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As high-school football kicks off around the country, we want to document the people behind the game and the rituals that surround it. Tell us your stories.

Sweetness And Light

When Football's Deadly Brutality Outraged America()  

Football has always been a contact sport -- even in the 1930s, when Boston and Geneva College played

November 18, 2009 In just one season 100 years ago, 26 players died from injuries sustained in football games. The deaths sparked a national outcry and forced the new collegiate athletic association to take action to make the sport safer.

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Law

High Court Won't Hear Washington Redskins Case()  

November 16, 2009 The Supreme Court's decision to turn away an appeal ends the latest round in a 17-year court battle between the Redskins and a group of Native Americans who want the NFL franchise to change its name.

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Friday Night Lives

Halftime Is A Warm-Up Act For Marching Bands()  

Woodwinds perform in October.

November 13, 2009 For Sunset High School's band, Friday night games help prepare for Saturday competitions. That's when band parents and friends cheer for these champions from Portland, Ore., as lustily as football fans and when judges rate musicianship and movement.

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On All Things ConsideredPlaylist

Sammy Sosa's Skin Tone Raises Questions()  

Sosa at the Latin Grammy awards ceremony

November 12, 2009 Former Chicago Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa showed up at the Latin Grammy awards last week, looking much paler than usual. Speculation flew that he had bleached his skin or was suffering from a medical condition. But in an interview Wednesday to the Spanish-language network Univision, Sosa blamed the bright television lights for the way his skin appeared. He added, however, that a European moisturizer he uses also bleaches his skin.

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Around the Nation

Police: Boxer Mike Tyson Detained At LAX()  

November 11, 2009 Police say boxer Mike Tyson has been detained on suspicion of battery following an alleged altercation with a photographer at Los Angeles International Airport. Airport police spokesman Sgt. Jim Holcomb says the photographer has accused Tyson of hitting him.

Summary

Sweetness And Light

Favre Gets A Bye Week — But Will He Ever Say 'Bye?()  

Fourteen seasons ago, Brett Favre scrambled past Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Steve Tovar.

November 11, 2009 The Minnesota Vikings had a bye week this weekend — and that's a problem for both sports fans and wordsmiths. But a week off is not really a bye — nor is it a reason not to discuss the NFL's age-defying quarterback, Brett Favre.

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Sports with Frank Deford

Frank Deford gives weekly commentary on the world of sports. Sometimes acerbic, often funny, always insightful.

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