertaining sports games are created. 

    Evidence to Back It Up 

    The NHL 4 Nations Face off is not the first time national pride fueled unforgettable sports moments. The 2023 World Baseball Classic First Round experienced a +564% increase in total engagements across its social media accounts and broke an attendance record, with a +98% increase from the previous record in 2017. 

    Similarly, Olympic basketball continues to embrace full effort from NBA athletes, even during the offseason. Wonder why? Because they get to represent their country and compete for something that actually matters. 

    Don’t Let the Legacy Die 

    Sure, the logistics of the games still need some help. Deciding timing based on season, dealing with health concerns, and player availability are valid components that must be discussed in more depth. However, this year, the NHL made certain that a more compelling and successful product is realistic. If the NHL was able to hold such an event, the NBA and NFL should have little problems pulling it off too.  

    The NBA All-Star Game and NFL Pro Bowl Game used to mean something. People would want to watch the most talented players across the league compete outside of the competition included in the regular seasons. That excitement is fading fast. 

    If the NBA and NFL want to regain this excitement, they need to look at a new format that includes giving their players something extra to play for and their fans something more to care about. They need to embrace a greater level of competition and rivalry and feed the passions of their audience. 

    If they don’t make these changes soon, people won’t talk about how last year’s Pro Bowl or NBA All-Star Game was so lame they can’t believe they watched. They will be talking about how they can’t believe the games were so bad that they had to be eliminated entirely.   

  • The MVP Debate is Great, But it Really Shouldn’t be Close

    By Michael Gentleman

    The current MVP race is perhaps the most competitive in the last 25 years, showcasing a blend of established superstars and an emerging face of the league. As the postseason edges closer and closer, the ongoing debate about who will win the award will finally be over. While it certainly is a close race with the top two contenders both having historic seasons, the answer isn’t as complicated as it’s being made out to be — Nikola Jokić should be walking away with his fourth MVP.

    Nikola Jokic has completely redefined the center position over the last half-decade with his extraordinary playmaking and scoring abilities. Averaging 29.8 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game, he’s on track to become the first center in NBA history to average a triple-double for a season – oh, and he also ranks top 3 in the league in all those categories. His efficiency is equally remarkable, shooting 56.8% from the field (8th) and 42.0% from three (14th). That’s absurd for a 6-foot-11 big man.

    But it’s not just the box score. When Jokic is on the court, the Nuggets become a completely different team – a championship front-runner. With him playing, the Nuggets have a net rating of +10.6, meaning they are outscoring opponents by 10.6 points per 100 possessions. When he is off the court, in sharp contrast, Denver has a -8.2 net rating. Out of all the players with a positive net rating this year, his +18.8 swing on and off the court is far and away the largest difference.

    And then there are the moments and the games that stop you in your tracks. On April 1st, he recorded a historic triple-double with 61 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists against the Minnesota Timberwolves in their 140-139 double-overtime loss – the first ever 60-10-10 game. 

    And just a month earlier, on March 7th, Jokic delivered a 31-point, 21-rebound, 22-assist game as the Nuggets beat the Phoenix Suns 149-141 in overtime – and yes, that is also the first ever 30-20-20 game. This is not just MVP stuff, this is stuff we’ll still be talking about in 10 years. 

    Of course, this isn’t a one-man race, Jokic certainly still has strong competition from young Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. SGA is leading the Thunder to an NBA-best 64-14 record while averaging a league-leading 32.6 points per game along with 6.0 assists and 5.2 rebounds. 

    However, when looking at his impact on OKC’s net rating, there is a clear difference between him and Jokic. When SGA sits, the Thunder are still really, really good. 

    With SGA on the floor, the Thunder have a +18.3 net rating – marking the highest net rating in the league. Of course, this is incredibly impressive and shows just how great of a player he is, but with SGA off the court, the Thunder still have a +5.8 net rating. The difference of +12.5 again shows how great an impact SGA has on his team, but the fact that his team still has a fantastic net rating (this would rank 4th in the NBA amongst all teams) means that Jokic is much more valuable to his own team’s success than SGA is to his team. 

