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Paul Banks

Illini Tailback Situation Part 1- Jason Ford and Mikel LeShoure

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By Paul M. Banks Heading into this season the talk about the Illinois Fighting Illini program, certainly offensively at least, was about the passing game; and the stellar group of receivers that were allegedly one of the best position groups in the nation. There were lots of questions about the defense and the running game- the latter of which took a big step backward last … [Read more...] about Illini Tailback Situation Part 1- Jason Ford and Mikel LeShoure

Whitecaps, Wind, and Waves – Losing my Triathlon Virginity

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By Paul M. Banks The Sea was angry, my friend. That was my first thought getting into Lake Michigan to begin my portion of the Chicago Triathlon Relay. My second thought, as I entered the cold 63 degree water (still an upgrade from the ridiculously unseasonable 58 degree air temperature) “Why the hell did I sign on for this again?” And why did I not seriously train for this? … [Read more...] about Whitecaps, Wind, and Waves – Losing my Triathlon Virginity

Most Overlooked NFC North Storylines

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By the TSB Staff The NFC North will undoubtedly be a reality series this fall with the Brett Favre-Minnesota Vikings story likely to be "the lead" all year in most NFL content-producing mediums. #1 overall draft pick Matt Stafford helping rebuild the Detroit Lions, Jay Cutler bringing the Chicago Bears solid quarterback play for the first time since the Industrial Revolution … [Read more...] about Most Overlooked NFC North Storylines

Ranking the Big Ten Football Venues

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By Paul M. Banks Our friends over at Midwest Sports Fans.com have ranked the atmosphere at all 11 Big Ten football Stadiums. And Chicago's two teams, Illinois and Northwestern, did not place well. Actually, their showing was pitiful, 8th and 11th respectively. If you can use the term "respect" in regards to what the writer thought of the Wildcats and Illini home fields- at … [Read more...] about Ranking the Big Ten Football Venues

MLB Road Trip: Oakland Athletics, White Sox West

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By Paul M. Banks Thou shall not be a sports bigamist- that is one of the ten sports fan commandments. You got one team and you stick with them. But I often bend this rule. Sure, whenever my Chicago White Sox play anybody, the Sox are the good guys and the other team, they’re the bad guys. However, I’ve had moments when I’ve rooted for the Cubs (now is not currently one of … [Read more...] about MLB Road Trip: Oakland Athletics, White Sox West

Chicago Sox Exchange

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Soxman and Paul M. Banks Alas the dynamic duo of White Sox blogging returns.  With the NBA draft complete and the Chicago Blackhawks on ice for the summer, “Sports Ace,” Paul M. Banks returns to wrap up the Cross-town Classic, discuss the White Sox chances in the AL Central, and to dive into the latest MLB trade rumors involving the southsiders. (SM) Welcome back, Sports … [Read more...] about Chicago Sox Exchange

Pressing Social Issues in Sport Part 4 of 4

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Paul M. Banks has an exclusive interview with Dave Zirin discussing the past, present and future social issues at the heart of sports On a recent episode of “The Simpsons,” Mr. Burns bought a basketball franchise (Mark Cuban made a guest voice appearance). On that episode, Burns opened up a new arena by telling the crowd “Welcome to the American dream: a billionaire using … [Read more...] about Pressing Social Issues in Sport Part 4 of 4

NBA Draft Live Blog Tomorrow!!

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Be sure to stop by this very homepage tomorrow night as The Sports Bank.net NBA Draft gurus David Kay and Paul M. Banks will bring you a live blog while the draft unfolds. We invite you to please comment along with us in the threads below! We're going to be making snarky comments, so we would love to hear yours as well. Banks will be live blogging from the Berto Center (the … [Read more...] about NBA Draft Live Blog Tomorrow!!