This is the ninth episode of Capital News Service’s sports podcast, “WAR on Hot Takes,” with Dylan Sinn and Adam Zielonka. We approach Washington and Baltimore professional sports from an outsider’s perspective and have data-driven discussions.

On this week’s episode…

1:01 — Introducing Kevin Blackistone

2:18 — Blackistone teaches a class on sport and protest at the Philip Merrill College of Journalism

4:41 — How has the message of NFL protests changed in the 14 months since Colin Kaepernick knelt for the first time?

7:02 — Blackistone reminisces about RFK Stadium

9:06 — The Nationals hired Dave Martinez as their new manager. What does Blackistone (a season-ticket holder) think of the hire?

12:03 — CNS reporter Chris Rogers joins us to discuss his story on MLB walk up music (see below)

17:51 — What do MLB players have to say about walk up music?

18:42 — Rogers and the podcast hosts choose their own walk up music

21:59 — Adam and Dylan covered the Knight Commission meeting on Monday, where NCAA President Mark Emmert spoke about the NCAA’s need to show it can still govern college sports

25:41 — Arne Duncan, co-chair of the Knight Commission and former Secretary of Education, floats the idea of recouping grant money from schools caught in academic fraud (AUDIO)

28:16 — Are the Ravens for real?

31:14 — Ravens Player to Watch for Week 9

32:43 — Headlines in The Washington Post show the Washington NFL team struggling

33:51 — Washington Player to Watch for Week 9

Articles referenced:

Royalty-free music used with permission by Jassana Time.