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Kyle Goon

Kyle

Kyle Goon joined the staff of The Baltimore Banner in April 2023 as a sports columnist. He previously covered the Los Angeles Lakers for The Orange County Register, including a three-month stint in the NBA bubble for the team’s 2020 NBA championship. He started his career at The Salt Lake Tribune, where he covered high school sports, Utah State University, the University of Utah and the Utah Jazz. Kyle grew up in Ellicott City and is a Mt. Hebron High and University of Maryland grad.

The latest from Kyle Goon

Kyle Goon: The discourse around Lamar Jackson is hell. Watching him play is salvation.
COLUMN | Every offseason is a slog through Lamar Jackson hot takes. As soon as the ball is snapped, though, he takes over the narrative.
Lamar Jackson passed for 324 yards and ran for 40 Sunday as the Ravens beat the Colts 41-23.
Kyle Goon: Will the real Jesse Minter please stand up? The Ravens coach has much to prove.
COLUMN | There’s little doubt the rookie head coach has the field know-how required to succeed. But his authenticity and vulnerability will be big tests of his aptitude.
Ravens coach Jesse Minter will lead the team in his first regular-season game Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts.
Kyle Goon: The All-in-One Guide to the 2026 Ravens (to sound like you paid attention during the offseason)
COLUMN | It’s hard keeping up with an NFL team’s offseason, especially when so many things change. For the casual fan who is just tuning in, here’s a primer on the Ravens, their new coach, their new offense and much more.
The Ravens’ Jesse Minter hopes to join a short list of first-year coaches to take a team to the Super Bowl.
Kyle Goon: Ravens kicker Jake Moody has felt the pressure Tyler Loop is feeling
COLUMN | After a shaky preseason from second-year kicker Tyler Loop, the Ravens signed veteran Jake Moody to their practice squad.
FILE - Washington Commanders kicker Jake Moody (16) in action during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Aug. 14, 2026, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Kyle Goon: For one night, Adley Rutschman forces Orioles fans to ask ‘What if?’
COLUMN | If you closed your eyes, you could imagine the world in which the Orioles had never traded Rutschman at all.
Adley Rutschman went 2-for-4 with two home runs and three runs scored Thursday night as the Red Sox beat the Orioles 6-5 at Camden Yards.
Adley Rutschman returns to Baltimore with the Red Sox but still feels the love from Orioles fans
As Adley Rutschman readied to play his first game as a visitor at Camden Yards, he said he’s at peace with his trade to the Red Sox.
Red Sox catcher Adley Rutschman tips his helmet to the crowd ahead of his at-bat in the first inning Thursday night at Camden Yards. He homered in that at-bat.
Kyle Goon: Malik Washington’s future hangs over the 2026 Terps season
COLUMN | Is Malik Washington ready to elevate the Terps back into a bowl? Or is his 2026 season an audition tape for a higher-level program to poach him?
Malik Washington of the Maryland Terrapins runs for a touchdown against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in Piscataway, New Jersey, in 2025.
Kyle Goon: The Ravens shouldn’t have let it get this uncomfortable with kicker Tyler Loop
COLUMN | The Ravens' delay in bringing in a competitor to challenge kicker Tyler Loop has left them feeling uncertain about an important position after he's gone 5-for-8 in the preseason. They should have been more proactive, because it's getting too late for a position battle.
Ravens kicker Tyler Loop missed two field goals of 50-plus yards Friday night against the Commanders.
Kyle Goon: For Shawne Merriman’s QB son and Saint Frances football, it’s about to be Lights On
COLUMN | The sophomore starting quarterback at Saint Frances is about to start stepping out from the formidable legacy of his father.
Justin Merriman, the son of Terps and NFL star Shawne Merriman, will make his first start for the nationally ranked Saint Frances football team this weekend. Justin is already considered one of Maryland's top 2029 recruits and has been getting college attention from several schools including the University of Maryland.
Washington’s offensive line struggles again vs. Baltimore. Jayden Daniels says he can only worry about his own job.
The Commanders went to Baltimore, and their offense was outplayed for the better part of two hours. Washington struggled to run the ball and watched at least four would-be sacks get home
