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Deron Snyder

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Deron Snyder

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Deron Snyder is an award-winning journalist and Washington Times sports columnist with more than 25 years of experience. He has worked at USA Today and his column was syndicated in Gannett's 80-plus newspapers from 2000-2009, appearing in The Arizona Republic, The Indianapolis Star, The Detroit News and many others. Follow Deron on Twitter @DeronSnyder or email him at deronwashtimes@gmail.com.

Articles by Deron Snyder

FILE - In this Oct. 7, 2016, file photo, Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer works against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning in Game 1 of baseball's National League Division Series at Nationals Park in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File) **FILE**

If there’s a jinx, Max Scherzer, Nats have one night to end it

"This is going to be a heck of a ballgame," Max Scherzer told reporters Tuesday in Los Angeles after the Dodgers forced the issue in Game 4.

October 12, 2016

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown was hit with a penalty and $12,154 for twerking after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Redskins in Week 1. (Associated Press)

Dirty dancing banned in the No Fun League

Concerns about players' head trauma and debilitating injuries are rampant. The on-field product is uneven and frequently uninspiring, with too many quarterbacks who are nothing special. So, naturally, cracking down on players shaking their booty in the end zone is a priority for the league.

October 10, 2016

Washington Redskins' Mason Foster reacts during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)

Jay Gruden and Washington Redskins on three-game winning streak

No one has the Washington football team confused with the franchise in New England -- but ugly win is still a win, and Jay Gruden's squad now has three in a row.

October 9, 2016

FILE - In this Jan. 17, 2016, file photo, Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh (1) shoots in front of Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant, left, in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Oklahoma City. Heat President Pat Riley says the team is ‘not working toward’ a return for Bosh, who failed his preseason physical and is not cleared to play. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)

Chris Bosh, Heat in a showdown over safety, personal responsibility

If Chris Bosh is willing to continue his career without holding the Heat liable for any medical conditions that might arise, it's perfectly understandable why he's upset that the team is dumping him.

October 5, 2016

Washington Redskins running back Matt Jones (31) runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Matt Jones, Redskins run game humming

Can't run and can't stop the run. Entering this season, that was the book -- authored by general manager Scot McCloughan, -- on Washington.

October 3, 2016

Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) celebrates his interception with a "bow and arrow," and was penalized for the celebration during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Redskins’ Jekyll-and-Hyde act ends with a ‘W’

The final score read Washington 31, Cleveland 20, and that's really all that matters.

October 2, 2016

Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos has reason to smile at Tuesday's All-Star Game after overcoming a trade, kidnapping scare, injuries and a death in the family in his career. (Associated Press) **FILE**

Wilson Ramos breakout season ends in heart-breaking irony

Fretting about the impact of Wilson Ramos' absence as the Nats enter the postseason is put in perspective when compared to the suffering in Miami.

September 28, 2016

San Francisco 49ers Eli Harold (58), Colin Kaepernick (7) and Eric Reid (35) kneel during the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Just like Colin Kaepernick, Mike Ditka’s free to ‘get the hell out’

Remember when the national anthem prior to games was such a big deal that networks didn't bother televising it? Seems like a long time ago.

September 26, 2016

Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game New York Giants Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

Kirk Cousins is a topic, even when he’s not

The Redskins showed Sunday that other parts of the team can help produce a win, even though the quarterback in Washington will always be a focal point.

September 25, 2016

The New England Patriots didn't miss a beat with third-string quarterback Jacoby Brissett on Sunday. (Associated Press)

Redskins drama resurfaces as Patriots keep operating like clockwork

It didn't take long for GM Scot McCloughan to stamp his identity on the D.C. team, but old habits die hard. McCloughan has overhauled the roster in two years on the job; culture change isn't quite as easy.

September 21, 2016

FILE - In this March 17, 2015, file photo, George Washington head coach Mike Lonergan gestures during an NCAA college basketball game against Pittsburgh, in Pittsburgh. At this time of year college basketball coaches often sound like political candidates looking for votes as they tout their teams' NCAA tournament worthiness. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File) **FILE**

Mike Lonergan learns: One generation’s ‘tough’ coach can be another’s abusive tyrant

When it comes to coaching, one generation's "tough" is another generation's "toxic." Just ask former George Washington hoops coach Mike Lonergan.

