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How Respect and Dedication to the Craft Saved Ron Washington: 4/24/24

Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington is the definition of a baseball lifer. The 71 year old has been a scrappy utility player, a pennant winning manager, and a coach with a knack for unlocking his players full potential. But there have also been downs in Washingtons career: a failed drug test, an extramarital affair, and a decade of thinking he would never manage again. Through it all Washington has done what hes best at. Teaching the game. Today, senior ESPN journalist Howard Bryant, who has known and covered Washington for 30 years, tells us the story of his career. And explains why this current job could be his greatest achievement yet.

Why does everyone hate Rudy Gobert?: 4/24/24

No one was surprised to learn that Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert experienced the same darkness retreat that Jets QB Aaron Rodgers made famous, or maybe infamous. And no one was surprised that the reaction was just as polarizing for Gobert, as it was for Rodgers. But what is it about the Timberwolves center that makes the Frenchman so dislikable to his peers? What exactly is it about his specific je ne sais quoi that has the man whos won three Defensive Player of the Years awards, and a bank account to match, viewed as such a problem? ESPN NBA writer Tim McMahon actually knows Gobert quite well from his time reporting on him and breaks down the many things that sets Rudy apart from his peers in the NBA and the one thing that might be the key to his continued dominance.

Ramona Shelburne Remembers the Sterling Affairs 10 Years Later: 4/22/24

10 years ago this week, TMZ published bombshell recordings of Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterlings private conversation with his mistress, V Stiviano. Sterlings racist and sexist dialogue captured the worlds attention, and less than a week later, new commissioner Adam Silver had banned him from the NBA for life, forcing a sale of the Clippers. Today ESPN senior NBA writer, Ramona Shelburne, who covered the story and hosted the 30 for 30 podcast, The Sterling Affairs: Takes us back through the events of the scandal, explains how it was a seminal moment in the NBA, and ahead of the release of the FX mini-series Clipped, and tells us what it was like transitioning from a reporter to a producer.

Fallout From an NBA Betting Scandal + Playoff Preview: 4/19/24

As the playoffs are about to start, all eyes are on the NBA. Instead of the focus being on the court, the attention is all on former Raptors reserve Jontay Porter. Porter was caught manipulating his time and performance on the court that tilted multiple prop bets in a specific direction and, shockingly, resulted in one bettor taking home a $1 million payday. It was later found that Porter had also placed bets himself, breaking the leagues sports betting bylaws. So today, Brian Windhorst joins the show to break down the dangers of Jontay Porters story, where this saga heads next, and gives a NBA Playoff preview along the way.

Bo, Elway & Eli: Leveraging the NFL Draft: 4/18/24

Since the 2023 CFB season came to a close, USCs Caleb Williams has been penciled in as the presumptive No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The team holding that pick is the Chicago Bears, who are well known for their inability to draft and develop quarterbacks to their potential. A couple of times throughout history, top prospects have used their leverage to force their ways out of unfavorable landing spots. The stories of John Elway, Bo Jackson, and most recently Eli Manning all come to mind. Even though Caleb Williams does not look to be joining their ranks, there is still a conversation to be had about how these cant miss players can and have used their standing to buck the system and how NIL adds new leverage to that dynamic. So today, Liz Merril tells us the story of those players who manipulated their landing spots, and why you never know what will happen until the pick is in.

Ohtani, Arm Injuries, and Availability with Jeff Passan: 4/17/24

So ESPN MLB expert Jeff Passan updates us on: the latest happenings in the Shohei Ohtani sports betting case, discusses how now isnt the time for the league and the players association to go to battle over who is responsible for the slew of elbow injuries costing pitchers their season, and explains how players approach trying to be on the field for a full 162 games.

Can Canada or New York End Their Stanley Cup Droughts?: 4/16/24

Technically, the NHL regular season does not finish until Thursday, with a few teams still fighting for the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. But the true contenders to raise Lord Stanleys Cup have already become pretty clear. So with the playoffs officially starting this weekend, we find ourselves filled with pressing questions. Is Canada finally poised to end its three decade title drought? Can Connor McDavid get over the hump? Are the New York Rangers for real? Our NHL expert Emily Kaplan tells us what to watch for and why this years race looks as wide open and unpredictable as ever.

What Happened to Jackie Robinsons Statue?: 4/15/24

When a six-foot tall, 265-pound bronze statue of Jackie Robinson went missing from McAdams Park in Wichita, Kansas, it felt like a hate crime. An ugly echo of Americas unjust past and a crime leveled not just at the man who broke Major Leagues color barrier in 1947 but also at an urban community within the city. But as Bob Lutz, the founder of League 42, a youth organization geared towards exposing the citys black and brown youth to baseball and more, learned, Jackie Robinson was more of an accidental victim than a target. So ESPNs Anthony Olivieri, who spent weeks trying to understand what happened, joins the show to tell us how the people of Wichita reacted to the theft and how in the aftermath, the community could be made whole.

The Limitless Potential of Marathoner Kelvin Kiptum: 4/12/24

When the starters gun goes off on Monday for the 128th Boston Marathon, sadly Kelvin Kiptum will not be among the runners. The Kenyan running superstar lost his life earlier this year and that tragedy has been compounded by what appeared to be limitless potential. In a brief three year marathon career, Kiptum had built a Hall of Fame resume that seemed to push the boundaries of what a human can accomplish. So today, ultramarathoner Kelaine Conochan joins us to explain just how much the world lost with Kiptums death and breaks down the possibility of the elusive record he was chasing.

Does Anyone Want to Coach at Kentucky? : 4/11/24

John Caliparis tenure at Kentucky included a national championship and four Final Fours. At most other programs, that kind of resume would have guaranteed him a job for life. But things are different in Lexington, as the Wildcats five year streak of no Sweet 16 appearances made Caliparis recent decision to jump to Arkansas shocking but not surprising. So today, SportsCenter anchor and lifelong Kentucky fan Michael Eaves gives us the view inside the Big Blue fanbase and explains why picking the next head coach is an unenviable challenge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Americas Caddie Untangles the Golf World at the Masters: 4/10/24

On the eve of the Masters, its no secret that the world of mens professional golf is currently in chaos. And there is nobody more in tune with anything and everything going on in that universe than Michael Collins, Americas Caddy. So as this years Masters gets ready to tee off down in Augusta, Collins delivers everything from the latest on the PGA/LIV cold war, who to watch on the course and why Tiger Woods isnt ready to walk away just yet.

Louis Vuitton, Pumps, and Feathers. The Fashion Behind Women's College Basketball: 4/9/24

This past Sunday, 18.7 million sets of eyes were on the women's NCAA Basketball National Championship game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the South Carolina Gamecocks. But beyond the meteoric rise in the games popularity, there was another underlying story unfolding on the sidelines. That was the coaches, rocking all types of exciting fashion, from bold prints, to designer pieces worth thousands of dollars. The ladies leading these teams are setting a trend for how a coach can look. So today, Andscape writer Mia Berry breaks down the looks she's been watching, and explains how the styles mean so much more than just looking good.

