The Lead

The first round of the (virtual) NFL Draft went much more smoothly than many people expected. There were no major technical glitches during the four-hour event, which included NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell receiving pre-recorded boos in his basement and a rare look into the homes of NFL head coaches and GMs. The Athletic’s Mike Sando joins us to break down the picks, to assess the winners and losers, and to discuss where exactly Jerry Jones was broadcasting from.Follow Mike Sando's NFL coverage:https://theathletic.com/author/mike-sando/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One of the most talked-about players leading up to the NFL Draft — which starts tonight — is Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Once considered a lock to be the No. 1 pick, he’s been slowed by a number of injuries, most notably a dislocated hip, leaving many franchises to ask if the left-hander is worth the risk. On draft day, we’re joined by Andy Staples of The Athletic to look at Tua’s amazing run at Alabama, the injuries that have raised so many questions, and the qualities that make him one of the most intriguing prospects out there.Follow Andy Staples's coverage of college football: https://theathletic.com/author/andy-staples/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rob Gronkowski is hanging up the wrestling belt and picking up his cleats to reunite with Tom Brady in Tampa Bay. The Athletic’s Greg Auman joins us to discuss how this reunion came about at breakneck speed, what it means for the Bucs chances in the playoffs, and whether Gronk will help Brady prove that he can win without Bill Belichick after all.Follow Greg Auman's coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers:https://theathletic.com/author/greg-auman/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With pro days being canceled, players on the cusp of getting drafted into the NFL are having to get creative as they try to get on the radar of teams. The Athletic’s Stephen Holder joins us to discuss how college players who are on the bubble have been scrambling to get noticed, by doing everything from producing their own videos to working out with sandbags and in public parks.Read Stephen Holder and Nicki Jhabvala's story about NFL draft prospects:https://theathletic.com/1736519/2020/04/13/how-the-nfl-dreams-of-draft-prospects-are-being-impacted-this-year/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The NFL Draft is usually a spectacle, but this year will be different. Teams will make selections remotely, top prospects will be at home instead of walking across the stage and Commissioner Roger Goodell is running the whole thing from his basement. Despite all of that, this year's draft class is stacked with a few potentially franchise-changing quarterbacks, some amazing defenders and a wide receiver group that is not only incredibly talented, but also very deep. The Athletic's Dane Brugler joins us to run down the top 10 picks in his latest mock draft and talk about some of the broader trends surrounding this unique event.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Steph Curry is considered by some to be the best shooter in the history of basketball. Now, a new documentary film (on which Curry is credited as an executive producer) tells the story of Kenny Sailors, the man who invented the skill that Curry has since perfected -- the jump shot. Filmmaker Jacob Hamilton joins us to discuss the film, why Kenny Sailors has largely been forgotten by the basketball world, and why stars like Curry and Kevin Durant are now trying to get him into the basketball hall of fame.Watch the documentary "Jump Shot" online: www.jumpshotmovie.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wednesday would have been the final day of the NBA regular season. With that in mind — and because we are all missing basketball — we’re looking back at one of the most amazing regular season performances of all time. That would be Russell Westbrook’s iconic 50-point triple-double to break Oscar Robertson’s single-season record in 2017, and The Athletic’s Erik Horne joins us to revisit Westbrook at what may have been his absolute peak. Follow Erik Horne's coverage of the Oklahoma City Thunder: https://theathletic.com/author/erik-horne/?source=theleadpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One of the cities hit hardest by the coronavirus right now is New Orleans, where the number of confirmed cases is among the highest in the country. The city has faced daunting circumstances before, particularly during Hurricane Katrina. And its most celebrated sports team, the Saints, played a big role in the city’s recovery from that disaster. Today we’re joined by The Athletic’s Larry Holder to talk about how Saints fans today are drawing hope from the past by re-watching the team’s dramatic return to the Superdome after Katrina. Follow Larry Holder's coverage of the Saints: https://theathletic.com/author/larry-holder/?source=theleadpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From NBA players playing HORSE to baseball