The Lead

Luka Doncic is one of the hottest players in the NBA right now, and the hype around the 20-year-old Slovenian is reaching a fever pitch. Some are now comparing him to LeBron, and he even got some high praise from King James on the court earlier this season. The Athletic’s Tim Cato traveled to Slovenia to try and understand what makes the Mavericks star tick, and he joins us to talk about Luka’s origins, how he is seen back home, and just how good this kid can become.Read Tim Cato's story about Luka and Slovenia: https://theathletic.com/1315663/2019/10/23/slovenias-enormous-passion-is-willing-luka-doncic-to-superstardom/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Weeks after their vicious late-game brawl, the Steelers got revenge against the Browns thanks in part to an unlikely hero: rookie quarterback Devlin "Duck" Hodges, who also happens to be, that's right, a champion duck caller. The Athletic’s Sean Gentille joins us to talk about Hodges's rapid ascent to the spotlight and the Steelers prospects with "Duck" as their new starter. Plus, The Athletic’s Zac Jackson talks about the aftermath of the Pittsburgh-Cleveland brawl and performs a post-mortem on the hapless Browns.Read Sean Gentille's story on "Duck" Hodges' unusual connection with James Washington:https://theathletic.com/1423890/2019/12/01/gentille-in-duck-hodges-james-washington-has-a-hunting-buddy-and-a-qb-connection/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joel Embiid and Hakeem Olajuwon have never met, but the 76ers star idolized 'The Dream' when he was growing up in Cameroon and taught himself Olajuwon's moves by watching a DVD of his highlights on repeat. The Athletic's Michael Lee recently sat down with both superstars to talk about their careers, their journeys from West Africa to the NBA, and what Embiid wants his own legacy to be.Read Michael Lee's story about Joel Embiid and African centers in the NBA:https://theathletic.com/1372227/2019/11/19/standing-on-the-shoulders-of-giants-joel-embiid-is-determined-to-build-a-new-legacy-of-greatness-by-an-african-center/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Carmelo Anthony scored 25 points and hauled in 8 rebounds last night in an emphatic win over the Bulls. After more than a year away from the NBA, the aging superstar signed with the Trailblazers last Tuesday amid much fanfare. Considered one of the best players of his generation, Melo has earned a reputation for prioritizing himself over his team. The Athletic’s Frank Isola joins us to talk about the missteps of Melo's career, to question some of the criticisms, and to look at what lies ahead. Read one of Frank Isola's recent columns about Carmelo Anthony:https://theathletic.com/1383404/2019/11/16/isola-if-melo-makes-it-back-to-msg-he-deserves-warm-welcome-hell-get-as-much-as-kp-didnt-deserve-what-he-got/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After two concussions last month (and five in his career), wide receiver Brandin Cooks is back in the lineup for the Rams on Monday Night Football. But The Athletic's Rich Hammond wonders, should he be? Rich joins us to discuss how, with the help of an outside neurologist and his wife, Cooks made the decision to return to playing football so quickly.Read Rich Hammond's column about Brandin Cooks:https://theathletic.com/1399339/2019/11/21/brandin-cooks-is-coming-back-from-another-concussion-but-should-he/?source=theathleticpodcastCheck out The Athletic's "The 2010s: Decade in Review," featuring the best NBA, WNBA and college hoops teams and players from the past ten years: https://theathletic.com/tag/the-2010s-decade-in-review/?source=theathleticpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Christian Pulisic has scored five goals in his past three Premier League games for Chelsea, including a hat trick last month against Burnley. There has been a lot of buzz around Pulisic since he became Chelsea’s third most expensive signing in January, and questions about how good the 21-year-old American really is. The Athletic's Liam Twomey joins us to explain how Pulisic is now turning some skeptical Brits into believers. Read more of Liam's coverage of Chelsea FC: https://theathletic.com/author/liam-twomey/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cocaine and molly have become the drugs of choice in the NHL in recent years, according to a new report from The Athletic's Katie Strang. She joins us to explain why these particular drugs have become popular among hockey players and what the league is and isn't doing to combat substance abuse. We also hear from retired NHL player Daniel