Kirsten Kendrick

"It's more of a hood ornament when no one is really buying the car."

That's what KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel has to say about the Mariners' plans for a new scoreboard at Safeco Field - at an estimated cost of $10 million.

Washington State University's athletic department and the Pac-12 are each investigating claims of abuse by first-year head football coach Mike Leach. The often controversial coach denies the claims being leveled by former star receiver Marquess Wilson, who quit the team.

KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel says, no matter who's right in this case, it sheds light on the long-overlooked issue of players' rights - or lack of them - in college sports.

The fourth time’s the charm. After three years of losing in the first round, the Seattle Sounders are moving on to the second round of the Major League Soccer playoffs.

The Seahawks host the Vikings on Sunday. At midseason, the Hawks are 4-4 and looking to turn things around.

KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel says it starts with their defense.

The Sounders play their final game of the regular season this Sunday against the LA Galaxy in California.

Next weekend, they face Real Salt Lake in the Western Conference semifinals - in a rematch from last year.

The Sounders have made it to the Major League Soccer playoffs all four years of their existence, but have yet to make it to round two. KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel says it's tough to say if this will be their year.

There's not a lot to cheer about this season if you're a college football fan in Washington.

Both the University of Washington and Washington State have been struggling. KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel says nowhere is that more evident than at the position of quarterback.

A new book chronicles the life and illustrious career of jazz piano legend Marian McPartland. She's known for her role as host of Piano Jazz on NPR for more than three decades, but her fans have known little else about Marian McPartland. Until now.

Despite modest improvement this year, the Mariners end the season last in the American League West for the third year in a row.

And that's not the end of the frustration for Mariners fans, according to KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel.

KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel has a bone to pick with some Seahawks fans. He's baffled by the action of several season ticket holders following the Seahawks' controversial victory over the Green Bay Packers Monday night, at the hands of replacement referees.

In a city that's known for being passive-aggressive, it might sound funny to some Seattleites to hear their football team described as simply aggressive. Some are calling the team "a bunch of thugs" after their rout of the Cowboys last Sunday at CenturyLink Field.

KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel finds humor in the Seahawks' tough new reputation.

A revised agreement for a new Seattle sports arena that was unveiled this week got people talking again about the future of KeyArena. As part of the amended deal with lead investor Chris Hansen, the city negotiated $7 million for upgrades to KeyArena and a study about its future.

That future may not include the Seattle Storm, according to KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel.

When it comes to getting their hopes up early on in the season for any Seattle sports team, many fans instead put up their defenses. That may be happening to some people in the wake of the Seahawks' perfect preseason record of 4-0.

As the Hawks gear up for the start of the regular season Sunday in Arizona, some fans are keeping the team at arms' length. KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel explains why.

The Seahawks are preparing for their season opener on Sunday in Arizona. They went 4-0 in the preseason - only the second perfect preseason in team history.

But not everyone is celebrating that feat. KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel will explain why tomorrow morning at 5:35 and 7:35 on 88.5 KPLU. Check back here for a blog of our conversation.

The Washington Huskies begin the 2012 football season Saturday night against San Diego State. UW will face four Top 20 teams in the first six weeks of the season.

KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel says a tough schedule is not the only obstacle the Huskies face this year.

The Washington Huskies ended their season last year with a 67-56 loss to Baylor in the Alamo Bowl. As they gear up for 2012, they face an even tougher schedule. UW opens the season Saturday night vs. San Diego State.

KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel will have more on the Huskies stiff competition this season, coming up tomorrow morning at 5:30 and 7:30 on 88.5 KPLU. Check back here for a blog of our conversation.