    This race might be filled with stars, but there’s only one player who checks every MVP box — and then rewrites the criteria. Jokić’s statistical dominance, his overwhelming impact on team performance, and his record-breaking performances leave little room for debate.

    So let’s not overthink it. Jokić isn’t just having the best season of anyone this year — he’s doing things we’ve never seen before. The MVP award should reflect that. And when the votes are counted, it should reflect him.

  • NIL is a Can Opener

    by Rachel Van Hefty

    From the beginning of college sports, the NCAA insisted that college athletes should be deemed “amateurs.” Meaning, student-athletes should compete purely for the love of the game rather than a paycheck. All the while, schools, coaches, media networks and sponsors have cashed in on the millions, if not billions, made from said “amateur” talent. How does that work? 

    Now, a new player is in the game – Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). With NIL deals in full effect, college athletes can finally cash in and make a profit. The ideology behind NIL deals is to allow athletes to profit from their personal brand by signing deals with other brands. Athletes can earn money through things ranging from endorsement deals and autograph signings to TikTok partnerships and social media posts without violating their amateur status. They are finally getting a slice of the pie they’ve long helped bake.  For some athletes, this has been life-changing! 

    For example, Arch Manning has the highest NIL valuation, reaching a staggering 6.5 million dollars. While some star football and basketball players are reaping the benefits, athletes in less marketable sports are paying the price. This is where NIL acts as a can opener, one that changes the entire landscape of college athletics, for better and for worse. Can of worms: open. 

    As seen in the NIL era, the deals tend to favor male athletes in revenue-generating sports such as football and basketball. For athletes in non-revenue-generating sports like swimming, softball, or wrestling, the opportunities become limited, and the gap widens. Not only does this affect the individual athletes, but NIL also heavily affects athletic departments. According to USA Today, they are shifting their attention towards NIL collectives — donor-funded groups to help athletes monetize their brand —  to keep programs like football and basketball stay competitive. With the attention of the athletic departments shifted, there has been less attention and potentially less funding for other sports. It also brings Title IX considerations into play. If NIL-related fundraising efforts are disproportionate between men’s and women’s teams, could there be legal challenges? 

    Name, Image, and Likeness is meant to empower athletes and give them control over their own worth, but the lack of structure risks turning the college athletics landscape into one where only a select few can benefit. According to ESPN, “The NCAA has expressed concern that, without a federal law, enforcing its own NIL rules could violate antitrust rules — so while the organization has hoped that Congress will pass a federal standard, there’s no national set of rules.”  The concerns of the NCAA voice the concerns of many. Non-revenue generating sports could begin to shrink or even disappear without meaningful regulation. The gap between men’s and women’s sports could widen. These are only a few of the “worms” in the can that the NIL era has opened. While fair compensation is necessary, this complete free-for-all is not sustainable. If schools, the NCAA, and/or lawmakers don’t step in to create a more equitable approach, college sports may become unrecognizable. 

    NIL is here to stay, but like any can opener, when the lid pops, everything inside it spills. So, the question is, who’s cleaning up the mess?

  • The Rusty Toolbox Game: A Spotlight on Wisconsin’s Unsung Heroes

    by Evan Engel

    Every practice, as Wisconsin’s football players and coaches march onto the practice field, everything is perfectly in place. The cones are lined up, the pads are set, the footballs are neatly arranged. Drills run smoothly, the helmets are crisp and clean, and the jerseys are spotless. When practice ends, they head for the locker room, leaving behind a field littered with equipment, sweat soaked towels and jerseys, and the remains of another grueling training session. Yet, by the time they return the next day, it’s as if none of it ever happened. Everything is in its place, prepped, and ready to go. 

