Vince Grippi

A GRIP ON SPORTS • One eye is glued to ESPN+. Another is focused on the Seahawks’ schedule. And, if we had a third eye, it would not be blind to what’s going on in college athletics.

A GRIP ON SPORTS • There was a glitch in the matrix last night. It could have originated in many spots between Sodo and Spokane but whatever or wherever it commenced its outgrowth was simple. We were unable to watch the M’s play.

A GRIP ON SPORTS • The month of May may feature flowers in the garden, but there is little in the way of earthly delights featured on your television during the month. Unless you are into the NBA. Or love playoff hockey. Or you are as boring as I am and like watching golf and baseball.

A GRIP ON SPORTS • We’re not a fan of mud. Or important horse race run in same. But it’s a long-standing tradition so we live with it. And shake our head at photos of horses, jockeys, heck, even fans covered with the stuff. All in pursuit of going down in the history books. Ya, it’s worth it.

A GRIP ON SPORTS • The Kentucky Derby takes about 2 minutes from when the starting gate opens until the winner passes into immortality. A 2-minute race with 6½ hours of televised runup on NBC. That’s a ratio of 195-1 on the side of blather over action. Seems about right.

A GRIP ON SPORTS • Let’s just keep this short this morning, shall we? I have a busy, and long, Sunday ahead. Maybe you do too. Besides, how many more words does anyone want to hear, or read, about the NFL draft by now?

A GRIP ON SPORTS • The chocolate hangover better go away soon. Too many bunny ears, little eggs and the like yesterday. And too much wind in the Dominican Republic. Both led to a late-evening headache and a poor night’s sleep, despite another Mariner offensive eruption north of the border.

A GRIP ON SPORTS • Is it time to start worrying? About what, you may ask? Everything, really, but there are a few specific areas which might be more relevant than others.

A GRIP ON SPORTS • It wasn’t all that long ago when then-Washington State athletic director Bill Moos decided the best place to play the Cougars’ spring football game wasn’t in Martin Stadium. It was in Spokane. At Joe Albi Stadium. In the ensuing decade-and-a-half, Moos is in retirement, Joe Albi Stadium has been replaced by a middle school and spring games nearly have been portaled out of existence.

A GRIP ON SPORTS • Please be forgiving today. It’s Thursday. The Masters is underway. And, while I’m working, for you, I’m also watching, for me. I can’t remember how many years ago I discovered Masters.org and started streaming the tournament, but it was long ago. The increased number of errors creeping into this column during the Masters? It’s a tradition unlike any other.