Frank Deford

NPR commentator and Hall of Fame sportswriter Frank Deford died in Key West over the weekend.In 2008, he spoke to a group of students from the University…

The sportswriter was a mainstay on Morning Editionfor 37 years, applying his keen wit and incisive eye to games of every stripe. Deford died Sunday, just weeks after hanging up his cleats with NPR.

When it comes to awards in theater or television or dance or literature, Frank Deford observes, candidates don't worry about losing out because of a personal flaw. Only sports applies that off-the-field standard.

The Morning Edition commentator is being given a National Humanities Medal. Others being honored Wednesday include musician Herb Alpert, film director George Lucas and playwright/performer Anna Deavere Smith.