The Lead

Mac McClung may always be remembered for one Saturday night in Utah a couple of weeks ago, when he made the jump from the G League to win the NBA Dunk Contest — a performance so great that some experts said it saved a dying event. But what’s less well-known about McClung is his long journey just to get to that point: spanning 30 cities, 150 teammates, and 10 head coaches. Today, we take a closer look at McClung’s odyssey from YouTube sensation to pro hoops journeyman, and whether the reigning Dunk Contest king can finally catch on in the NBA. Guest: Rich HofmannRead the full story hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: Washington State basketball breaks an 82 year drought. And United’s dream run comes to a disastrous end at Anfield. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For many baseball fans, the name Dae-Sung Koo is synonymous with 2005, when the then-Mets relief pitcher smashed a double off of future Hall of Famer Randy Johnson, then proceeded to race home from second base on a bunt. That was the only season that the 35-year-old Koo appeared in Major League Baseball, and if you thought he’d retired after that, it would be understandable. But then, in January, footage surfaced of Koo getting batters out in Australia… at age 53. Today, we take a look at Koo’s remarkable odyssey since that day in New York, why he’s still taking the mound at an age when anyone in their right mind would have stopped, and just how long the ageless lefty might keep going. Guest: Matt MonaganRead the original storySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 1983, musical legend Marvin Gaye stepped to the microphone at The Forum in Los Angeles, to sing the national anthem before the NBA All-Star Game. What happened next set in motion a cultural transformation within the NBA that still reverberates today.Guests: David Aldridge and Marcus Thompson II, The AthleticRead their original story hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: The Lakers get a big win in Dallas, while Damian Lillard paints a masterpiece in the PDX. And Caitlin Clark puts a serious exclamation point on a wild weekend in college hoops. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For close to a decade, John Jaso made a name for himself in Major League Baseball. He was behind the plate for the last perfect game thrown in MLB (by Felix Hernandez), and he hit for the first cycle in the history of PNC Park in Pittsburgh. But if you haven’t heard John Jaso’s name in a while — there’s a good reason for that: he's been living life at sea. Today, the story of why Jaso walked away from potentially millions of dollars to live on a boat, and some of his most harrowing adventures along the way.Guest: David GardnerRead the full storySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A deejay. A dance team. A VIP section. And a whole lot of victories. Meet Howard University's swimming and diving teams -- the only all-Black college swim teams in the U.S., with a mission that extends far beyond the pool.Guest: Robert Sanchez, Sports Illustrated contributorRead the full storySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Just over one year ago, the Baylor Bears were playing a game against Texas, when one of the key players on their national title-winning team, Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua, suddenly took a wrong step — and suffered a devastating injury. The 6-foot-8 forward was given a two-year timetable to return, if he made it back at all. Today, we tell the story of Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua’s remarkable comeback, the role that his girlfriend — and a journal — played in getting him through it, and how the player known as “Everyday Jon” somehow came back better than he was before.Guest: CJ MooreRead the full story about Jonathan's comeback and his rise as a player at BaylorSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever since the NCAA began allowing college athletes to profit off their names, images, and likenesses (NIL), some athletes have been cashing in. But In a world filled with bad actors, some student-athletes have had much less fortunate outcomes. Today, we bring you the cautionary tale of Jaden Rashada, a top high school quarterback from California who saw an NIL deal worth millions of dollars -- along with his confidence -- go up in smoke.Guest: Stewart Mandel, The AthleticRead the full storySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Super Bowl 57 really had it everything — controversial calls, elite quarterbacks, and a high flying halftime show all of which made Sunday night in Phoenix one for the books. Plus Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts show why the future of the NFL is in good hands. And with their second Super Bowl title in four years — are the Chiefs ready to become the next NFL dynasty? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We have two days to go until Super Bowl 57, a game that has a ton of great matchups and storylines: Andy Reid versus his old team, Travis Kelce against his brother Jason, and a quarterback showdown between Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts. Beyond the game itself, there are even more questions to ponder: What songs will Rihanna sing at halftime? What food should go in your Super Bowl spread? And what color Gatorade will be dumped on the winning coach? Today, The Athletic’s Jake Ciely breaks down all of this and more, in The Lead’s official Super Bowl Viewing Guide.Follow Jake Ciely’s fantasy football coverage: https://theathletic.com/author/jake-ciely/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts will make history this weekend, as they become the first two Black quarterbacks to square off in a Super Bowl. For many, it's a sign of progress for a position that has historically been hugely biased against Black players. But just how much progress has actually been made? Today, sports economist David Berri explains why many Black QBs are still undervalued. Then, The Athletic’s Tashan Reed joins us to discuss his new podcast, Between The Lines, which explores what it means to be Black in the NFL today. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: Aaron Rodgers hints at where he might be lining up under center next season. And the last two undefeated teams in college hoops stay perfect ahead of an epic clash this Sunday.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lisa Guerrero reached the pinnacle of sports broadcasting when she became a sideline reporter on Monday Night Football. But what everyone assumed was a dream job instead became a nightmare -- one that cost her her dignity, her mental health, and a pregnancy. Today, Lisa discusses the traumas she experienced during her time as a sports reporter, and how she learned to look back and move forward.Guest: Lisa Guerrero, author of Warrior: My Path To Being BraveSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Golden State Warriors are the defending NBA champions, and one of the great dynasties in NBA history. But so far this season, the team is hovering around .500, and they're approaching a crossroads when it comes to the contracts of Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and the architect of this dynasty, GM Bob Myers. Today, The Athletic's Sam Amick explains the massive impact Myers has had on the Warriors, the tensions now simmering behind the scenes, and what a Myers departure might mean for the team's future.Read the full story about Bob Myers from Sam Amick, Anthony Slater, and Marcus Thompson II: https://theathletic.com/4123595/2023/01/25/warriors-bob-myers-contract-extension/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After a week of ‘Burrowhead’ taunts from the Bengals, Kansas City’s star QB reminds Cincy that Arrowhead still belongs to him. Meanwhile, San Francisco runs OUT of QBs against the Eagles. And Novak Djokovic’s victorious return to the Australian Open puts him at the pinnacle of men’s tennis once again.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For the Kansas City Chiefs, this season began with questions about who would fill the massive void left by wide receiver Tyreek Hill. And the answer has come in the form of not one, not two, not three, not four, but five new wideouts. Today, Sports Illustrated's Alex Prewitt explains how this group of mostly under-the-radar receivers has come together and coalesced under Patrick Mahomes, why they ended up with the bizarre nickname ‘Rogue Ninjas,' and the role this fivesome could play in a potential Super Bowl run.Guest: Alex Prewitt, Sports IllustratedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The San Francisco 49ers advanced to the NFC title game on Sunday after their 12th consecutive win, with superstar running back Christian McCaffrey scoring the go-ahead touchdown in the victory over the Cowboys. Since he arrived in an October trade, McCaffrey has helped take San Francisco’s offense to another level, and he now has the Niners — a team his dad used to play for — one win away from the Super Bowl. However, when it comes to athleticism — and specifically, his speed — McCaffrey actually takes more after his mom. Today, The Athletic’s Matt Barrows tells us that story.Read Matt Barrows’s full story about the McCaffrey family: https://theathletic.com/4083118/2023/01/13/49ers-christian-mccaffrey-mom/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: Kansas City keeps an impressive streak going in the AFC. And Arsenal pass their stiffest test yet in their quest for a first league title in over 15 years. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Philadelphia football fans have a complicated relationship with Eagles GM Howie Roseman. After building the team that won Philadelphia its first ever Super Bowl back in 2018, he was a hero. Then, just a few years later, he was seen as a problem. And now, with the Eagles looking like Super Bowl contenders, he’s a hero once again. The Athletic’s Zach Berman has covered Roseman and the Eagles for over a decade, and today he breaks down the team-building strategies that Roseman has used recently to rebuild the Eagles -- and his own reputation. Plus, what to watch for when the Eagles take on the Giants in the NFL Divisional Round on Saturday night.Guest: Zach Berman, The AthleticSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After a losing record last season, losing records in eight of their last nine seasons, and a rough start to this season, the New York Knicks have awakened — with a winning formula that includes a lot of Jalen Brunson. But Brunson is far from the only reason the Knicks are winning, and today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Fred Katz to look at some of the key factors behind the Knicks renaissance, including two unsung heroes who have bought into this team — and Tom Thibodeau’s — gritty defensive identity. Follow Fred Katz’s coverage of the Knicks: https://theathletic.com/author/fred-katz/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The NFL playoffs are here. Today, Sports Illustrated’s Conor Orr breaks down all six first round matchups and gives us his insights on what to expect from a potentially wild Wild Card Weekend.Guest: Conor Orr, Senior Writer, Sports IllustratedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We are basically at the halfway point of the NBA regular season, and today we are joined by former NBA sharpshooter and co-host of The Old Man and the Three podcast, JJ Redick, for a midseason heat check on the players who have dominated the first half, including Luka Doncic, Joel Embiid, Donovan Mitchell, Kevin Durant and Nikola Jokic. We also get JJ's perspective on potential title contenders, with a close look at the Celtics, Bucks, Nets, Grizzlies — and the defending champion Golden State Warriors.Listen to The Old Man and the Three: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-old-man-and-the-three-with-jj-redick-and-tommy-alter/id1525281746https://open.spotify.com/show/5vMLIaAcXeWUpXRpUt5qXYSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: An unforgettable day for Bills fans in Orchard Park. And Lovie Smith’s unforgettable last act as the Texans head coach. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last week, the man considered by many to be the greatest soccer player to ever live, the Brazilian superstar, Pelé, passed away at the age of 82. Today, stories about how he impacted Brazilian identity, the development of soccer around the world (including in the U.S.), and the complicated legacy he leaves behind.Guests:Márvio dos Anjos, Brazilian sports JournalistKevin Blackistone, Washington Post sports commentatorDavid Hirshey, Co-Author of Pele's New World and Co-Editor of Pride Of A NationSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We are five days away from college football’s national championship game, a David and Goliath showdown between the defending champion Georgia Bulldogs, and the team no one expected to be here: the TCU Horned Frogs. Today, we’re joined by Seth Emerson — who covers Georgia for The Athletic — to look at Stetson Bennett’s encore, and what has made this edition of the Bulldogs so unstoppable. Then, we talk to The Athletic’s Sam Khan Jr. about tiny TCU’s dramatic turnaround, and the blueprint to an epic upset for the underdog Horned Frogs. Follow Seth Emerson’s coverage of Georgia: https://theathletic.com/author/seth-emerson/ Follow Sam Khan Jr.’s coverage of Texas college football: https://theathletic.com/author/sam-khan-jr/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The man who many people consider the greatest sports broadcaster of all time, Vin Scully, died this summer at the age of 94. For 67 years, Scully was the iconic and unmistakable voice of the Dodgers, and began calling games in Brooklyn in 1950. Five writers share their memories of Scully the broadcaster, the storyteller, and the person.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lusia Harris is one of the best basketball players to ever live: a 3-time collegiate national champion, an Olympics silver medalist, and the only woman to be officially drafted by an NBA team. But chances are, you've never heard of her. Ben Proudfoot, the director of an Academy Award-winning short documentary about Harris's life, tells the story of her unlikely journey from the Mississippi Delta to the pinnacle of basketball, and explains why her life story and her achievements have largely been lost to history,See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker got into a hilarious spat with the Toronto Raptors' mascot -- a big, red dinosaur in a basketball jersey -- back in January. Things spilled over into the post-game press conference and onto Twitter, and the basketball world was hooked. Inspired by this hilarity, we called up Dave Raymond, the founder of the Mascot Hall of Fame (and the man inside the Phillie Phanatic costume when it was famously pummeled by Tommy Lasorda) to get his perspective on the incident. Then, The Athletic's James Edwards III and Nick Kosmider told us the heartwarming story of the NBA's first father-son mascot duo -- and explained why the people sweating it out inside these giant suits are truly selfless heroes.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For the past month, millions of people have been glued to the television, watching as many Word Cup games as possible. And for fans in the U.S., that has meant spending a lot of time with the broadcast team at Fox. With the dust still settling on the tournament, sports media journalist Richard Deitsch joins us to discuss Fox's coverage, what they did and didn't do well, and why, no matter what you think of them, their broadcast was a major success.More from Richard Deitsch:https://theathletic.com/4009860/2022/12/19/fox-world-cup-coverage-2026/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: Two NFC contenders see their playoff prospects head in opposite directions. And the Lakers find themselves in a familiar position — with a key piece out of action.