Myron Medcalf Previews the NCAA Mens Championship: 4/8/24

The finale of the mens NCAA tournament is tonight, and features a matchup of the best two teams in the nation, UConn and Purdue, and the best big men in the country, Purdues Zach Edey and UConns Donovan Clingan. ESPN basketball writer and host Myron Medcalf breaks down the battle between the two behemoths, and explains how each side can come out on top.

Men's Final Four Preview with Myron Medcalf: 4/5/24

We spent much of the mens college basketball season lamenting the lack of buzz and star power on the court. But few sporting events are as good at building stars and storylines as the NCAA tournament. And despite fewer upsets and no true buzzer-beaters, the 2024 edition has still delivered. It all comes to a head in Saturdays Final Four as DJ Burns and NC State face Zach Edey and Purdue, followed by Mark Sears and Alabama taking on Donovan Clingan and Connecticut. So today, our Myron Medcalf shares everything you need to know about Saturdays slate and gives his take on whos on the verge of a history-making moment, as the tournament nears its end.

Women's Final Four Preview with Alexa Philippou: 4/4/24

If you need any more evidence of the explosive growth of womens basketball, look no further than Monday night, when Iowas elite eight victory over LSU drew 12.3 million viewers. Its not just the most ever for a womens college game, it also eclipsed average viewers for last years World Series and NBA Finals. So as the Final Four gets ready to tip off in Cleveland Friday night, our expert Alexa Philippou reads between the now-officially measured lines to tell us everything we need to know.

Could Max Verstappen Leave Red Bull?: 4/3/24

As expected, Max Verstappen and his Red Bull team are off to a strong start in the 2024 Formula 1 season. But despite Verstappen and his teammate Sergio Perez finishing first and second in two of the seasons first three races, the focus has been on things happening off the track. Team principle Christian Horner has had a complaint of sexual harassment, coercion, and abusive behavior lodged against him by a female employee of the team, leading to questions about whether Verstappens future is with Red Bull. So today, ESPN F1 Editor & co-host of the Unlapped podcast, Laurence Edmondson explains how this allegation opened the door to a power struggle at the top of Red Bull, that could ultimately lead to Verstappen switching lanes in the future.

How Will Shohei Ohtani Assimilate into Dodger Blue?: 4/2/24

Ippei Mizuhara was more than a friend and interpreter for Shohei Ohtani. He was the man that held the door shut between Ohtani and the outside world. With Mizuhara gone in the wake of this massive sports betting scandal, Ohtani is now a man alone. Tim Keown spent time watching the Dodgers newest star up close and personal recently, and he explains to us how Ohtanis newfound isolation might actually be the key to him opening up to the Dodgers, and maybe eventually the rest of us all.

Is a Major Sports Betting Scandal Inevitable?: 4/1/24

He may have been the biggest such star to become entangled in a gambling drama, but Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani was not the first. Days after the scandal surrounding the global baseball stars interpreter came to light, a different set of suspicious bets emerged. Last Monday, news broke of an investigation into Toronto Raptors reserve center Jontay Porter. As more and more states have legalized sports betting, weve seen more and more athletes, many of them lesser known players, drawing headlines for potential betting violations. So today, David Purdum joins us to explain this latest case out of the NBA and how it suggests that an even bigger scandal, somewhere down the road, is more likely than you may think.

Women's March Madness Check-in with Alexa Philippou: 3/29/24

The womens NCAA Tournament is back in action tonight with a slate of Sweet 16 games that could set the stage for an unforgettable weekend. Will Iowa and LSU renew their championship rivalry? Can UConn make a triumphant return to the Final Four? And can anyone even come close to stopping the South Carolina juggernaut? ESPN womens basketball expert Alexa Philippou joins us from Portland, to answer our questions, tell us what shes seen so far in the tournament and predict whats to come.

Men's March Madness Check-in with Myron Medcalf: 3/28/24

March Madness returns tonight with the Sweet 16, and the storylines are just getting good. Following a pair of stunning losses by blue bloods Kentucky and Kansas, and a return to form by Gonzaga, were asking ourselves if UConn can be villainous enough to capture the first two-peat since the 2007 Florida Gators? Whether Zach Edey can get Purdue over the top? And if NC State can be the Cinderella story to sweep through this tournament? ESPN host and college basketball writer Myron Medcalf gives us his take on that and more as the tournament action gets back underway.

Jeff Passan Details a Failed Coup at the MLBPA: 3/27/24

Even as the Shohei Ohtani sports betting scandal dominates the headlines, there are other off-the-field stories bouncing around Major League Baseball. Just last week, for example, following an offseason that saw free agent spending decline by nearly a billion dollars, there was a battle for control within the MLB Players Association. So today, ESPN MLB writer Jeff Passan details a story full of palace intrigue, conniving characters, and breaks down a battle for the future of the MLBPA more suited to a Hulu drama than a SportsCenter segment.

The Conflict Inside Caitlin Clark : 3/26/24

For any star, the path to greatness is paved with pitfalls most of us will never encounter. The burden of being the best person on the court. The challenges of trusting teammates whos physical gifts and talents are so far removed from your own. The responsibility of setting the tone for everyone around you. That is the road Iowas Caitlin Clark walks. So today, in the wake of the Hawkeyes second Sweet 16 birth in as many years, our Wright Thompson brings us closer to Clarks inner circle and reveals the personal conflict she copes with everyday. Wrights ESPN.com article is titled Being Cailtin Clark: Inside the world of the player who redefined the game.

Can Palestines Soccer Team Make Its First-Ever World Cup?: 3/24/24

The escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas has been the biggest story in the world for months. And its been devastating for Palestinians in Gaza, where more than 30 thousand people have been killed. But through it all, the Palestine National Football Team has continued to compete. Seeking a World Cup bid for the first time ever. So after advancing to the knockout stage in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. They face Bangladesh tomorrow in a 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier. ESPN senior writer T.J. Quinn tells us what hes learned about the team, and how in their eyes, just being on the pitch sends a powerful message to their people and the world.

Ohtanis Interpreter Fired for Sports Betting - What We Know: 3/22/24

This isnt the kind of attention that Major League Baseball was looking for to open the season. Almost as soon as the league got to celebrate Shohei Ohtani leading his new Dodgers teammates to victory in South Korea, news broke that Ohtanis name was being dragged into a sports betting scandal involving his longtime friend and interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. ESPN investigative journalist Tisha Thompson takes us through her reporting to tell us what happened, and how baseball's biggest unicorn finds himself embroiled in a massive controversy.

Womens March Madness Preview with Alexa Philippou: 3/21/24

Theres a new level of excitement surrounding the womens college basketball game as the NCAA Tournament approaches. Thats because the rivalries are tougher, the game is faster, and the stars are shining brighter than maybe ever before. So today, ESPN womens basketball reporter, Alexa Philippou, takes us through the teams, matchups, and players she has her eyes on, as the madness gets ready to begin.

