Thom Loverro
Columns by Thom Loverro
LOVERRO: If keys didn’t make it clear, Washington belongs to Bryce Harper
Harper was given a key to the city by Mayor Muriel Bowser prior to the Nationals' home opener on Thursday, which is just another honor he'll add to his growing collection of trophies. Published April 7, 2016
LOVERRO: Nobody should enter Basketball Hall of Fame before Lefty Driesell
The former Maryland coach, who is eighth all-time with 786 victories, was again left out of the Basketball Hall of Fame when the newest class of inductees was revealed on Monday. Published April 5, 2016
LOVERRO: Nationals will soon find Dusty Baker is better than Plan B
Baker appeared to be the Nationals' second choice for manager last fall, but his ability to connect with players and his more than 50 years of experience should point them in the right direction. Published April 3, 2016
LOVERRO: Washington at center of boxing world with several upcoming shows
Adrien Broner and Ashley Theophane will headline a nationally televised "Premiere Boxing Champions" card on Friday at the D.C. Armory, with two other events looming in the next two months. Published March 31, 2016
LOVERRO: Unlike Robert Griffin III, Colt McCoy soldiers on with Redskins
Griffin never showed a desire to improve while with the Redskins, which is exactly what McCoy hopes to do after he decided to return to the team by signing a new contract earlier this month. Published March 29, 2016
LOVERRO: Alfred Morris’ old car helped create identity as Redskins’ everyman
It wasn't just Morris' record-breaking rookie season in 2012 that endeared him to many. It was also the story behind his 1991 Mazda, which put his humility on display. Published March 27, 2016
LOVERRO: Possibilities limitless for Robert Griffin III with the Browns
Now that Griffin has signed with the Browns, one of the Redskins' home opponents this season, every scenario is in play and the possibilities are limitless. Published March 24, 2016
LOVERRO: Mark Turgeon set to meet his biggest challenge yet as Maryland’s mountain man
Turgeon's substance shows he will measure up to the moment Thursday in Louisville. He's doesn't hate that he has to play Kansas. He isn't just glad his team is there. He isn't just excited to be in the game. He wants to beat everyone. Published March 22, 2016
LOVERRO: Major League Baseball’s trip to Cuba a step back in time
Here's hoping that the group of writers accompanying Obama, including those sportswriters who will be covering the Tampa Bay Rays exhibition game Tuesday against the Cuban national team, have as good a time as I had in the five days I spent there in 1999. Published March 20, 2016
LOVERRO: Craig Laughlin laughs, smiles through 25 seasons of Capitals games
Laughlin joined the broadcast booth shortly after his retirement from the Capitals, and he'll be honored by the team and by CSN Mid-Atlantic for 25 seasons on air during the game on Friday. Published March 17, 2016
LOVERRO: No surprise Giants player gripes about Bryce Harper’s flair
Sergio Romo took exception to Harper's insistence that baseball players need to relax the unwritten rules, but as the reigning National League MVP, Harper has earned the right to say what he wants. Published March 15, 2016
LOVERRO: Nationals would be wise to extend Mike Rizzo’s tenure as GM
Rizzo has overhauled the Nationals' roster since taking over for Jim Bowden in 2009 and has turned them into a perennial playoff contender. It should be a no-brainer for ownership to pick up his contract option. Published March 13, 2016
LOVERRO: Brock Osweiler’s deal with Texans a true measure of quarterback play
Osweiler reportedly signed a four-year contract with the Texans that includes $37 million guaranteed, which shows just how much teams value even mediocre quarterbacks in a pass-happy league. Published March 10, 2016
LOVERRO: After shaming, anonymous scouts deserve credit on Robert Griffin III
Two anonymous scouts said in 2012 that Griffin is "selfish" and "doesn't treat anybody good." Those comments were panned, but after four years with Griffin, the Redskins learned they were true. Published March 8, 2016
LOVERRO: Salary cap penalty could have saved Redskins from Robert Griffin III
Had the crippling $36 million penalty been levied days earlier, instead of the day the trade with the Rams went through, there's a strong likelihood the Redskins wouldn't have made the move for Griffin. Published March 7, 2016
LOVERRO: Like idol Johnny Unitas, Peyton Manning to be remembered among greats
Manning's decision to retire will leave him holding a number of league records and put him in company that includes Unitas, one of his idols and another longtime Colts great. Published March 6, 2016
LOVERRO: Kirk Cousins’ game of tag pays off for him, but will it for Redskins?
The Redskins' haven't had the greatest fortune with their use of the franchise tag, but after Cousins signed the one-year, $19.95 million contract offer on Thursday, we'll all see how he performs. Published March 3, 2016
LOVERRO: Danny Espinosa feeling at home following move back to shortstop
Espinosa was drafted as a shortstop but played a variety of positions in recent years. With Ian Desmond now with the Rangers, Espinosa has a chance to fill in as the everyday starter at the position. Published March 1, 2016
LOVERRO: Difficult to take joy, perspective out of Nationals’ Gio Gonzalez
The fun-loving Gonzalez considers the Nationals' pitching staff a unique group with different mentalities, and there may be no further evidence than his budding trust and friendship with Jonathan Papelbon. Published February 28, 2016
LOVERRO: Ian Desmond’s absence creates noticeable void in Nationals’ clubhouse
The shortstop, a face of the franchise in recent seasons, is still a free agent after turning down the Nationals' contract offers, leaving former teammates baffled. Published February 25, 2016
