Bryan Mealer Stories

Muck City: Football In Belle Glade, Florida
This city is one of the poorest places in America but sends an extraordinary number of players to the National Football League. Book excerpt >>

hot on the magazine.

Why Soccer Is The Last Sport For Grown-Ups

The game's window of opportunity in America appears to be opening because it is inherently free of many annoyances found in the NFL, NBA and MLB. >>

Bullying Victims Fight Back With Help From Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Royalty

How one child stood up for himself by using moves he learned from UFC's founding Gracie family. >>

Jeremy Lin: His Impact On Changing The Perception Of The Asian American Male

His stunning success in the NBA helps break the stereotype of their being geeky and socially inept. >>

From Another Era And Another Sport, A Sex Abuse Scandal Still Inflicting Pain Today

Before Jerry Sandusky, there was Donald Fitzpatrick, the longtime Red Sox clubhouse manager who lured at least a dozen boys into two decades of systemic sexual abuse. >>

Weeknight At Burnie's: My Evening As A Mascot For Reigning NBA Champion Miami Heat

For one game, our intrepid reporter gets to share the big stage with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade -- sort of. >>