The Lead

This past weekend, the Portland Thorns won their third NWSL championship -- a league record. But what made the achievement even more remarkable is the fact that it came less than a month after a bombshell report, conducted by former Acting US Attorney General Sally Yates, revealed systemic abuse and misconduct within the NWSL and within the Thorns organization. Today, The Athletic’s Meg Linehan, whose reporting helped trigger that investigation, joins us to discuss the report’s deeply disturbing findings, what it means for the future of the league, and how the Thorns players were able to rise above and reclaim the narrative on championship weekend.More from Meg Linehan: https://theathletic.com/author/meg-linehan/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: A chaotic finish in Atlanta puts a new team atop the NFC South. And why there’s real reason to worry about a hyped NBA team in Los Angeles… and we’re not talking about the Lakers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For many full moons, a famous hotel in Oklahoma City has been keeping NBA players up at night -- and perhaps even influencing the outcome of their games. And the sheer number of players that say they've had paranormal experiences there is enough to make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. Today, on a special Halloween episode of our show, Steve Lackmeyer, co-author of a book about the Skirvin Hotel, walks us through the historic building's eerie history and explains the legend of the ghost that supposedly haunts it. Then, he tells us about some strange experiences he had at the hotel that even he, a staunch ghost skeptic, cannot explain.Check out Steve Skirvin and Jack Money's book about the Skirvin Hotel:https://www.amazon.com/Skirvin-Steve-Lackmeyer/dp/B00316Q3ECSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For more than a decade now, and basically since their last playoff game all the way back in 2011, being a New York Jets fan has been a special kind of football agony. But so far in 2022, it’s been a much different story, as the team sits at 5-2 — right behind Josh Allen and the mighty Buffalo Bills — in the AFC East. Today, The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt tells us about the young defensive stars (Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams) who have helped power this surprising turnaround. Plus, the long, winding football journey of the coach they call “Smash”, who is in Robert Saleh’s ear during some of the game’s most critical moments. Follow Zack Rosenblatt’s coverage of the Jets: https://theathletic.com/author/zack-rosenblatt/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: A tough weekend for the NFL’s old guard, while some young stars shine bright. And a former-MLS superstar is making waves in the Premier League.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tennessee turned a whole lot of heads last weekend, outlasting previously undefeated Alabama in a 52-49 shootout for the ages. And among the throngs of students and clouds of cigar smoke that enveloped the field after the win was head coach Josh Heupel, who took a moment to savor the win -- and perhaps experience some deja vu. That's because what Heupel has done in his first two years in Tennessee is eerily similar, at least so far, to what he did in his first two years as a quarterback at Oklahoma. The Athletic's Joe Rexrode joins us today to explain the uncanny parallels, and to discuss whether Josh Heupel of today can do what Josh Heupel of 2000 did, and win an improbable national championship.Read Joe Rexrode's full story about Josh Heupel, past and present: https://theathletic.com/3639769/2022/10/05/tennessee-josh-heupel-sec-football/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For Zion Williamson, Wednesday night against the Brooklyn Nets marks his first regular season NBA game in 17 months and more than 500 days. Today, The Athletic’s Will Guillory tells us about Zion’s long road back from a broken foot, the workouts that have reportedly left him in peak physical condition, and the inspiration he drew from an album that was released before he was born: Ready to Die from The Notorious B.I.G. Follow Will Guillory’s coverage of the New Orleans Pelicans: https://theathletic.com/author/william-guillory/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: The Yankees face a win or go home game in Cleveland. And Liverpool turn back the clock against Manchester City.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Will the Colorado Avalanche repeat as Stanley Cup champions? Will Connor McDavid reclaim his MVP crown? Can the Toronto Maple Leafs actually win a playoff series? With the 2022-23 NHL season now officially underway, The Athletic's Eric Duhatschek joins us to discuss these and other burning questions, and to try and replicate his previous feat of successfully predicting the two Stanley Cup finalists.More from Eric Duhatschek: https://theathletic.com/author/eric-duhatschek/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After winning the NBA title this past summer, things appeared to be going pretty smoothly for the Warriors heading into the new season. But then, last week, Draymond Green punched Jordan Poole at practice — and turmoil arrived for the defending champs. Today, with less than one week to go until their title defense tips off, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Anthony Slater to look at all the fallout from the Draymond-Poole saga, and whether this team has enough time to put it all together before the season starts. (Note: News broke early Wednesday morning that Draymond Green is expected to rejoin the Warriors on Thursday.)Follow Anthony Slater’s coverage of the Warriors: https://theathletic.com/author/anthony-slater/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After a six-month sprint