The Lead

Lamar Jackson took the field on Sunday for the first time since the Ravens' shocking playoff exit last season, and the unanimous league MVP showed signs that he might have gotten even better. The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec joins us to discuss how Lamar has rebounded, physically and mentally, from that tough loss, and why he might be even more dangerous to opponents this fall. Jeff Zrebiec's analysis of Lamar Jackson's performance:https://theathletic.com/2063854/2020/09/13/with-less-flash-lamar-jackson-every-bit-as-impressive-in-ravens-dominating-win/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Las Vegas Golden Knights have been cruising through the playoffs with a somewhat unexpected goaltender: Robin Lehner, who has taken over for franchise netminder Marc-Andre Fleury. Lehner's current playoff tear is the latest in a remarkable journey for the talented Swede, who opened up about his struggles with addiction and mental health issues in an article on The Athletic two years ago. Katie Strang, who interviewed Lehner for a video documentary on The Athletic, joins us to discuss how the netminder overcame what he calls the demons in his mind, and what his success means for other athletes with mental illness.Watch a video about Robin Lehner, from Katie Strang and Producer Adam Berger:https://theathletic.com/video/26-lehner/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The 2020 NFL season gets underway Thursday night with the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs taking on the Houston Texans, and that means the much-anticipated debut of former LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Today, The Athletic’s Nate Taylor joins us to discuss what Andy Reid and the Chiefs see in the rookie, why Patrick Mahomes went out of his way to get him on the team, and whether the dynamic running back is ready to live up to KC’s expectations. Follow Nate Taylor’s coverage of the Kansas City Chiefs: https://theathletic.com/author/nate-taylor/?source=theleadpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two thirds of the way into baseball’s 60-game season, the New York Yankees have reached a critical juncture of their season, as they’re fighting to stay in the playoff chase, and facing off against one of the teams ahead of them in the standings: the Toronto Blue Jays. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Lindsey Adler to discuss everything that’s gone wrong for the Bronx Bombers in 2020, why we’ve seen such a dramatic shift in power in the AL East, and whether Gerrit Cole, Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and the Yankees still have time to start looking like a contender.Follow Lindsey Adler’s coverage of the Yankees: https://theathletic.com/author/lindsey-adler/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After months of questions, skepticism, and the NFL insisting it will start its season on time, the league is set to...start its season on time. The Athletic’s Robert Mays joins us to talk about how the NFL has navigated the treacherous waters of the pandemic, what will be unusual about this year's season on the field, and why the NFL's future is in good hands, thanks to a crop of amazingly talented young quarterbacks.More from Robert Mays and The Athletic Football Show:https://theathletic.com/podcast/211-the-athletic-football-show/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Legendary Georgetown basketball coach John Thompson passed away this week, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. He built the Hoya program from the ground up by recruiting local talent, often from neighborhoods where many people would never have considered attending Georgetown. The Athletic's David Aldridge covered Thompson and the Hoyas when he first became a sports reporter, and he joins us to talk about the iconic coach's influence and legacy, the complicated political climate in which he operated, and what he meant to his hometown of Washington D.C.Read David Aldridge's tribute to John Thompson:https://theathletic.com/2033809/2020/08/31/profane-after-midnight-laughs-and-lessons-from-the-one-and-only-john-thompson/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On Tuesday, Jamal Murray helped the Nuggets finish off a remarkable comeback against the Utah Jazz, climbing back from a 3-1 deficit in the series to move on to the Western Conference Semifinals. With Game 1 against Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and the Clippers coming up tonight, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Kendra Andrews to discuss whether Murray — inconsistent throughout the early part of his career — has finally arrived as a bona fide star.  Follow Kendra Andrews’s coverage of the Denver Nuggets: https://theathletic.com/author/kendra-andrews/?source=theleadpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last Week, Chicago White Sox right-hander Lucas Giolito pulled off something no other pitcher has done in 2020 when he threw a no-hitter against the Pirates. Today, The Athletic’s James Fegan joins us to discuss Giolito’s early days as a baseball prodigy in Los Angeles, his rise and fall as a top prospect for the Washington Nationals, and how he went from one of the worst pitchers in baseball in 2018 to the White Sox ace. Read James Fegan’s story about Lucas Giolito: https://theathletic.com/2023401/2020/08/26/white-sox-lucas-giolitos-transformation-grows-more-incredible-with-a-no-hitter/?