Carcillo who dealt with substance abuse issues for years.Read Katie Strang's story about drug use among NHL players:https://theathletic.com/1324841/2019/11/05/the-secret-everybody-knows-drugs-like-cocaine-and-molly-becoming-more-popular-in-nhl/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rising hoops star RJ Hampton made a bold decision earlier this year. He turned down scholarship offers from top schools and moved to New Zealand to play in the NBL, the pro league in Australia and New Zealand, to help him prepare for the NBA. The Athletic’s Dana O’Neill traveled to Auckland to find out why Hampton made that choice, how his life is going over there, and whether overseas play might become a real alternative to college hoops. Read Dana O'Neill's story about RJ Hampton:https://theathletic.com/1346721/2019/11/04/im-taking-that-risk-all-access-with-r-j-hampton-as-he-tries-to-find-success-in-new-zealand/?source=theathleticpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Saints linebacker Demario Davis believes in a hands-on approach to social activism. The New Orleans star has handed out water in Flint, fought for bail reform in New York, and traveled to both sides of U.S.-Mexico border to give out blankets and backpacks. And, earlier this year, he helped bail out an ICE detainee. The Athletic's Katherine Terrell joins to explain how Davis's transformation into athlete-activist has grown out of his faith and his own history with the law. Read Katherine Terrell's profile of Demario Davis: https://theathletic.com/1284297/2019/10/11/they-just-gave-me-back-my-life-inside-what-fuels-demario-davis-humanitarian-efforts/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After the NFL invited Colin Kaepernick to a private workout last week, there were disagreements about how it should be conducted. On Saturday, Kaepernick turned the tables at the last minute by canceling the NFL event and announcing a workout on his own terms. The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue was there and she joins us to give an insider account of how the chaos of the day unfolded, what it was like inside the stadium, and what could happen next with Kaepernick.Read Jourdan Rodrigue's story about the Kaepernick workout:https://theathletic.com/1384295/2019/11/17/colin-kaepernick-cuts-through-a-chaotic-day-to-deliver-a-solid-workout/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana Pacers guard Victor Oladipo has some serious pipes. The two-time NBA All-Star sings in the locker room, sings on the court, and has won the NBA Talent Challenge the past two years. Many people also believe Oladipo is a contestant on one of the hottest -- and strangest -- shows on television: The Masked Singer. The Athletic's Scott Agness grabs his magnifying glass and walks us through the clues suggesting Oladipo is, in fact, the man behind the creepy mask.Read Scott Agness's full breakdown of the case here:https://theathletic.com/1353459/2019/11/07/breaking-down-the-clues-to-victor-oladipo-being-thingamajig-on-the-masked-singer/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hockey commentator Don Cherry, a Canadian icon, was fired this week over comments he made about immigrants during a television broadcast. Cherry, whose "Coach's Corner" segment has been a staple of Hockey Night In Canada for more than three decades, has a long history of making inflammatory remarks. The Athletic's Sunaya Sapurji joins to explain why this controversy was the last straw for Cherry.Read Sunaya Sapuri's take on the Don Cherry controversy:https://theathletic.com/1366564/2019/11/11/its-time-to-say-goodbye-to-don-cherry-and-his-xenophobic-ways/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new investigation by The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Evan Drellich has 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.Read Ken Rosenthal and Evan Drellich’s story on how the Astros sought a competitive edge:https://theathletic.com/1363451/2019/11/12/the-astros-stole-signs-electronically-in-2017-part-of-a-much-broader-issue-for-major-league-baseball/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Clippers recently angered many NBA fans by resting Kawhi Leonard during a nationally televised game. But could this strategy be the key to winning an NBA title? We speak with The Athletic's Eric Koreen about how "load management" played out during Leonard’s championship run in Toronto last year, the impact his actions have had on the league, and whether this approach to resting will become the blueprint for NBA stars 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.