through the regular season, the MLB Playoffs get underway on Friday. To get us ready for October, The Athletic’s Stephen Nesbitt joins the show to look at the stars and storylines that will define the postseason, including Aaron Judge and the Yankees hoping to harness their first-half dominance, Mookie Betts and the Dodgers aiming to build on a 111-win season, and a slightly different path for the Braves as they try to earn a rare World Series repeat.Follow Stephen Nesbitt’s coverage of Major League Baseball: https://theathletic.com/author/stephen-j-nesbitt/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Over the past two years, a massive welfare fraud scheme has been simmering in Mississippi. And a key player in that scandal is Green Bay Packers legend Brett Favre. With the help of a former Mississippi governor, Favre was able to direct state welfare funds -- money that was intended to help poor people -- to the University of Southern Mississippi for the purpose of building a new volleyball stadium. The Athletic’s Katie Strang and Kalyn Kahler join us today to break down that scandal, and to talk about their own investigative work, which revealed new information about Favre's charity.Read Katie and Kalyn's full story about Favre 4 Hope: https://theathletic.com/3639243/2022/09/28/brett-favre-welfare-mississippi/Read Mississippi Today's coverage of the welfare scandal: https://mississippitoday.org/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: A sweep with massive implications means there is a new presumptive champ in the NL East. And everyone’s new favorite college football team resides in Lawrence.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A little over a month ago, on August 28th, it seemed like a normal morning at the headquarters of Eastern Kentucky football. The season opener was five days away. A team staffer was restocking the coach’s refrigerator. And inside his office, that coach — Walt Wells — was dropping to the floor, having a heart attack. Today, Richard Johnson from Sports Illustrated tells the story of how Wells almost died that morning in August, the staffers who rushed to the scene to keep him alive, and the fight the coach faced even after he was in the hospital. Read Richard Johnson’s full story about Walt Wells: https://www.si.com/college/2022/09/21/eastern-kentucky-coach-walt-wells-football-survives-daily-cover See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This past weekend, Roger Federer played his final match as a professional tennis player, teaming up with his longtime rival Rafael Nadal in a mostly ceremonial doubles match at the Laver Cup. And, after the match (which they narrowly lost to Americans Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock), Federer was honored with a ceremony that brought him to tears. Now, with Federer's legendary career officially in the books, we’re joined by Christopher Clarey of the New York Times to discuss how the Swiss icon became arguably the most beloved men’s tennis player of all time, what comes next in his career, and how he’ll be remembered in tennis history. You can find more of Christopher Clarey's tennis coverage here, and check out his book about Roger Federer here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: Shady injury reports, butt punts, and more in an AFC East showdown to remember. And MLB’s youngest team is contending way earlier than anyone expected. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Eagles ran their record to 2-0 with a convincing win over the Vikings on Monday Night Football, and a big reason why was an electric performance from Jalen Hurts. Today, The Athletic’s Zach Berman tells us about Hurts’s evolution from second-round pick that a lot of people doubted, to now becoming one of the NFL’s most dynamic young quarterbacks — and the centerpiece of an NFC contender. Plus, the Internet meme that might tell us everything we need to know about why Hurts is the right guy for the spotlight in Philadelphia.Follow Zach Berman’s coverage of the Eagles: https://theathletic.com/author/zach-berman/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On Sunday night, the Las Vegas Aces brought home the WNBA championship – the first in the franchise's 26-year history, and the first major pro sports title for the city of Las Vegas. And the only thing more entertaining than the series might have been the post-game press conference, which included A'ja Wilson telling fans they had to do at least four shots before the championship parade, and Kelsey Plum interrupting questions by dancing with a boom box. Today, Kris Rhim of the New York Times explains how the Aces have gone from a team that has long had all the fun, but often fell short in the playoffs, to a team that became unstoppable -- and the role that first-year head coach Becky Hammon played in that transformation.More from Kris Rhim: https://www.nytimes.com/by/kris-rhimSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: The Aces bring home the first title ever for Las Vegas. And Aaron Judge closes in history - and a potential triple crown.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After a summer where he was expected to commit his future to Real Madrid, 23-year-old French superstar Kylian Mbappe instead decided to stay put in Paris, with PSG. And he's off to a red hot start to the new season. The New York Times’ Tariq Panja recently got a rare interview with Mbappe, and he joins us today to discuss the Frenchman’s years as a teenage prodigy, why he decided to stay in Paris (at least for now), and why he wants his legacy to be about more than soccer.Read Tariq Panja's full story about Kylian Mbappe:https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/06/sports/soccer/kylian-mbappe-champions-league-psg.htmlSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the fall of 2001… Sugar Ray was playing on your local radio station, the Patriots were suddenly forced to play their backup quarterback — a guy named Tom Brady — and the movie Zoolander had just come out in theaters. That’s how long it’s been since the Seattle Mariners made the playoffs. Today, The Athletic’s Corey Brock tells us about the rising superstar (Julio Rodriguez) and unsung supporting cast who are powering a Mariners renaissance, and what it would mean to the team — and the city — to have Seattle playing again in October. Follow Corey Brock’s coverage of the Mariners: https://theathletic.com/author/corey-brock/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: A new generation of tennis stars announce themselves in Flushing. And the Cornhuskers pay to make Scott Frost go away.