Beyond The Game

Benson and Barletta talk about the unnecessary and inappropriate use of foul language which seems to be more and more prevalent in sports today. Benson shares some thoughts about what the Bible says our speech should be like.Plus, Zac wonders during the 'Shenanigans' segment if 'a 60-game season is too short to determine a legitimate champion'; whether or not the FBI investigation did more to hurt NASCAR’s image than to help it'; and if Brett Favre's comments comparing Colin Kaepernick to Pat Tillman were stupid'.And as always, the guys leave you with something encouraging from the world of sports in the 'You Like That' segment.

Benson and Barletta discuss the state of negotiations in getting Major League Baseball back on the field. Why is it taking so long for the two sides to agree on something. Benson shares a biblical thought from the book of Esther on strong leadership.Zac's 'Shenanigans' statements this week include wondering if  Oklahoma State should fire football coach Mike Gundy; Whether or not the Buffalo Sabres made the right move in firing GM Jason Botterill and replacing him with Kevyn Adams; and again wondering if there will be a MLB season this year. And as always, something encouraging from the world of sports in the 'You Like That' segment.

Benson and Barletta discuss some current events in society - Colin Kaepernick, Drew Brees' comments, etc - and are reminded that we all need to listen to what others are saying a bit more. Especially believers in Christ who are called to prefer others more than themselves.In his 'Shenanigans' segment, Zac questions if the NBA's re-start plan is actually better than his beloved NHL's plan; if Covid-related cancellations are more painful for pro athletes than amateurs, and whether or not should Major League Baseball start the season with a plan the players don't like will lead to an eventual work stoppage. Plus, something encouraging in 'You Like That' and a couple of athletes who said some things which makes little sense in 'You Talk To Much'.

Benson tells Barletta that he deleted all his social media apps because he found himself getting frustrated with people. People are divisive when God want His people to be unified in love. Zac's 'Shenanigans' statements include wondering if there will actually be a Major League Baseball season; If the NHL's 24 team plan is a great idea; and if the NFL should have adopted the '4th and 15' scenario and scrap the onsides kick. Plus, 'You Like That'

After some time off, Benson and Barletta are back talking sports from a faith-based perspective. Their conversation about current events leads to a discussion on how looking out for 'number one' is not consistent with the Christian lifestyle. Yet if one truly is looking out for number one, then making Jesus part of their life should be a priority.Plus, in Zac's 'Shenanigans' segment, he presents the following thoughts for discussion - 'The NFL's changes to its Rooney Rule, while well intended, are actually terrible'; 'The Packers QB Aaron Rodgers will finish his career with a different team'; and 'professional sports will have games being played by July.' As always, the guys close out the show with something encouraging in the 'You Like That' segment.

Benson picks Barletta's brains about the first round of the NFL draft and then makes a spiritual application of things in life which are certain. Zac's 'Shenanigans' topics include 'If the Los Angeles Chargers’ newly-released uniform changes are the best of this off-season', 'Whether or not what the Tampa Bay Buccaneers traded away for Rob Gronkowski will be worth it', and if '‪MLB’s response to the Houston and Boston cheating scandals sends a message to players that it’s ok to cheat'.Plus, the 'Redhawks Recap' and something encouraging from the world of sports in the 'You Like That'. 

Benson and Barletta talk about the emphasis on sports. While we all look forward to their eventual return, sports are not life and we need to keep what's truly important in a perspective. In addition to the weekly encouragement during the 'You Like That' segment, this week's 'Shenanigans' has Zac wondering  about 'the trade rumors surrounding Odell Beckham Jr', 'If MLB's radical idea of complete realignment for the 2020 season is a good idea', and 'since there are no sports to watch, if the extra time has been used to make yourself a better person'.

Benson and Barletta talk about the lack of sports to discuss and share their Sasquatch calling skills. We're all hoping to have sports back soon and Benson shares some biblical thoughts on hope.In his 'Shenanigans' segment, Zac questions if opinions have changed about holding games in empty stadiums, If the CBS Sports ranking of the Bills acquisition of WR Stefon Diggs is just click-bait, If all leagues should find a way to get their players on TV such as the NBA with a game of H-O-R-S-E, and If there is any interest in watching Esports or games from the past. Plus, something encouraging from the world of sports in the 'You Like That' segment.

It's a 'highlights' edition of BTG as Benson and Barletta take a week off and air a pair of previously broadcast segments. It's the time of year to talk so baseball so from January 29th of this year, the guys discuss Derek Jeter having missed out on a unanimous election into the Baseball Hall of Fame by a single vote and make a brief biblical application of using encouraging words. In the second segment, from February 22nd, its more baseball as they discuss the reactions around baseball to the apologies offered by some members of the Houston Astros regarding the cheating scandal they are involved in and include a biblical application from Psalm 51 where David seeks restoration from God.Plus, an updated 'Redhawks Recap' for this week!

