two sports dynasties come to an end

NPR’s Scott Simon and Meadowlark Media’s Howard Bryant discuss the end of two sports dynasties that have dominated this century: the Golden State Warrior’s and the New England Patriots.

SCOTT SIMON, HOST:

I’m all shouted it out after that promo. But it’s time for sports.

(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)

SIMON: The Golden State Warriors. Oh, are they bad. The New England Patriots, even worse. Is it curtain time for the 21st century’s most dominant dynasties? Oh, I’m still speaking like the British. Howard Bryant of Meadowlark Media joins us. How are you, Howard?

HOWARD BRYANT: Good morning, Scott. How are you?

SIMON: Fine, thanks. Let’s start with the Warriors’ Draymond Green. The NBA suspended him a second time this season – this time, indefinitely – for striking an opposing player during a game. He did that before this season, also last. I was struck – forgive the expression – by what Steve Kerr, the coach, said. This is about more than basketball. It’s about helping Draymond. It’s an opportunity for Draymond to step away and make a change in his approach in his life. What, if I might put it this way, strikes you, Howard?

BRYANT: Well, I think what struck me about this is how quickly a guy who had a reputation as sort of an edgy enforcer is now, essentially, being treated for mental health, that that’s the entire story now, is talking about – you listen to the players, his former teammate, Kevin Durant. You listen to his coach talking about getting him the help that he needs. Here’s a player who, last year, punched his teammate Jordan Poole before the season started, and this team never recovered from it. He’s had two physical altercations already this season. He hasn’t really spoken publicly yet on this. It will be very interesting to see what the NBA thinks in terms of what an indefinite suspension means. Roughly, it’ll be about 10 games, I think. But indefinite could be longer than that or maybe a little bit less. But what’s…