Published October 25, 2025

Someone writes: He has a 70-45 record, the best start in conference history through at least 100 games as a coach.

My question is: When does it stop being a “start”? How close to the end of someone’s coaching career or time at a school does it have to be before it’s no longer a start? Would 140-90 still be considered a start, as in he’s off to a good start?

It’s an example of things we write and say in sports writing that make me wonder if we ever stop to think about what we’re saying.

Now’s a good time to, dare I say it, start. There are other ways to say this. Nor that it matters. Unless someone decides it does.

Anyway, I’ve been doing this for 42 years. Worked a bunch of places. Paid by The Sporting News and The Washington Post and CBS and The New York Times. I’m off to a pretty good start.

And I’ll repeat: If you think I’m overthinking this, my professional world might not be a comfortable fit for you, not with dozens of people telling you how to do your job.

All of the posts in this series were “written” weeks or months in advance with the help of dictation and polished before publication. None of it is a reaction to anything other than what I’ve observed over 42 years.

Sending love. Protect your peace.

♥

Thank you

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