The Lead

The NBA All-Star Game is this weekend and there are expected to be many tributes to the late Kobe Byrant. Kobe is, of course, a king in Los Angeles, but his relationship with his hometown, Philadelphia, was complicated. The Athletic’s Michael Lee, who covers the NBA and lives in Philadelphia, joins us to talk about how the city made Kobe the competitor he was, but didn’t give him much love until the very end. Read Michael Lee's story about Kobe Bryant's complex relationship with Philadelphia: https://theathletic.com/1585634/2020/02/05/he-was-really-philly-kobe-bryant-had-a-complex-relationship-with-philly-but-deserves-its-adoration/?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 U.S. Women’s National Team qualified for the Olympics this past weekend and leading the way, once again, was Rose Lavelle. The talented young midfielder also turned heads at the World Cup last year, capturing the Bronze Ball as the tournament’s third best player. The Athletic’s Megan Linehan joins us to talk about Lavelle’s rapid ascent to stardom, how she cracked a U.S. lineup that is heavily stocked with veterans, and just how bright her future could be. (And also, her unnatural love of dogs.) Follow Megan Linehan's coverage of Rose Lavelle and the USWNT: https://theathletic.com/author/meg-linehan/?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's been a heck of a week for the Boston Red Sox. The team agreed to send their best player, Mookie Betts, to the Dodgers in a blockbuster trade, along with former Cy Young Award winner David Price in a three-team deal. But the trade almost fell apart in spectacular fashion. The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey joins us to talk about what went on behind the scenes, why the Red Sox made this move now and how Boston fans feel about losing a generational player.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Rooney Rule requires NFL teams to interview at least one minority candidate when hiring a head coach or senior executive. But there are currently just three black head coaches in the league and the most recent round of hiring saw only one minority candidate get hired for five open positions. The Athletic's Mike Sando joins us to talk about the Rooney Rule’s effectiveness (or lack thereof) and the potential path forward.Read Mike Sando's story about the Rooney Rule: https://theathletic.co.uk/1572032/2020/01/30/where-do-we-go-from-here-with-the-rooney-rule/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On Friday, there was yet another development in the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal. The Wall Street Journal reports that the team used a powerful algorithm called "Codebreaker" to figure out their opponent's signs. How much did the sign-stealing scheme help the Astros on the field? The Athletic's Jayson Stark and Eno Sarris recently ran the numbers to answer that question. Stark joins us to explain their findings, and to argue that despite their elaborate cheating scheme, the Astros should not have their 2017 World Series title vacated.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you go back to the very FIRST season of the NFL -- a hundred years ago -- there were just a handful of black players. And one of them was Duke Slater. Slater was the first black lineman to suit up for the NFL. He was known for being unstoppable. And now, he will finally be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. As part of our Black History Month coverage at The Lead, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Scott Dochterman to talk about Duke Slater’s legacy, from his college football days in Iowa to his achievements as a lawyer and a judge, and what it means that he will finally be honored in Canton.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There was a time when Portland belonged to Brandon Roy. The former Trail Blazer's career was cut short by knee trouble and he has been more or less invisible ever since. But after years of trying, The Athletic’s Jason Quick finally tracked him down. Today, Quick joins us to talk about Brandon Roy’s short but remarkable career and how he has overcome an identity crisis, a divorce, and a drive-by shooting to find peace (or something close to it).Read Jason Quick's profile of Brandon Roy:https://theathletic.com/1531666/2020/01/16/brandon-roy-talks-retirement-inner-peace-shooting-portland-trail-blazers-return/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Houston Astros hired Dusty Baker to take over in the dugout just weeks after firing manager AJ Hinch in the aftermath of the team's sign stealing scandal. At 70 years old, Baker is the oldest manager in baseball, but with that comes a wealth of experience and stability the Astros desperately need. Baker is known as a players' manager and has a stellar reputation in the league. So how will he do as he inherits a team mired in controversy but also built to win the World Series? The Athletic's Brittany Ghiroli joins us to talk about Baker's hiring, his historic career as a player and manager, and why he's just what Houston needs.