announcers calling MLB The Show video games, it seems just about anything can make it onto the airwaves and pass for sports these days. The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi joins us to break down two recent broadcasts -- an iRacing event featuring real-life NASCAR drivers, and the recent NBA 2K competition featuring NBA stars -- to help us figure out what’s working for TV broadcasts and what’s not during the strange days of the coronavirus shutdown.More from Jordan Bianchi:https://theathletic.com/author/jordan-bianchi/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The XFL officially called it quits on Friday, suspending operations and laying off all of its employees, except for a handful of executives. Vince McMahon's quirky league, which included a bunch of unusual rules, surprised a lot of people with its relative success over the past few months and in some ways seemed ready for the long run. The Athletic’s Arif Hasan, who covers the Minnesota Vikings (and formerly the XFL), joins us to talk about why the league folded, how the XFL evolved from its first iteration back in 2001, and what all of this means for the future of alternative football leagues.Read more from Arif Hassan:https://theathletic.com/author/arif-hasan/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Actor Hank Azaria is perhaps best known for his work voicing multiple classic characters on The Simpsons, but he's also the star of the hit show Brockmire. Azaria plays the title character, Jim Brockmire, a washed-up baseball announcer with alcohol problems and a sharp wit. Today we're joined by Azaria, a big baseball fan himself, to talk about his love of the Mets and his work on Brockmire, which is airing its final season on IFC, and the Simpson. We'll also be joined by Jim Brockmire to talk about how he is getting through life without sports.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal joins us to discuss a radical new plan from Major League Baseball, which would see the league returning to play as early as May. The plan, which reportedly has the support of high-ranking federal public health officials, would involve empty stadiums, players sitting six feet apart in the stands, and no touching or high-fives -- all broadcast live on national television. It comes with a tremendous amount of uncertainty and pitfalls, but could it possibly work?Read Ken Rosenthal's story about MLB's unlikely plan:https://theathletic.com/1729420/2020/04/07/rosenthal-some-in-government-support-plan-for-baseballs-return-obstacles-remain/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Football and men's basketball are the main financial drivers of college sports. With March Madness having been canceled, many athletic departments are now more dependent than ever on a successful college football season. But will there be one? The Athletic’s Nicole Auerbach joins us to talk about how colleges are (and are not) preparing for football season, why college sports are more financially vulnerable than pro sports, and how the coronavirus could change everything we know about the college sports landscape.Read Nicole Auerbach and Chris Vannini's story about the potential reshaping of college sports:https://theathletic.com/1718816/2020/04/02/college-sports-athletic-directors-financial-impact-covid-19-survey/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Before coronavirus brought sports to a halt, Liverpool was having a historically great Premier League season and was about to clinch its first top flight title in three decades. The Athletic's David Ornstein joins us to explain how the EPL is now desperately trying to find a way to finish the season, why some owners are taking heat over their business decisions, and what the uncertain future of the season means for Liverpool’s title hopes.Follow David Ornstein's Premier League coverage:https://theathletic.com/author/david-ornstein/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Many people only know Dick Vitale through his happy-go-lucky, extremely energetic and at times almost cartoonish on-air persona. Today, on what would have been the day of the men's college basketball national title game, Seth Davis of The Athletic joins us to talk about the iconic broadcaster's remarkable career — and some of the very human struggles he has endured over the years. Follow Seth Davis’s coverage of college basketball: https://theathletic.com/author/seth-davis/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Just about every professional sports league has come to a grinding halt in recent weeks, with one notable exception: the NFL. As other leagues have shut down because of COVID-19, the NFL has allowed new player signings, plans to hold the NFL draft as planned in late April, and has said that its season will start on time in September. The Athletic’s Lindsay Jones joins us to talk about how the NFL’s business-as-usual approach has been rubbing some people the wrong way, but how it might also be what fans and the league need right now.Follow Lindsay Jones's NFL coverage: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.

