Sports

Sports are an integral part of our culture and give many of us a reason to cheer and jeer. Learn about the history of sports and how your favorite sports really work.

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Boxing is one of the oldest sports in history. Learn the basics of boxing, how you win or lose, the science behind it and the danger of the sport.

By Ed Grabianowski

In this day in age, most of us understand that gender identity can be pretty complicated from a social, cultural and psychological perspective. Find out why doctors may have trouble distinguishing someone's gender.

By Julia Layton

The story told in "We Are Marshall" sounds a little like the invention of a screenwriter, but the airplane crash that took the lives of college football players really took place. Learn the real story behind the film "We Are Marshall."

By Tracy V. Wilson

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With their colorful masks and spectacular acrobatic wrestling style, Mexican wrestlers have carved out their own unique space in the ring. Read all about the long-standing tradition of lucha libre -- before we pin you!

By Ed Grabianowski

Imagine sliding down an icy hill, with your face only a few inches away from the ground -- at 80 miles per hour. Learn about the intense winter Olympisc sport of skeleton, and how the competition works.

Pro wrestling is one of the most popular forms of sports entertainment. Learn about the history of pro wrestling and see how pro wrestling moves are executed.

By Ed Grabianowski

With leagues across the country and a new documentary TV series roller derby is enjoying a surge in popularity. But what exactly is roller derby? Learn about the sport's history its rules and much more.

By Tracy V. Wilson

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Competitive eating has gone from county fair exhibition to mainstream spectator sport. Networks like ESPN air contests and competitors like "The Black Widow" have loyal fan bases. Learn more about this controversial practice.

By Ed Grabianowski

Who makes up the "third team" in a football game? Learn all about the responsibilities of an NFL officiating crew.

By Kevin Bonsor

Take an inside look at a working week in the life of one of the NFL's top defensive ends, Patrick Kerney of the Atlanta Falcons, as told to us by Kerney himself.

By Dave Coustan

When Bobby Jones became the first to win the "Grand Slam" of golf in 1930 he became an overnight star. He went on to create a series of films in which he corrected the swings of celebrities. Learn about the innovations in the films and how they relat

By Dave Coustan

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In timed Olympic events, the difference between gold and silver can come down to a fraction of a second. You won't find that kind of accuracy in your typical wristwatch. Find out about the systems (and backup systems) that keep Olympic timing honest.

By Lacy Perry & Kate Kershner

The Olympics aren't too far off so get ready! This article chronicles the history of the Olympic torch reveals how it is designed to stay lit through all weather conditions and follows its path from Olympia Greece to the Olympic Games.

By Stephanie Watson

Super Bowl Sunday is a football fan's nirvana. It's when the NFL champion is decided once and for all. But the day is about way more than just football.

By Kevin Bonsor & John Donovan

It's training camp time -- are you a would-be football fan? Or maybe you just want a refresher on the rules? We'll tell you how the plays work, how to keep score and how large a football field really is. Hike!

By Kevin Bonsor

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Need a refresher on the rules of America's favorite game? This article explains the rules, equipment and scores.

By Kevin Bonsor & Joe Martin

Free agents, restricted free agents, compensatory picks and good old Mr. Irrelevant... what does it all mean? It's NFL draft time! Find out how NFL teams fill positions in this annual event.

By Kevin Bonsor

The men's and women's NCAA basketball tournaments send millions of college basketball fans into a frenzy each year. Find out how teams get a ticket to the "Big Dance" and how the match-ups are selected.

By Kevin Bonsor & Dave Roos

The squeak of the shoes the roar of the coach the jab of the elbow! To many of us basketball is the American pastime. Whether you're just getting into the sport or you're a fan looking for a refresher our primer will bring you up to speed.

By Kevin Bonsor

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Splat! You're hit -- covered in brightly colored paint. Who shot you? Your friend, who was tracking you silently from tree to tree. Who came up with this game, sport or phenomenon we call paintball? Many trace its origins to military training -- are they right?

Karate is an incredible art form, built on the concept of merging body and mind into a defensive weapon. See how karatekas use this merger to break wood and cinder blocks with their hands and feet.

By Tom Harris

When Mark McGwire hits a home run, the distance the ball traveled is always announced on the scoreboard and on television a few seconds later. How do they know how far the ball traveled, and what techniques do they use to figure it out?

When every fraction of a second counts, a false start can completely change the outcome of a race. How are officials quick enough detect a false start?

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If you've ever been to a bowling alley, you know that one of the coolest things is how the pins get reset. How does it work? Take a peek at the machinery behind the scenes.

By Shel Brannan

With the recent NFL draft, players are now negotiating contracts. Learn how the NFL's salary cap works, and how teams work under the salary cap with trades, signing bonuses, and other financial maneuvering.

By John Perritano