LSU plays Alabama on Saturday in the most highly anticipated college football match of the season. The teams also met back in 2011 in the first "Game of the Century,” with LSU prevailing 9-6. The Athletic's Stewart Mandel joins us to talk about how both teams have transformed their offenses since then, despite some initial resistance from Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban. We're also joined by Dan Rubenstein, host of the podcasts Sports Wars and The Solid Verbal, for an in-depth preview of the game.Who’s going to win this Saturday? Check out Stewart Mandel’s college football picks for Week 11:https://theathletic.com/1357962/2019/11/07/stewart-mandel-college-football-picks-its-against-the-spread-week-11/?source=theleadpodcastListen to Dan Rubenstein's podcasts, Sports Wars and The Solid Verbal.https://wondery.com/shows/sports-wars/https://www.solidverbal.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Exclusive reporting from The Athletic has revealed that the NFL broached the possibility of London as a new home for the Los Angeles Chargers. And while it might seem absurd that the Chargers could head overseas after such a short time in L.A., The Athletic’s Vincent Bonsignore says it actually makes a lot of sense for the team and the league. We speak with Bonsignore about his story, how the NFL would overcome the logistical challenges of an overseas team, and how this all ties back to the Chargers’ botched exit from San Diego.Read Vincent Bonsignore’s exclusive story about the Chargers: https://theathletic.com/1347540/2019/11/04/with-london-ready-for-an-nfl-team-the-chargers-have-been-discussed-as-a-possible-option/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trent Williams recently revealed that a growth he had removed from his head during the offseason was cancerous. The Pro Bowl tackle also claimed that Redskins team doctors had initially told him it was something minor. The Athletic's Ben Standig speaks with us about Williams's health, his strained relationship with the team, and whether or not NFL players are losing faith in team doctors.Read Ben Standig’s story on Trent Williams’ claims and why he wanted to be traded:https://theathletic.com/1342518/2019/11/01/theres-no-trust-there-trent-williams-finally-speaks-reminds-all-best-reason-redskins-botched-trade-deadline/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Warning: This episode contains graphic material related to sexual assault that may not be suitable for all audiences.Sarah Klein is one of the first known victims of former gymnastics team physician and serial sexual predator, Larry Nassar. As an adult, Sarah struggled with anxiety, depression, and a range of physical ailments. Then Sarah connected with a therapist named Dr. Liz Goldman, who also had been a victim of sexual assault by a middle school wrestling coach. The two women formed a powerful connection that eventually flipped the doctor-patient relationship on its head, and both women continue to draw strength from one another. The Athletic's Armen Keteyian reports.Watch all three parts of Armen Keteyian's report:https://theathletic.com/video/23-silent-no-more/?source=theleadpodcastIf you are a survivor of sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit https://hotline.rainn.org/ and receive confidential support.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

OJ Simpson's #32 jersey has returned to the football field in Buffalo for the first time in 42 years. It's being worn by a backup running back (and special teams player) named Senorise Perry. The Athletic's Tim Graham broke the story about OJ's number being put back in circulation back in May. We check in with Tim about how the decision has been received, what Senorise Perry hopes to accomplish this year, and how OJ Simpson is remembered by Buffalo Bills fans.Read Tim's original story about the jersey number going back into circulation:https://theathletic.com/987357/2019/05/21/for-the-first-time-in-42-years-the-bills-will-let-another-player-wear-o-j-simpsons-former-no-32/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, the biggest superstar in boxing, is the main event this weekend in Las Vegas. But, just as Canelo looks to win another championship belt, a rift has erupted between him and his promoter, Oscar De La Hoya. The two men aren’t on speaking terms and the feud has spilled over onto social media. Canelo opened up to The Athletic’s Mike Coppinger about the divide, and Coppinger joins us to talk about what’s going on behind the scenes as boxing’s biggest star and his hall-of-fame promoter square off in their own fight.Read Mike Coppinger’s story to find out more about the feud between Canelo Alvarez and Oscar De La Hoya:https://theathletic.com/1334317/2019/10/30/theres-no-loyalty-we-see-it-now-inside-canelo-alvarezs-feud-with-promoter-oscar-de-la-hoya/?source=theleadpodcastTo listen to the story of another great boxing rivalry, listen to the 5-episode series on Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield on "Sports Wars": wondery.fm/sportswars See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Timberwolves coach Ryan Saunders was so grief-stricken after his father, Flip, passed away four years ago that he considered leaving his job as an assistant coach and buying a cabin in the woods. The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski tells the story of Ryan's path to recovery, the