Normally, this weekend would have been the Final Four of the women’s NCAA tournament, and potentially a big sendoff for the best player in college basketball, Sabrina Ionescu. Instead, Oregon’s superstar now turns her focus to the WNBA Draft, where she will almost certainly be the number one pick. Today, we’re joined by Seth Davis of The Athletic to discuss Ionescu’s rise from unassuming kid to triple-double machine, the struggles her family had to overcome, and how her trademark intensity has fueled her career. Follow Seth Davis’s coverage of college basketball: https://theathletic.com/author/seth-davis/?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 months of speculation, the Carolina Panthers released longtime quarterback Cam Newton on March 24. While the move was expected by some, it still came as a shock to fans and the football world. And the whole separation itself was rather messy. After the Panthers announced they would allow Newton to seek a trade, Cam took to the comments on the team's Instagram page to give his side of the story. It was a far from elegant way to let go of a quarterback who is also a former MVP and considered by many to be an all-time great. Today, The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue joins us to discuss why the Carolina Panthers franchise QB was released so unceremoniously, what could be next for Superman, and why he has meant so much to the Carolina community.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Just before the coronavirus put a halt to every sport seemingly overnight, there were some big developments in the WNBA. The union signed a new contract with the league, players started making more money and some big trades generated a lot of excitement. But it could be argued that none of this would have been possible without pioneering women like Nancy Lieberman, whose legacy includes a legendary college career, a spot on the first-ever women's Olympic basketball team and two stints in the WNBA, one of them at 50 years old. Today, in honor of Women’s History Month, hoops legend Nancy Lieberman joins us to talk about her achievements, how the women’s game has changed and the way basketball shaped her life from an early age.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Steph Curry interviewed Dr. Anthony Fauci about COVID-19 live on Instagram last week. Joel Embiid has pledged half a million dollars to help laid off arena workers. Karl-Anthony Towns recently opened up about his mother being in a medically-induced coma because of the coronavirus. In short, pro athletes are doing a lot to help in the fight against the pandemic. But are they also benefitting from a double standard when it comes to access to tests and medical care? The Athletic's Sam Amick joins us to discuss.Follow Sam Amick's NBA coverage:https://theathletic.com/author/sam-amick/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, some big college basketball news flew under the radar last week, with Hall of Famer Rick Pitino returning to the NCAA to coach Iona after nearly three years out of the college game. Today, we speak with The Athletic's Seth Davis about Pitino's rise to prominence with Providence in the 1980's, the series of scandals that left him without a job, and whether the legendary coach ultimately deserves another chance.Follow Seth Davis's coverage of college basketball: https://theathletic.com/author/seth-davis/?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 the Tokyo Olympics now officially postponed, 5-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Nathan Adrian joins us to talk about what the uncertainty of the past few weeks has been like, how he and his fellow Olympic athletes will now be adjusting their lives to meet this new timetable, and how the threat of postponement impacted him in unexpected ways (hint: he developed an unexpected affinity for sweets).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Earlier this month, U.S. Soccer made a legal argument that many people found deeply offensive, and that led to the resignation of the organization’s president. As part of an ongoing lawsuit over equal pay, U.S. Soccer essentially argued that men deserve to be paid more money than women because they are biologically superior and play in more difficult conditions. The Athletic’s Megan Linehan joins us to explain how that drama unfolded, why U.S. Soccer took such an inflammatory stance, and what all of this means for new U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone and the future of women’s soccer.Follow Megan Linehan's coverage of the USWNT: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.

