Beyond The Game

On this week's program, Benson and Barletta discuss New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist - should they trade him? What if he doesn't want to be traded? Benson gives a biblical application of preferring others, including how far Jesus Christ was willing to go for us. Plus, 'You Like That' and in the 'Shenanigans' segment, Zac wonders if Chicago Cubs 3B Kris Bryant has a right to be upset over service time, whether or not Florida State legend Deion Sanders will be hired somewhere in college football next year, and how many people cared enough to even notice who won the Australian Open.

Benson and Barletta talk about Dion Waiters finally getting into his first game of the season with the Miami Heat after having been suspended three times. A biblical perspective is given dealing with doing our part on the team, and using our spiritual gift for God. Plus, 'You Like That', and a random guy at a soccer game in Ecuador gets caught on 'kiss cam' with the wrong girl. Zac's 'Shenanigans' segment includes wondering if the Super Bowl should be held on a Saturday, if the 2020 Arizona Diamondbacks will be playoff contenders, and if he NBA should redesign its logo to use Kobe Bryant’s likeness instead of Jerry West’s. 

Benson and Barletta discuss Derek Jeter having missed out on a unanimous election into the Baseball Hall of Fame by a single vote. He always seemed to say the right thing and continued to do so even after being snubbed by some anonymous voter. Benson make a brief biblical application of using encouraging words. Plus, a discussion of another potential New York Hall of Famer, Eli Manning. In recent memory, is he the most valuable quarterback to his own franchise? Another application from scripture is made of working well with others. 

Brian Smith joins the program to talk about his book, 'The Assist, A Gospel-Centered Guide to Glorifying God Through Sports'.

Brian Smith joins the program to talk about his book, 'The Assist, A Gospel-Centered Guide to Glorifying God Through Sports'. In the 'Shenanigans' segment, Zac wonders if the Colorado Rockies will trade superstar 3B Nolan Arenado; Whether it's a bad idea to strip recent World Series championships from the Astros and Red Sox; And if the success of teams like the Titans and 49ers winning playoff games is proof that you don’t need an elite QB to contend for a title. Plus, 'You Like That' and the weekly 'Redhawks Recap'. 

Benson and Barletta dedicate the show to discussing the sign-stealing controversy in Major League Baseball. In the one segment, the guys discuss how other than Carlos Beltran, no apology has been given from any of the penalized teams. Benson makes a biblical application for repentance and forgiveness. In another segment, they question if perhaps just allowing teams to use electronics would be a better way to go. The biblical application being how that though sports may change with time, God never does.

On this week's program, Benson and Barletta discuss the College Football National Championship Game, and specifically the stand-up reputation of Clemson coach Dabo Swinney as well as discussing Baltimore Ravens' stunning playoff loss and the harsh words from their star, Marlon Humphrey. Benson shares some thoughts from scripture on not making excuses and talking in words which encourage others around us. Plus, in the 'Shenanigans' segment, Zac wonders if the 'Las Vegas Golden Knights acted rashly when they fired Gerard Gallant earlier this week'; 'Whether or not the four fired this week in Major League Baseball will ever work again in baseball'; and 'if Odell Beckham Jr should be banned from access to student athletes after handing out cash to LSU players after their championship win'. Plus, a throwback to the old 'Pest of the Week' segment to discuss Antonio Brown and ESPN's Jessica Mendoza.

Benson and Barletta discuss the rumors of cheating and sign stealing in Major League Baseball by two of the last three World Series champions. It's a matter of integrity and Benson shares some thoughts from scripture for facing situations which test our character. Plus, Zac has a few football topics to discuss during the 'Shenanigans' segment such as "Will Tom Brady leave the Patriots in free agency?"; "If the Buffalo Bills’ season was a success even though it ended with them blowing a 16-point lead in the Wild Card game", and "With the Saints eliminated, is there anybody left in the NFC who can stop the 49ers from advancing to the Super Bowl?" Plus, a bit of encouragement during the 'You Like That' segment.

With Zac Barletta away this week, Rik Benson goes solo discussing the solid teamwork of Houston Rockets star Jame Harden, the exciting win for Florida A&M basketball despite the overwhelming odds, a frustrating loss for the Columbus Blue Jackets due to a missed call by referees, and some thoughts on Eli Manning and the New York Giants as his career with the team has likely come to an end. Benson shares a biblical perspective for each of these stories. Plus, the Buffalo Bills' terrific send-off for a retiring star in the 'You Like That' segment.

In a 'highlights show' Benson and Barletta take a week off and air some segments from previous broadcasts. First, from December 6th, the guys discuss the post-Thanksgiving 'black hole' of the sports season and the chaotic rankings system in college sports. Comparing one team to another can be difficult if there is no singular standard. When we compare ourselves to others, we may look okay, but compared to the standard of Jesus Christ for holiness, we see our need for a savior. Then, in  segment from December 20th, it seems that the New England Patriots might be once again spying on opponents. An investigation is yet on-going, but were they ever remorseful after getting disciplined previously? Trust is generally restored based on remorse and repentance. Do you trust the Patriots? Benson shares some thoughts from the Bible on remorse and repentance.