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 rough decade for USC football fans. Their beloved Trojans -- winners of nine national championships -- have missed every single college football playoff since 2014, and have finished in the top ten nationally just once in the past ten years. But now, with 39-year-old Lincoln Riley at the helm, there's a growing sense of optimism. The L.A. Times' Ryan Kartje takes us inside the mind of one of college football's most exciting and creative young coaches, and explains why Riley has inspired a new sense of belief among USC faithful. Plus, a bizarre standoff between USC and its own fans over NIL deals.Follow Ryan Kartje's USC Football coverage:https://www.latimes.com/people/ryan-kartjeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Rams begin their Super Bowl title defense on Thursday night against Josh Allen and the Bills, but to get to this point, they’ve had to navigate an offseason filled with drama. There were concerns that Aaron Donald and Sean McVay might retire (and All-Pro left tackle Andrew Whitworth did retire). Then Von Miller stunned the Rams by signing with the Bills, while Matthew Stafford (and McVay) have had to answer questions about the quarterback’s lingering elbow issue. Today, The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue joins us to break down some of the big storylines following this chaotic/extremely talented team as they get ready to try to run it back. Follow Jourdan Rodrigue’s coverage of the Rams: https://theathletic.com/author/jourdan-rodrigue/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In early August, Serena Williams published an essay in Vogue, announcing her intention to step away from tennis. Given her recent injuries and struggles on the court — including an embarrassing exit in Cincinnati just a few weeks ago — many people feared that the 40 year-old might go out with a whimper at this year's US Open. Oh how wrong they were. After defeating #2 seed Anett Kontaveit on Wednesday night, Serena made clear that she is not just here to say a ceremonial goodbye — she's here to compete for yet another championship. Today, Jon Wertheim of Sports Illustrated joins us to talk about Serena's transcendent career, and why this latest chapter is just one of many examples of the superstar defying the odds and doing the impossible.Read Jon Wertheim's story about how Serena Williams changed tennis:https://www.si.com/tennis/2022/06/27/serena-williams-wimbledon-2022-daily-coverSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The last time we saw the Indianapolis Colts in a regular season game, they were blowing what was calculated as a 97 percent chance of making the playoffs, as they dropped their final game of the season to the lowly Jacksonville Jaguars. It’s a loss that left a lot of people — including the team’s owner, Jim Irsay — in disbelief, and it led to a major change at quarterback: Matt Ryan in, Carson Wentz out. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Zak Keefer to look at how the team has tried to put that devastating collapse behind them, and why they believe things could be different in 2022. Follow Zak Keefer’s coverage of the Colts: https://theathletic.com/author/zak-keefer/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: A matchup of championship contenders in the WNBA playoffs. And a young slugger ties down his future for a long, LONG time.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Earlier this year, four female college athletes died by suicide in just eight weeks. Those deaths stunned many people, and reopened a conversation about mental health among student-athletes — particularly female student-athletes. One important new voice in that conversation belongs to Cailin Bracken, a junior lacrosse player at Vanderbilt. With college sports about to resume, Cailin joins us today to talk about her own struggles with mental health, as well as an eating disorder, and what she thinks college coaches and administrators can do to help prevent future tragedies.Read Calin's open letter to college sports:https://www.usalaxmagazine.com/college/women/cailin-bracken-a-letter-to-college-sportsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When you look across the landscape of Major League Baseball, it’s clear that the biggest surprise among all the division leaders is the team that sits at the top of the AL Central: the Cleveland Guardians. Today, The Athletic’s Zack Meisel joins us to look at some of the key players behind the team’s success, and the extreme throwback style they’re using to get it done. Plus, the uncanny ability of star third baseman Jose Ramirez to lose helmets. Follow Zack Meisel’s coverage of the Guardians: https://theathletic.com/author/zack-meisel/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: Tom Brady’s strange week ends up in the land of conspiracy theories. And a historic heavyweight bout could be on the cards – if the price is right. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last weekend, Manchester United lost 4-0 to Brentford, a club that has only been in the Premier League for two seasons, and that last defeated mighty Man United in 1938. And for many supporters of the Red Devils, who have suffered through nearly a decade of frustration and disappointment, it felt like a new low point for the club. So what, exactly, has gone wrong at Manchester United? How have the former kings of Europe now become a club in shambles, and in last place in the Premier League? The Athletic’s Adam Crafton joins us to explain -- and to offer a small sliver of hope.More from Adam Crafton: https://theathletic.com/author/adam-crafton/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As a rookie, Ja’Marr Chase had one of the most spectacular rookie seasons you’ll see, pilling up 1,455 receiving yards with 13 touchdowns, and making highlight-reel catches all the way through a showdown with Jalen Ramsey in the Super Bowl. What made that even more stunning — beyond just the numbers — is that Chase pulled it off after some high-profile struggles early on. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr. to look at how the Bengals are planning for Chase to unlock even more of his game in his second season, and the connection with his quarterback (and neighbor), Joe Burrow, that helps make it possible. Read Paul Dehner Jr.’s full story about Ja’Marr Chase: https://theathletic.com/3495290/2022/08/10/jamarr-chase-cincinnati-bengals-2/And check out his Bengals podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hear-that-podcast-growlin-a-show-about-the/id1477129521See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: The Padres are not happy with their statue contract slugger. And Erik Ten Hag wants everyone to know that United aren’t losing because of him. 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 that many people consider the greatest sports broadcaster of all time, Vin Scully, died at the age of 94. For 67 years, Scully was the iconic and unmistakable voice of the Dodgers, who started out calling games in Brooklyn in 1950, and signed off for the final time in 2016. Today, five writers share their memories of Vin Scully the broadcaster, the storyteller, and the person. Our guests on this episode:Steve RushinJayson StarkFabian ArdayaGustavo ArellanoRich HammondSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last week, NBA legend and civil rights activist Bill Russell passed away at age 88. In his 13 years with the Boston Celtics, the 6-foot-10 center -- who changed the way basketball was played -- won 11 NBA championships, including two while serving as a player-coach. (That also made him the first Black head coach of a professional North American sports team). But those who knew Russell admired him even more for what he did off the court, which included being a powerful voice in the civil rights movement and fighting back against ongoing racism. Today, three sportswriters and one historian join us to reflect on Russell's life and legacy.Our guests:Jared WeissRyan JonesGary WashburnKeith ReedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: Two young superstars don’t waste any time making their marks in the Premier League. And a 20,000 to 1 shot takes home one of golf’s most storied titles.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Over the last few weeks, few teams across Major League Baseball have been hotter than the extremely talented, previously disappointing — and suddenly surging — Toronto Blue Jays. Today, we're joined by The Athletic's Kaitlyn McGrath to look at why this team came up short in the first half, and three key factors that have helped power their turnaround — including emerging young ace Alek Manoah, and a fun-loving new manager who recently surprised everyone by bringing a DJ into the clubhouse. Plus, after sub par seasons so far, is there still time for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette to finish strong? Follow Kaitlyn McGrath’s coverage of the Blue Jays: https://theathletic.com/author/kaitlyn-mcgrath/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, the Chargers made a big bet on former Patriots defensive back J.C. Jackson, an undrafted free agent in 2018 who had a staggering journey just to reach the NFL. When Jackson was 19 years old, he was facing the possibility of anywhere from 40 years to life in prison in connection with an armed robbery. Today, Jeff Miller from the L.A. Times tells us the story of Jackson's football odyssey — from small town Florida to five days in a Gainesville courtroom — and everything his parents sacrificed to keep their son's football dream alive.Read Jeff Miller's full story about J.C. Jackson: https://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/story/2022-07-25/jc-jackson-family-chargers-nfl-florida-robbery-chargesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A sexual assault allegation involving members of Canada's 2018 World Junior Ice Hockey Championship team has reached the highest levels of government and dominated the airwaves in Canada recently. Investigative reporter Katie Strang of The Athletic joins us to discuss the details of the case, and why it has sparked a national moment of reckoning. *Warning*: This episode contains descriptions of sexual assault and might be triggering for some listeners.Read Katie Strang, Dan Robson, and Ian Mendes's full story about the case:https://theathletic.com/3441414/2022/07/22/hockey-canada-2018-sexual-assault/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Tour de France wrapped up in Paris this past Sunday, along the famous Champs-Elysées. And on that very same day, on that very same road, something historic happened -- a Women's Tour de France began. Today, reporter Maggie Mertens explains why it took nearly 120 years for the world's most famous cycling competition to finally offer a truly professional women’s stage race, and how it was born from the sweat and determination of many women – with a big assist from an online game company. Then, South African pro cyclist Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio joins us from France, where she is currently competing in the Tour, and is fresh off a podium finish.Read Maggie Mertens's full story about the history of the Women's Tour de France.