role his family played in his healing, and how, as the youngest head coach in the NBA, he is able to connect with his players -- and has them off to a hot start. Plus, a quick recap of last night's dramatic World Series finale.Read Jon Krawczynski's profile of Ryan Saunders here:https://theathletic.com/1299793/2019/10/22/ryan-saunders-flip-saunders-hayley-timberwolves-head-coach/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The NCAA announced it will take steps to allow college athletes to make money off their names and likenesses. It's a major shift for the organization that has come under political pressure to address the issue. Meanwhile, Democratic presidential candidate Cory Booker wants to fundamentally change professional and college sports in the U.S. He recently released a plan that would also address pay for college athletes as well as create a federal regulatory board, and institute equal pay for women athletes, among other things. We talk with Booker about his plan, why he thinks the federal government should step in, and how his experience as a college athlete shaped his view.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The North Carolina Courage defeated the Chicago Red Stars 4-0 in the final of the NWSL on Sunday. 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.

Drew Brees returned to the Saints' lineup yesterday, but it was his backup, Teddy Bridgewater, who got the biggest cheers. Bridgewater led the Saints to a perfect 5-0 record while Brees recovered from a thumb injury and established himself as a Saints folk hero in the process. Bridgewater is one of many backup QBs who have been thrust into the NFL spotlight this season, as star QB after star QB has gone down injured. We trace Bridgewater's remarkable path to this moment -- including overcoming a life-threatening injury -- and ask what the future holds now that his stock has risen.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Steph Curry knows that everything has changed for the Warriors. The team lost three big players from their championship run and superstar Klay Thompson could miss the entire season due to a torn ACL. In an exclusive interview with Curry, The Athletic’s Tim Kawakami speaks with the three-time NBA Champion about the new-look Warriors, what went through his head when Kevin Durant left for Brooklyn, and his potential plan for retirement.You can go here for Tim Kawakami’s complete interview with Steph Curry on his podcast The TK Show: https://theathletic.com/podcast/13-the-tk-show/?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 are under intense pressure to make things right after their assistant General Manager reportedly taunted a group of female reporters in the locker room. Brandon Taubman screamed "Thank God we got Osuna! I'm so "effing" glad we got Osuna!" He was referencing Roberto Osuna, a star pitcher who was suspended for 75 games for violating MLB's domestic abuse policy. The team then tried to discredit the reporter who broke the news. MLB is investigating the incident. The Athletic’s Emma Span joins us to explain what the exchange was all about and what might be done about it.The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal says it’s time for MLB to impose harsh discipline on Brandon Taubman and the Astros:https://theathletic.com/1317266/2019/10/23/rosenthal-its-time-for-rob-manfred-and-mlb-to-impose-harsh-discipline-on-brandon-taubman-and-the-astros/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Anders sits down with LAFC Head Coach Bob Bradley, who was just named MLS Coach of the Year, to discuss his team's incredible regular season, what motivates him, and why he wants his players to express their personalities on the field. Bob also reflects on his remarkable career, including his time in Egypt and England.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The most anticipated match in MLS history is tomorrow. LAFC takes on cross-town rivals LA Galaxy in the second round of the playoffs. LAFC had a record-breaking regular season, led by Mexican superstar Carlos Vela. But they've never beaten the LA Galaxy or Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Athletic's Josh Gross walks us through the amazing story of LAFC, which has taken Los Angeles by storm, and tells us what to expect in tomorrow night's match.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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. We also look forward to tonight's opening-night match between the Lakers and Clippers, where George and Davis will square off against one another.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With the World Series about to begin, we check in with Dr. Meredith Wills, an astrophysicist, about one of this season's biggest storylines -- the record-setting number of home runs and the allegedly "juiced" baseballs. Wells has been studying MLB balls for years, and she explains her findings. Plus, we check in with The Athletic's Jayson Stark about how the balls used in the World Series might affect the teams involved, and we look at how the Astros and Nationals match up against one another.You can hear more from Jayson Stark every Tuesday on his "Starkville" podcast:https://theathletic.com/podcast/25-starkville/?source=theleadpodcastAnd revisit the 2000 World Series with the latest "Sports Wars" series about the Subway Series: 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.