Mens March Madness Preview with Myron Medcalf: 3/20/24

This season of men's college basketball has lacked the buzz and attention we're used to seeing, but now that the tournament is here and bracket bets are rolling in, that is sure to change. We already saw the drama ramp up last weekend as several bid-thieves won their conference tournaments and stole slots from a handful of bubble teams. So can UConn become the first back-to-back champ in 17-years? Can Purdue overcome the stigma of last year's first-round upset? And whats the deal with Long Beach State? Our college basketball guide Myron Medcalf is here to explore it all and more.

The Impossible Return of USCs Aaliyah Gayles: 3/19/24

For the first time in 38 years, the University of Southern California has earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA womens basketball tournament. Its the culmination of coach Lindsey Gottliebs three-year rehabilitation project for the once proud program. But for former high school phenom Aaliyah Gayles, whod committed to the Trojans before Gottlieb took over, injuries from a shooting in 2022 had her wondering if shed ever be able to play basketball again. ESPN Writer Katie Barnes started reporting on Gayles shortly after the shooting and over several months got intimate access to her family and the USC program. Today, Katie takes us inside Gayles long and courageous effort to return to the court. Katies E60 documentary on Aaliyah Gayles, titled Only the Strong Survive, premieres this Saturday at 11am ET on ESPN2 and will be available afterward on ESPN+.

The Mystery Behind the Greatest Bracket in History: 3/18/24

In 2019, Dr. Greg Nygl, a neuropsychologist in Columbus, Ohio put forth what many consider the best bracket in history, correctly picking the first 49 games of the tournament while briefly bedridden with an illness. But the exact details of how he pulled it off have remained a secret for years. So today, with this years bracket now revealed and fans everywhere entertaining their own dreams of perfection (looking at you dear listener), our Ryan Hockensmith gets to the bottom of the greatest run of tourney picks ever seen. And uncovers the method, or maybe lack thereof, behind the madness.

The Wizards Want to Leave Downtown They're Not Alone: 3/15/24

In December, Ted Leonsis, owner of the Washington Wizards and Capitals, announced the teams were leaving their downtown home of 26 years and building a new arena south of the city in the Virginia suburbs. For many longtime fans of the team, moving to a community they didnt feel welcome was seen as a betrayal. But its also a trend were seeing throughout sports, as owners increasingly use new venue projects as a tool to expand their real estate empires. So today, Clinton Yates and Martenzie Johnson unpack the relationship between a downtown neighborhood, a fan base, and a team. And the charming state senator whos made it her mission to stop Leonsis Potomac Yard project in its tracks.

Are the 2024 Playoffs Make or Break for the Celtics?: 3/14/24

Its hard not to notice that championships are often the end all, be all in sports discourse. But in the case of the 2023-24 Boston Celtics, it may just be true. Boston has been one of the most successful franchises in the NBA in recent seasons, but the Celtics have not yet captured a ring in 16 years. Today, ESPN NBA writer Tim Bontemps explains why this Celtics team has been as good as almost any other squad in basketball history. But he also tells us that without a title at the end of the day, that doesnt matter at all.

Is Dartmouth's Unionization a Watershed Moment for College Athletics?: 3/13/24

The day that college administrators have long dreaded has finally arrived. Last week, the Dartmouth men's basketball team officially formed the first-ever labor union in college sports. And though it may prove to be a union-in-name-only, it is a watershed moment for student athletes, schools, conferences, and the NCAA itself. So today, ESPN senior writer Dan Murphy explains what it all means and why the professionalization of college athletes looks ready to go into hyperdrive. You can watch Dan Murphys interview with NCAA President Charlie Baker at the ESPN YouTube Channel.

Can DeMar DeRozan Change Our Views on Mental Health?: 3/12/24

Six years ago, a simple 3am tweet from All-star DeMar DeRozan inadvertently kicked off a new conversation about mental health in the NBA. And in the years since, he's embraced his role as a mental health advocate. Now, DeMar has launched a new web series, titled Dinners with DeMar featuring some of the likes of Draymond Green, Dwyane Wade, and Damian Lillard opening up about their own internal struggles. So today, our Jamal Collier takes us inside DeMar DeRozan's mental health journey, and how he's helping players around the league to up their game by elevating and advancing their minds.

Mina Kimes Previews NFL Free Agency: 3/11/24

NFL free agency is set to start this week, meaning teams are looking to add talent, and players are looking to get paid. So today, Mina Kimes helps us understand who is available, and which teams will be looking to buy.

Hanif Abdurraqibs Timberwolves Are Out of the Wilderness: 3/8/24

The Minnesota Timberwolves are one of the NBAs top contenders right now, battling for the #1 seed in the West. But it hasnt always been this way. As a lifelong T-Wolves fan: author, critic, and poet Hanif Abdurraqib is a historian of the many eras of this franchise, from the Kevin Garnett era in the early 2000s through some dismal seasons in the 2010s. Throughout it all, Abdurraqib has nurtured a love for the team and its key players. Today he joins the show to tell the story of how the T-Wolves found their way back to the top of the rankings, and where they could go from here.

Did Open Tryouts and Four Walk-Ons Save a Season?: 3/7/24

The Big 12 Womens basketball tournament starts today, but of all the teams in attendance, none have had a season of ups and downs like the Texas Christian University. After starting out the year surprisingly strong and entering the top 25, a series of injuries sidelined several players, including stars Sedona Price and Madison Connor. By mid-January, the Horned Frogs had only six players available. So head coach Mark Campbell put an emergency plan into effect: hold open tryouts. Today, Dave Wilson, who wrote about the team for ESPN, joins the show to explain how things got so dire for TCU, what it was like to walk-on to this team midseason, and why this real-life-sports-movie-in-the-making may still have a crazy final act. The bracket for the Big 12 Tournament can be found here.

Are the Oklahoma City Thunder Inevitable?: 3/6/24

The Oklahoma City Thunder are currently sitting at the top of the Western Conference, which is not bad for a team thats also one of the youngest in the NBA. But how are they dominating the league the way that they are so quickly? ESPN Senior Writer Chris Herring recently wrote about how the Thunders on-court presence is starting to resemble a 2014 Golden State Warriors team preparing to make a dynastic, four-championship run. With an emerging big three featuring an MVP candidate in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a standout rookie in Chet Holmgren, and a fast rising second-year star in Jalen Williams. Oklahoma City is playing at a high level, despite barely having played together. But the results speak for themselves. So today, Herring breaks down the numbers and tells us how the Thunders rise just might be inevitable.

