The Lead

It's been an eventful few days for the Los Angeles Dodgers. On Thursday it was revealed that MLB was inspecting baseballs used by the team's new star pitcher, Trevor Bauer, in a game against the Oakland A's -- and that the balls had visible markings and were sticky, according to an exclusive report from The Athletic. The following day, the team played its home opener in Dodger Stadium, in front of thousands fans (for the first time in more than a year), and hoisted its 2020 World Series championship banner. The Athletic's Molly Knight joins us to break down the Dodgers' up-and-down start to the 2021 season, why players from a former dynasty think the Dodgers will repeat as champions, and the dilemma that Major League Baseball faces as it tries to rein in the widespread use of sticky substances.More from Molly Knight:https://theathletic.com/author/molly-knight/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you’ve been near a screen in the last six months or so, there’s a pretty decent chance you’ve heard the terms NBA Top Shot and NFT, which have star athletes ranging from Rob Gronkowski to Patrick Mahomes to Bryson DeChambeau getting in on the action. Today, The Athletic’s Bill Shea explains exactly what NBA Top Shot and NFTs are, why pro sports leagues are supporting them, and whether the whole thing — like Beanie Babies — is a bubble.Read Bill Shea’s story about NBA Top Shot and NFTs: https://theathletic.com/2484646/2021/03/30/bitcoin-crypto-nfts-ethereum-sports-business/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

By 1989, the Chicago White Sox knew they needed to refresh their image. The team had struggled for years and became known for their constantly changing uniforms. Then, thanks to some savvy marketing and a team of high-profile stars, the South Siders managed to create a brand that has survived the test of time. Today, The Athletic's Jon Greenberg joins us to talk about why the White Sox logo resonates across the hip hop community and how the team's current crop young stars are bringing some of that swagger back to baseball.Read Jon Greenberg's story about the White Sox logo change here: https://theathletic.com/2482781/2021/03/31/look-good-play-good-tim-anderson-and-the-white-sox-are-ready-to-take-over-every-bit-of-the-baseball-world/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On Friday, many people were caught off guard by Commissioner Rob Manfred's decision to move the 2021 Major League Baseball All-Star Game out of Georgia, in response to the state's controversial new voting law and growing public pressure. And on Tuesday, MLB announced that the game would instead be held in Colorado. Amidst all the noise and political posturing surrounding the decision, The Athletic’s Evan Drellich joins us to break down what actually drove Manfred's decision to move the game, and what it reveals about the state of Major League Baseball.More from Evan Drellich:https://theathletic.com/author/evan-drellich/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Brandon Staley first spoke to the media as head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers earlier this year, he went out of his way to give credit to his parents. As it turns out, Staley’s commitment to his family — and to his twin brother Jason — led to an unlikely connection that helped spark his career as a coach. Today, The Athletic’s Daniel Popper joins us to tell that story, and to look at the family ownership drama that’s currently surrounding the Chargers. Read Daniel Popper’s full story about Brandon Staley: https://theathletic.com/2437569/2021/03/23/a-brothers-promise-and-the-d-ii-season-that-led-brandon-staley-to-the-chargers/?source=theleadpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Stanford Cardinal and head coach Tara VanDerveer captured their first women's basketball national championship in twenty-nine years on Sunday, narrowly beating out Arizona. The Athletic's Chantel Jennings joins us to break down both teams's remarkable journey just to get to the title game, why Stanford managed to persevere, and how Arizona’s 5-foot-6 superstar Aari McDonald came up just short on her last-second shot. Plus, what comes next for the NCAA after the embarrassing scandal that plagued the women's tournament.More from Chantel Jennings:https://theathletic.com/author/chantel-jennings/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Final Four is here, and Gonzaga is poised to make history. The Zags are set to be the first men's team to go undefeated for an entire season since the Indiana Hoosiers pulled off the feat in 1976. So the question is: Who can stop Mark Few's team from making history? Today, The Athletic's Brian Hamilton joins us to talk about Gonzaga's quest for immortality, UCLA's cinderella run, Houston's tough as gravel mentality, and the Baylor Bears' dynamic backcourt. Read Brian Hamilton's college basketball coverage here: https://theathletic.com/author/brian-hamilton/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After a strange and abbreviated 60-game season in 2020, it’s finally time for Major League Baseball’s 2021 Opening Day — which is happening right on time. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Brittany Ghiroli to look at some of the story lines that will define the 2021 season, including the Yankees borrowing a page from the NBA to manage their injury problems, huge expectations for Shohei Ohtani, and a Dodgers-Padres rivalry that is already getting heated. Follow Brittany Ghiroli’s coverage of Major League Baseball: https://theathletic.com/author/brittany-ghiroli/?source=theleadpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Minnesota Timberwolves executive John Thomas grew up just a few blocks away from the convenience store where George Floyd was killed. Since that tragic incident, which inspired a national reckoning and global movement, Thomas has been on a mission to build bridges and inspire change in his old neighborhood in South Minneapolis. The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski recently took a stroll through the area with Thomas to learn what his life growing up there was like, and how he is striving to give back to the community that lifted him up and helped him achieve his basketball dreams.Read Jon Krawczynski's story about John Thomas:https://theathletic.com/2390979/2021/03/26/ahead-of-the-george-floyd-trial-a-quest-for-restoration-by-former-nba-player-john-thomas/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For much of this season, the Dallas Mavericks have been a difficult team to figure out, and on the surface they looked like one of the league’s biggest disappointments during an 8-13 start. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Tim Cato to go behind the scenes of their roller coaster campaign, breaking down all the hurdles that Luka Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis and the Mavs had to clear, and why this team is finally starting to live up to expectations. Read Tim Cato’s story about the Mavs’ turnaround: https://theathletic.com/2459997/2021/03/18/cato-the-dallas-mavericks-at-last-are-the-team-so-many-expected-them-to-be/?source=theleadpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The NFL Offseason is in full swing. There have been draft disrupting trades, big money signings, and some moves that left people scratching their heads. Today, The Athletic's Mike Sando joins us to talk about some of the key storylines from the free agency period and if anyone has done enough to unseat the defending champs.You can read Mike Sando's NFL coverage here: https://theathletic.com/author/mike-sando/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On Thursday, a couple of the Lakers’ top rivals made notable moves at the NBA trade deadline, with the Nuggets picking up Aaron Gordon, and the Clippers adding former Lakers point guard Rajon Rondo. Meanwhile, the defending champs — who are currently without LeBron James and Anthony Davis — did nothing. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Bill Oram to look at why the Lakers didn’t make changes, how they’re trying to stay afloat without their two top stars, and why they could still be poised for another championship run. Follow Bill Oram’s coverage of the Lakers: https://theathletic.com/author/bill-oram/?source=theleadpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On Tuesday, UConn Women's Basketball coasted past Syracuse into its 27th consecutive Sweet Sixteen. One of the key drivers of the Huskies success this season is Freshman star Paige Bueckers. And the 19-year-old guard is more than just a basketball prodigy, she's also a social media sensation who has more Instagram follower than people like Justin Fields and Jalen Suggs. Today, The Athletic’s Charlotte Carroll tells us why Bueckers resonates so much with fans -- and just how bright her future appears.Read Charlotte Carroll's UConn basketball coverage: https://theathletic.com/author/charlotte-carroll/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper won his first hockey championship more than two decades ago, and far from the spotlight of the NHL. At the time, he was an underpaid, 32-year-old public defender and first-year head coach with the Lansing Catholic High School Cougars -- a position that the former college lacrosse player was arguably not even qualified for at the time. The Athletic's Joe Smith tracked down players from that high school team, and the judge who recruited Cooper to coach them, and he joins us to discuss Cooper's journey from the courtroom to the local ice arena to the NHL.Read Joe Smith's story about Jon Cooper's remarkable journey:https://theathletic.com/2435916/2021/03/10/jon-coopers-first-title-hint-it-wasnt-the-lightnings-stanley-cup/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Three years after their remarkable run to the Final Four, the Loyola Chicago Ramblers are at it again, advancing to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament after knocking off No. 1-seeded Illinois over the weekend. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Brian Hamilton to discuss the return of 101-year-old team chaplain Sister Jean, star player Cameron Krutwig and his lucky mustache, and why this team continues to be far more dangerous than expected.Read Brian Hamilton’s story about Cameron Krutwig and Loyola Chicago: https://theathletic.com/2457466/2021/03/21/loyola-chicago-cam-krutwig-mustache/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The New York Mets had an eventful off-season. First, the team was purchased by billionaire Steve Cohen who made big promises about a new day for Mets baseball. Cohen initially appeared to be living up to that pledge when the team traded for Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor — one of the brightest young stars in baseball. But shortly after that blockbuster acquisition, the Mets found themselves mired in scandals that cast a pall over the bright future ownership had promised. Today, The Athletic's Tim Britton joins us to talk about the state of the Mets and what management is doing to rebuild the organization both on and off the field.Read all of Tim Britton's Mets coverage: https://theathletic.com/author/tim-britton/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A third lawsuit has been filed against Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, and the NFL announced on Thursday that it is launching its own investigation into the matter. The Athletic's Aaron Reiss, who covers the Texans, joins us to discuss the latest, including the colorful lawyers on both sides, and how the lawsuits could impact the future of a man who has been the subject of endless trade speculation.More from Aaron Reiss:https://theathletic.com/author/aaron-reiss/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A few weeks ago at the Golden Globes, Jason Sudeikis won the award for Best Actor in a TV Series, Musical or Comedy for his performance as Ted Lasso, the American football coach who goes to England to coach professional soccer. It turns out that character is based, in part, on a real-life coach from Sudeikis’s past. The Athletic’s Rustin Dodd recently tracked down that coach, and Rustin joins us today to talk about how the relationship between him and Sudeikis helped inspire an iconic character all these years later. Read Rustin Dodd’s story about Jason Sudeikis, Donnie Campbell and Ted Lasso: https://theathletic.com/2430910/2021/03/15/ted-lasso-jason-sudeikis-coach-kansas/?source=theleadpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It was one of the strangest moments in hockey history. During a nationally-televised NHL playoff game in 2018, Boston Bruins star Brad Marchand leaned in close to a Tampa Bay Lightning opponent...and licked his face. And it was the second time Marchand had done this in two weeks. But since then, the frequently suspended and widely loathed winger has not faced disciplinary action by the NHL a single time. The Athletic’s Fluto Shinzawa wondered how this remarkable transformation came about, and discovered that it started with a conversation at a backyard barbecue. Three years later, Marchand is aiming to rewrite his legacy and lead the Bruins to the Stanley Cup.Read Fluto Shinzawa's full story about Brad Marchand's transformation:https://theathletic.com/2377748/2021/03/04/after-the-lick-how-the-bruins-brad-marchand-eliminated-the-rat-from-his-game/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Need a little help on your office pool bracket? Or are you just really excited to watch the drama of the NCAA Men's Basketball tournament unfold? Either way, The Athletic's Seth Davis, who also covers the tournament for CBS Sports, has you covered. Seth joins us to explain who he thinks will win it all, who might self-implode, and who could become the feel-good stories of the year.Check out Seth Davis's complete March Madness bracket:https://theathletic.com/2446936/2021/03/15/2021-ncaa-tournament-seth-davis-picks-his-entire-march-madness-bracket/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

So far during this NBA season, you can make an argument that no player has had a bigger impact on his team’s success than Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider to look at why the triple-double threat is playing the best basketball of his life, and the unexpected similarities between him and one of the game’s all-time greats, Tim Duncan. Read Nick Kosmider’s story about Nikola Jokic and Tim Duncan: https://theathletic.com/2421107/2021/03/02/nikola-jokics-admiration-for-tim-duncan-gives-insight-into-what-makes-him-tick/?source=theleadpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dawn Staley is one of the most accomplished players and coaches in basketball history. Over the past 13 years, she's built a powerhouse program at the University of South Carolina, and recently took home her sixth SEC championship in the past seven years. Outside of her basketball accomplishments Staley has become