Commanders left tackle Brandon Coleman works against the Lions during Saturday’s preseason game.
Kyle Goon: Taulia Tagovailoa set records for the Terps. His next dream? Going to the Olympics.
COLUMN | After a quick decision to join American Samoa’s flag football team, the former Terp is now setting out to make history by playing the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Taulia Tagovailoa signs autographs for fans at the Flag Football World Championships in Dusseldorf, Germany, in August 2026. Tagovailoa, a former Terps quarterback, helped lead American Samoa to a 38-32 upset of Team USA on Aug. 14. American Samoa finished fifth in the the tournament after entering as the lowest-ranked team.
Kyle Goon: Sports owners are disconnected from fans. It’s the biggest problem in the game.
COLUMN | Bad behavior by team owners around the country helps highlight how disconnected they are from the fans they claim to serve. It’s one of the existential problems in sports.
David Rubenstein became controlling owner of the Orioles in March 2024.
Kyle Goon: O.J. Brigance always beat the odds. His willpower is his remarkable legacy.
COLUMN | O.J. Brigance inspired Ravens players with his hope and resiliency.
O.J. Brigance, seated, celebrates at a 2023 Brigance Brigade fundraiser with former board member Mike Gathagan, wife Chanda Brigance and Lt. Gov Aruna Miller. Brigance was a championship-winning linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens and Baltimore Stallions before becoming a prominent spokesman for ALS patients and their families. His foundation has raised millions in grant money for ALS patients to improve their quality of life.
Kyle Goon: Why a Ravens preseason touchdown meant the world to QB Austin Reed (and his baby girls)
COLUMN | On Saturday night, there was a lot for the Reed family to celebrate.
Ravens quarterback Austin Reed (15) celebrates after he scores in the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles in a preseason game on Aug. 15.
Kyle Goon: As Churchill Downs attempts to undermine the Preakness, Maryland racing is doing what it must to survive
COLUMN | Maryland’s decision to buy the Preakness’ IP rights and change the race date appears to have ruffled the feathers of its Triple Crown compatriots. But, given how hostile the most powerful bodies can be, the state’s self-interested moves are a sign of progress.
The Preakness is expected to return to a new Pimlico Race Course next year.
Kyle Goon: Paying Zay Flowers will be worth it — if Lamar Jackson signs with the Ravens, too
COLUMN | Zay Flowers is one of the tightest teammates in Lamar Jackson’s circle. By paying Flowers top-tier receiver money, the Ravens have created an enticement for Jackson to re-up in the next year, too.
Lamar Jackson, left, and Zay Flowers participate in warmups prior to the Ravens' preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys on Aug. 16, 2025.
Following emotional trade deadline, Orioles get back to work with win over Angels
Cade Povich spins a scoreless start and Pete Alonso hits a go-ahead RBI single in the third inning to get Baltimore back in the win column after a trade deadline gut punch.
Orioles’ Colton Cowser (17) is congratulated as he scores on a Pete Alonso single against the Los Angeles Angels in the bottom of the third.
Kyle Goon: Mike Elias just traded away the symbol of his own rebuild. Why should Orioles fans trust him anymore?
COLUMN | We’ve reached a stage where Mike Elias is now dealing away his own first-round picks to get the Orioles out of the hole he helped dig. Why should he get any more trust to fix this team?
Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias takes questions from reporters in the Orioles dugout on July 31.
Kyle Goon: Chris Davis’ Orioles career ended on a low. Only now can he appreciate the highs.
COLUMN | Chris Davis didn't expect to get into the Orioles Hall of Fame this soon. But he didn't appreciate his career achievements until stepping away from the game.
Former first baseman Chris Davis hit 253 home runs as a member of the Orioles.
Kyle Goon: Lamar Jackson’s contract talks will loom. But in the meantime he’s embracing change.
COLUMN | It won’t be easy to overlook the massive shadow Lamar Jackson’s salary cap hit has over the franchise in 2027. But the two-time MVP seems legitimately excited for a new coaching regime and another chance to prove himself.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson says he’s focused on his play instead of his contract.
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