The Chicago Bears' QB Conundrum: 3/5/24

The Chicago Bears are facing a critical decision as the NFL off-season kicks into gear. Do they stick with their incumbent quarterback, Justin Fields, who the Bears have spent a couple of seasons surrounding with talent. Or, do they draft Caleb Williams with the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, a player that some see as a generational prospect. Its not as simple a decision as it might seem from the outside, especially when you look at how little Fields had around him early in his career, and how much he has grown alongside an improving roster. ESPN Chicago Bears reporter Courtney Cronin takes us through the most important off-season in recent memory for the Bears. And reminds us that this is a position the Bears havent gotten right since they drafted Sid Luckman&in 1939.

How Mens College Basketball is Looking to Connect with Fans: 3/4/24

March is a month synonymous with college basketball. The NCAA Tournament is just a few weeks away, but with the Super Bowl, the NBA, Spring Training, and the stars of womens college basketball shining a spotlight on the sport like never before, its been a difficult mens season to get a firm grasp on. ESPN Senior Basketball Reporter Myron Medcalf explains how schools are looking to draw fans in during a period of declining attendance, and then explains how the mens side is facing more trouble than ever in connecting with casual fans.

Javon Wanna Waltons Euphoric Boxing Dreams: 3/1/24

Long before stealing scenes, as Ashtray, in HBOs hit drama Euphoria, Javon Walton was making waves as a young boxing prodigy. And this weekend, he goes back to his roots&. heading to Puerto Rico to make his global professional boxing debut, alongside Jake Paul and featherweight champion Amanda Serrano. So today, ESPN staff writer Marc Raimondi explores the potential of Javon Wanna Walton in the ring, and tells us why this fresh-faced 17 year old appears ready to conquer the fight game.

Drama and Diesel: Formula 1 is back: 2/29/24

All eyes are on the circuit as the Bahrain Grand Prix gets set to kick off Formula 1s 2024 season this Saturday, on ESPN. It's not just the sexy cars and extreme speed driving the growth of the planets fastest sport, there's plenty of drama to go around as well. Today ESPN F1 editor Laurence Edmundson takes us through Lewis Hamiltons bombshell decision to leave Mercedes, where he's been for more than a decade, at the end of 2024, to fulfill a childhood dream and drive for Ferrari, who haven't won a title since 2007. Defending champion Max Verstappen is coming off his third straight title with Red Bull, but questions are starting to emerge about whether his teammate Sergio Perez can keep up. So Edmondson, on the ground in Bahrain, breaks down what to watch for on Saturday, and all season long. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Has the Clippers Moment Finally Arrived? : 2/28/24

Tonight, the Clippers and Lakers will play for the final time as co-tenants of Crypto.com arena, as Clippers owner Steve Ballmer is set to open the teams shiny new arena next fall. Its a big moment for the team as they continue to seek a path out of the Lakers shadow. But on the court, that emergence may be even closer. After a disastrous start to the James Harden era in November, the Clippers went on an 8-game win streak in December, have won nearly 70% of their games since, and now have the third-best odds to win the title, per ESPN Bet. So today, our resident Clippers reporter Ohm Youngmisuk explains how the four-year-old bet on Kawhi Leonard and Paul George is finally paying off, how Russell Westbrook found his place, and how this squad is set to be a force in this years playoffs.

Tim Bontemps Handicaps the NBA MVP Race: 2/27/24

The second half of the NBA season is underway, and the MVP picture is starting to take focus. ESPN NBA writer Tim Bontemps conducts several straw polls every season, getting input from 100 media members across the country to get a sense of where the race sits at various points on the calendar. And with Joel Embiid ineligible for the award due to injury, Bontemps walks us through who the front runners are, and tells us what to make of the recent international flavor of the NBAs most prestigious regular season award.

Jeff Passan Explains MLBs Off the Field Challenges: 2/26/24

As ESPN MLB Insider Jeff Passan tells us, spring training should be about hope and new beginnings. Relaying the smell of freshly cut grass, enjoying the Florida or Arizona sunlight, hearing the crack of the bat and the slap of the leather. But for Major League Baseball, there are still a number of issues that have caught peoples attention, and none of them relate to position battles, or players making debuts with new teams. The Athletics are still trying to find their way to Las Vegas, and with the city of Oakland less than enamored with them, they dont even have a clear home beyond this season. Commissioner Rob Manfred has announced that he wants to retire in five years time, but first he wants to make sure that the league is ready to grow through expansion. And there are concerns about the new uniforms that players will be sporting this season, and how much they - ahem - reveal. So today, Passan tells us where the league is on all of these issues, and helps us clear the way for talk about baseball, on the field.

USCs JuJu Watkins is Inevitable: 2/23/24

There are more household names in womens basketball than ever before, and another star is shooting her way to the top of the list. USCs freshman phenom JuJu Watkins has been turning heads since the moment the season tipped off, dropping 32 points in her first collegiate game to upset current No. 2 Ohio State. And since then, she hasnt let up, posting 30 or more points in 9 other games, culminating in a 51-point explosion in another upset over Stanford. So as the No. 7 Trojans stare down two top 20 matchups this weekend, Alexa Philippou is here to explain what has fueled the rise of JuJu. And how, despite the stiff competition, she may ultimately go down as the best of her generation.

Bing Bong: Jason Concepcion Deciphers the Knicks Fan Base: 2/22/24

Its been a long time since the New York Knicks have been one of the NBAs premier franchises. And even names like Pat Riley, Patrick Ewing, and Allan Houston, werent able to deliver a championship to New York Citys rabid basketball fans. But according to writer, host, and displaced New Yorker Jason Concepcion, that all may be starting to change. After decades of being the joke in many basketball circles, this Knicks team is suddenly loaded with talent and depth, and being run as competently as any franchise in the sport. And Knicks fans are getting excited again, something theyll gladly tell you all about. Concepcion, a Knicks fanatic himself, joins the show to break down the culture shift at Madison Square Garden, decipher a lingo and fan base that you needed to grow up around to understand, and explain why New York City will always belong to the Knicks.

How the Edmonton Oilers Found Their Way: 2/21/24

Despite huge expectations and two of the top five players in the world the Edmonton Oilers got off to a disastrous start, finding themselves near the bottom of the standings. But after a coaching change, suddenly they started winning & and winning & and winning. So today, our NHL expert Emily Kaplan explains how the Oilers found their way and gauges whether theyre ready to get where they always intended to be.

Steve McNairs Senior Season & The HBCU Legacy Bowl: 2/20/24

In 1994, Steve McNair turned in one of the greatest seasons in college football history. He put his alma mater Alcorn State on the map, and finished third in the Heisman Trophy race. But nearly 30 years later, players at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) face a difficult path to the NFL. Jay Sky Walker, one of the great quarterbacks in black college football history, and a contemporary of McNair, helps us remember that amazing performance. And then explains how the HBCU Legacy Bowl is one attempt to help level the playing field for prospects coming from HBCUs.