well-known for her outspoken approach to social and political issues. Today, The Athletic's Josh Kendall tell us about how Staley's North Philadelphia upbringing made her into a person who refuses to back down either on the court or off it.Read Josh Kendall's story about Dawn Staley here: https://theathletic.com/2420351/2021/03/03/the-unrelenting-force-of-dawn-staley-my-heart-wont-let-me-shut-up/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Portland Trail Blazers start the second half of their season with a big matchup against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night. And so far, they’ve gotten another MVP-caliber season from point guard Damian Lillard. However, over the last 18 months, Lillard has endured a wave of tragedies in his life outside of basketball. The Athletic’s Jason Quick recently spoke to Lillard, and today, he joins us to talk about everything that the Blazers’ star has been living through — and playing through — this season. Read Jason Quick’s story about Damian Lillard: https://theathletic.com/2424011/2021/03/03/portland-trailblazers-damian-lillard/?source=theleadpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Back in October, the Detroit Tigers hired a new manager, and normally, a last place team making such a move would fly under the radar. But the Tigers didn’t hire just any manager — they hired A.J. Hinch. The Athletic’s Cody Stavenhagen recently did a long interview with the former Astros manager, and he joins us today to talk about what Hinch’s life has been like since the sign-stealing scandal, how he’s being received in his new city, and how Hinch reflects on his legacy. Read Cody Stavenhagen’s story about A.J. Hinch: https://theathletic.com/2406890/2021/02/26/a-j-hinch-returns-to-tigers-after-astros-cheating-scandal/?source=theleadpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Over the past year and a half, Borussia Dortmund's Erling Haaland has established himself as one of the best goal scorers in world soccer. At just 20 years of age, the Norwegian is already rewriting the record books and hoping to carry his team to Champions League glory. Today, the Athletic's Raphael Honigstein describes how a combination of preternatural athletic prowess and an extreme dedication to his craft has put Haaland on the fast track to superstardom.Read Raphael Honigstein's story about Erling Haaland: https://theathletic.com/1669047/2020/03/22/erling-haaland-borussia-dortmund/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rudy Gobert played in his second consecutive NBA All-Star Game on Sunday night, further cementing his reputation as one of the league's very best players. But while many basketball fans today think of Gobert as a powerhouse shot blocker and an inevitable superstar, there was a time when his success in the league was much more uncertain. The Athletic's Christopher Kamrani recently interviewed Gobert and he joins us to talk about the two-time Defensive Player of the Year's rise from skinny, unknown French teen to back-to-back NBA All-Star, and how he was able to succeed where so many others have failed.Read Chris Kamrani's story about Rudy Gobert:https://theathletic.com/2425030/2021/03/04/rudy-gobert-transformation-into-utah-jazz-all-star-started-in-the-d-league-you-have-to-be-able-to-show-you-dont-belong-there/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The NBA has officially arrived at the All-Star break, and before the season hit its halfway point, we saw — among other things — another huge performance from Joel Embiid. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Wosny Lambre to break down the big man’s case for MVP, consider why LeBron and the Lakers are still the front runners (on the court and in fashion), and why he’s excited to watch Steph Curry above anyone else during the strange All-Star Weekend ahead. Follow Wosny Lambre’s coverage of the NBA: https://theathletic.com/author/wosny-lambre/?source=theleadpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In February, 2020, Baltimore Orioles' first baseman Trey Mancini figured his life couldn't get much better. He was coming off a breakout 2019 season, he had signed a big new contract with the Orioles, and he was a few months into an exciting new relationship. But a month later, baseball had shut down and Mancini, who had never had an operation in his life, was wrestling with a new colon cancer diagnosis. The Athletic's Dan Connolly began chronicling Mancini's journey a year ago, just before the diagnosis, and he joins us today to describe the slugger's strength and struggles along the path to recovery, and his triumphant return to the O's lineup last week.Read Dan Connolly's full story about Trey Mancini:https://theathletic.com/2413122/2021/03/01/orioles-trey-mancini-cancer-recovery/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Los Angeles-based doctors Nilesh Vora, Rahim Govani and Salima Thobani were three of the 7,500 vaccinated frontline healthcare workers invited to attend