(Note: A few hours after we published this episode, Japan and the IOC announced that the Olympics will, in fact, be postponed until 2021.)Yesterday, a member of the International Olympic Committee told a reporter that the 2020 Tokyo Olympics will be postponed until next year. This came a day after the IOC announced that it would make a decision within the next four weeks, and after both Canada and Australia said they would not participate in the Games if they were held this summer. The Athletic’s Matt Slater joins us to explain how the IOC has gone about making this complicated decision, how exactly a country delays an event as massive as the Olympics, and what challenges the imminent delay poses to athletes.Follow Matt Slater's writing:https://theathletic.com/author/matt-slater/?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, Italy surpassed China as the country with the most deaths from COVID-19. Italy also happens to be a country where a number of WNBA players go in the offseason to supplement their income. The Athletic’s Alexis Mansanarez joins us to tell the story of an American player who was quarantined in Italy and attempted to get out of the country as it went into lockdown. Read Alexis Mansanarez's story about Dearica Hamby: https://theathletic.com/1683506/2020/03/18/i-really-want-to-go-home-wnba-players-overseas-face-unique-covid-19-concerns/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With the NBA season cut short because of the coronavirus, 43-year-old Vince Carter -- the only NBA player to play in four different decades -- might have played his final game much earlier than expected. The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner joins us to look back at Carter’s high-flying career, to unpack his complicated relationship with the city of Toronto, and to walk us through what might have been his final moments in the NBA.Follow Chris Kershner's coverage of the Atlanta Hawks:https://theathletic.com/author/chris-kirschner/?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 of uncertainty in baseball right now, just like every other facet of our lives. The Athletic’s Jayson Stark joins us to talk about how Major League Baseball has handled the situation with COVID-19 so far, what a delayed start could mean for the long-term relationship between players and MLB, and how the coronavirus outbreak is causing all of us to reevaluate the role of sports in our lives. Follow Jayson Stark's MLB coverage: https://theathletic.com/author/jayson-stark/?source=theleadpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One of the NFL’s biggest offseason questions was finally answered on Tuesday: Tom Brady is leaving New England and heading to Tampa Bay. The Athletic’s Steve Buckley joins us to talk about Brady’s unprecedented run of success with the Pats, his relationship with head coach Bill Belichick, and how New England fans should be dealing with the news of Brady's departure. Read Steve Buckley's ode to Tom Brady: https://theathletic.com/1680949/2020/03/17/heres-to-tom-brady-who-transformed-the-patriots-into-nfls-premier-franchise/?source=theleadpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Major League Baseball announced Monday it would postpone opening day until at least mid-May. Commissioner Rob Manfred made the announcement after the CDC on Sunday recommended gatherings of 50 people or more be canceled nationwide. According to some reports, GM's are bracing for the possibility that the season won't start until July. Even though MLB is making it sound like there’s a chance we’ll see some baseball in the near future, there are a lot of unanswered questions, like: What is going on with all of the stadium workers who sell beer and hot dogs, or who check bags and work in parking lots? What are they going to do as their livelihoods are on hold? The Athletic’s Zach Buchanan spoke to 22 stadium workers at Spring Training in Arizona about how they’re planning to get by, and he joins us to talk about what they're doing in the meantime and why promised donations from players and owners might not be such simple transactions.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today was supposed to be Bracket Monday. But coronavirus has shut down sports across the country and upended our lives. So, on the day when everyone would normally be filling out March Madness brackets, we are instead looking back on the 2019-2020 men’s college basketball season. The Athletic’s Seth Davis joins us to talk about the incredible upsets, the players who surprised us, and the stories that made this shortened season beautiful. Read Seth Davis's tribute to the 2019-202 men's college basketball season: https://theathletic.com/1673156/2020/03/12/davis-my-eulogy-for-the-wild-and-unpredictable-2019-20-season-gone-too-soon/?source=theleadpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Following the NBA's lead, MLB, the NHL and MLS all suspended or delayed their respective seasons because of coronavirus. And, in a shocking move, the NCAA canceled the men's and women's basketball tournaments. The sports world is effectively canceled for the time being. For the NBA, things could get worse before they get better. The Athletic's Sam Amick joins us to talk about how a lack of testing kits is creating more problems for the NBA, how long this suspension of games could drag on, and what the economic implications are for players and owners.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 suspended all games until further notice after Utah Jazz star Rudy Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus. We recap how one of the most historic days in sports history unfolded at breakneck speed, and are joined by The Athletic's Joe Vardon to discuss how the NBA abruptly changed its position after Gobert tested positive and what comes next for the league and its players. (Note: Gobert's teammate Donovan Mitchell has reportedly tested positive for the coronavirus as well. It's unclear at this time who the NBA's "patient zero" actually is.) Follow Joe Vardon's NBA coverage:https://theathletic.com/author/joe-vardon/?source=theleadpocastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the coronavirus continues to spread, more and more sporting events are being canceled or postponed. There is now a possibility that NCAA Tournament games could be played without fans. But it turns out, this has happened before. The Athletic's Dana O'Neil joins us to discuss a 1989 measles outbreak that caused conference tourney games to be played in empty arenas, what that was like for players, and how TV broadcasters found a way to have some fun in a tough situation (hint: cardboard cutouts were involved).Read Dana O'Neil's story about the 1989 Siena Saints:https://theathletic.com/1658080/2020/03/06/a-disease-forcing-tourney-games-to-be-played-in-empty-arenas-its-happened/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Steph Curry recently returned to the Golden State Warriors' lineup after missing most of the season with a broken hand. But during his absence, his brother Seth emerged as a key member of the playoff-bound Dallas Mavericks.  The Athletic’s Tim Cato, joins us to talk about Seth Curry’s gradual rise from un-drafted free agent to Mavericks X factor, and what it’s like to finally emerge from his superstar brother’s shadow. Follow Tim Cato's coverage of Seth Curry and the Dallas Mavericks: https://theathletic.com/author/tim-cato/?source=theleadpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers went on a local radio show on Friday to talk about his frustrations with the NFL. In a rather remarkable series of comments, he also sounded off on his fellow players, who he said don’t care enough about the new collective bargaining agreement that players are negotiating with the league. The Athletic’s Lindsay Jones joins us to talk about why things have reached a new boiling point, why Rodgers is speaking up at this late stage of his career, and how some players aren’t buying what Rodgers is selling.Follow Lindsay Jones' coverage of the NFL: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.