September 19, 2016

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) pulls away from Washington Redskins cornerback Bashaud Breeland (26) during the first half of an NFL football game in Landover, Md., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Josh Norman Bashaud Breeland

As you would imagine, Washington cornerbacks Bashaud Breeland and Josh Norman weren't in great moods following Sunday's 27-23 loss against Dallas game.

September 18, 2016

Cleveland Browns quarterback Robert Griffin III runs the ball during the Philadelphia Eagles 29-10 win over the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini) (credit)

Robert Griffin III’s career summed up in one bone-crushing hit

RG3's incredible journey from star to star-crossed might have reached its painful end Sunday in Philadelphia. That would be a shame on several levels, including the fact he won't be in uniform Oct. 2 when his Cleveland Browns visit FedEx Field.

September 14, 2016

Washington was embarrassed on national TV as it seeks to prove last year was no fluke and quarterback Kirk Cousins is no dud. (Associated Press)

Redskins’ opener begins with promise, ends with despair

The difference between being close and being competitive, between almost and not quite, showed up for the Redskins on Monday night in their opener.

September 13, 2016

Oklahoma State linebacker Chad Whitener sits alone in the endzone as Central Michigan celebrates a last-second touchdown to win 30-27 on Saturday. (Associated Press)

Officials’ goof in Oklahoma State-Central Michigan game warrants reversal

Central Michigan pulled off one of the most improbable last-second victories you'll ever see against Oklahoma State. The Chippewas escaped Stillwater with a shocking, 30-27 upset Saturday, but the play never should've happened.

September 12, 2016

Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder walks on the field before an NFL preseason football game against the Buffalo Bills, Friday, Aug. 26, 2016, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Dan Snyder desire for new stadium puts region on notice

The upcoming NFL season at FedEx Field won't be the last. But the clock is ticking and it's likely to run out before Washington's lease expires in 11 years.

September 7, 2016

FILE - In this Aug. 4, 2016, file photo, Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian takes part in drills during the team's NFL football training camp in Englewood, Colo. The Carolina Panthers are out to rattle Siemian Thursday night, Sept. 8, in his first start for the Super Bowl champion Broncos. Thing is, his teammates say they've never seen the strong-armed, mobile QB lose his cool. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

Meet Trevor Siemian, the guy who gets to follow Peyton Manning

His name is Trevor Siemian, also known as "Who?" He's the man taking over for Peyton Manning behind center for the Denver Broncos, and his teammates say the league will know the second-year quarterback's name soon enough.

September 7, 2016

Texas wide receiver John Burt (1) celebrates with teammates after they defeated Notre Dame in double overtime in a NCAA college football game, Sunday, Sept. 4, 2016, in Austin, Texas. Texas won 50-47. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Behind the thrilling opening weekend, a more sobering story

When it comes to big-time college sports, it's impossible to ignore the staggering amounts of money involved -- where it goes and where it comes from, who gets paid and who doesn't -- without raising nagging concerns about priorities and propriety.

September 5, 2016

Former NFL quarterback, Tim Tebow hits during batting practice for baseball scouts and the media during a showcase on the campus of the University of Southern California, Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016 in Los Angeles. The Heisman Trophy winner works out for a big gathering of scouts on USC's campus in an attempt to start a career in a sport he hasn't played regularly since high school. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Tim Tebow shouldn’t be mocked for trying to fulfill his baseball dream

Which is it for you? Do you applaud Tebow for having the courage to potentially face plant on the diamond as he pursues a baseball career? Or do you ridicule him for thinking he can overcome an 11-year layoff and reach the big leagues?

August 31, 2016

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) stands on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015. The Packers won 17-3. (AP Photo/Ben Margot) **FILE**

Colin Kaepernick’s point in sitting during anthem deserves consideration

The fact that Kaepernick is paid an eight-figure salary doesn't mean he should close his eyes to what's happening in society. Concern for your fellow man shouldn't end once you reach a certain income level.

August 29, 2016