Thom Loverro

Thom Loverro has been a professional journalist since 1977, working for a number of newspapers, including eight years as a news editor and reporter for The Baltimore Sun, where he covered government, politics, and crime. He moved into sports writing when he joined The Washington Times in 1992. He moved to The Washington Examiner as a sports columnist in 2009 and returned to The Washington Times in 2013, where he is currently the lead sports columnist.

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Columns by Thom Loverro

Washington Capitals center Marcus Johansson (90), from Sweden, celebrates his goal with left wing Alex Ovechkin (8), from Russia, with New Jersey Devils right wing Stephen Gionta (11) nearby during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

LOVERRO: Capitals’ debut shows why they’re the best hope for Washington title

After the Nationals choked and as the Wizards continue to make steady progress, it seems the Capitals, with Alex Ovechkin, are once again the favorites to be the first team to win a title for Washington in more than 20 years. Published October 11, 2015

Former Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel smiles before speaking at a news conference before a baseball game against the New York Mets, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2014, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

LOVERRO: Charlie Manuel: ‘I would definitely be interested’ in Nationals’ job

Manuel was a favorite of outfielder Jayson Werth when he managed the Phillies from 2005 through 2013, and his level of experience fits one of general manager's chief qualities for the opening. Published October 9, 2015

Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby (70) pauses during a break in the third period of Game 6 in the second round of the NHL Stanley Cup hockey playoffs against the New York Rangers, Sunday, May 10, 2015, in Washington. The Rangers won 4-3. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

LOVERRO: Braden Holtby, contract in hand, knows little changes after career year

Holtby earned a long-term contract extension after reaching several career bests last season, but the Capitals' goaltender knows that the team will expect more of him now that he's reached a productive level. Published October 8, 2015

Washington Nationals manager Matt Williams, center, and bench coach Randy Knorr stand in the dugout during a baseball game against the Miami Marlins at Nationals Park, Sunday, Aug. 30, 2015, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

LOVERRO: Accountability, authority critical for success of Nationals’ next manager

No one in sports is presented to the public more than a manager, and Matt Williams, fired by the Nationals on Monday after two seasons, will need to be able to handle the pressure and criticism of his actions. Published October 6, 2015

Washington Nationals manager Matt Williams (9) pauses in the dugout before a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park, Friday, May 22, 2015, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

LOVERRO: Matt Williams wasn’t a good manager, but his players drove him out

Williams was extremely well-respected as a coach when he was hired by the Nationals in October 2013, but the respect that he earned with the Diamondbacks did not follow him to Washington. Published October 5, 2015

Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) passes the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Landover, Md., Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

LOVERRO: Redskins’ go-ahead drive offers answers, yet other questions still remain

Plenty of questions about the Redskins were answered when Kirk Cousins engineered a late, go-ahead touchdown drive, but why they were facing a deficit after a 13-point halftime lead is still an issue. Published October 4, 2015

Dr. Ann McKee, of Boston University School of Medicine, talks about damaged human brains during a news conference about chronic traumatic encephalopathy Tuesday Jan. 27, 2009 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

LOVERRO: Which Redskins players will have brain damage when their careers end?

Researchers found that 87 of the 91 brains of former NFL players showed some signs of damage, which means that a good number of those playing for the Redskins right now will exhibit some trouble later in life. Published October 1, 2015

Washington Nationals relief pitcher Jonathan Papelbon (58) reacts next to second base umpire Alan Porter, right, during the ninth inning of an interleague baseball game, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015, in Washington. Papelbon was ejected for hitting Baltimore Orioles' Manny Machado with a pitch. The Orioles won 4-3. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

LOVERRO: Jonathan Papelbon’s actions a sign of what Nationals are missing

Papelbon's altercation with Bryce Harper late in Sunday's game underscores one of the most crucial attributes missing from the Nationals: A sense of aggression and toughness that can help them win games. Published September 29, 2015

Washington Nationals manager Matt Williams walks in the dugout during a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015, in Miami. The Nationals defeated the Marlins 5-0. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

LOVERRO: Who’s truly making the decision regarding Matt Williams’ future?