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: U.S. track and field’s newest supernova blows away the competition And cycling’s newest rivalry comes with a side of sportsmanship. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This spring, eight-time Pro Bowler Von Miller announced that he was leaving the reigning Super Bowl champions — the L.A. Rams — to join the Buffalo Bills. It was a decision that surprised a lot of people, and also one that almost didn’t happen. Today, The Athletic’s Dan Pompei tells us why Miller ultimately chose upstate New York over the bright lights of Hollywood, and about the gut check moment when he ultimately decided to follow through with the big decision. Read Dan Pompei’s full story about Von Miller joining the Bills: https://theathletic.com/3387676/2022/07/07/von-miller-bills-rams-broncos/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fans of the U.S. women's national soccer team have been hearing the same names for quite a few years. But now, a new generation of players is starting to take over. Today, reporter Gwendolyn Oxenham gives us an inside look at one of those up-and-coming stars -- 22-year-old defender Naomi Girma -- and explains how her unlikely rise to stardom was fueled by an entire community of people. Plus, why Girma, a first-generation Ethiopian-American, represents a new kind of American women's soccer star. Read Gwen's full story about Naomi Girma.Check out her podcast, Hustle Rule: The Untold Stories Of Women's SoccerSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: One of baseball’s brightest young stars may be on the move. And the Chosen One takes his talents to a high school gym in South L.A.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last weekend, Novak Djokovic won his fourth consecutive WImbledon title. But the real story of the tournament wasn't the Serbian superstar. It was opponent in the final -- the highly polarizing Nick Kyrgios. The talented Australian dominated headlines for two weeks, thanks to his usual brand of entertaining, breathtaking tennis, coupled with a series of hotly debated actions -- spitting toward a fan, breaking Wimbledon's all-white dress code, and provoking one opponent into an uncharacteristic emotional implosion. Today, Matt Futterman of the New York Times explains the many complicated questions around tennis’s top villain, and why tournament organizers will or won't try to rein him in.More from Matt Futterman: https://www.nytimes.com/by/matthew-futtermanSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We have less than one week to go until the 2022 MLB All-Star Game, and during the first half of the season, we’ve seen a near-record-setting pace from the Yankees, more absurd pitching/hitting superlatives from Shohei Ohtani, and a Braves-Mets NL East showdown that is heating up in a hurry. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Stephen Nesbitt to look at one key storyline to watch in each MLB division. Plus, one of the wildest stories of the first half of the season, featuring an ejection, a heartbroken fan, and the pizza delivery that changed everything. Read Stephen Nesbitt’s full story about Jesse Winker and the pizza delivery: https://theathletic.com/3384932/2022/06/27/jesse-winker-mariners-angels-brawl-pizza/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: Nick Kyrgios can’t upend Djokovic’s winning ways at Wimbledon. And MLB’s All Star Game turns into a family affair.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On Tuesday night, after seven weeks on the sidelines due to an oblique injury, 37-year-old Max Scherzer made his return for the Mets, and looked like… Max Scherzer — right down to a play where he nearly barreled over teammate Pete Alonso on a routine pop fly to first. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Rustin Dodd, who recently talked to a number of Scherzer’s former catchers and coaches to get a better idea of what makes Scherzer so famously intense, why he’s sometimes able to channel Tiger Woods on the golf course, and his extreme passion for fantasy football. Read the full story on Max Scherzer from Rustin Dodd and Jayson Jenks: https://theathletic.com/3336028/2022/06/27/max-scherzer-catchers-legend/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This spring, the tragic deaths of several college athletes again opened a conversation about mental health and college sports. In light of that, we’re replaying an episode that originally aired back in September, 2019. It's the incredible stories of two elite college football players whose lives followed very different paths – one tragic, and one uplifting – and what we can learn from their stories today.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last week, many of the top college basketball players in the country heard their names called in the NBA draft. But others, including some of the most recognizable names in the game, decided to stay in school for another year instead -- in part because of NIL money. Today, The Athletic’s CJ Moore and Eamonn Brennan explain why college hoops is becoming an increasingly attractive option for college big men in particular, and how the decision to enter the draft (or not) played out for three top players. Plus, what all of this means for the future of the men's college game.Read CJ Moore and Eamonn Brennan's full story about NIL and college big men:https://theathletic.com/3357888/2022/06/16/bacot-tshiebwe-nil-college-basketball-nba/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.