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 Tampa Bay Lightning have eliminated the regular season's best team, the Boston Bruins, from the NHL playoffs and advanced to the Eastern Conference finals. And, despite having a hefty amount of star power, the Lightning have been getting a major boost from role players. The Athletic’s Joe Smith explains how some of the team's recent signings have helped transform the perennial underachievers into Stanley Cup contenders and shifted the team's personality along the way.More from Joe Smith:https://theathletic.com/author/joe-smith/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tonight, the Miami Heat take on Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, and Miami has gotten a big lift so far from two veteran stars: Jimmy Butler and Goran Dragic. Today, The Athletic’s Manny Navarro joins us to discuss the friendship that has formed between Butler and Dragic — over soccer, beer and extreme competitiveness — and how it’s been translating to victories inside the NBA bubble. Read Manny Navarro’s story about Butler and Dragic: https://theathletic.com/2012818/2020/08/21/why-there-may-be-no-stopping-playoff-jimmy-miami-heat-in-round-1/?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 Las Vegas Raiders raised some eyebrows with their first pick in this year's NFL draft, taking Henry Ruggs with the 12th pick, ahead of more high-profile wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb. The Athletic’s Tashan Reed spoke with Ruggs about his life and football career, and joins us to explain what drives him and how the electric playmaker overcame doubters and tragedy to make it to the NFL.Read Tashan Reed's profile of Henry Ruggs: https://theathletic.com/1978611/2020/08/06/henry-ruggs-knows-the-raiders-made-a-great-choice-now-hes-out-to-prove-it/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Milwaukee Bucks refused to take the court on Wednesday for their playoff game against the Orlando Magic as an act of protest against the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Two more games were later canceled, and the Clippers and Lakers have reportedly voted in favor of ending the season. The Athletic's Michael Lee joins us to explain how the historic day's events unfolded, what all of it means for the remainder of the NBA playoffs, and why players and coaches in the bubble have been carrying such a heavy burden.More from Michael Lee:https://theathletic.com/author/michael-lee/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The one award in all of sports that seemed like a lock this year was the WNBA's Rookie of the Year. But with rookie sensation Sabrina Ionescu out with an ankle injury, the door is now wide open. The Athletic’s Chantel Jennings joins us to talk about two first year players -- Crystal Dangerfield and Julie Allemand -- who have been stepping up in a big way and making a case for the honor.More from Chantel Jennings:https://theathletic.com/author/chantel-jennings/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic put in a performance for the ages on Sunday. After injuring his ankle two days earlier, the 21-year-old wrapped up the ankle and put his team on his back, and won the game on a series of clutch shots in overtime. The Athletic's Tim Cato, who has closely chronicled Doncic's career, joins us to explain why no one should have been surprised by the superlative performance, and why it's okay to start comparing Luka to some all-time greats.More from Tim Cato: https://theathletic.com/author/tim-cato/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The San Diego Padres hit a staggering total of five grand slams last week, and one of them — from Fernando Tatis Jr. — sparked a controversy. Today, we’re joined by Doug Glanville — former big league outfielder and co-host of the Starkville podcast — to discuss whether Tatis was in the wrong for breaking one of baseball’s unwritten rules, and whether those rules have finally reached a tipping point. Follow Doug Glanville’s coverage of Major League Baseball: https://theathletic.com/author/doug-glanville/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thomas Muller is one of the best soccer players in the world -- and also one of the strangest. The Athletic's Raphael Honigstein recently watched him play live in an empty stadium in London and noticed something that changed his understanding of the German star and his outsized influence on games. Raphael joins us to discuss Muller's unusual style and why he could be the key to a Bayern Munich Champions League victory on Sunday. Read Raphael Honigstein's story about Thomas Muller: https://theathletic.com/1996418/2020/08/15/thomas-muller-bayern-munich-champions-league/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tuesday night, Damian Lillard and the Trail Blazers continued their remarkable run at Disney World, defeating LeBron James and the Lakers in