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Connor McDavid has been shredding defenses since he entered the league five seasons ago. But there are signs that the NHL's most talented player has grown frustrated with his team’s lack of success. The Athletic's Jonathan Willis joins us to talk about McDavid's incredible skills, his secretive recovery from a devastating injury, and whether or not the clock is ticking on his Edmonton career.Follow Jonathan Willis's coverage of the Edmonton Oilers and the NHL:https://theathletic.com/author/jonathan-willis/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Kansas City Chiefs are Super Bowl champions. It was another impressive comeback for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, who trailed 20-10 in the fourth quarter before rattling off 21 unanswered points. Kavitha breaks down the game for us from Miami, discusses what it means for the legacies of Andy Reid, Kyle Shanahan, Jimmy Garoppolo and Patrick Mahomes, and talks about the reactions of Chiefs fans at the game.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Football stars, celebrities, and fans have descended upon Miami for the greatest side-show on Earth. Kavitha wades into the madness of Radio Row to speak with former Super Bowl winner turned spiritual guru Martellus Bennett, Giants running back Saquon Barkley, omnipresent fan "Marlins Man," former NBA journeyman Stephen Jackson, and a host of other characters. We also hear how people are betting on the color of the Gatorade bath that will rain down upon the winning coach and how Kobe Bryant's death feels like a dark shadow over the weekend.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tyreek Hill has a history of domestic violence charges that many people find disturbing. The wide receiver has been an integral part of the Chiefs' offense all season long and is expected to play a major role in the Super Bowl on Sunday, but some people have trouble rooting for the team when he's on the field. The Athletic's Lindsay Jones joins us to talk about Hill's past, how the Chiefs organization has dealt with his case, and the dilemma that reporters and fans face when trying to separate the art from the artist. Follow Lindsay Jones's NFL coverage: 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.

Superstar QB Patrick Mahomes and veteran head coach Andy Reid complete each other's sentences in team meetings. Chiefs fans are on their way to the Super Bowl after 50 years of suffering. And defensive tackle Mike Pennel broke down sobbing after Kansas City's victory over the Tennessee Titans, knowing he'd be playing for his hometown team in a Super Bowl. The Athletic's Nate Taylor joins us to talk through these (and other) Chiefs love stories.Follow Nate Taylor's coverage of the Chiefs:https://theathletic.com/author/nate-taylor/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One year ago, Raheem Mostert and the San Francisco 49ers were 4-12 and Kyle Shanahan was coaching at the Senior Bowl. Now, they're one win away from being crowned Super Bowl champions. The Athletic’s Tim Kawakami joins us to talk about how the 49ers have pulled off this remarkable turnaround, the players who have been key to their playoff run, and how, despite their success, they still see themselves as a bunch of journeymen.Follow Tim Kawakami's coverage of the 49ers:https://theathletic.com/author/tim-kawakami/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The tributes to Kobe Bryant and other victims of Sunday’s helicopter crash continue. A number of NBA players who were close to Kobe, including Chris Paul and Kyrie Irving, have missed games . NBA teams have continued to let the 24-second shot clock run out during games to honor the former #24. The Athletic’s Andy and Brian Kamenetzky join us to reflect on the remarkable life and career of Kobe Bryant, how he’ll be remembered and what he meant to the city of Los Angeles.You can read The Athletic's ongoing coverage of Kobe Bryant's passing here: https://theathletic.com/tag/remembering-kobe-bryant/And revisit Kobe's relationship with Shaq on Wondery's 7-part Shaq/Kobe series on “Sports Wars”: https://wondery.com/shows/sports-wars/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After Kobe's tragic death from a helicopter crash on Sunday, we walk through the latest news on the accident and ongoing investigation. Plus, we look at how people across the country have expressed their love and support for the late superstar and his family. And we travel to Staples Center, where thousands of people gathered to share stories and mourn the loss of the basketball icon.Follow The Athletic's latest coverage of Kobe Bryant:https://theathletic.com/tag/remembering-kobe-bryant/?source=theleadpodcastRevisit Kobe's relationship with his Laker teammate Shaq on our 7-part series about their friendship and rivalry on “Sports Wars”: https://wondery.com/shows/sports-wars/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

New reporting from The Athletic has revealed problems inside the Clippers locker room. Kawhi Leonard has been red hot on the court, but his aloofness and unusual leadership style has created some friction within the team. The Athletic’s Jovan Buha joins us to talk about how the Clippers have been struggling to adapt to life with the reticent star, and what it could mean for the team's championship hopes.Read Jovan Buha and Sam Amick's story about the culture of the Clippers:https://theathletic.com/1557316/2020/01/23/chemistry-setting-behind-the-scenes-of-kawhi-leonard-and-the-clippers-merging-culture/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zion Williamson made a splash in his debut last night. But his fellow rookie, Ja Morant, has been dominating defenses all season and creating an incredible highlight reel along the way. Today, The