Benson and Barletta discuss the passion of the Buffalo Bills' fan base. Does anyone celebrate their team like Bills fans? Benson gives a biblical perspective on celebrating God in our lives. Also, it seems that the New England Patriots might be once again spying on opponents. An investigation is yet on-going, but were they ever remorseful after getting disciplined previously? Trust is generally restored based on remorse and repentance. Do you trust the Patriots? Benson shares some thoughts from the Bible on remorse and repentance. Plus, 'You Like That'.

Benson and Barletta discuss the petition against honoring Michael Vick at the this year's NFL Pro Bowl game. He paid a significant price for his actions - how much restitution is enough to satisfy you? What about your sins? Benson gives a biblical perspective on the second chances which our God provides for. In the 'Shenanigans' segment, Zac wonders if the NFL should re-seed teams for the postseason; If the Yankees paid too much and will eventually regret the Gerrit Cole signing; and whether or not MLB allowing minor leaguer players to use weed is a good idea.'Plus, something encouraging in the 'You Like That' segment.

Benson and Barletta discuss the post-Thanksgiving 'black hole' of the sports season and the chaotic rankings system in college sports. Comparing one team to another can be difficult if there is no singular standard. When we compare ourselves to others, we may look okay, but compared to the standard of Jesus Christ for holiness, we see our need for a savior.Plus, in this week's 'Shenanigans' segment, Zac wonders if the Houston Rockets should be awarded a win due to a bad call; if the over/under on NFL head coaches who get fired prior to end of the season should be set at three; and if the New England Patriots' AFC East dynasty is nearing an end and if it  will be the Buffalo Bills who supplant them. And of course, the 'Redhawks Recap' and something encouraging in the 'You Like That' segment.

Benson and Barletta discuss how New Orleans Pelicans' guard Josh Hart called his former team, the LA Lakers, to clear the air over some negative comments he had jokingly made. Benson makes a biblical application about not only guarding what we say, but also apologizing when we say something wrong. And not only apologizing, but also asking for forgiveness.Plus, 'You Like That' and in a Thanksgiving-themed 'Shenanigans' segment, Zac wonders if Cowboys coach Jason Garrett will be fired should they win the Super Bowl; if Redskins QB Dwayne Haskins deserves to be benched after missing a play because he was taking selfies with a fan; and if the New York Yankees will pay Jacoby Ellsbury the $26 million they owed him after he allegedly visited a doctor who the team had not authorized.

Benson and Barletta discuss recent sports controversies such as the suspension of Cleveland Browns' Myles Garrett and the change in workout details for Colin Kaepernick. Benson says his biggest issue is how predictable people's opinions are based on race and/or favorite team and gives some biblical thoughts on thinking well and not being influenced by anything apart from the Word of God. Plus in the 'Shenanigans' segment, Zac wonders if Garrett's suspension is appropriate; if Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa's injury will cause him to slip out of the first round of next year's NFL draft; and if those involved in the alleged Astros' cheating scandal should be banned from baseball. And of course, there is something encouraging from the world of sports in the 'You Like That' segment.

It's a 'highlights show' as the guys take a week off and air some segments from previous broadcasts. First, back on September 6th, we shared a faith-based perspective on the Peyton Manning 'Bears fan baptism' skit and then a challenge to not take our Christianity so casually. And in the second segment, from October 18th, we discuss how fans may like to blame officials for their team's loss, rarely in sports does a team miss opportunities and still come away victorious. Benson then shares a few biblical thoughts on missed opportunities. Plus, though it's a 'highlights' show, we have an updated 'Redhawks Recap' and a new 'You Like That'.

In addition to a discussion about 'load management' in the NBA and an application to our walks of faith, Benson talks with Andrew Dorr, the head coach of Roberts Wesleyan College's successful Cross Country team - The Redhawks have won six consecutive ECC titles. Plus, the show always ends with something encouraging from the world of sports in the 'You Like That' segment.

Benson talks with the head coach of Roberts Wesleyan College's successful Cross Country team - Andrew Dorr. The Redhawks have won six straight ECC titles.

Benson and Barletta discuss the fairly inactive NFL trade deadline and the tension between the New York Jets and their safety Jamal Adams. Benson shares some biblical thoughts and scripture passages about integrity. Plus, 'You Like That' and during the 'Shenanigans' segment, Zac asks if the Yankees’ refusal to pay up for starting pitching is what lost them the ALCS, If letting Bryce Harper leave in the off-season was the key to the Nationals’ World Series run; if the Buffalo Bills will regret not making any deals at the trade deadline; and if the controversial interference call in the World Series was the right call or not.

It's a 'highlights show' as the guys take a week off and air some segments from previous broadcasts. First, back on the August 9th broadcast, which was just prior to the Major League Baseball trade deadline, Benson and Barletta discussed expectations. Is it fair to expect more from clubs like the New York Yankees, the Boston Red Sox, or in other sports the Los Angeles Lakers or Dallas Cowboys? There seems to be different standards for clubs like the Detroit Lions or San Diego Padres. As a believer in Christ, I wonder if we approach each new day with great expectations of what God can, and may do? The next segment is from the September 20th show. The guys talk about how that, despite playing with the same sets of rules, some teams are able to enjoy sustained success while others seemingly always seem to struggle. We then segue into a biblical perspective on sustaining a strong walk of faith.