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One week ago, Grant Wahl – perhaps the best known soccer journalist in the U.S. – died suddenly while covering the World Cup in Qatar. He was just 49 years old. Today, four people who knew Grant share stories about his life, and the impact he had on the beautiful game and the people who cover it.Guests: Alexi Lalas, Chris Stone, Samara Kelly, Luis Miguel EchegaraySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Behind every great sports broadcaster is a great statistician -- the person who digs up the numbers that tell us a story about the game we're watching, or help us make sense of the action unfolding before our eyes. Today, The Athletic’s Dan Brown tells us the story of one such statistician, Bo Chapman, who became one of the best and most beloved sports statisticians around, before his life was tragically cut short. Plus, what his family and the Golden State Warriors are doing to honor his legacy -- and to help find the next Bo.Read Daniel Brown's full story about Bo Chapman:https://theathletic.com/3752841/2022/11/25/nba-broadcasters-and-the-search-for-the-next-great-statistician-a-love-story/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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There is perhaps no greater theater in all of sports than a penalty kick shootout at the World Cup. Players take turns walking into the spotlight with millions, if not billions of people around the world watching them, and engage in a high-stakes battle of skill and nerves with the goalkeeper. Score, and you are cheered -- miss, and your legacy might forever be tainted. And yet, despite the huge importance of shootouts, many coaches over the years have simply shrugged their shoulders and referred to them as lotteries. Soccer writer and long-suffering England fan Ben Lyttleton, who has written a book about penalty kicks, joins us today to dispel the notion that shootouts are a simple game of chance, and to explain the fascinating science and psychology of soccer's ultimate showdown.Ben Lyttleton's book about penalty kicks:https://www.amazon.com/Twelve-Yards-Psychology-Perfect-Penalty/dp/0143127306/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Back in March, Aaliyah Gayles -- a talented point guard from Las Vegas -- played in the McDonald's Girls All-American Basketball Game. It was just the latest achievement in her already impressive high school career, which included her being named a top ten national recruit. But just a few weeks after that game, Gayles’s life and promising basketball career changed forever. Today, reporter David Gardner tells us about how she survived a near-fatal shooting, her long journey back to the court, and the mindset that might allow her to realize a lifelong dream.Read David Gardner's story about Aaliyah Gayles:https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/11/07/aaliyah-gayles-usc-basketball/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: Two top NFL contenders get worrying injury news at the most important position. And two young superstars guide their countries into the round of eight in Qatar.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Being a long snapper in the NFL is one of the stranger jobs in all of sports. You spend your time hunched over, trying to throw perfect spirals backwards and between your legs -- in high pressure situations – and no one really knows about you or cares about you unless something goes terribly, horribly wrong. Sports Illustrated’s Alex Prewitt recently went down the long snapping rabbit hole, and today he takes us into the upside-down world of these men – a world filled with quirky perfectionists, a lot of down time, and the desire to finally get the respect they feel they deserve.Read Alex Prewitt's full story:https://www.si.com/nfl/2022/11/16/inside-economics-evolution-politics-of-long-snappers-daily-coverSee 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 while since there has been this much hype around an NBA prospect. Victor Wembanyama, the 7-foot-3-inch,18-year-old French basketball sensation, has been turning heads around the world for years now, and has even captured the imaginations of the NBA's biggest superstars, who have all gushed about his skills and incredible potential. But what makes Wembanyama even more intriguing is his unusual way of seeing the world. Tania Ganguli of The New York Times recently spent time with the teenage star in France, and she joins us today to explain into how he has always done things differently, and why that might make him even better prepared for NBA superstardom.Read Tania Ganguli's full story about Victor Wembanyama: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/16/sports/basketball/victor-wembanyama-nba-draft-2023.htmlSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: An unexpected hero keeps Germany World Cup dreams afloat. And after 30 near misses, a decorated skier finally ends up on top. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On Wednesday, Canada played its first game of the 2022 World Cup against the team ranked #2 in the world -- Belgium. And despite losing the game 1-0, Canada absolutely dominated and, in the process, sent a powerful message to the world: Canada is no joke. Our team here at The Lead is off enjoying the Thanksgiving holiday, so today we're replaying an episode that first aired back in January, about the rise of soccer in hockey-crazy Canada. The Athletic's Joshua Kloke joined us to talk about the sport's rapid increase in popularity, the men's team's so-called "golden generation" of players, and how the team's coach, John Herdman, made the relatively rare leap from women's soccer to men's.More from Josh Kloke: https://theathletic.com/author/joshua-kloke/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll has pulled a few rabbits out of his hat this year. For one thing, he’s taken a team that finished 4-13 last season and, without significant roster changes, started out this season 7-3. And it turns out, Daboll literally has quite a few tricks up his sleeve. The Athletic’s Dan Pompei recently spent time with Daboll (and got a first hand look at his sleight of hand), and today Dan breaks the magician’s code and reveals the secret to Brian Daboll’s football magic. But is the Giants’ success really just an illusion?Read Dan Pompei's profile of Brian Daboll:https://theathletic.com/3894690/2022/11/17/brian-daboll-giants-turnaround-magic/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: The Vikings officially go on fraud watch after a drubbing at the hands of the Cowboys. And the top two teams in women’s college hoops put on a show in Palo Alto — and send an important message along the way.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lionel Messi has won just about everything there is to win in soccer -- scoring titles, Champions League trophies, a Copa America championship, and a record seven Ballon d'Ors as the world's top player. But the one thing that has eluded him is the prize that matters most to him and his fellow Argentines -- the World Cup. With the tournament set to kick off on Sunday in Qatar, The Athletic's Ed Malyon, who cut his teeth as a soccer journalist in Argentina, joins us today to discuss Messi’s incredible accomplishments and high-profile failures, his complicated relationship with his home nation, and what’s at stake for him in his final World Cup.More from Ed Malyon: https://theathletic.com/author/ed-malyon/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Heading into this season, a lot of people weren’t expecting much from the Seattle Seahawks, as they went from Russell Wilson to 32-year-old journeyman Geno Smith. Fast forward 10 weeks into the season, and Smith — the quarterback people wrote off — is playing at an MVP level. Today, The Athletic’s Michael-Shawn Dugar helps us take a closer look at how the synergy between Geno Smith and Pete Carroll has powered the Seahawks to the top of the NFC West heading into their bye. And, after a loss in Germany on Sunday (in front of a ton of overseas Seahawks fans), are the team’s best days still ahead? Follow Michael-Shawn Dugar’s coverage of the Seahawks: https://theathletic.com/author/michael-shawn-dugar/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: Joel Embiid puts up an all-time stat line in a much needed win for the Sixers. And the PAC-12 sees two College Football Playoff contenders go down hard.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

All throughout the offseason, and even into the start of this season, we thought we knew what the Utah Jazz were supposed to be. This team was supposed to be tanking, one of the many hoping to land generational prospect Victor Wembanyama. But so far this year, the Jazz are doing basically the exact opposite of tanking. Today, The Athletic's Tony Jones tells us how the Jazz have put together the best record in the Western Conference, the first-year head coach who’s younger than his starting point guard, and whether all this winning could actually be bad for the Jazz. Follow Tony Jones’s coverage of the Jazz: https://theathletic.com/author/tony-jones/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For the past 12 years, the tiny, extremely wealthy nation of Qatar has been preparing for the 2022 World Cup, building beautiful new stadiums, roads, and hotels. And, for years, one journalist in particular has been telling the stories of the people who have been doing the actual building, as well as the terrible, sometimes deadly conditions they’ve been working in. Today, that journalist, Pete Pattison, joins us to discuss the truths he has uncovered during a decade of investigative reporting, what, if anything, has changed for migrant workers in Qatar, and what he'll be thinking about when the World Cup kicks off on November 20th.Pete Pattison's reporting for The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/profile/pete-pattissonSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Houston Astros get manager Dusty Baker the only thing missing from his resume. The Jets' defense shines in a surprising win over the Bills. And Major League Soccer wraps up its season with a championship game for the ages.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Friday marks seven months to the day since Kansas pulled off its stunning comeback over UNC in the men’s college basketball national title game. And, at the start of this upcoming week, college hoops — and some of its most celebrated stars — are back. Today, The Athletic’s Eamonn Brennan gives us a crash course on the upcoming season, including the landscape for Kentucky’s Oscar Tshiebwe, Gonzaga’s Drew Timme, and UNC’s Armando Bacot, as all three chose to return to school for another year. Plus, the credentials of some of the top contenders, the biggest potential surprise of the upcoming year, and a looming threat to the game’s most prized possession — the NCAA Tournament. Follow Eamonn Brennan’s coverage of college basketball: https://theathletic.com/author/eamonn-brennan/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.