In 1986 the NCAA delivered what is unofficially known as the “death penalty” to the Southern Methodist University football program. The team was found guilty of egregious recruiting violations and barred from playing any football during the 1987 season, along with other sanctions. Now, the Mustangs are 6-0 and back in the AP Top 25 for the first time in more than three decades. The Athletic’s Chris Vannini explains how a second year coach has guided the team back to winning ways using an unconventional team building tactic.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On Monday night, the Lions lost to the Packers after a series of dubious calls by the referees. Fans were outraged. Commentator Booger McFarland went berserk. Even Barry Sanders, the soft-spoken former Lions star, voiced his frustration on Twitter. NFL writer Lindsay Jones joins us to explain what happened in the game, how and why the quality of refereeing in the league appears to be declining, and what can be done about it.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Former Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs unexpectedly died in July. An autopsy revealed he had fentanyl and oxycodone in his system. New reporting suggests an Angels employee — who is cooperating with the DEA — supplied drugs for Skaggs and that two other high-ranking executives knew about Skaggs's drug use as early as 2017. In this episode, The Athletic’s Katie Strang looks back at Skaggs's death, explains how the Angels organization might have mishandled the case, and analyzes the potential liability for the team and Major League Baseball itself.Read Katie Strang’s analysis of the legal implications of the Tyler Skaggs case:https://theathletic.com/1294989/2019/10/15/analyzing-the-legal-implications-of-the-tyler-skaggs-case/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the NBA stays locked in a political standoff with China, the league has also made a big move in another major overseas market: India. The league played its first-ever preseason game in India two weekends ago. The Indiana Pacers and Sacramento Kings tipped off in Mumbai before a crowd of 4,500 people -- oddly, most of them were children. The Athletic’s Sam Amick joins us to talk about how the game went and how the move fits into the NBA's larger strategy of global expansion. Shaun Jayachandran also reports from the ground.The Athletic’s Sam Amick on the NBA’s quest to grow the game around the globe:https://theathletic.com/1273376/2019/10/07/nba-india-diary-sacramento-king-indiana-pacers-preseason-trip/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Tsai, the owner of the Brooklyn Nets has become a central character in the NBA-China story. As co-founder and executive vice-chairman of Alibaba, he has close ties to the Chinese government, and recently released a statement in support of China’s policies in Hong Kong. The Athletic's Bill Shea joins us to talk about Tsai's history, his love of sports, and why he's putting NBA Commissioner Adam Silver in a tricky situation.You can find Bill's latest writing on the NBA and China here: https://theathletic.com/1275004/2019/10/08/how-much-does-the-nba-stand-to-lose-in-china-over-a-tweet/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Big League Chew, the bubble gum made to look like chewing tobacco, turns 40 next year. The gum has a fascinating history that involves an independent baseball team in Portland, the actor Kurt Russell, and two baseball outsiders who used chewing gum to stay connected to the game they love -- and to book their ticket to Cooperstown.Check out Corey Brock’s story on the origin of Big League Chew:https://theathletic.com/1190981/2019/09/10/how-jim-bouton-and-his-maverick-teammates-opened-up-that-first-pouch-of-big-league-chew/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey created an international incident with a tweet in support of Hong Kong protesters. The backlash was swift and severe, as China broke ties with the Rockets and ceased broadcasting their games. Estimates say the NBA's relationship with China is worth billions, so the league is trying to walk a fine line. We investigate the history, the fallout, and look at what might happen next.