their playoff opener. With Game 2 coming up tonight, The Athletic’s Marcus Thompson — who recently spoke to Lilllard — joins us to talk about the Portland point guard’s incredible performance, and how growing up in Oakland gave him the mindset to thrive inside of the NBA bubble. Read Marcus Thompson’s story about Damian Lillard: https://theathletic.com/2005361/2020/08/18/thompson-why-damian-lillard-was-so-ready-to-bubble/?source=theleadpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Despite being a Hart Trophy finalist, a former first overall pick, and the best player on one of the top teams in the NHL, Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon has remained a relatively unknown superstar. The Athletic's Ryan Clark joins us to talk about why that's the case, how MacKinnon has overcome challenges on his path to greatness, and why, with so many stars bowing out of the 2020 playoffs, this is his moment.More from Ryan Clark:https://theathletic.com/author/ryan-s-clark/?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 in the 2020 MLB season, very few players — if any — have been more electric than Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. Today, The Athletic’s Dennis Lin joins us to explain why the 21-year-old is already drawing favorable comparisons to the best players in the game (including Mike Trout), and why he’s well-equipped to handle everything that comes with his ascent toward superstardom. Read Dennis Lin’s story about Fernando Tatis Jr.: https://theathletic.com/1997841/2020/08/17/why-did-god-make-you-fernando-tatis-jr-is-showing-the-signs-of-superstardom/?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 NBA Playoffs get underway today at Disney World, and one of the favorites to win the whole thing — LeBron James and the L.A. Lakers — have not looked dominant in the bubble. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Bill Oram to discuss the Lakers’ uneven play in Orlando, whether they’re ready to flip the switch and make a run, and why the supremely confident Kyle Kuzma could be their X factor. Read Bill Oram’s story about the Lakers and Kyle Kuzma: https://theathletic.com/1988523/2020/08/11/the-divine-confidence-of-kyle-kuzma-and-the-quote-that-delivers-us-from-evil/?source=theathleticpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Baltimore recently lost a sports icon. Mo Gaba first gained fame as a 9-year-old, when he began calling into a local sports talk radio show and entertaining listeners with his unique sense of humor and unforgettable voice. But then, as his lifelong battle with cancer became known to the public, his story took on a new meaning. The Athletic's Britt Ghiroli, who met Mo several times, joins us to reflect on his life, his message, and his unforgettable final radio show.Read Britt Ghiroli and Jeff Zrebiec's story about Mo Gaba:https://theathletic.com/1989076/2020/08/12/mostrong-the-boy-who-inspired-athletes-and-rallied-a-city/?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, college football seemed to be moving full speed ahead, albeit with a limited schedule. But on Tuesday, the Big Ten and PAC-12 announced that they would not be playing football this fall after all. The Athletic’s Nicole Auerbauch joins us to explain how this apparently sudden shift came about, and whether or not the other Power Five conferences will follow suit.More from Nicole Auerbach:https://theathletic.com/author/nicole-auerbach/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After entering the NBA bubble as one of the most intriguing teams to watch, Zion Williamson and the Pelicans are getting ready to head home, as they’ve officially been eliminated from the 2020 NBA Playoffs. Today, The Athletic’s Will Guillory joins us to look back on Zion's turbulent rookie year — a year filled with peaks and setbacks — and ask if it’s time to adjust our expectations around the most hyped player to enter the league in recent memory. Follow Will Guillory’s coverage of the New Orleans Pelicans: https://theathletic.com/author/william-guillory/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Orlando City SC faces the Portland Timbers in tonight's MLS Is Back Final. And Orlando has made it deep into the tournament largely thanks to former Manchester United star Nani, who signed with the Florida team last year. Today, the Athletic’s Sam Stejskal joins us to discuss the Portuguese winger's remarkable career, his recent MLS heroics, and what his time in the U.S. has revealed about the man who was once tapped to be Cristiano Ronaldo's successor.More from Sam Stejskal:https://theathletic.co.uk/author/sam-stejskal/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Just over two weeks into the 2020 season, Major League Baseball has seen an alarming number of injuries to pitchers, including Justin Verlander, Mike Soroka and Shohei Ohtani, who was back on the mound for the first time in nearly two years after Tommy John surgery. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Eno Sarris to look more closely at the cases of Verlander, Ohtani and Eduardo Rodriguez, and discuss whether this whole wave of injuries could actually get worse. Read Eno Sarris’s story about the pitching injuries across Major League Baseball: https://theathletic.com/1961073/2020/07/29/baseballs-predicted-injury-rash-is-here-now-what/?source=theleadpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thursday was the deadline for NFL players to opt out of the 2020 season, and a number of prominent names — including Dont’a Hightower of the Patriots and Damien Williams of the Chiefs — have decided not to play. The first player to opt out of the season was Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, an offensive lineman for the Super Bowl champion Chiefs. The Athletic’s Nate Taylor joins us to discuss Duvernay-Tardif’s remarkable double life as a doctor and football player, and why he won’t be taking the field for Kansas City in 2020. Read Nate Taylor’s story about Laurent Duvernay-Tardif: https://theathletic.com/1891840/2020/06/24/after-treating-patients-laurent-duvernay-tardif-shares-his-unique-perspective/?source=theleadpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With less than a month until the start of the college football season, more and more players are demanding better protections against COVID-19, scholarship guarantees, and, in some cases, money. The Athletic’s Nicole Auerbach joins us to talk about how these unprecedented demands have come about, what impact they could have on the fall season, and why players are speaking up now.More from Nicole Auerbach:https://theathletic.com/author/nicole-auerbach/?source=theleadpodcastSee 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 are battling toward a playoff berth, and they’ve been doing it with a big boost from big man Jusuf Nurkic. After being out for more than a year with a gruesome leg injury, Nurkic is back and has been better than ever. The Athletic’s Jason Quick joins us to discuss Nurkic's remarkable return, how far he could help carry the dangerous Blazers, and how his teammates are helping the Bosnian star deal with a difficult family health situation.Read Jason Quick's story about Jusuf Nurkic:https://theathletic.com/1966830/2020/07/31/a-special-person-and-player-trail-blazers-rally-around-a-worried-jusuf-nurkic/?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, when his team was up against the Astros, Dodgers right-hander Joe Kelly had a very noisy relief appearance, brushing back Alex Bregman and Carlos Correa before both benches cleared. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Andy McCullough to look at how this incident fits into the ongoing backlash against the Astros in the aftermath of their sign-stealing scandal, and what it might take for the anger against them to subside. Follow Andy McCullough’s coverage of Major League Baseball: https://theathletic.com/author/andy-mccullough/?source=theleadpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After more than four months away from competition, the NHL is back -- and the league has gone straight to the playoffs. The Athletic’s Michael Russo joins us to talk about some surprise results on opening weekend, a much-discussed moment during the national anthem, and what the key to success will be in this year’s strange playoff format.More from Michael Russo:https://theathletic.com/author/michael-russo/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

At the peak of his career, Daniel Bard was a dominant relief pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. Then, he suddenly and mysteriously lost the ability to throw strikes. Now, seven years and a remarkable journey later, he's back in the big leagues and throwing heat for the Colorado Rockies. The Athletic’s Nick Groke tells us Bard’s remarkable comeback story, including his unusual path to overcoming the yips.Read Nick Groke's story about Daniel Bard's incredible comeback:https://theathletic.com/1625689/2020/02/22/daniel-bard-found-grace-through-goodwill-from-red-sox-heat-to-a-rockies-revival/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

More than four and a half months after the season shut down, the NBA is finally back. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Wosny Lambre to look at some of the big story lines as the season resumes at Disney World, including Zion Williamson and the Pelicans fighting for a playoff berth, and LeBron James and the Lakers gearing up for a potential title run. We also discuss what to expect from Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam and the defending champion Raptors, favorite moments from inside the Disney bubble, and whether the NBA’s Orlando experiment will ultimately succeed.Follow Wosny Lambre’s coverage of the NBA: https://theathletic.com/author/wosny-lambre/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There’s a lot happening in the WNBA right now, both on and off the court. The Athletic's Chantel Jennings joins us to talk about the league’s relationship with the Black Lives Matter movement, as well as pushback it has received recently from a U.S. Senator and partial team owner. We also break down what's been happening on the court in the first few games of the season, including with rookie sensation Sabrina Ionescu, who made her WNBA debut last weekend.More from Chantel Jennings:https://theathletic.com/author/chantel-jennings/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