Windhorst Explains How the NBA Broke the All-Star Game: 2/16/24

The 2023 NBA All-Star Game marked a new low for the event. A lack of effort (and defense) from the players prompted Team LeBron head coach Michael Malone to call it the worst basketball game ever played. And after years of declining competitive spirt, the contest saw its lowest television ratings on record. So today, our NBA oracle Brian Windhorst explains whats gone wrong, why the players no longer care to win this thing, and why it will be a hard problem to fix.

Get Your Engines Ready& NASCAR is Back!: 2/15/24

NASCAR season is back, America. And it's time to tune in or, well & youll be missing out. Because where else in the sports world are you going to find drama, crashes, hugs, fights, confetti cannons, fireworks, oh and not to mention, Michael Jordan. And all of this is happening at 200 miles per hour. So today, just ahead of the 2024 Daytona 500 and the start of the NASCAR season our resident motorsport savant Ryan McGee enlightens everyone on everything we are missing and why you should tune in.

Greg Wyshynski Explains Why the PWHL Will Stick Around: 2/14/24

The puck dropped on the inaugural season of the Professional Womens Hockey League, or PWHL, in January 2024, and fans have been excited so far. The nascent league has attracted eyes, and dazzled with its play, while big names like Hilary Knight, Marie-Philip Poulin, Alex Carpenter and Natalie Spooner have packed fans into arenas, proving that theres room in North America for women to take the ice. But this is the fourth swing at establishing a professional womens league since 2007, leaving some to ask, what makes the PWHL different from its predecessors? Today ESPN Senior NHL Writer Greg Wyshynski takes us through the PWHLs inception, explores the history of womens professional hockey in North America, and explains why theres optimism that this time, itll stick.

The Toll of Trades on NBA Players: 2/13/24

Everyone hopes that the NBA Trade Deadline is filled with thermonuclear Woj Bombs that stop us in our tracks. But this year it all ended with a whimper. Still, there were enough players on the move and that leads us to ask some questions: What happens next? What do you do with your family, your pets & and most importantly, your sneakers? As the NBA is past the midpoint of the season, with trades that did and didn't happen, the big question circling around is whats next? Are there new title contenders in our midst? So today, our Ohm Youngmisuk joins us to break down whats next and the realities of life in the league when you suddenly find yourself shipped out of town.

The Birth of a Dynasty - Super Bowl LVIII Recap: 2/12/24

Its official. The Kansas City Chiefs are the NFLs newest dynasty following their 25-22 overtime win over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII. Becoming the first repeat champions in the NFL since the 2003-2004 New England Patriots. Thats three titles, and three Super Bowl MVP awards for Patrick Mahomes. And if the most flawed team of the Mahomes-Andy Reid era Chiefs can bring home a ring, what does that mean for the future? ESPN Senior NFL writer Jason Reid joins us from the press box at Allegiant Stadium to tell us what he saw, as the Chiefs won it all, again.

Bad Blood? The Rift Between (Some) NFL Fans and Taylor Swift: 2/9/24

Are you Ready for It? We should have known all along that the Travis Kelce - Taylor Swift romance was destined for the Super Bowl stage. And while many cant wait to see how it all plays out, others are just asking Is It Over Now? Through it all, as the gossip columns, social media Swiftie commentary, and song lyric puns add up, diehard football fans are wondering if this will damage the games Reputation. So today, sports writer Louisa Thomas helps us understand why so many people are so angry about Taylor Swift. And why understanding it really might be The Story of Us all.

Kevin Clark Previews Super Bowl LVIII: 2/8/24

Super Bowl LVIII kicks off in just a few days, marking the first time in history that the NFLs biggest game will be played in Las Vegas. Its a Super Bowl rematch, as the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs face off for the second time in less than five years, with the Lombardi Trophy on the line. But these arent the same teams now, and in some ways roles have switched. Its the Chiefs who have featured the fierce defense lately, while the 49ers offense has paced the NFL basically all season long. Kevin Clark, host of This is Football, tells us what each team has to do to emerge victorious at the end of the day on Sunday.

Can Kyle Shanahan Get Over the Hump?: 2/7/24

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is one of the best and brightest minds in the NFL. Hes overseen great success in the past five years, leading the 49ers to four NFC Championship Games, three divisional titles, and two Super Bowl appearances, one in 2019 in Super Bowl LIV and this year's Super Bowl LVIII. But as he prepares to face a familiar foe on Sunday, the same Kansas City Chiefs team that beat him in Super Bowl LIV, the question is can he close out the game and finally claim a Super Bowl victory? ESPN Senior writer, Seth Wickersham joins the show to explain how Shanahans mind is one that many in the league are inspired by, how hes able to connect to his players, and how his offense took over the league.

Frank Gore: The NFLs Last Running Back : 2/6/24

Frank Gore Sr. ran for exactly 16,000 yards in his prolific 16 year career in the NFL. Most likely, that longevity and endurance will never be replicated again, meaning Gore is more than worthy of the title, The Last Running Back. As the running backs' role in the NFL has dramatically shifted over the years, the Frank Gore archetype is fading into history. With his son Frank Gore Jr.s impending selection in this year's NFL draft, has the game changed too much for him to pass down everything he knows? Today, Tom Junod joins the show to explain Frank Gore Sr.s legacy, and how he plans to pass the baton to the next generation.

Is This the Best Coaching Job of Andy Reids Career?: 2/5/24

There were two big questions about the Kansas City Chiefs throughout much of the 2023 NFL season. What was wrong with their offense? And was 2023 going to be a lost year? Now, with Super Bowl LVIII less than a week away, Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and company, are poised to face the San Francisco 49ers, in what will be the Chiefs fourth Super Bowl appearance in five years. ESPNs Adam Teicher has been covering the Chiefs from inside the locker room for more than a decade, and hes seen how the season has played out in-person. Today he tells us: how a second round wide receiver stabilized the passing game, how this could be the best coaching job of Andy Reids career, and what the game means for the legacy of Andy Reid.

Super Bowl in Sin City: The NFL Bets on Vegas : 2/2/24

In 2003, a team of marketers for the city of Las Vegas were ready to debut their soon-to-be iconic What Happens Here, Stays Here advertising campaign. And they turned to a natural platform for the launch the Super Bowl. But the NFL, seeking to distance itself from the capital of and only legal outlet for sports betting, said no way. Fast forward 21 years and sports betting is legal in 38 states, the NFL has countless partnerships with sports books, and the Super Bowl is coming to Vegas. So how did we get here? ESPNs John Barr has been working with his colleagues at Outside the Lines to gauge the state of American sports betting in 2024. And today, as billions of dollars in Super Bowl bets roll in, he tracks how sports books have become a bigger and bigger part of the fan experience and whether or not we truly understand the costs.

