Headline: Breaking Sports News from The Athletic

Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the Thunder hiring Mark Diagneault as their new head coach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The NFL owners made news Tuesday by approving an expanded 16-team playoff contingency plan if certain games are canceled due to COVID. The Athletic's Lindsay Jones and Mike Sando break down the pros and cons of the plan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam Packard and Jay King discuss the life of Boston Celtics legend Tommy Heinsohn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Beller and C.J. Moore discuss the men's basketball AP preseason top 25, which features Gonzaga as the No. 1 team in the land. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mike Coppinger and Lance Pugmire react to Canelo Alvarez and Golden Boy Promotions severing their relationship. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Derek VanRiper and Michael Beller discuss the downstream effects in the fantasy football world from Christian McCaffrey's return. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew Schlecht and Seth Partnow discuss the NBA restarting on December 22, how it will impact trades and free agency, and why the league is motivated to start so soon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic's Red Sox reporter Chad Jennings and Tim McMaster react to the news that Alex Cora will return to Boston as Red Sox manager one year after being suspended by Major League Baseball for his role in the Astros sign stealing scandal. Who's decision was this? What should expectations be? Does he need to win back the fanbase? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic's Jets reporter Connor Hughes along with Tim McMaster react to Joe Douglas' post trade deadline comments about head coach Adam Gase and quarterback Sam Darnold. Does Douglas' vote of confidence really mean anything if the Jets continue to struggle on the field? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

49ers Writers David Lombardi & Matt Barrows of "Here's The Catch" podcast break down the latest news on Jimmy Garoppolo and George Kittle being out multiple weeks on injuries occurred in the game vs the Seahawks yesterday. Jimmy G aggravated his high ankle sprain he had in earlier in the season that cost him a few games and Kittle broke a bone in his foot, which could end his season. Where does this leave the 49ers this season and going into an interesting offseason next year? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic's Marc Carig and Tim Britton have years of experience covering the Wilpon era of Mets baseball. They react to the news that MLB owners have approved the sale of the franchise to billionaire Steve Cohen. They discuss what it means for the club in the short and long term and what is the Wilpon's legacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic's Cody Stavenhagen and Tim McMaster react to the news that the Tigers are close to hiring A.J. Hinch as the club's new manager. Hinch represents a big change in direction for Detroit after the retirement of Ron Gardenhire. How will the team manage the optics of hiring Hinch days after his suspension for his role in the Astros sign stealing scandal ended? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host of The Athletic's ACC Podcast Andy Bitter is joined by National Writer Matt Fortuna to discuss the breaking news that Clemson QB & projected #1 draft pick Trevor Lawrence has tested positive for COVID-19. Lawrence is out for Saturday's game vs. Syracuse & is eligible to return on November 7th; the day Clemson faces Notre Dame in South Bend. Will Lawrence play & what does this mean for the playoff race? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Craig Custance and Aaron Portzline from the Athletic NHL discuss the Arizona Coyotes decision to renounce the rights to 2020 fourth round draft pick Mitchell Miller. Miller was charged, along with another unidentified teen with assault and violating the Ohio Safe Schools Act for bullying Isaiah Meyer-Crothers, a Black classmate with developmental disabilities back in 2016. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jon Greenberg and James Fegan react to the Chicago White Sox hiring 76-year-old Tony La Russa to the team's manager role. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic's Derek Bodner and Rich Hofmann discuss the Sixers hiring of Daryl Morey to a five-year contract to run the team's basketball operations. Is Morey the right executive to take the franchise back to the top of the NBA landscape? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jesse Temple and Mitch Sherman react to the Wisconsin football program pausing team activities due to new positive COVID-19 cases. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy McCullough and Pedro Moura discuss the Los Angeles Dodgers first World Series win in 32 years and Justin Turner getting pulled out of the game after positive COVID-19 test. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Beller and Nando Di Fino discuss the fantasy fallout from Odell Beckham's torn ACL. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Antonio Brown is returning to the NFL, according to Athletic sources, this time re-teaming with Tom Brady in Tampa Bay. The Athletic's Greg Auman brings you breaking reaction to the news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Derek VanRiper and Nando Di Fino discuss the replacement options for fantasy football managers with Joe Mixon sitting out Week 7 due to a foot injury. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Baltimore Ravens have added the long-rumored next piece to their defense by trading for DE Yannick Ngakoue. How much of an impact will he have this year and long-term? The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec reacts to the news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic's New Orleans Pelicans reporter Will Guillory joins Mike Smeltz to discuss what Stan Van Gundy brings to the Pelicans and what it means for the team's off-season plans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We thought Tua Tagovailoa might eventually be the starter in Miami, but after 6 weeks and especially not with the Dolphins winning. The Athletic's Josh Tolentino of The Athletic Miami reacts to the decision. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi discuss why NASCAR chose to reinstate Kyle Larson following his indefinite suspension for a racial slur in April and what the next steps are for Larson's future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scott Burnside and Jonas Siegel discuss the Maple Leafs signing of future Hockey Hall of Famer Joe Thornton. After 15 seasons in San Jose, Thornton, an Ontario native signs a one year deal with the Leafs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Beller and Jake Ciely break down the effects in the fantasy football world of Le'Veon Bell signing with the Chiefs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jovan Buha and Mo Dakhil discuss the Clippers hiring Ty Lue as their next head coach and how it impacts their chase for an NBA title. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mo Dakhil and Kelly Iko break down Daryl Morey leaving the Rockets, how it impacts their upcoming offseason, and the future of the Rockets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic's Andy Staples & Nicole Auerbach react to the breaking news that Nick Saban & Alabama Athletic Director Greg Byrne have both tested positive for COVID-19. Offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian will take over preparations for Saturday's game vs. Georgia which is still scheduled to be played. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic's Tim McMaster and Connor Hughes react to the Jets releasing running back Le'Veon Bell. Why now? Will the Jets finally start utilizing rookie back La'Mical Perine? What happens the next time a player complains about the organization. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic's Andy McCullough and Pedro Moura react to the news that Clayton Kershaw has been scratched from his start in Game 2 of the NLCS. The guys discuss the implications Kershaw's latest back flare up could have on the rest of the series. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic’s Scott Burnside and Jesse Granger discuss Alex Pietrangelo’s 7-year, $61.6 million deal with the Vegas Golden Knights, the salary cap issues now facing the Golden Knights, potentially moving out Marc-Andre Fleury or Nate Schmidt to get under the cap, the arms race between Vegas and Colorado heading into the 2021 season, and more.Visit http://theathletic.com/newspod to join The Athletic for just $1 a month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jon Greenberg and James Fegan react to sweeping changes from the Chicago White Sox, as the team parts ways with both manager Rick Renteria and pitching coach Don Cooper. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic's Bill Oram and Anthony Slater discuss the unprecedented nature of the Lakers championship run, how LeBron James' fourth title impacts his legacy, and what the title means to the Lakers franchise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic’s Scott Burnside and John Vogl react to Taylor Hall’s one year, $8 million contract with the Buffalo Sabres and discuss how Hall’s arrival will help the Sabres, currently on the longest playoff drought in the NHL, whether he can regain his Hart Trophy form playing alongside Jack Eichel, and more.Visit http://theathletic.com/newspod to join The Athletic for just $1 a month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic's Lindsay Jones joins Kent Garrison of the About Them Cowboys podcast to react to the devastating injury news regarding QB Dak Prescott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Dan Quinn era in Atlanta appears to be over. The Athletic's Lindsay Jones is joined by Atlanta editor Daniel Shirley to react to the breaking news from The Athletic's Jeff Schultz. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic’s Scott Burnside and Jeremy Rutherford discuss the St. Louis Blues making a big splash to close the first day of NHL free agency, signing defenseman Torey Krug to a seven-year, $45.5 million contract, how Krug balances out the St. Louis blueline, what the now very likely departure of Alex Pietrangelo means for the organization, and more.Visit http://theathletic.com/newspod to join The Athletic for just $1 a month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scott Burnside and Eric Duhatschek from the Athletic NHL discuss a busy first day of free agency for NHL goalies. Jacob Markstrom joins Calgary, Braden Holtby signs in Vancouver, Anton Khudobin stays in Dallas, Cam Talbot moves to Minnesota, and the King, Henrik Lundqvist signs with Washington. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Henrik Lundqvist and the Washington Capitals make it official, signing a 1 year, 1.5 million dollar deal to play in DC. The Athletic's Scott Burnside and Tarik El-Bashir discuss what Hank will bring to the Caps. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic's Jason Kersey and Max Olson discuss Kansas head football coach Les Miles testing positive for COVID-19, as well as Baylor suspending all football-related activities. What does this mean for both programs moving forward? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic NHL’s Arthur Staple and Scott Burnside discuss the New York Rangers’ selection of Alexis Lafrenière as the first overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, what the former two-time QMJHL MVP adds to the Rangers lineup, whether he could be in contention for the Calder trophy next season or not, and more.Visit http://theathletic.com/newspod to join The Athletic for just $1 a month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic's Texans beat writer Aaron Reiss joins Lindsay Jones to react to Bill O'Brien's firing after the 0-4 start for the Houston Texans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic's Michael Beller and Nando Di Fino break down the fantasy value of Kareem Hunt and D'Ernest Johnson with Nick Chubb expected to be out for six weeks because of a knee injury.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Nando on Twitter: @nandodifino Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic's Robert Mays and Lindsay Jones discuss the news that Sunday's Patriots-Chiefs game has been postponed after Patriots quarterback Cam Newton and Chiefs practice squad quarterback Jordan Ta'amu have tested positive for COVID-19. What does this mean for the NFL season going forward and should the league consider a league wide shutdown and team bubbles to protect players? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic's 76ers reporters and hosts of the Sixers Beat podcast, Derek Bodner and Rich Hofmann, discuss why Doc Rivers was chosen as the next 76ers head coach and what other changes may be on the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic's senior writers Andy McCullough and Evan Drellich discuss the news that Major League Baseball will allow 25 percent capacity at the National League Championship Series and World Series at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. They examine the reasoning behind the decision and the risks involved Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scott Burnside and Rick Carpiniello of the Athletic NHL discuss the New York Rangers decision to buyout the final year of Henrik Lundqvist's contract with the Blue Shirts. Scott and Rick discuss Hank's legacy in New York, and where he might end up for the 20/21 season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic's senior NFL writer Lindsay Jones and Nashville columnist Joe Rexrode explain what is happening within the Titans organization after the team's in-person activities were shut down due to positive COVID-19 tests. Lindsay and Joe also look to the coming days and what we can expect from the NFL. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.