Clippers owner Steve Ballmer is on a mission to win over more fans in a city that is synonymous with the Lakers. And the franchise has doubled down on those efforts lately, through everything from a slick marketing campaign to building and renovating hundreds of basketball courts around the city of Los Angeles. With the Clippers and Lakers set to square off on Sunday, The Athletic’s Jovan Buha joins us to talk about how the ex-Microsoft CEO's quest to build his team's fanbase is going, how these two teams match up against each other on the court, and whether or not Los Angeles might actually start to become a Clippers town. Follow Jovan Buha's coverage of the Clippers: https://theathletic.com/author/jovan-buha/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of alleged sexual abuse and sexual trauma and the content might be emotionally upsetting for some listeners.In the second part of a special investigation, a former player of junior and college hockey coach Thomas "Chico" Adrahtas joins us to tell his story. Brent Cary played for Adrahtas as a teenager and, like many young hockey players, looked up to the well-known coach, almost like a father figure. And though Cary himself ultimately didn’t accept Adrahtas’s proposition, he was deeply disturbed to learn what his mentor is accused of doing.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Content Warning: This episode contains details about alleged sexual abuse and sexual trauma and might be emotionally upsetting for some listeners.Multiple former hockey players have accused a former University of Minnesota and Robert Morris University Illinois hockey coach of sexual abuse. They say the coach, Thomas “Chico” Adrahtas, tricked them into having sexual encounters with someone they were told was a woman, when, in fact, it was the coach. The Athletic's Katie Strang, who spent months investigating Adrahtas, joins us talk about how, despite multiple reports against the coach over more than two decades, he was able to keep coaching. Read Katie Strang's investigative report: https://theathletic.com/1591547/2020/02/21/former-players-say-chicago-area-hockey-coach-sexually-abused-them/?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, Maria Sharapova announced her retirement. She won five grand slams during her 19-year career — including a signature win over Serena Williams at Wimbledon in 2004 — but also leaves behind a complicated legacy. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Charlie Eccleshare to discuss Sharapova’s reputation as a ruthless competitor, the fallout from her late-career doping suspension, and her intense — but actually one-sided — rivalry with Serena Williams.Follow Charlie Eccleshare's writing at:https://theathletic.com/author/charlie-eccleshare/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When the Oklahoma City Thunder traded away Russell Westbrook and Paul George, the basketball world more or less left them for dead. A lot of people also thought there was no way Chris Paul — sent to OKC in the Westbrook trade — would ever stay. But the Thunder are well on their way to a playoff berth, with CP3 at the center of it. Today, Erik Horne of The Athletic joins us to talk about how the Thunder have defied expectations, and how Paul, at age 34, is showing everyone he has a lot left. Follow Erik Horne's coverage of the Oklahoma City Thunder: https://theathletic.com/author/erik-horne/?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 combine has gotten a little out of control lately, with people obsessing over the size of Joe Burrow’s hands, broadcasters raving about how fast 300-pound linemen can run the 40-yard dash, and a punter bench pressing 225 pounds more than two dozen times before a raucous crowd. The Athletic’s Lindsay Jones joins us from Indianapolis to talk about how the combine became such a bizarre spectacle and what events there actually matter (hint: it's not what happens at the smoothie station).Follow Lindsay Jones's coverage of combine, the draft, and the NFL: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.