Inside Hockey Canadas Sexual Assault Allegations: 2/1/24

ESPN NHL reporter Kristen Shilton explains how in the summer of 2018, members of Canadas gold medal winning Junior Hockey team were in London Ontario, being celebrated as heroes for winning that years World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. But after a night of heavy drinking by some, then, underaged players on the team, sexual assault allegations emerged, allegations that would quickly be dismissed by the London Police Service. Over the last week, more than five years after the night in question, five former players, now professionals, took leaves of absence from their respective teams after being told to surrender to that same London police department. So today, Shilton: takes us through the timeline as first reported by The Athletic, explains the latest developments, describes the fallout for Hockey Canada the governing body for amateur hockey in the country, and tells us why it has taken so long to arrive at this moment. https://theathletic.com/3441414/2022/07/22/hockey-canada-2018-sexual-assault/

Can Doc Rivers Cure the Bucks?: 1/31/24

ESPN NBA writer Jamal Collier has been following the Milwaukee Bucks all season long. Today he explains to us how Adrian Griffins tenure with the team ended after only 43-games. With transcendent stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard on their roster, the Bucks entered the season with sky-high expectations. A 30-13 record had them near the top of the Eastern Conference. But cracks were forming both on and off the court. Collier takes us inside the Bucks organization to pinpoint the moment the first-year head coach lost his grip on the locker room, and gauges whether new head coach Doc Rivers can right the ship and get this team back in the Finals.

Is the Knicks Buzz for Real?: 1/30/24

Theres one phrase in the NBA that reflects as crying wolf; The Knicks are back. Different shades of mediocrity have inhabited Madison Square Garden over the last 20-plus years, but this time it may actually be different. Led by emerging NBA superstar point guard Jalen Brunson, the Knicks are the team that no one wants to play. Following the addition of OG Anunoby, the Knicks look as good as they have in years, but will the shoulder injury of Julius Randle put their playoff hopes in jeopardy? Chris Herring joins the show today to talk about how this team came together and why fans in New York have their sights set on a deep playoff run.

Chiefs Triumph and 49ers Survive: Jason Reid on Championship Sunday: 1/29/24

All thats left is Super Bowl LVIII. The San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs will meet in a rematch of Super Bowl LIV at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on February 11th. The Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes proved that they were not, in fact, dead - as much of the media tried to pronounce them throughout the season. As they went into Baltimore and bottled up Lamar Jackson and the Ravens all afternoon. Meanwhile, in the NFC Championship, the 49ers were down 17 to the Lions at halftime, before they came roaring back to life in the second half, on the shoulders of a quarterback, in Brock Purdy, who looked to do more than manage the game. But before we turn our sights on whether or not Patrick Mahomes can win four titles in five years, or if this third try at adding a sixth Lombardi Trophy to the case will work in San Francisco, Jason Reid tells us how these two teams got it done on Sunday.

Tim Keown Dives Inside the Mind of Dan Campbell: 1/26/24

The Detroit Lions are usually considered one of the most hapless franchises in the NFL. They have never been to a Super Bowl, and are preparing to make just their second trip to the NFC Championship in the Super Bowl era. But most of that history predates their current head coach, Dan Campbell. Hes led an overhaul over his first three seasons that have the Lions on the cusp of their first Super Bowl appearance, and its safe to say that hes got everyone in the Lions wake fired up. Televised tears of joy, fans dying their hair blue, even General Motors and the Ford Motor Company have joined in - issuing Lions themed logos in a show of support. Tim Keown took a trip to Detroit to witness firsthand just how much the culture has evolved under Campbell. And reports on a team, a fanbase, and a city ready to usher in a new era in Detroit Lions football.

Kevin Clark Previews NFL Championship Sunday: 1/25/24

Its time to get ready for championship Sunday in the NFL. In Baltimore, the Ravens host the Kansas City Chiefs, in the first playoff ever matchup between Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson, with a trip to Super Bowl LVIII on the line. Charm City hasnt hosted the AFC Championship game since the Baltimore Colts beat the Oakland Raiders in 1971, the first season of the NFL/AFL merger! Meanwhile out west at Levis Stadium, the San Francisco 49ers have to be feeling all the pressure as they host a Detroit Lions team coming into town playing with house money, and carrying all of Motor City behind them. Today, Kevin Clark, host of the This is Football podcast, tells us how each of these teams can punch their ticket to Las Vegas for a chance to lift the Lombardi Trophy as NFL champion.

Wembanyama vs. Holmgren: The NBAs Future Starts Now: 1/24/24

NBA fans have had Wednesdays matchup between the Spurs and Thunder circled on the calendar for months. Because when rookies Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren face off in San Antonio, it will be the latest battle of what is expected to be a long and historic rivalry. And thanks to the likes of Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid and Karl Anthony Towns, its all happening in an era where the big man has been reinvigorated. So today, ESPNs Brian Windorst takes us from Holmgrens Minnehaha High School all the way to an epic battle against Wembanyama in the Under 19 FIBA World Cup to where we are now the courts of the NBA where these two unicorns are battling it out for Rookie of the Year and where the future of the NBA looks brighter than ever.

The Enduring Mystery of Kim Mulkey, Angel Reese, and LSU : 1/23/24

Its been a season of scrutiny for the LSU womens basketball team. First, the NCAA Division One reigning champions lost their season opener to the Colorado Buffaloes. Then, their most famous player, Angel Reese, mysteriously didnt play for four games in November, igniting much speculation among fans and media. But under Kim Mulkeys leadership, theyve come back strong, winning the vast majority of games. On Thursday, they face off against undefeated, number-one-ranked South Carolina. ESPN feature writer Katie Barnes previews what will undoubtedly be one of the best games of the season.

Chiefs Triumph, Lions Roar, Ravens Roll, and the 49ers Escape - NFL Divisional Round Recap: 1/22/24

The final four matchups are set: In Baltimore, the presumed MVP Lamar Jackson and the Ravens, who also boast the best defense in the NFL, will welcome in Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, who looked like they remembered who they were, Sunday night in Buffalo. Across the country, the San Francisco 49ers, fresh off a sloppy victory over the Green Bay Packers, will host the Detroit Lions, a team and a city, with dreams of reaching heights the team hasnt achieved in the Super Bowl era. So today, Jason Reid joins us from Highmark Stadium in Buffalo, where he tells us what he saw at the ballpark in a frigid Orchard Park as the Bills and Chiefs clashed. And then walks us through the rest of the divisional round action from the warmth of his hotel.

NBA Mid-Season Roundup with Ramona Shelburne: 1/19/24

The midpoint of the NBA season is here, meaning that the trade deadline is around the corner. That often raises more questions than answers. Should the Sixers make a move in a wide open Eastern Conference? Is Chicagos Zach Levine the answer for another franchise? And is there another blockbuster trade looming on the horizon? So today, Ramona Shelburne joins the show to break down all the possibilities and also honor the tragic loss of a beloved Warriors coach.

