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Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Sports Column

Graphic by Rina Laby

The WNBA is digging its own grave. Players are trying to claw their way out.

By Rina Laby, Dept. City Editor / October 8, 2025

As the WNBA Finals commence, I can't help but take a look back at what has been one of the most successful, entertaining, and controversial seasons in...

A silhouette of the Boston Celtics logo. Illustration by Rachel Choi.

New look, same goal: Celtics face season of change without Tatum

By Cole Semel, Beacon Correspondent / October 7, 2025

The Boston Celtics will begin the 2025-26 season staring down one simple question: Is it still their time to run the Eastern Conference, or has that window...

Entrance to Fenway Park on Jersey St. (Daniel O'Toole/ Beacon Staff)

Red Sox are ‘tremendously locked in’ for first playoff berth since 2021

By Daniel O’Toole, Dept. Sports Editor / September 30, 2025

For the first time in four years, the Boston Red Sox are playing October baseball after a roller coaster season that ultimately ended in success. From...

Illustration by Avary Amaral

Are NFL kickers getting worse, or is it just your imagination?

By Nate Ruttenberg, Beacon Correspondent / September 24, 2025

It’s week one of the 2025 NFL season, and the Atlanta Falcons are counting on their longtime kicker, Younghoe Koo, to send the game to overtime. The...

Illustration by Ben Putney.

Watching live sports is expensive. Fans have found their own solution

By Daniel O’Toole, Dept. Sports Editor / September 24, 2025

In 2025, it’s expensive to be a sports fan and watch your favorite teams or leagues. There seems to be no other option than to shell out hundreds of...

Crooke's Cage: WrestleMania 41 as it Happened

Crooke’s Cage: WrestleMania 41 as it Happened

By Aidan Crooke, Staff Writer, Sports / April 19, 2025

"The Grandest Stage of Them All" is back! WrestleMania 41 is coming to you live from Las Vegas on Peacock, and we have two nights packed with matches that...

Illustration by Rachel Choi

Opinion: Emerson needs to expand its sports horizons

By Iselin Bratz, Anna Knepley and Daniel O’Toole / March 19, 2025

With admissions season in full swing, many colleges across the country have begun boasting their unique academic programs, student organizations, and career...

Illustration by Rachel Choi

Top contenders and key storylines to watch: What to expect from women’s March Madness

By Meg Richards, Editor-in-Chief / March 19, 2025

As March Madness kicks off, all eyes are on the court for the next two weeks—but don’t discount the ladies. These teams are stacked with strong women...

Illustration by Ben Putney

No, The NFL isn’t rigged

By Dante Greco / February 12, 2025

The Philadelphia Eagles took home the Lombardi Trophy after a blowout win against the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl on Feb. 9. Not many fans were...

Illustration by Kellyn Taylor.

Changes to college football playoffs shake up landscape and brackets

By Daniel O’Toole / November 25, 2024

In 2022, the NCAA announced that changes to the format of the college football playoffs would expand the number of teams from four to 12. Now in 2024,...

Illustration by Helen Armstrong

Tradition, turkey, and touchdowns: Football’s historic connection to Thanksgiving

By Everest Leach / November 20, 2024

With Thanksgiving right around the corner and the winter sports season in full swing, it is the perfect time to explore the profound connection the two...

Illustration by Rachel Choi

Opinion: ‘The Comeback: 2004 Boston Red Sox’ is a first-class representation of the iconic revival of Boston’s beloved baseball team

By Rylie Burns, Former Operations Managing Editor, Layout Editor & Newsletter Editor / October 31, 2024
“The Comeback: 2004 Boston Red Sox” premiered on Netflix on Oct. 23. The docuseries recalls how the 2004 Red Sox team broke an 86-year drought, winning the franchise’s first World Series title since 1918.
Illustration by Rachel Choi

Opinion: Male field hockey players aren’t dangerous, the sport is.

By Anna Knepley, Sports Editor / October 17, 2024
On Sept. 10, a Massachusetts high school field hockey team forfeited a game against an opponent due to a male player on their opponent’s roster.
Photo courtesy of game attendee Richard Brewer-Hay

Oakland says goodbye to years of baseball as the Athletics head to Las Vegas

By Addison Brewer-Hay / October 3, 2024
On Thursday, Sept. 30, the Oakland Athletics faced a bittersweet end as they completed their last Major League Baseball season in the Oakland Coliseum.
Illustration Rachel Choi

The dynamic Boston Celtics duo: Joe Mazzulla and ‘The Town’

By Rumsha Siddiqui, Editor-at-Large / January 24, 2024

When you think of team building and leadership, what movies come to mind? Perhaps “Coach Carter,” “Glory Road,” or even “Pitch Perfect.” But...

Illustration Rachel Choi

Jerod Mayo announced as new head coach for the New England Patriots

By Rylie Burns, Former Operations Managing Editor, Layout Editor & Newsletter Editor / January 24, 2024

Following a disappointing season with four wins and 13 losses, the New England Patriots parted ways with long-time Coach Bill Belichick and announced Jared...

The New England Patriots logo.

Patriots have dropped the ball since Tom Brady left

By Anna Knepley, Sports Editor / December 14, 2023

After the collapse of the Tom Brady dynasty in New England, the Patriots are struggling to replicate the Super Bowl-winning seasons led by the star quarterback.  This...

A type of neck guard players have adopted following Adam Johnson's death. Illustration by Rachel Choi.

NHL neck guards: the hazards of just skating by

By Anna Knepley, Sports Editor / November 19, 2023

On Oct. 28, former NHL player Adam Johnson was killed during an English professional hockey league game when another player’s skate sliced his throat.  Many...

UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev. Illustration by Molly Boyke.

Crooke’s Cage: All Hail King Makhachev

By Aidan Crooke, Staff Writer, Sports / November 8, 2023

If you’re Islam Makhachev, his best friend and mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov, any of his teammates, or even the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, you’re probably...

The Olympic rings. Illustration by Rachel Choi.

2028 Summer Olympics draws new, old fans with slate of both classic and fresh sports

By Anna Knepley, Sports Editor / November 1, 2023

The 2028 Summer Olympics are over four years away, but exciting changes are being made to the program now. The 2028 Games will feature five sports that...