Athletic’s Omari Sankofa II joins us to talk about Ja’s impressive rookie year, why he has a chip on his shoulder, and whether or not he, and not Zion, should have been the number one pick in the draft.Follow Omari Sankofa II's coverage of the Grizzlies:https://theathletic.com/author/omari-sankofa-ii/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In perhaps the most anticipated NBA debut ever, New Orleans Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson finally takes the floor tonight. Williamson had surgery in October for a torn meniscus and was slated to miss somewhere between 6 and 8 weeks. It's now been 14 weeks since the team announced he would be sidelined. So what can we anticipate from Zion's first NBA game? The Athletic's Will Guillory joins us to talk about Zion’s return, his unusual rehab, and what he could mean for the Pelicans and the city of New Orleans. Read Will Guillory's story about Zion's debut: https://theathletic.com/1553109/2020/01/22/zion-williamsons-long-awaited-debut-marks-the-beginning-of-a-new-era-in-new-orleans/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The WNBA signed a monumental collective bargaining agreement with the players union last week. The maximum player salary was nearly doubled, the league minimum was increased by 35 percent, and elite players could now see their total income more than triple. The deal also includes new allowances for travel and maternity leave. The Athletic’s Lyndsey D'Arcangelo joins us to discuss how the deal came about and what it means for the WNBA and women’s sports in general.Follow Lyndsey D'Arcangelo's coverage of the WNBA:https://theathletic.com/author/lyndsey-darcangelo/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After convincing wins yesterday, the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs have advanced to Super Bowl 54. The Athletic’s Sheil Kapadia joins us to break down the two Championship games, to discuss what went right for the winners, and to talk about what to expect on February 2nd in Miami. Oh, and we also discuss Rob Lowe's hat.Follow Sheil Kapadia's NFL coverage:https://theathletic.com/author/sheil-kapadia/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Titans came into the playoffs as a long-shot Wild Card team. But after knocking off the Patriots and Ravens, Derrick Henry and Tennessee are the talk of the postseason. And in a league where passing is king, they’re winning with an old-school brand of smashmouth football. The Athletic's Joe Rexrode joins us to talk about how the Titans have pulled off this unlikely playoff run and just how far they could go.Read Joe Rexrode's coverage of the Titans:https://theathletic.com/author/joe-rexrode/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Liverpool have been absolutely unstoppable this season. They now have a fourteen point lead over second-place Manchester City and are on pace to win their first league title in thirty years (among other historic accomplishments). Much of Liverpool’s success has been attributed to head coach Jurgen Klopp. The Athletic’s James Pearce joins us to talk about how Klopp has transformed the team through a rare combination of passion, tactics, and hugs.Follow James Pearce's coverage of Liverpool:https://theathletic.com/author/james-pearce/?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 Baseball levied unprecedented penalties against the Houston Astro for electronically stealing signs in 2017, through the team's World Series run and into the 2018 season. Citing reporting from The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Evan Drellich, Commissioner Rob Manfred announced in a statement that Astros Manager AJ Hinch and General Manager Jeff Lunhow would be suspended for the entire 2020 season. The team will also forfeit first round draft picks this and next year and pay a $5 million fine. Shortly after the announcement was made, Astros owner Jim Crane fired Hinch and Lunhow. The Red Sox also parted ways with manager Alex Cora, who was implicated in the report. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal joins us to break down the penalties and what they mean for the league at large.Read Ken Rosenthal and Evan Drellich's latest reporting on the sign-stealing saga:https://theathletic.com/1532175/2020/01/13/rosenthal-people-at-every-level-of-the-sport-bear-responsibility-for-baseballs-current-sign-stealing-mess/?source=theleadpodcasthttps://theathletic.com/1531133/2020/01/13/hinch-luhnow-fired-as-mlb-report-reveals-details-of-astros-sign-stealing/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Now that LSU has been crowned college football champions, it's time to look forward to the NFL draft. LSU quarterback Joe Burrow is the consensus pick at #1 to the Bengals, but after that, anything can happen. As we enter the college football offseason, the combine and then the draft, there will be plenty of prognostication and projections. So who is landing where? The Athletic's Dane Brugler joins us to talk about his latest mock draft, where he projects where the top five players will land, and how Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa could throw everything into complete chaos.You can read Dane Brugler's mock draft projections here: https://theathletic.com/1530818/2020/01/14/2020-nfl-mock-draft-2-0-patriots-and-five-other-teams-land-a-quarterback-in-two-round-projection/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After losing to the