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A nine-month investigation by The Athletic raises troubling questions about abnormally high ADHD rates among University of North Carolina athletes and their use of prescription medications, and asks why these high levels of ADHD were not disclosed in papers coming out of the UNC’s renowned brain injury research center. The investigation calls into question the validity of research papers on concussions, some of which have influenced NCAA policy.The Athletic's 3-part video series on UNC can be seen here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWM6ES5ykL4&list=PLJFxqDQGJPM3fOD-XK_WEs-9iS5ZDv-JS?source=theleadpodcastThe Athletic's report about the absence of critical data from UNC's renowned concussion research center:https://theathletic.com/1261858/2019/10/08/failure-to-disclose-the-mysterious-absence-of-critical-data-from-uncs-renowned-concussion-research/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The New York Yankees are one of the most storied teams in all of professional sports. So how did a former player-turned-broadcaster with no managerial experience become the team’s skipper? Hear about Aaron Boone’s unlikely rise to the most iconic job in baseball, learn more about his famous ‘savages in the box’ incident, and find out how he has proven his critics wrong as the team sets its sights on a World Series title.Read Rustin Dodd’s story on how Aaron Boone became the perfect voice for the Yankees:https://theathletic.com/1246710/2019/10/01/being-boonie-how-charisma-and-a-crazy-competitive-side-made-aaron-boone-the-perfect-voice-for-the-yankees/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 type 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.Check out Craig Custance’s “The Full 60” podcast for weekly conversations about the NHL’s hottest stories.https://theathletic.com/podcast/22-the-full-60/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A joint investigation from The Athletic and WVUE-TV in New Orleans reveals why a football stadium that was supposed to be built in New Orleans' Upper Ninth Ward still has not been completed. The project was intended to be a symbol of recovery after Hurricane Katrina. A decade later, there’s still no field and less than $900 remains in the organization's bank account. In Part Two of the story, we explore what transpired after the project’s creator and lead architect stepped away, and what happened to the nearly one million dollars that went missing.Part two of a special two-part investigation.https://theathletic.com/1244948/2019/10/01/what-happened-to-new-orleans-field-of-dreams-and-its-1-million-in-donations/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A joint investigation from The Athletic and WVUE-TV in New Orleans reveals why a high school football stadium that was supposed to be a symbol of recovery after Hurricane Katrina was never completed. Celebrity athletes like Drew Brees and Saints head coach Sean Payton helped provide funding. The project captured the attention of President Obama, Anderson Cooper and news outlets across the country. But a decade later, there’s still no field -- and a million dollars is missing.Part one of a special two-part investigation.Read the full story on The Athletic:https://theathletic.com/1244948/2019/10/01/what-happened-to-new-orleans-field-of-dreams-and-its-1-million-in-donations/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We interview Governor Gavin Newsom about the bill he signed into law that will allow college athletes in California to be paid for the use of their name and likeness. We ask him why he signed the bill, what impact he thinks it will have, and why he agrees with the President of the NCAA that the new law is an “existential threat” to the status quo for college athletes.Additional Reading:https://theathletic.com/1255043/2019/09/30/the-athletic-roundtable-the-fair-pay-to-play-act-has-passed-in-california-what-now-for-college-athletics/?source=theleadpodcasthttps://theathletic.com/1245743/2019/09/27/mandel-california-bill-is-not-the-existential-threat-ncaa-says-it-is/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The MLB Wild Card games are set. After a 162-game season, four teams will meet this week in do-or-die matchups to determine who will advance and who will go home. This year's Wild Card games feature two teams that have made the playoffs despite having some of the lowest payrolls in baseball (the A's and Rays), and two teams with remarkable comeback stories (the Brewers and Nationals). We speak with The Athletic's Jayson Stark about these matchups and about how this bizarre one-game system came to be.