Deron Snyder
Articles by Deron Snyder
SNYDER: It’s time to seek freedom from gun violence throughout society
Independence Day undoubtedly stirs sadness in many folks, including loved ones of former Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair and former Northwestern University men's basketball coach Ricky Byrdsong. Published July 3, 2012
SNYDER: Status carries more weight than stats in All-Star selections
History and tradition are like precious heirlooms to Major League Baseball, which is replete with longstanding questions in those areas. Published July 2, 2012
SNYDER: Invitation only, but few stars answer Tiger’s call
The sixth AT&T National is in the books, yet we still don't feel well-acquainted with the tournament or its host. Published July 1, 2012
SNYDER: At Congressional, the calm after the storm
Forget about whether a tree falling at Congressional Country Club makes a sound if nobody is around to hear it. There was another musing to ponder after violent thunderstorms battered the metro area Friday night, leading tournament officials to ban spectators and volunteers Saturday morning: Published June 30, 2012
SNYDER: Struggling Jason Day coming to grips with a changing life
Standing on the seventh green Friday while waiting his turn to putt, Jason Day shook his shoulder-length hair and poured water into his cap. The temperature was rising and Day's score was threatening to do likewise. Published June 29, 2012
SNYDER: Tiger Woods remains the host with the most
Tiger Woods was back Thursday afternoon, playing at Congressional Country Club for the first time in three years. He was back in March, winning an official PGA Tour event for the first time in 932 days. He also was back earlier this month, becoming a multiple-winner on the Tour for the first time since 2009. Published June 28, 2012
SNYDER: To RG3: Live right and erase any doubt
I imagine everyone has things in their past that they don't want folks to know about. Whether it's youthful indiscretions or regrettable choices in adulthood, we're thankful that our lives aren't open books for all the world to see. Published June 26, 2012
SNYDER: A lateral move still is considered a step up for Wizards
Wizards president Ernie Grunfeld has been an all-or-nothing guy to an extent, engineering deals that are great or gross, but rarely in-between. Published June 21, 2012
SNYDER: Why should steroids be singled out?
The verdicts are in. All that remains now are the votes. Baseball's poster boys for the Steroid Era — Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds — have endured their government trials. They have gotten off scot-free and with a wrist slap, respectively, making a mockery of federal prosecutors. But the best pitcher and best hitter of their generation have yet to be judged by the baseball writers who elect players to the Hall of Fame. Published June 19, 2012
SNYDER: Whatever you do, don’t blink on Nats’ season
My 13-year-old daughter was confused Tuesday night when she came into the room and saw the Nationals on TV instead of Heat-Thunder. Published June 14, 2012
SNYDER: NBA draft hopefuls gladly take their show on the road
Such is life for players such as Clark and Jardine, criss-crossing the country for team workouts in the final weeks before the NBA draft. The Wizards were the third and seventh stop, respectively, for Clark and Jardine, who were joined by Matt Gatens (Iowa), Bernard James (Florida State) and Darius Miller (Kentucky). Published June 12, 2012
SNYDER: Knuckling under can be a good thing
Two weeks ago, we asked why the Washington Nationals couldn't complete a series sweep, as the team was 0-7 when the opportunity presented itself. The Nats promptly put that matter to rest by going on the road and brooming the Atlanta Braves. Published June 7, 2012
SNYDER: In three games, Spurs exposed as a tired team
Champion boxers can age in a hurry, with no perceptible warning signs. They can show great vim and vigor as the bout approaches and maintain that energy through the early rounds. But then they can lose it, suddenly, in the middle of the fight, looking old, tired and worn out compared to the young, spry and energetic contender. Published June 5, 2012
SNYDER: Nationals thrive with can-do attitude
The Washington Nationals barely needed an airplane as they flew to Miami from Atlanta last Sunday night, having completed their first series sweep this season. The flight home Wednesday wasn't nearly as sweet, though, after they were swept by the Marlins. Published May 31, 2012
SNYDER: In sports, wrong calls happen; bad calls shouldn’t
By no means is this an attempt to pick on Tim Welke. He suffered enough in 1998, when a Sports Illustrated cover featured his photo and an incendiary headline: "Kill the Umps! Missed calls and skewed strike zones are marring the postseason." Published May 30, 2012
SNYDER: No. 1 pick doesn’t guarantee a trip to NBA’s promised land
One of my most unforgettable "Where were you?" sports memories doesn't involve an actual game or players, although seven teams took part. It was the NBA's first draft lottery, held Mother's Day 1985, the day after my Howard University graduation ceremony. Published May 29, 2012
SNYDER: Two out of three for the Nats ain’t bad, but …
Once again, it's time to check off some items on my "TIDU List" — Things I Don't Understand: Published May 24, 2012
SNYDER: Out West, storm front brings lots of Thunder
Champions don't pass the torch when an up-and-comer nips at their heels, eager for a taste at the summit. Contenders must snatch the crown and pry it away from seasoned winners. Published May 22, 2012
SNYDER: Jenkins is like a new gift for Redskins to unwrap
The Washington Redskins didn't have a second-round selection in this year's draft, having packaged it in the bounty for the No. 2 overall pick. But you could argue that Washington had a second-round draft pick in the bag - defensive end Jarvis Jenkins. Published May 21, 2012
SNYDER: Two phenoms put brakes on Nationals’ skid
The Nats were running on fumes, a measly 9-13 since a 14-4 start. They needed a win badly, not just for pride along the Washington-Baltimore corridor, but also to put a good taste in their mouths entering a brutal stretch of 18 division games and another 13 against the Red Sox, Yankees and Blue Jays. But that's the purpose of having phenoms on your side. Published May 20, 2012