Titans on Saturday, Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens are out of the playoffs. That has sparked a debate around the team, its young star quarterback, and his ability to show up in big games. The Athletic’s Sheil Kapadia joins us to break down the Ravens' loss to the Titans and to help us wade through the many opinions swirling around Jackson.Read Sheil Kapadia's story about Lamar Jackson's playoff performance:https://theathletic.com/1527621/2020/01/12/wading-through-the-takes-to-make-sense-of-lamar-jacksons-performance/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Clemson is about to play in its fourth CFP National Championship game in five years. But, historically, the Tigers have not been a top program. And in many ways, the deck is stacked against them. The Athletic’s Stewart Mandel joins us to talk about how Clemson has overcome the odds to become a dynasty-in-the-making -- and why they’re about to get even stronger.Read Stewart Mandel's story about Clemson:https://theathletic.com/1520803/2020/01/09/mandel-figuring-out-the-mystery-of-little-ol-clemson/?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, Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin made a controversial hiring decision: he brought in D.J. Durkin, who was fired by Maryland in 2018 after an offensive lineman died following a preseason workout. An internal investigation then revealed disturbing behaviors within the Maryland football program. The Athletic’s Nicole Auerbach joins us to discuss that investigation, why Kiffin and Ole Miss are overlooking its findings, and whether or not Durkin deserves a second chance.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

An exclusive report from The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Evan Drellich reveals that the Boston Red Sox used video replay rooms to steal pitchers signs during the 2018 season, the year the team last won the World Series. Three people who were with the organization in 2018 told The Athletic that players would visit the replay room during games, learn signs and communicate them to batters at the plate through some intricate foot signals from runners on base. Since the story was published Major League Baseball announced it is launching an investigation into the Red Sox conduct.You can read Rosenthal and Drellich's story here: https://theathletic.com/1510673/2020/01/07/mlbs-sign-stealing-controversy-broadens-sources-say-the-red-sox-used-video-replay-room-illegally-in-2018/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Lakers have the best record in the Western Conference and the second best record in the NBA. But LeBron just turned 35 years old, spent most of last season injured, and hasn't been rested much this season. The Athletic's Andy and Brian Kamenetzky join us to discuss the Lakers' impressive start, how they've been managing their aging superstar, and what might happen if he went down. Listen to Andy and Brian Kamenetzky's podcast, "The Magic Hour":https://theathletic.com/podcast/120-the-forum-club/?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 England Patriots are out of the playoffs after a 20-13 loss to the Tennessee Titans. As they enter the post-season, there are a number of questions facing the organization -- the biggest being the future of #12. The Athletic’s Steve Buckley joins us to discuss this new era for Pats fans and whether or not after two decades the New England Patriots dynasty has finally reached its end.Read Steve Buckley's article about the wild-card game:https://theathletic.com/1509798/2020/01/05/tom-brady-patriots/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Lead is featuring some of the episodes from its first year about how sports changed in 2019 or signaled a major trend that’s shaking up a particular league or sport.Yes, the World Champion Astro’s Cheated. An investigation by The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Evan Drellich revealed that the Houston Astros used a high-powered camera to steal other teams' pitching signs during the 2017 season, the year they won the World Series. Major League Baseball is now investigating the matter to determine who within the organization knew about the scheme. Rosenthal joins us to talk about their report, exactly how the Astros were cheating, and what all of this could mean for the team and the league.New episodes will be back every day on Monday, January 6th.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the wake of former NBA commissioner David Stern's death, we speak with The Athletic's David Aldridge about how Stern took a league that was at a crossroads in the early 1980s and helped transform it into the hugely successful, global enterprise that it is today.Read David Aldridge's story about David Stern's legacy:https://theathletic.com/1502570/2020/01/01/he-made-the-lamps-rattle-remembering-david-stern-in-all-his-momentous-bluster/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Ravens ended the regular season with a 14-2 record, clinching home field advantage throughout the playoffs. And much of it was thanks to Lamar Jackson, their star dual-threat quarterback. He‘s lit up the NFL all season, and broke Michael Vick's single-season record for rushing yards by a quarterback. He’s seen by many as the leading candidate for league MVP.Over the holidays The Lead is featuring episodes from its first year about how sports changed in 2019 or signaled a major trend that’s shaking up a particular league or sport. The Athletic’s Sheil Kapadia joins us to talk about how the Ravens gambled on Jackson in the off-season by rearranging their offense to suit his incredible rushing skills, and to discuss whether the Ravens’ success with a dual-threat QB will become a blueprint for other teams in the future.