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A heart attack scare, a badly broken arm, and the loss of a franchise player were not enough to keep the Washington Nationals from clinching a wild card berth this season. The Nats became just the third team in more than 30 years to make the playoffs after being 12 games below .500. The Athletic's Brittany Ghiroli joins us to talk about how they pulled off their incredible turnaround -- and danced a lot along the way.Read Brittany Ghiroli’s behind-the-scenes story on the wild 36-hours behind the Nats playoff-clinching series:https://theathletic.com/1237960/2019/09/25/a-wild-36-hours-behind-the-scenes-of-the-nationals-playoff-clinching-series/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Michigan Wolverines were blown out last Saturday by Wisconsin. It was the latest loss by Jim Harbaugh to a ranked opponent. Since then, questions have swirled about Harbaugh's future with the Wolverines. The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner joins us to talk about Harbaugh’s journey from Ann Arbor kid to "Michigan Man," and whether or not his job is actually in jeopardy.Read Nick Baumgardner’s latest piece on Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan Wolverines:https://theathletic.com/1229820/2019/09/21/jim-harbaughs-michigan-program-has-an-identity-its-just-not-the-one-you-hoped-for/?source=theleadpodcastGet more college football by listening to The Solid Verbal podcast here.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 Rays are currently competing for a Wild Card spot as the baseball season enters its final days. But despite a successful season on the field the team is struggling to get fans into the stands. Attendance has been so dismal that team ownership is considering splitting home games between Florida and Montreal and even moving the team altogether. The Athletic’s Jayson Stark joins us to talk about the dynamics between the city, the franchise and a fan base that just doesn’t show up, even as the team is winning.You can read Jayson Stark’s article on the future of the Tampa Bay Ray’s here: https://theathletic.com/990608/2019/05/23/stark-is-there-hope-for-the-rays-in-tampa-bay/?source=theleadpodcastAnd hear Jayson Stark talking with Dan Rubenstein on "Sports Wars":https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1000451154602/id1478448344?i=1000451154602Go here to listen to Jayson Stark’s baseball podcast, “Starkville”:https://theathletic.com/podcast/25-starkville/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Shaquille O’Neal’s was one of the most dominant centers to ever play in the NBA. And now, he wants his post basketball life to mirror his days on the court. Through business investments, strict social media rules and always listening to his mother Shaq is on a mission to become the richest retired basketball player on the planet. The Athletic’s Armen Keteyian joins us to talk about his exclusive interview with The Big Aristotle.You can watch Armen’s video “Big Man, Big Brand” here: https://theathletic.com/video/20-shaq?source=theleadpodcastAnd to listen to a podcast series about the rivalry between Shaq and Kobe, check out “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.

Antonio Brown spent just 11 days with the New England Patriots before they released him amid accusations of rape and sexual assault. With so much controversy swirling around the All-Pro receiver, what was the final straw? We look at the history of the Patriots taking on risky players and analyze the famous “Patriot Way.”In her column, Lindsay Jones says if Antonio Brown never plays in the NFL again, it’s entirely his fault:https://theathletic.com/1231786/2019/09/22/jones-antonio-brown-is-the-only-one-to-blame-for-nfl-downfall/?source=theleadpodcastTo learn more about "The Patriot Way," listen to the award-winning 6-part investigative podcast "Gladiator: Aaron Hernandez and Football Inc.": https://wondery.com/shows/gladiator/Go here to listen to Lindsay Jones and Amy Parlapiano’s NFL Power Rankings podcast:https://theathletic.com/podcast/70-nfl-power-rankings/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

 A reporter goes undercover to try out for a G League Basketball team, and let’s just say it does not go well. The Athletic’s Saad Yousuf recounts his hilarious experience trying out for the Texas Legends, a developmental affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks.And The Athletic’s Marcus Thompson reflects on the remarkable career of Shaun Livingston, who overcame a catastrophic knee injury and won three NBA championships. Livingston retired last week.What’s an NBA G League tryout like? I tried out (undercover) for the Texas Legends to find outhttps://theathletic.com/1216654/2019/09/17/whats-an-nba-g-league-tryout-like-i-tried-out-undercover-for-the-texas-legends-to-find-out/?source=theleadpodcastRobbed of stardom, Shaun Livingston created something more profoundhttps://theathletic.com/1209989/2019/09/13/thompson-robbed-of-stardom-shaun-livingston-created-something-more-profound/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.