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Thom Loverro

Thom Loverro

tloverro@washingtontimes.com

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.

Columns by Thom Loverro

Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera speaks to the media following an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn) **FILE**

Ron Rivera hire not a guarantee for success, Redskins history shows

Look, I'm sorry to be the guy at the party blowing out the candles, but any reasonable person would have to have their memory banks wiped clean to believe that hiring Ron Rivera will then translate to the respect and results that Dan Snyder has futilely searched for during his ownership. Redskins Park is the elephant graveyard of the NFL, where careers go to die.

December 30, 2019
Washington Redskins quarterback Dwayne Haskins talks to reporters after an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in Landover, Md. The Giants won 41-35 in overtime. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Dwayne Haskins originally said owner told him sit

Add this to the series of red flags that should worry Redskins fans when it comes to the exact nature of the relationship between Snyder and the rookie the owner -- not Redskins personnel -- insisted on drafting with the team's 15th pick in the first round.

December 22, 2019
Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg, center, smiles during a baseball media availability, accompanied by general manager Mike Rizzo, left, and agent Scott Boras, right, at Nationals Park, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Stephen Strasburg National for life

"It's great for me to say I'm going to be a National for life, but to have my kids be here too and experience being Nationals for life as well, that is something I feel fortunate about," Strasburg said.

December 17, 2019
Washington Nationals pitcher and World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg, celebrates the World Series baseball championship during a rally following a parade to celebrate the team's World Series baseball championship over Houston Astros, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Washington. Nationals right fielder Gerardo Parra is right and pitcher Anibal Sanchez, left. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) **FILE**

Anthony Rendon likely exit damper on Strasburg return

If we are to take Nationals owner Mark Lerner at his word, the family has no plans to sign both Strasburg and Rendon, stars of on this year's World Series championship team who became free agents after the last out of Game 7 in Houston.

December 10, 2019
Washington Nationals' Anthony Rendon loses his helmet as he strikes out during the fourth inning of Game 7 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Mark Lerner can afford both Rendon and Strasburg

It might put the team slightly over the luxury tax and result in a penalty, but that penalty would be insignificant, compared to the revenue that would be generated if they keep this party going.

December 8, 2019
Washington Redskins head coach Bill Callahan looks on during the second half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)

Bill Callahan in mix with a win in Green Bay

How many times does a team that plays in the NFL face a game where a win could have a debilitating effect on the team for years to come? Unless, of course, you actually believe that Bill Callahan being the Redskins' head coach for this year and beyond would be a positive development.

December 5, 2019
In this Sept. 29, 2019, file photo, a fan wears a shark hat as Washington Nationals' Gerardo Parra comes up to bat in the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Indians at Nationals Park in Washington. Creators of the viral video “Baby Shark,” whose “doo doo doo” song was played at the World Series in October, are developing a version in Navajo. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)

Before business of winter, a reminder of October glory

"World Series 2019: Nationals vs. Astros" was a fine piece of work, a chance for fans to relive those magic moments again, with perhaps even more perspective to fully appreciate the historical accomplishment of this baseball team and its march to the title that ended with a dramatic Game 7 victory in Houston.

December 3, 2019
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson walks the sidelines during the second half of NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)

Lamar Jackson brings hope to Baltimore

Quarterback Lamar Jackson has energized Ravens fans and a city beleaguered by bad news and bad times. He has quickly reached icon status in the city, leading the Ravens to a 9-2 record and perhaps a path to the franchise's third Super Bowl.

November 28, 2019
FILE - In this Oct. 12, 1958, file photo, Cleveland Browns fullback Jim Brown runs against the Chicago Cardinals for a touchdown in the first half of a football game in Cleveland. Brown scored three touchdowns in Cleveland's 35-28 win. Brown led the NFL in rushing eight times and was league MVP three times; finished with more than 12,000 yards rushing and 106 rushing touchdowns; and averaged 5.2 yards per carry. And he did all this in only nine seasons before retiring at age 30 to become an actor. (AP Photo/File)

LOVERRO: Remembering all-timers underscores NFL changes

Last week the NFL Network kicked off a series of programs featuring what a panel of experts have determined are the 100 greatest players and 10 greatest coaches in NFL history. It's worth the watch, because you likely will see very few that qualify for that list on the field today. Heck, you won't find many that have stepped on the football field this century.

November 26, 2019