the Super Bowl in Tampa Bay. But what started as a relaxing getaway from the stresses of fighting Covid-19 abruptly devolved into another harrowing brush with death. The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue tells the story of the doctors who stepped up in a crisis and helped prevent a tragedy.Read Jourdan Rodrigue's full story about the three California doctors: https://theathletic.com/2389949/2021/02/19/super-bowl-flight-doctors-saved-life-healthcare-workers-vaccinated/?article_source=search&search_query=Super%20Bowl%20doctorsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last season, Julius Randle was arguably the Knicks' most despised player. Last week, fans gave him a standing ovation and chanted "MVP" at Madison Square Garden. The Athletic's Mike Vorkuov, who covers the Knicks, walks us through his remarkable journey from Lakers castoff to Knicks underachiever to NBA All-Star -- and explains how a new off-season training program helped him take his game to the next level.More from Mike Vorkunov:https://theathletic.com/author/mike-vorkunov/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last week, some big news came out of Seattle, with multiple reports suggesting that Russell Wilson could be seeking a trade to another team. Today, The Athletic’s Michael-Shawn Dugar takes us inside the rift between Wilson, head coach Pete Carroll and the team, with a look at some of the key steps that have driven them to the brink of a possible divorce. Read the full story about Russell Wilson and the Seahawks by Michael-Shawn Dugar, Mike Sando and Jayson Jenks: https://theathletic.com/2409212/2021/02/25/russell-wilson-trade-seahawks/?source=theleadpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the early 1960s, the country was still highly segregated and Black athletes, particularly those growing up in the South, didn't have a lot of options when it came to college football. Most ended up at HBCUs, which were largely overlooked or ignored by professional football scouts. But Lloyd Wells, a newspaperman and raconteur from Houston, helped change that when he became a scout for the Kansas City Chiefs. Under the direction of legendary team owner Lamar Hunt, Wells used his vast network of contacts to identify and recruit top Black players to Kansas City, which ultimately helped the Chiefs win the 1970 Super Bowl. The Athletic's Rustin Dodd joins us to tell Wells's remarkable story, which has largely been lost to history.Read Rustin Dodd's story about Lloyd Wells:https://theathletic.com/2356066/2021/02/04/the-legacy-bowl-how-a-bold-scout-hbcu-talent-elevated-chiefs-and-football/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last season, San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. was among the most electric players in all of baseball. Last week, the team signed their emerging star to a massive 14-year, $340 million contract extension. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Dennis Lin to look at how the idea for Tatis Jr.’s deal was inspired by a pair of statues, and the unique bond between player and general manager that helped this contract become a reality. Read Dennis Lin’s story about Fernando Tatis Jr.: https://theathletic.com/2404908/2021/02/22/padres-fernando-tatis-jr-statue-contract/?source=theleadpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the aftermath of Tiger Woods's shocking car crash on Tuesday morning, Brendan Quinn joins us to discuss what we know about the accident, the latest on Tiger's condition, and the uncomfortable parallels (and differences) between this accident and his infamous car crash of 2009. We also discuss what the injuries he sustained in the crash could mean for Tiger's life and legacy, and why it's important to separate the man from the myth.Read Brendan Quinn's story about the Tiger Woods car crash:https://theathletic.com/2407281/2021/02/23/tiger-woods-accident-car-crash/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This past weekend, we saw the roller coaster nature of the New Orleans Pelicans season, as they lost a game where they got outscored 41-12 in the 4th quarter, then turned around and pulled off the biggest comeback in franchise history two days later. Zion Williamson made some big plays late in that game against the Celtics, and today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Will Guillory to look at how a noticeable change in his game has made the inconsistent Pelicans a lot more dangerous. Read Will Guillory’s story about Zion Williamson: https://theathletic.com/2382506/2021/02/12/zion-williamsons-new-orleans-pelicans-nba/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has long enjoyed a friendly -- and mutually respectful -- relationship with NBA players. So, when superstars like LeBron James, Giannis Antetokonmpo and others recently criticized the league's decision to hold the NBA All-Star Game during the pandemic, many people were taken aback by the frankness of their comments. The Athletic's Sam Amick joins