A number of influential voices will play a role in evaluating the Nationals' manager's future, which remains uncertain following his team's ouster from playoff contention on Saturday. Published September 27, 2015

File-This Sept. 21, 1973, file photo shows Yogi Berra, manager of the New York Mets, watching his team work during a game in Philadelphia. Berra, the Yankees Hall of Fame catcher has died. He was 90. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine, File)

LOVERRO: During his career and upon his retirement, Yogi Berra always the star

Berra, who died Tuesday at 90, was always among the first players to confirm his attendance at the Baseball Hall of Fame weekend, and it may be in Cooperstown where his absence will be felt the greatest. Published September 24, 2015

Washington Nationals' Bryce Harper watches his sacrifice fly that scored Anthony Rendon during the third inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2015, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

LOVERRO: Bryce Harper’s recent success traces all the way back to Ted Williams

Harper, who is among the candidates to be named the National League's MVP, has developed in part because of his association with Mike Epstein, an independent hitting instructor and Williams protege. Published September 22, 2015

Washington Redskins running back Matt Jones (31) is stopped by St. Louis Rams free safety Rodney McLeod (23) during the first half of an NFL football game in Landover, Md., Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

LOVERRO: Matt Jones’ performance exactly what the Redskins envisioned in May

The rookie running back from Florida made Kirk Cousins' life easier on Sunday, and his physical, pounding style left a mark on the Rams that other teams may experience in the future. Published September 20, 2015

A fan wears a bag over his head before a baseball game between the Washington Nationals and the New York Mets at Nationals Park, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2015, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

LOVERRO: Nationals fans in need of refresher on supporting their team in luck

The seemingly premature end to the Nationals' championship hopes has brought out the worst in many of their fans, who could benefit from learning how to properly support their team and appreciate a trip to the ballpark. Published September 17, 2015

Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson poses for an in-house promotional video following an NFL football organized team activity at Redskins Park, on Wednesday, June 3, 2015, in Ashburn, Va. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

LOVERRO: Yet again, DeSean Jackson’s absence leaves a void at Redskins Park

Jackson missed part of the offseason program to film his reality show and didn't take part in the preseason after getting hurt during training camp. Now, the Redskins will have to make do without him after another injury. Published September 15, 2015

Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden walks on the sidelines during the first half of an NFL football game Miami Dolphins Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

LOVERRO: Professed lack of attitude should be a concern for Redskins, Jay Gruden

The coach's claim that the Redskins "didn't come out with the same attitude in the third and fourth quarter" of their 17-10 season-opening loss to the Dolphins on Sunday should be cause for concern. Published September 13, 2015

In this photo taken Aug. 29, 2015, Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins throws to a receiver in the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, in Baltimore. Cousins will start the season as Washington's quarterback, Redskins coach Jay Gruden said Monday. With Robert Griffin III still in the NFL's concussion protocol program, Gruden opted for Cousins, who was drafted along with Griffin in 2012 and has started nine games when Griffin has been hurt, going 2-7. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

LOVERRO: Jay Gruden’s willingness to forgive Kirk Cousins for mistakes a rarity

After little more than offseason workouts, training camp and a few preseason games, Gruden changed his mind about Cousins, a player who he buried last year without giving him another chance. Published September 10, 2015

A Washington Redskins fan watches as the Washington Redskins play the St. Louis Rams in NFL football at FedExField, Landover, Md., Sunday, December 7, 2014. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

FOOTBALL 2015: LOVERRO: Redskins offer hope each year, but never deliver

Fans are sold the illusion of hope with every new decision-maker who arrives at Redskins Park, yet they should know by now that nothing has changed and that results are always the same. Published September 9, 2015

Joe Frazier hits Muhammad Ali with a left during the 15th round of their heavyweight title fight at New York's Madison Square garden in this March 8, 1971 photo. (AP Photo/stf)

LOVERRO: Eddie Futch truly the one who sculpted southpaw Joe Frazier

Frazier will be honored with the unveiling of a statue in his hometown of Philadelphia on Saturday, but it was Futch, Frazier's trainer, who created the pose people will see immortalized in bronze. Published September 8, 2015

New York Mets pitcher Matt Harvey vowed Sunday to pitch in the postseason. (Associated Press)

LOVERRO: Nationals feel Matt Harvey’s innings-limit pain

But, as the Mets arrive in Washington Monday for a key three-game series, Matt Harvey should realize that this isn't New York. You're among friends here. We understand. Published September 6, 2015

Baltimore Orioles Cal Ripken waves to the crowd in the middle of the fifth inning of their game against the California Angels Wednesday, Sept. 6, 1995 in Baltimore's Camden Yards. Ripken broke Lou Gehrig's record of 2,130 consecutive games Wednesday night. (AP Photo/Denis Paquin)

LOVERRO: Cal Ripken Jr.’s games-played record a gift from the baseball gods

The sport had been suffering, reeling from the strike that wiped out the last portion of the 1994 season, but Ripken's pursuit of a once-impossible record won back fans and popularized its re-emergence. Published September 3, 2015