More than a dozen members of the Miami Marlins have tested positive for COVID-19, and several MLB games have now been canceled as a result. The Athletic’s Andy McCullough joins us to talk about what the team outbreak could mean for the Marlins' season and the fate of Major League Baseball's 2020 campaign.More from Andy McCullough:https://theathletic.com/author/andy-mccullough/?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, before his first game with the Dodgers, and prior to the start of MLB’s abbreviated 60-game season, Mookie Betts signed a massive extension to stay in Los Angeles — for 12 years and $365 million. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Pedro Moura to go inside the mind of Mookie Betts, and learn more about the hyper-competitiveness — in every aspect of his life from baseball to bowling — that makes the 2018 AL MVP such a remarkable player. Read Pedro Moura’s story about Mookie Betts: https://theathletic.com/1932530/2020/07/20/inside-the-mind-of-mookie-betts-how-he-channels-his-intense-focus-and-drive/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Natalie Portman, Eva Longoria, and Jennifer Garner are among a group of owners who are bringing a new professional women’s soccer team to Los Angeles and the NWSL in 2022. The Athletic’s Meg Linehan joins us to talk about how the star-studded franchise came together and why it could signal a new direction for the league. And, with the Challenge Cup Final on Sunday, we take a closer look at the two teams that will be vying for the title -- the Houston Dash and Chicago Red Stars.More from Meg Linehan:https://theathletic.com/author/meg-linehan/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Opening Day is here and the Toronto Blue Jays are still looking for a place to play. The Athletic’s Kaitlyn McGrath joins us to talk about why both the Canadian government and the state of Pennsylvania have shut the door on the Blue Jays, what options are still on the table, and how all of this has been impacting the players.More from Kaitlyn McGrath:https://theathletic.com/author/kaitlyn-mcgrath/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thursday is Opening Day in Major League Baseball, and in the weeks leading up to this abbreviated season, an unexpected star has emerged for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Clubhouse attendant Francisco “Chico” Herrera got a chance to play the outfield for L.A. out of necessity during training camp, and responded by making some remarkable plays — catching the eye of teammates Justin Turner and Joc Pederson, as well as manager Dave Roberts, among others. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Pedro Moura to discuss the legend of Chico. Read Pedro Moura’s story about Chico: https://theathletic.com/1931245/2020/07/16/the-legend-of-chico-provides-much-needed-diversion-for-dodgers-fans/?source=theleadpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

NBA teams have been holed up in Disney World for several weeks now, as they prepare to resume the season late next week. The Athletic’s Joe Vardon joins us from inside the NBA bubble, to talk about what life is like there (hint: waterslides and fishing poles are involved), what NBA players think of the so-called “snitch line,” and how players are coping with the threat of the coronavirus.Read Joe Vardon's dispatches from inside the NBA bubble:https://theathletic.com/author/joe-vardon/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Washington Post recently published a highly anticipated investigative report about the experiences of more than a dozen women working for and within the Washington NFL team. The report described sexual harassment and verbal abuse occurring throughout the organization and spanning more than a decade. The Athletic’s Lindsay Jones joins us to discuss what the report means for the future of the troubled franchise, just how widespread this behavior is in the NFL, and if it will lead to a #MeToo reckoning for the league.More from Lindsay Jones:https://theathletic.com/author/lindsay-jones/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This spring, Alex Charlton — a football coach at Division II Midwestern State in Texas — made a bold decision. He left behind his coaching job to work as a nurse in Manhattan — in a COVID section of the emergency room — at the height of the coronavirus pandemic in New York. Today, The Athletic’s Chris Vannini tells us Charlton’s story. Read Chris Vannini’s story about Alex Charlton: https://theathletic.com/1917145/2020/07/10/alex-charlton-midwestern-state-football-coach-nurse-covid-19-new-york/?source=theleadpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last week, Patrick Mahomes signed a ten-year contract extension to stay with the Kansas City Chiefs through the 2031 season. It’s reportedly the richest contract in sports history, worth upwards of $475 million. The Athletic’s Nate Taylor joins us to talk about how the deal came about, what challenges it creates for the Chiefs, and how Mahomes and the team will now define success.Read Nate Taylor's story about