us to break down the forces at work behind the commissioner's decision, why LeBron might not actually be speaking on behalf of the players this time around, and how Adam Silver's decision might complicate his relationship with the players.Read Sam Amick's story about Adam Silver and the NBA All-Star Game:https://theathletic.com/2376897/2021/02/09/nba-all-star-game-inside-the-factors-fueling-leagues-decision-to-play/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Marcell Ozuna was one of the best hitters in baseball last season, and a key component of an Atlanta Braves team that nearly reached the World Series. After a long offseason and months of uncertainty, the Braves finally agreed to a deal with the free agent to keep him in Atlanta for an extended run. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s David O’Brien to discuss why it took Ozuna so long to re-sign with the Braves, and how his personality as much as his bat has changed the dynamic for Atlanta. Read David O’Brien’s story about Marcell Ozuna: https://theathletic.com/2372023/2021/02/06/atlanta-braves-resign-marcell-ozuna/?source=theleadpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

During this college basketball season, the player who has arguably been more dominant than anyone else is the nation’s leading scorer, Iowa big man Luka Garza. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Brian Hamilton to look at how Garza developed his game by studying old VHS tapes in his basement — from Hakeem Olajuwon to Jack Sikma to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar — and why despite his gaudy numbers, there are still many who don’t believe in his NBA future.Read Brian Hamilton’s story about Luka Garza: https://theathletic.com/2266313/2020/12/18/luka-garza-iowa-hawkeyes-nba-kareem-abdul-jabbar-hakeem-olajuwon-kevin-mchale-jack-sikma/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Utah Jazz are on an incredible tear. They're 19-1 in their last twenty games, they have the best record in the NBA, and they've beaten the 76ers, Heat, Bucks, and Celtics in their last four games. Much of their success, of course, is due to budding superstar Donovan Mitchell, who has his fair share of both believers and skeptics. So, are Mitchell and the Jazz for real this season? And do they have what it takes to win a championship? The Athletic's Tony Jones, who covers the team up close, joins us to discuss.More from Tony Jones:https://theathletic.com/author/tony-jones/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The struggles of the Arizona Coyotes have been well documented over the years. There has been a revolving door of owners, difficulty building a permanent fan base, and a bankruptcy filing that led to an NHL takeover of the team back in 2009. So, when self-made billionaire Alex Meruelo swooped in to purchase the team in 2019, the future finally looked bright for 'Yotes fans. But after a series of high-profile departures and reports of strange financial practices, The Athletic's Katie Strange decided to investigate what life under the new ownership group has actually been like, and she found a deeply troubling picture.Read Katie Strang's full story about the Arizona Coyotes:https://theathletic.com/author/katie-strang/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski connected for two touchdown passes in Super Bowl LV, it marked the latest chapter in their storied history. So, in honor of their record-setting partnership, we're revisiting the moment when, to many people's surprise, Gronk came out of retirement and signed with the Bucs. The Athletic's Greg Auman joined us to discuss how the move came about and what it could mean for the prolific due and the Buccaneers. (This story originally aired on April 22, 2020)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There has never been a sports broadcaster quite like Bill Walton. For more than three decades, the NBA legend has graced the airwaves with his unique blend of goofiness, passion, head-scratching analogies, and all of the Grateful Dead t-shirts. So, what can a reporter learn from a late-night conversation with the broadcaster who makes on-air references to everything from 50,000 year-old meteors to former Idaho Senator Larry Craig? The Athletic's Christopher Kamrani went to find out -- and found himself inspired.Read Christopher Kamrani's story about Bill Walton:https://theathletic.com/2361958/2021/02/03/bill-walton-espn-the-athletic-interview/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David won the Super Bowl on Sunday, it was the culmination of years and years of hard work. And the victory also meant the world to someone from David's past -- his best friend and former high school teammate (who outshined him on the gridiron growing up), Quavon Taylor. The Athletic's Andy Staples joins us to tell the story of two best friends who forged a brotherly bond growing up in Northwest Miami, and how Taylor drew life-changing inspiration from David's success after spending time in prison.Read Andy Staples's story about Lavonte David, Quavon Taylor, and the Miami Northwestern High School football team:https://theathletic.com/2362823/2021/02/03/miami-northwestern-2007-lavonte-david/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last week, Fred VanVleet scored 54 points against the Orlando Magic, passing DeMar DeRozan for the Toronto Raptors’ franchise record, and Moses Malone for the most ever by an undrafted player in the NBA. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Eric Koreen to look at VanVleet’s rise as a player, including the big bet he made on himself the night of the draft in 2016 — and how that gamble is now paying off. Read Eric Koreen’s story about Fred VanVleet: https://theathletic.com/2364939/2021/02/03/fred-vanvleet-raptors-record/?source=theleadpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Associated Press released its new Top 25 for men’s college basketball on Monday, and for the first time in 60 years, the Top 25 has no UNC, no Kentucky, no Kansas, no UCLA — and no sign of the suddenly struggling Duke Blue Devils. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Dana O’Neil to look at everything that has gone wrong for Mike Krzyzewski’s team this season, and whether they still have enough time to turn things around. Read Dana O’Neil and Brendan Marks’s story about Duke: https://theathletic.com/2359480/2021/02/02/duke-blue-devils-ncaa-tournament-coach-k-jalen-johnson-matthew-hurt/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tom Brady is a champion once again, this time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs defense shut down Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs' offense, and Brady, Rob Gronkowski, and Leonard Fournette propelled the Bucs to a surprisingly easy 31-9 Super Bowl victory on Sunday night. The Athletic's Lindsay Jones joins us from Tampa Bay, where she watched the game live, to break down the action.More from Lindsay Jones:https://theathletic.com/author/lindsay-jones/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Before this season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had not been to the playoffs in twelve years, and most of those seasons they weren’t even close. But now, in a remarkable turn of events, the team is heading to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2002. It might seem like a dramatic one-year turnaround, fueled entirely by the signing of Tom Brady. But the team has been quietly building toward a Super Bowl run for some time under GM Jason Licht. Today, The Athletic’s Greg Auman joins us to discuss on how Licht has rebuilt the Bucs from the ground up during his seven years at the helm, and how the team and staff he assembled helped lure Tom Brady to Tampa. Plus: What the Bucs will have to do to upset the Chiefs' juggernaut offense.Read Greg Auman's full story about Jason Licht:https://theathletic.com/2339835/2021/01/22/the-goat-whisperer-jason-licht-has-built-a-new-bucs-identity-around-tom-brady/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In just his third season as the starting quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes will face off against Tom Brady and the Buccaneers on Sunday trying to win his second straight Super Bowl title. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Nate Taylor to look at why the Chiefs first fell in love with Mahomes as a young college quarterback, and how they pulled off the stunning trade to get him in the 2017 NFL Draft. Read Nate Taylor, Mike Sando, Jayson Jenks and Dan Pompei’s story about Patrick Mahomes: https://theathletic.com/2330642/2021/01/21/chiefs-draft-trade-patrick-mahomes/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Like just about everything else this year, the broadcast of Super Bowl LV will be unusual. The Athletic’s Richard Deitsch, who covers sports media, joins us to explain what to expect -- from poems, to commercials, to health care workers, to halftime entertainment -- and why he believes Tony Romo, who will doing color commentary for CBS, is the best NFL analyst of all time.Read Richard Deitsch's interview with Tony Romo:https://theathletic.com/2345754/2021/01/27/tony-romo-super-bowl-cbs-future-jim-nantz/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The road to becoming an elite high school quarterback can be both long and expensive. So, if a kid really wants to be the next Tom Brady or Patrick Mahomes, how much should a parent expect to spend? The Athletic’s Antonio Morales recently spoke with parents of some of the country's most elite young quarterbacks to learn what they went through and whether or not they felt it was worth it. He joins us today to tell the story of one of those players, and to explain why raising a star QB doesn't necessarily have to break the bank.Read Antonio Morales's story about raising a blue-chip quarterback:https://theathletic.co.uk/2293170/2021/01/27/five-star-quarterback-trainer-cost/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.