Dana O'Neil

Bob Knight once mocked reporters, "All of us learn to write in second grade. Most of us go on to bigger & better things.'' I disagree. There's nothing better than telling great stories. So some personal news: I'm joining the
@cnnsport team.
#OnceASportswriterAlwaysASportswriter

'It's all gone': Trainer of Derby favorite focusing on race after life upended by L.A. fires

The trainer for the Kentucky Derby is fine. But his path to the race has not been easy.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/630...

Bob Baffert returns to Kentucky Derby after 3-year suspension: ‘I just want to move forward.’ Three years after Medina Spirit's victory was stripped due to a failed drug test, Baffert looks to reclaim his place at Churchill Downs.

After three years, Bob Baffert is back at the Kentucky Derby. On the complicated suspension, road back and what's next:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/631...

I'm sorry..
@RealPitino
deserves a finder's fee for id-ing something in Walter Clayton, Jr. that no one else saw. Dude started at Iona and is halfway to the Final Four MOP

We are just heading to Cal vs Pitino one on one when everyone fouls out, right?

Remembering John Feinstein, renowned American sportswriter who was ‘larger than life’ Feinstein was 30 when he penned 'A Season on the Brink,' a 1986 portrait of Bob Knight and the Indiana Hoosiers.

“He was loved at the highest level and hated at the highest level,” Mike Krzyzewski said by phone yesterday, stopping and starting. “He knew that, too, and he was OK with it."

That's a life too large to fit into any simple sketch, but here we remember John Feinstein
www.nytimes.com/athletic/620...

Hoops heaven

Thanks CBS for the split screen. If he got a promotion, Michigan State, his mom would like to know.

Lots of talk about coin flips and seeding these days. Naturally the Big East did it first

Watching a horse race in Santa Anita. Horse named Journalism is entered. He's not a long shot. I'm so glad for that.

The Teacher in Room 1214 When a gunman killed two of her students, Ivy Schamis was the only adult in the room. Her journey through guilt and healing sheds light on the impossible role of American teachers.

As the mother of a teacher, the daughter of a teacher and the friend to so many teacher, this story gutted and awed me.
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/23/h...

I still cannot stop thinking of the Great Gazoo when I see Mahomes in his helmet

We've already kicked off

He's very easy to root for. Class all the way around

Longino's Rise A Product of Perseverance and Strength - Villanova University Doylestown native has been a Wildcats key in 2024-25

On Jordan Longino, goals and persistence.
villanova.com/news/2025/2/...

Celebrating 40 Perfect Minutes 40 Years Later - Villanova University '85 Champions to be honored as part of Men's Basketball Alumni Night

The ties that bind: on the text chain that connects the Villanova '85 team 40 years later.

villanova.com/news/2025/1/...

Poplar's Rise Inspires Next Generation at Home - Villanova University Senior guard is second on the Wildcats in scoring at 14.5 points per game

villanova.com/news/2025/1/...

Puppies in snow. #DogArt

Great Looie story: baseball practice. Lou opts to bypass freshman tryouts to talk to a hoops recruit named Lew Alcindor. Jack Kaiser not happy. Looie on the frosh baseball guys, "Terrible looking. Glasses on. You're all cut. I don't want these schmucks."

So very grateful that before COVID shut down the world, I got to sit with Looie for my book. What a legend. What a good and kind man. RIP to one of the absolute best people and coaches. Heart broken

Now for the food ....

Wicked prep

Villanova University Names Eric Roedl as Vice President and Director of Athletics - Villanova University VILLANOVA, Pa. - Villanova University today announced that Eric Roedl has been appointed the school's Vice President and Director of Athletics. Roedl, who currently serves as the Deputy Athletic Direc...

Some news. And welcome
villanova.com/news/2024/11...

Happy place deserves happy content. Michigan State hoops managers for the IM win and celebratory handstand

Alrighty.. happy to try a happier place.