    This is the work of the Wisconsin student managers, the silent engine that keeps the Wisconsin Football Program running. They are the first to arrive and the last to leave, ensuring that every detail is handled so that the players and coaches can focus on the game. Their efforts go unnoticed and their names are rarely mentioned, but for one night every year, that changes.

    The Rusty Toolbox Game, an annual flag football showdown between Wisconsin and Iowa’s student managers, is more than just a friendly competition: It’s a moment of recognition. It’s a chance for those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to showcase their football skills and earn respect from the players and coaches they serve. 

    The Role of a Student Manager

    Being a student manager is not only about setting up and taking down drills and washing jerseys; it is a demanding and grueling job that requires long hours and a deep understanding of the game. Managers also have to balance higher education simultaneously. They arrive hours before the first whistle of practice, ensuring that every single aspect of practice is prepared and ready to go. Adjustments are made on the fly, as coaches often change their minds on drills and equipment as practice goes on. No matter what, the managers find a way to get it done.

    For Nick Barry, a junior studying economics, being a student manager is something he has been dedicated to since before classes even started his freshman year. He earned the role of head student manager just after his second season. “We do a little bit of everything,” says Barry. “We’re part of the team in a different way. We might not be on the field during games, but we are there every step of the way.”

    Similarly, Cole Trautmann, who’s pursuing a degree in industrial engineering, found his place with the team as a freshman. By his second season, he stepped into the role of special teams manager. “In order to be a student manager, you have to understand the game on a deeper level. You have to be able to put yourself in the mind of a player and a coach and think of problems before they happen.” 

    Wisconsin’s managers are also responsible for assisting position coaches, helping execute travel logistics, and aiding in game-day operations. During the season, it is normal for the student managers to work 40+ hours a week, with only one day off.  Their work is critical, and though they receive little public recognition, the players and staff know how much they contribute.

    The Meaning Behind the Game

    The Rusty Toolbox tradition started back in 1991 as a way for the managers from Wisconsin and Iowa to compete for bragging rights and a trophy, the rusty toolbox. Over time, it has turned into a fiercely competitive battle, filled with pride and intensity that the managers look forward to each season. 

    “For us, it’s more than a game,” Trautmann explains. “It’s our chance to step onto the field and show our players and coaches that we have some skill too.”

    Throughout the season, the managers dedicate their own time to preparing for the game—watching film from previous years, running drills, and even designing plays. The night before the official Wisconsin vs. Iowa football game, it’s finally their turn to be in the spotlight. While it’s technically flag football, the intensity is real: there’s plenty of contact—just without the pads. It’s not unusual for managers to walk away with sprains, fractures, and more than a few bruises.

    The sidelines are always filled with friends, family, and former managers. Even the players and coaches will stop by to watch the game. Sometimes, they give their two cents on what they are seeing. 

    One such moment came when former Wisconsin Linebacker Chris Orr, watching from the sidelines, saw an opportunity to help. Recognizing a weakness in the managers’ defensive scheme, he stepped in and called for an adjustment mid-game. 

    “That was huge for us,” Barry recalls. “Not only did his adjustment help us, it boosted our confidence. It felt good knowing that we had some of our guys cheering us on and were pulling for us to win. I mean, we do that for them every Saturday.”

    A Night to be Recognized

    For most of the season, the managers work in the background, their efforts unseen by fans and the media. During the Rusty Toolbox Game, they take center stage. Under the bright lights of the indoor practice facilities, they make genuinely impressive plays, have unique celebrations, and hear their names cheered. It’s a brief moment –and a fraction of the glory their players and coaches feel, but one that carries deep significance. 

    “It feels refreshing to feel recognized and respected for the hard work that we put in each and every day,” Trautmann explains. “We might not be playing for a championship or headlines, but it sure is nice to be the one playing ball for once.”

    When the final whistle blows, the managers return to their usual roles, ensuring that the team is ready for the real game the following day. But for that one night, they are not the ones just setting up the field; they are the ones playing on it. 

    And for them, that means everything.