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Over the holidays The Lead is featuring episodes from its first year about how sports changed in 2019 or signaled a major trend that’s shaking up a particular league or sport.Women’s Soccer is here to stay. The North Carolina Courage defeated the Chicago Red Stars 4-0 in the final of the NWSL on October 27, 2019. This summer's World Cup generated a lot of talk about equal pay, and also led to a new broadcast deal and a major corporate sponsor for the NWSL. We chat with The Athletic's Megan Linehan about the future of the league, the team that's been pulling in 20,000 fans for home games, and what U.S. star Megan Rapinoe has been up to now that she’s no longer in a Twitter war with the president.Read Megan's article about the future of the NWSL:https://theathletic.com/1326052/2019/10/26/nwsl-state-of-the-league-amanda-duffy-heather-oreilly/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Over the holidays The Lead is featuring episodes from its first year about how sports changed in 2019 or signaled a major trend that’s shaking up a particular league or sport.Paul George and Anthony Davis did something this off-season that rattled the NBA to its very core — they forced their teams to trade them, despite the fact that they were still under contract. The Athletic's Sam Amick joins us to explain how NBA superstars have become so powerful that they can dictate their own trades and line up their future teammates, and what this means for the future of the league. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Over the holidays The Lead is featuring episodes from its first year about how sports changed in 2019 or signaled a major trend that’s shaking up a particular league or sport.There’s a new youth movement this season in the NHL. The Toronto Maple Leafs have one of the best young teams in professional hockey. The team is also led by a very young general manager who has placed a premium on locking in youthful talent with big contracts. It’s part of a wider movement in the NHL where young players are commanding the types of salaries that were once reserved for veterans. But while today’s young hockey stars are good, it’s the older teams who are winning Stanley Cups. The Athletic’s Craig Custance joins us to talk about Toronto’s baby-faced GM and whether or not young stars are worth the money.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nine years ago, Indianapolis Colts GM Chris Ballard and his wife Kristen Ballard received an unexpected phone call. It challenged them in a way they never could have imagined, and caused their family to grow in size. Warning: This is a heartwarming tale of humanity, just in time for the holidays.Read Zak Keefer's story about the Ballard family:https://theathletic.com/1311425/2019/10/29/can-we-handle-this-how-colts-gm-chris-ballard-and-his-wife-saved-four-girls-in-need/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray entered the NFL surrounded by hype, but along with the fanfare came a lot of doubt. The football world at large didn't think a quarterback of his stature could thrive in the NFL, but so far he's proving the doubters wrong. The Athletic's Lindsay Jones joins us to talk about Kyler Murray's rookie campaign, how his skills have translated on the big stage and why he might be the best high school football player ever to come from the state of Texas. Read Lindsay Jones' story on Kyler Murray's high school career here:https://theathletic.com/1397295/2019/11/21/kyler-murray-high-school-oral-history-allen/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The FBI recently charged 10 former NFL players, including Clinton Portis, with defrauding a health care program meant to benefit retired players and their families. The indictment cites more than 3 million dollars in fraudulent claims for medical equipment, including a device normally used on horses. The Athletic’s Daniel Kaplan joins us to break down this unusual case, to discuss what NFL players lives are like after they stop playing, and to consider the impact the lawsuit might have on other retired players. Read Dan Kaplan's story about the alleged fraud: https://theathletic.com/1458892/2019/12/13/payments-from-nfl-health-care-plan-allegedly-defrauded-by-ex-players-skyrocketed-during-period-in-question/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The once untouchable Warriors are now the worst team in the NBA, with a 5-23 record. And the last man standing from the dynasty years, at least for now, is the notoriously intense Draymond Green. The Athletic’s Anthony Slater sat down with Draymond to talk about how he’s dealing with all this losing, how he's rehabilitating his offensive game, and growing up a bit in the process. Read Anthony Slater's story about the new Draymond:https://theathletic.com/1392188/2019/11/25/its-an-everyday-battle-to-let-go-of-that-will-to-win-draymond-greens-calm-approach-to-a-rare-losing-season/?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 a 2-year-old was hit in the head by a foul ball back in May during a Cubs-Astros game, pressure began mounting on Major League Baseball to make stadiums safer for fans. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma, who was at that game, joins us to talk about the incident, last week's announcement that MLB teams will be expanding protective netting, and how this new development might affect players and fans.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Heisman Trophy Award ceremony is Saturday, and LSU's Joe Burrow is virtually certain to win. The Athletic's Jon Greenberg went to Burrow's hometown of Athens, Ohio and interviewed his family, friends, and former coaches to learn about the star QB's past and to see how people there have been following his success. Read Jon Greenberg's story about Joe Burrow's legacy in Athens, Ohio: https://theathletic.com/1420714/2019/12/05/i-played-against-joe-freaking-burrow-how-lsus-heisman-favorite-built-his-legend-in-southeast-ohio/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Longtime Mets owners Fred and Jeff Wilpon are reportedly selling the team to billionaire hedge fund manager (and minority owner) Steve Cohen. Mets fans have long had a contentious relationship with the Wilpons, often criticizing them for mismanagement and not spending as much on free agents as their cross-town rivals the Yankees. The Athletic's Tim Britton joins us to talk about the sale and how it could shake up the organization.Read Tim Britton and Marc Carig's story on Steve Cohen's bid to buy the Mets:https://theathletic.com/1434004/2019/12/04/the-wilpons-are-negotiating-to-sell-the-mets-to-steve-cohen-what-does-it-mean-for-the-franchise/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Bengals have accused the Patriots of filming their sideline ahead of Sunday’s matchup between the two teams. Meanwhile, the Patriots say the hired cameraman was just shooting B-roll of a team scout for a documentary film. The Athletic’s Lindsay Jones joins us to break down the accusations, the Patriots’ history of spying, and what the NFL might do next.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Fizdale became the latest in a long line of head coaches to be fired by the New York Knicks on Friday. After missing out on the number one draft pick and free agent targets Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving this summer, the Knicks began the season with a sense of disappointment -- and then got off to a 4-18 start. Kavitha and The Athletic's Frank Isola break down Fizdale's short tenure, two decades of franchise dysfunction, and whether or not any coach can resuscitate the long-suffering Knicks.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Ravens rattled off their ninth straight win on Sunday, defeating the Bills 24-17 and moving to first overall in the AFC. In the process, Lamar Jackson became just the second quarterback in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season, and the 22-year-old is seen by many as the leading candidate for league MVP. The Athletic’s Sheil Kapadia joins us to talk about how the Ravens gambled on Jackson in the off-season by rearranging their offense to suit his incredible rushing skills, and to discuss whether the Ravens’ success with a dual-threat QB will become a blueprint for other teams in the future.Read Sheil Kapadia's story about Lamar Jackson and the Ravens' new-look offense:https://theathletic.com/1432135/2019/12/05/i-play-lamar-jackson-ball-how-the-ravens-built-the-nfls-scariest-offense/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Andy Ruiz Jr. shocked the world in June by knocking out heavyweight champ Anthony Joshua at Madison Square Garden. Joshua is 6'6" and sculpted, with endorsement deals from Hugo Boss and Beats (among others), and the Brit was considered by many to be the next great heavyweight. Meanwhile, Ruiz was a relatively unknown Mexican-American with a noticeably pudgy build who grew up fighting in the street. Now, the two heavyweights meet again on Saturday in a highly anticipated rematch. The Athletic's Mike Coppinger is in Saudi Arabia for the fight and joins us to talk about what to expect and why Ruiz's first victory might not have been a fluke.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Pistons-Pacers brawl known as “Malice at the Palace” rocked the NBA fifteen years ago. Many people saw it as a low point for the league. The melee, which included flying beer bottles and fans getting punched in the face, forced the league to implement new rules in an attempt to recreate its image. With the Palace now being deconstructed, The Athletic’s Michael Lee joins us to look back at the infamous incident and to explain how the NBA bounced back from the bedlam to be bigger than ever.Read Michael Lee's story about "Malice":https://theathletic.com/1387698/2019/11/18/fifteen-years-after-the-malice-at-the-palace-how-the-nba-bounced-back-from-bedlam/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A massive, state-sponsored doping program was unearthed in Russia several years ago, leading to the country being banned from the 2018 Olympics. Last week, it was reported that Russia had violated the terms of its new oversight, by submitting bogus data to the World Anti-Doping Agency. There is now the possibility that Russia will be banned from international sports competitions for four years. Reporter Tariq Panja joins us to talk about this latest chapter in the Russian doping scandal and what the future might hold for Russia and its athletes.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.