NFL Divisional Round Preview with Kevin Clark: 1/18/24

This weekend, the divisional round of the NFL playoffs begin, and eight teams are still alive in the hunt for the Lombardi Trophy. Kevin Clark, host of the This is Football podcast, shares his analysis of this weekends matchups, and tells how each team got here, and predicts what they have to do to win. He also looks at some of the hottest news from the NFL coaching carousel where names like: Bill Belichick, Pete Carroll, Jim Harbaugh and Mike Vrabel are waiting in the wings.

The Unraveling of Bill Belichicks 'Patriot Way': 1/17/24

It only became official last Thursday, but the writing had been on the wall for weeks, if not months. Bill Belichicks reign in New England, the greatest run by any coach in NFL history, was ending. A 13-loss season, the worst of his career, and growing dysfunction in the organization were the ultimate undoing. But the seeds of his decline go back much, much further long before Tom Bradys departure, in fact. So today, our Patriots whisperer, Seth Wickersham, helps pinpoint when Belichicks fall started and how much of his so-called 'Patriot Way' was illusion and how much was real. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is MLS Ready for A Full Season of Lionel Messi?: 1/16/24

Lionel Messi's MLS debut last summer with Inter Miami was spectacular with dramatic goals and record-setting ticket prices. But now Messi faces a tougher test with a somewhat aging super team getting prepared for a nine-month marathon of a season. So today, Luis Miguel Echegaray checks in with us to talk about the evolution of the Messi brand and why, when it comes to The Beautiful Game, Lionel Messi is always the most important guy in the room& even when hes not actually in it.

Cowboys Humiliated Again& And Other Postseason Observations : 1/15/24

Were halfway through the NFL Super Wild Card weekend, and for some teams, the playoffs have been like kryptonite. The Dallas Cowboys were routed by the Green Bay Packers and the Miami Dolphins couldn't overcome a slew of injuries and temperatures so low in Kansas City that even Taylor Swift couldnt bring the heat. We also saw history as the Detroit Lions won their first playoff game in 32 years over the LA Rams, who couldnt muster a strong finish. And the Texans brought Joe Flacco and the Cleveland Browns storybook season to a screeching halt. ESPN Senior NFL writer Jason Reed puts these wins and losses into context and gives us a peek at whats coming in tonights final wild card games.

Is Naomi Osaka Ready for a Return to Greatness? : 1/12/24

Naomi Osaka burst onto the tennis scene with a 2018 US Open championship win over Serena Williams. After winning four major titles in as many years, Osaka was anointed the next face of the game, on and off the court. But in the years since, the superstar of Japanese and Haitian descent stepped away from the game twice first in 2021 to prioritize her mental health, and then again early last year to welcome her first child. So today, on the eve of Osakas first grand slam match in 17 months, ESPN tennis writer Darcy Maine brings us exclusive access inside Osakas comeback, examines how motherhood has changed her relationship with the sport, and discerns whether this Australian Open will see a return to greatness. D'arcy's full conversation with Naomi Osaka is available on ESPN's YouTube channel, and Clinton Yates' commentary on Osaka's withdrawal from the 2021 French Open is on Andscape.

Mina Kimes Previews Super Wild Card Weekend: 1/11/24

The NFL postseason is upon us, with six games spread over three days, and a myriad of storylines so juicy, youve got to call it Super Wild Card weekend. So Mina Kimes drops by to take us inside the matchups. She tells us what to look for in you cant go home again games, like Matthew Staffords return to the city of Detroit, as the Lions host their first playoff game since 1993. And Tyreek Hills return to Kansas City, where hes hoping to send the Chiefs plenty of shivers at a frigid Arrowhead Stadium. Then theres the revenge games, like the one Jared Goff hopes to deliver to the Los Angeles Rams, who sent him out of town as an afterthought a few years back. And for Mike McCarthy, who is looking to lead his Dallas Cowboys to victory over the Green Bay Packers, a team McCarthy once led to the promised land. There's also the matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills. Two teams who changed their seasons by firing their offensive coordinators. And you can't forget the two young quarterbacks C.J Stroud and Jordan Love making their own playoff debuts, with Stroud and the Texans facing the Cleveland Browns who had their season saved by Joe Flacco, who was literally throwing balls to his family on a pee wee football field a couple of months ago. Its all here ahead of the wild card round kicking off on Saturday.

How Joe Flacco Went from Stay-at-Home Dad to Playoff Bound QB: 1/10/24

This NFL season, we saw an alarming number of teams unravel after losing starting quarterbacks to injury, including the Jets (Aaron Rodgers), the Bengals (Joe Burrow), and the Vikings (Kirk Cousins), just to name a few. But week after week, Joe Flacco, the Super Bowl winning 38-year old veteran, remained stuck at home without a place to play. Mystified by the league-wide snub, Flacco held out hope. So, with help from the best NFL-wideout-impersonation his dad could muster, and the good fortune of an unlocked pee wee field near his home, Flacco kept his arm fresh and his body ready. And by mid-November he was rewarded. The Browns had just lost Deshaun Watson to a shoulder fracture and wanted to give the former Baltimore Ravens star a workout. Now, more than seven weeks and five starts later, Joe Flacco is the hottest quarterback in the league, has led the Browns to the playoffs, and is setting records in the process. So today, our Browns reporter Jake Trotter takes us inside one of the NFLs great comeback stories, explaining why the Browns were excited from the moment their new QB showed up and why Flacco and this team are no fluke.

Whats Next for Bill Belichick: 1/9/24

Bill Belichick is thought of by many as the greatest coach in NFL history. His tenure as the head coach of the New England Patriots has produced nine AFC Championships, six Super Bowl rings, and put Belichick within striking distance of catching Don Shula for the most wins of any coach ever. But after two decades of dominance, and a little bit of controversy, the past few years have been anything but what weve come to expect from the Patriots. Instead of being onto Cincinnati, theyve fallen onto hard times, ultimately ending up with their worst record since 1992, landing at 4-13. And so now, with the season now over, we wait for the answer to the question people have been asking since midway through the 2023 season. Will Bill Belichick be the Patriots coach come next season? Or is it time for his career to move to a new city? Would the grass be greener in Atlanta, or Washington, or Los Angeles? Field Yates, host of the Fantasy Focus podcast, joins the show to tell us how this all looks to a lifelong New Englander. And explore what comes next for both Belichick and the Patriots.

CFP National Championship: Two Legacies at Stake: 1/8/24

When Michigan and Washington meet tonight in the College Football Playoff National Championship, theres more at stake than who can claim the top spot in the 2023 college football season. Thats because Michigan head coach, Jim Harbaugh, has accomplished nearly everything a high level coach can. Hes taken the 49ers to the Super Bowl, and appeared in the College Football Playoff multiple years in a row with the Wolverines. And Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr., has gone from overperforming in Indiana, to becoming Heisman runner-up with the Huskies. Setting his sights on the first round of the NFL draft in the process. But neither has done one thing&win a championship. So today, Kyle Bonagura reports on what hes learned about both men, and how their paths led them to this moment, a national title matchup, tonight on ESPN.

