ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. Problem, Ben Simmons Who, and Anthony Edward's Big Arrival

The Big Weekend

Mel Kiper Jr. announced today that he would be working the NFL Draft for ESPN from a remote location because he is not vaccinated. Which, of course, is his right. Take all of the politics and your personal proclivities out of the equation. We can all agree that this isn't ideal. Not for the network, which enacted these guidelines to foster the healthiest possible work environment. And not for Kiper, who would give his best performance on-site. So the question becomes: at what point does an inability to do the best possible job due to a personal choice become a problem? Draft night is the one night out of 365 that Kiper, who built himself a specific empire, is most necessary. I don't have the answer, yet it warrants discussion. Kiper beaming in from parts unknown doesn't serve the broadcast. More importantly, it doesn't serve the viewer. He is a staple and a legend and moving him further from the locus of draft coverage would be munition in the never-ending culture war. It's also fair to survey the landscape and understand that Kiper no longer has the market cornered. Draftniks are no longer the counter-culture. They are the culture. The value of over replacement has shrunk as an army of young and hungry analysts nip at Kiper's heels. Something to keep an eye on. Because something will have to give. Knowing nothing, it's hard to imagine this situation continues next year. Not when the best ability is availability.

Plus more thoughts on Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers, Anthony Edwards, Kyrie Irving, and Gus Johnson.

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