Mahomes' contract:https://theathletic.com/1915805/2020/07/07/patrick-mahomes-extension-influenced-by-mlb-was-designed-for-dual-longevity/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Major League Soccer returned to play last week, kicking off its MLS Is Back tournament. But things haven't exactly gone smoothly. The league's reigning MVP, Carlos Vela, elected not to play in the tournament, and two teams withdrew after multiple players tested positive for the coronavirus. The Athletic’s Paul Tenorio joins us to talk about the league’s rocky restart, which players and teams have been standing out on the pitch, and why MLS is now facing criticism over its COVID-19 testing policy.Read Paul Tenorio's story about coronavirus testing in Florida:https://theathletic.com/1924081/2020/07/12/while-mls-gets-quick-covid-19-test-results-general-public-faces-long-delays/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On Monday, the Washington football team announced that it would be changing its team name and Native American logo, which many people find offensive. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Rhiannon Walker to talk about why the team and its owner, Dan Snyder, have resisted changing the name for so long and why they finally gave in to pressure now.Follow Rhiannon Walker's coverage:https://theathletic.com/author/rhiannon-walker/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

First, the Ivy League announced that it would not have any sports this fall. Then, the Big Ten and Pac-12 said they would only be playing in-conference games, if any. And now, the entire college football season seems to be teetering on the brink. The Athletic’s Nicole Auerbach joins us to talk about the seismic shift that has begun in college sports, including what’s happening on college campuses right now and what we can expect to happen next.Follow Nicole Auerbach's college football coverage:https://theathletic.com/author/nicole-auerbach/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The world's biggest soccer club has fallen on hard times. The league title seems to be slipping away, and ongoing mismanagement continues to create problems within the organization. The Athletic’s Dermot Corrigan joins us to talk about what’s going wrong at Barcelona, what superstar Lionel Messi has had to say about it, and why the reticent superstar can sometimes make things difficult.Follow Dermot Corrigan's La Liga coverage:https://theathletic.com/author/dermot-corrigan/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, NBA teams started arriving at Disney World in Orlando as they prepare to restart the season. One team that has already arrived is the Utah Jazz, whose All-Star center Rudy Gobert was the first known NBA player to test positive for the coronavirus — and became embroiled in controversy when he intentionally touched reporters’ microphones and recorders. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Tony Jones to look at how that incident has affected Gobert’s life, where his relationship stands with teammate Donovan Mitchell, and whether the Jazz are ready to move forward. Read Tony Jones’s story about the Rudy Gobert saga: https://theathletic.com/1911227/2020/07/06/i-plan-on-winning-a-championship-in-utah-rudy-gobert-is-ready-to-move-forward/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Eight years ago, we saw one of the most dramatic free agent decisions in the history of the NFL, when Peyton Manning joined the Denver Broncos. The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala recently spoke to Manning about his wild fortnight of free agency, and discovered some fascinating details about the next-level secrecy from the people (including John Elway and Jim Harbaugh) and the teams that were pursuing him. Read the oral history of Peyton Manning’s free agency: https://theathletic.com/1874061/2020/06/23/copters-hoodies-and-pbj-oral-history-of-peyton-mannings-free-agency-journey/?source=theleadpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After an outstanding freshman season at USC, hoops star Onyeku Okongwu is projected to go very early in this year’s NBA draft, which is now scheduled for October. The Athletic’s Seth Davis joins us to talk about how the young power forward went from relative obscurity to college star, how high he could go in the NBA draft, and the family tragedy that gave Okongwu renewed focus and still inspires him today.Read Seth Davis's profile of Okongwu:https://theathletic.com/1898877/2020/06/30/heralded-but-not-hyped-onyeka-okongwu-moves-to-the-top-of-his-nba-draft-class/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A number of All-Star-caliber MLB players have decided not to take part in the 2020 season, including David Price, Felix Hernandez, Ryan Zimmerman and Ian Desmond. Meanwhile, Mike Trout and Buster Posey are among the star players who are on the fence. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Britt Ghiroli to look at why some of these players have chosen to sit out, and whether many more will follow. Follow Britt Ghiroli’s coverage of the Washington Nationals and Major League Baseball: https://theathletic.com/author/brittany-ghiroli/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.