The Negro Leagues celebrated a 100th anniversary earlier this month. And as part of our Black History Month coverage, we decided to send The Athletic’s Nate Taylor, a Kansas City native, to check out the iconic Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City. Today, Nate takes us back in time (and on a virtual tour) to hear why Jackie Robinson was selected to cross the MLB color line, how Negro Leagues players were like rock stars in their communities, and the stories of women who played in the Negro Leagues against the men.Follow Nate Taylor's writing for The Athletic:https://theathletic.com/author/nate-taylor/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Earlier this month there was a big trade in the WNBA. The Phoenix Mercury acquired Skylar Diggins-Smith and the star guard is now united with two all-time greats: Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi. A lot of people say this is the first time one WNBA team has had three true stars. The Athletic’s Alexis Mansanarez joins us to talk about how Diggins-Smith ended up in the desert, why she wanted out of her old team, and how the WNBA is starting to mirror the NBA in really good ways.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Houston Rockets are making a big bet on small ball. By trading away their only proven big man three weeks ago, they committed to playing one of the smallest lineups the NBA has seen in recent years. The Athletic’s Kelly Iko joins us to talk about Houston’s grand experiment, whether or not it could actually work, and what’s at stake for the team and head coach Mike D’Antoni. Follow Kelly Iko's coverage of the Houston Rockets: https://theathletic.com/author/kelly-iko/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

NASCAR has deep roots in the American South. It has also had its share of racial tension. As part of our Black History Month coverage, we’re joined by David Aldridge of The Athletic to talk about black NASCAR drivers from the past and present, what the organization is doing to make its future more diverse, and what David experienced while attending a race. Read David Aldridge's story about traveling to a NASCAR race: https://theathletic.com/1233963/2019/09/26/the-race-and-race-what-it-is-like-for-people-of-color-in-and-around-nascar/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Baylor men's basketball team has been one of the best teams in the country all year, and much of the success can be attributed to head coach Scott Drew. The Athletic’s CJ Moore joins us to talk about how Drew rebuilt the program after the tragic murder of a player 17 years ago, how listening to his players helped transform the way the team plays defense, and Coach Drew's unusual combination of competitive fire and goofiness.Follow CJ Moore's college basketball coverage:https://theathletic.com/author/cj-moore/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Saturday night is one of the most anticipated heavyweight rematches in a long time. Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder square off in Las Vegas. The stakes are particularly high for Deontay Wilder who is considered by many to be the next great American heavyweight. The Athletic’s Lance Pugmire joins us to talk about how Wilder has overcome incredible odds just to get become a champion and how, even as a kid in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, he knew his fate.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The long-suffering New York Knicks are turning to an unlikely savior: NBA agent Leon Rose is expected to take over as team president. The Athletic's Mike Vorkunov joins us to talk about how the Knicks landed on Rose, whether or not he'll actually be able to turn things around, and why more and more teams are staffing their front offices with player agents.Read more of Mike Vorkunov's coverage of Rose and the Knicks: https://theathletic.com/1590270/2020/02/07/knicks-finally-have-a-reason-for-optimism-with-leon-rose-coming-and-marcus-morris-exiting/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Things are bad for the Houston Astros. Players from around the league have been going on camera over the past few days to criticize Astros players and owner Jim Crane for not fully owning up to their role in the sign stealing controversy. Commissioner Rob Manfred has also come under fire for his botched handling of the case. The Athletic’s Marc Carig joins us from spring training in Arizona to talk about why player rage has reached a boiling point and what comes next for the troubled team.Follow Marc Carig's MLB coverage:https://theathletic.com/author/marc-carig/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Manchester City has been banned from the Champion’s League, Europe’s most prestigious and lucrative club tournament, after an investigation found that the team lied on important financial documents. The future of one of the world's biggest and richest clubs is now very much in question. The Athletic’s Sam Lee joins us to break down the ban, what further fallout there could be, and what’s at stake for the team's highly controversial billionaire owner, Sheikh Mansour.Follow Sam Lee's ongoing coverage of Manchester City:https://theathletic.com/author/sam-lee/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.