Benson and Barletta welcome to the program, Kristin Concordia, head coach of the womens lacrosse team at Roberts Wesleyan College. After a season in which they recorded the most wins in program history and having appeared in three straight ECC postseason tournaments, the Redhawks were ranked #21 in the nation when their season was unfortunately cancelled like so many other programs around the country. Kristin talks about the reaction from her team, the optimism surrounding next season, as well as sharing about her faith in Christ. 

In the Shenanigans' segment, Zac wonders if Rudy Gobert will be remembered more for the coronavirus and shutting down the NBA than for his talents on the court, If Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien should be fired for trading Deandre Hopkins, and if acquiring Stefon Diggs makes the Bills legit Super Bowl contenders.Plus, 'You Like That' as well as a conversation with Kristin Concordia, head coach of the womens lacrosse team at Roberts Wesleyan College. The Redhawks were ranked #21 in the nation when their season was unfortunately cancelled like so many other programs around the country. Kristin talks about the reaction from her team, the optimism surrounding next season, as well as sharing about her faith in Christ. 

In a special broadcast, Benson and Barletta skip all the regular features of the program so that they can talk longer with Kevin Malone who is the founder and president of the US Institute Against Human Trafficking.The former General Manager of the Montreal Expos and LA Dodgers was one of the very first guests on the program several years ago. He talks about the work his ministry is doing and answers some general awareness questions regarding human and sex trafficking.

Kevin Malone joins the program. The former General Manager of the Montreal Expos and LA Dodgers is the founder and president of the US Institute Against Human Trafficking. He talks about the work his ministry is doing and answers some general awareness questions regarding human and sex trafficking.

Benson and Barletta welcome to the program, Aaron Scheer of Centershot Ministries. The Centershot program is used by churches throughout the United States to introduce kids, and families, to the gospel of Jesus Christ through the sport of archery.In this week's 'Shenanigans' segment, Zac wonders if it's better for pro sports to suspend their leagues due to coronavirus or to play in arenas without fans, If the Buffalo Bills signing of Josh Norman is more important to the Bills or to Norman, And if ESPN's dream MNF booth of Al Michaels and Peyton Manning would have been the best broadcast team ever.Plus, 'You Like That' and the 'Redhawks Recap'.

Benson and Barletta welcome to the program, Aaron Scheer who is the President of Centershot Ministries. The Centershot program is used by churches throughout the United States to introduce kids, and families, to the gospel of Jesus Christ through the sport of archery.

Benson and Barletta talk about Spike Lee, Charles Oakley, and the New York Knicks. They showed again this week the meaning of 'Knicks gonna Knicks'. Benson shares some biblical thoughts about miscommunication. Plus, in the 'Shenanigans' segment, Zac wonders if Tom Brady could really move on the Patriots, if the Yankees deal for Giancarlo Stanton should be considered a bust, and if interest has been rekindled after the most recent Wilder-Fury boxing match. This week's show also included an updated 'Redhawks Recap' and a fresh 'You Like That'.

The Reverend Jason McGuire joins the program to discuss several sports-related political issues. Rev. McGuire is the President of New Yorker's Family Research Foundation. Among the discussed topics include homeschool sports participation with public schools, legalizing recreational marijuana usage, and the expansion of legalized sports betting.In 'Shenanigans', Zac questions if the San Diego Padres will have a better record than the NY Yankees this upcoming season; If Major League Soccer will surpass Major League Baseball in popularity; and if the New York Giants are going to get a veteran QB before next season to replace Daniel Jones.Plus, 'You Like That' and an updated 'Redhawks Recap'.

Reverend Jason McGuire joins the program to discuss several sports-related political issues. Rev. McGuire is the President of New Yorker's Family Research Foundation. Among the discussed topics include homeschool sports participation with public schools, legalizing recreational marijuana usage, and the expansion of legalized sports betting.

Benson and Barletta discuss the reactions around baseball to the apologies offered by some members of the Houston Astros regarding the cheating scandal they are involved in. There is an application from Psalm 51 where David seeks restoration from God.Plus, in 'Shenanigans', Zac asks if the changes in the NBA all-star game made the game more appealing; if the Buffalo Bills don’t get enough respect for their run to four straight Super Bowl appearances; and if professional sports leagues are trying too many ‘gimmicks’ in attempts to appeal to non-fans of their sport. And of course there is always 'You Like That'.

Benson and Barletta talk XFL Football and some of the changes in rules as compared to the NFL. Benson shares a few thoughts from the bible about change. Plus, in the 'Shenanigans' segment, Zac wonders if Yankee fans are upset that Yankees pitcher James Paxton waited until only a few weeks prior to the start of Spring Training to have surgery; if all professional sports leagues need better replay challenge systems after refs missed a goal-tending call which cost the Portland Trailblazers a win; and if Pete Rose should be reinstated since Astros manager AJ Hinch only got a year for his team's cheating. And as always, something encouraging in the 'You Like That' segment.