Can Ja Morant Reclaim his Megastar Status?: 1/5/24

Last month Ja Morant returned to his Memphis Grizzlies after a 25-game suspension for repeated gun related incidents and accusations. Now his every move is being watched closely. While his presence on the court has been an electrifying boon to his team, off the court, its unclear what the league expects out of his rehabilitation. So ESPNs Senior NBA Writer Chris Herring joins the show to explore the complexities of Ja Morant this season and beyond.

Kevin Clark Previews the End of the NFL Regular Season: 1/4/24

The NFL regular season comes to a close this weekend, and while some of the questions have been answered, plenty still remain. With playoff seeding still undecided in some cases to say nothing of the AFC East and other questions that will slide to the back burner until after the postseason, Kevin Clark joins the show to help guide us through the finale of Americas favorite TV show & the NFL.

College Football Playoff Semifinal Recap with Bill Connelly: 1/3/24

Theres nothing quite like the tradition of the college football postseason. Whether it's the tradition of the Rose Bowl or newer, more eclectic offerings like the Pop-Tarts Bowl, theres something for everyone. Games that decide the National Championship juxtaposed with pomp, circumstance, and edible mascots. So today, Bill Connelly joins the show to recap what he saw on New Year's Day, as Michigan and Washington advanced to the College Football Playoff National Championship, and to explain how bowl season stands to change, in the 12-team playoff era.

Black Power Salute at the 1968 Olympics: A Conversation with John Carlos (ENCORE): 1/2/24

Youve probably seen the image: Tommie Smith and John Carlos standing on an Olympic podium in Mexico City in 1968, accepting their medals, heads bowed, with a gloved fist raised in the air. Its one of the most enduring moments not just from that Olympics, but in all of American history. It was a representation of the Black Power and Civil Rights Movements on a global stage&and you probably dont know the full story. So today, 55 years after his iconic act of defiance, we revisit one of our favorite moments of the year, when Dr. John Carlos sat down with David Dennis, Jr. to discuss the impact it had on himself and those around him&and we delve into the mind of a 23-year-old who was ready to change the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Story Behind the Super Bowls Most Famous Phrase (ENCORE): 12/29/23

For years, Super Bowl winners have used a four-word phrase to commemorate their iconic victory: Im going to Disney World! (or alternately, Im going to Disneyland!) In all its simplicity, this phrase has stretched across many generations of winners&.all the way up to the most recent champion, Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes. Sam Borden tracked down the origin of this famous sentence for SC Featured, and he explains how this magic phrase became an institution unto itself.

I Cant Speak!: The Craziest Game in Darts History, Explained (ENCORE): 12/28/23

If you live in the United Kingdom, you probably know the voice of Wayne Mardle. But at the beginning of the year, millions of people around the world suddenly got a taste of him calling the World Darts Championship final a genuinely historic duel between Michael van Gerwen of the Netherlands and Michael Smith of England. And Waynes commentary helped make it the most globally viral thing thats pretty much ever happened to this admittedly strange game. So, today, for everyone who watched that clip with awe (and maybe a little confusion too) we once again bring you Wayne Mardle himself, as he tells the glorious story of the darts game that was heard around the world.

The Birth of Bills Mafia: How a Divine Blunder Branded the NFLs Most Devoted Fanbase (ENCORE): 12/27/23

Why are Buffalo Bills fans called Bills Mafia? Its a story thats become legend within Buffalo. But outside of Bills fandom, the story is less well known, even for the individuals involved with the creation of Bills Mafia themselves. Twelve years ago, Stevie Johnson dropped a potential game-winning touchdown pass in overtime, and seemingly blamed God on Twitter, in the aftermath. That moment sparked a movement among Bills fans, and inspired Bills Mafia as we know it now. So today, we revisit one of our favorite ESPN Daily investigations: hear Adam Schefter, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Stevie Johnson, Ryan Clark, and more explain their roles in how a divine blunder branded the NFLs most devoted fanbase, Bills Mafia. Buffalo Bills beat reporter Alaina Getzenberg and Bills Mafia co-founder Del Reid also share the other side of Bills Mafia: the force for charity, as the community rallied around Bills safety Damar Hamlins recovery.

When Eagles Fans Booed Santa: The Notorious True Story (ENCORE): 12/26/23

Its one of the most infamous fan stories in sports history: when Eagles fans booed Santa at halftime of a game played at Franklin Field. But who was the Santa in question - and why was he booed and pelted with snowballs? Its ESPN Dailys Christmas tradition to bring you this episode, so hear an encore with Jeremy Schaap and Mina Kimes as they reflect on the enduring legacy of the Philadelphia Santa.

ESPN Daily 2023 Year in Review Quiz: 12/22/23

2023 was another banner year in sports&there were so many stories that kept us glued to our screens all year long. Over at ESPN.com there is a year end quiz on the biggest sports stories each month, as identified by Google Trends data team. And so we figured, why not copy our teammates' homework? So today, Israel Gutierrez and Emily Kaplan join our host, Clinton Yates, in a quiz show episode to find out who retained the most information about this years biggest sports stories. Its the inaugural ESPN Daily Year in Review Quiz Show!

Tiger Woods and Golfs Uncertain Future: 12/21/23

Tiger Woods and golf are synonymous. Tiger was the face of the PGA Tour for decades, taking the tour to unparalleled heights. But now, the future of professional golf is in question, as the controversial LIV Golf backed by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia has shaken the sport to its core. As this new era of golf begins, Woods leads the charge to protect the tour in which his legend was born, while helping to reimagine the game he loves. Today, ESPNs resident Tiger Woods expert Michael Collins joins the show to break down what Tigers future in golf looks like, and why the sport might need him now more than ever.

Getting Griner Out Part 2: Behind the Scenes of the Deal that Brought Brittney Home: 12/20/23

The question following Brittney Griners arrest at a Moscow airport in February of 2022 was always, what it would take to get her back home safely. What it took was a prisoner exchange between the United States and Russia, one that included Viktor Bout, an arms dealer nicknamed, The Merchant of Death. From the beginning, ESPNs T.J. Quinn followed the story closely, reporting the names, places, and events that we needed to know. Earlier this month, one year after Griner returned home, he published an exhaustive account, on ESPN.com, of the entire ordeal, including parts of his conversation with Bout. Today, in part two of our deep dive into the story behind Griners imprisonment, Quinn details the negotiations that got Griner home and we hear from Viktor Bout himself, maybe the most important man in the situation.

Getting Griner Out Part 1: Inside Brittneys Russian Detainment: 12/19/23

After Brittney Griners arrest at a Moscow airport in February of 2022, few, if any reporters tracked her case as closely as ESPNs TJ Quinn. Throughout her ten-month confinement, he collected countless behind the scenes details and accounts from dozens of sources who worked tirelessly to win her release from a Russian jail cell. But out of concern for Griners safety, much of that information could not be reported. Earlier this month, to mark one year since Griner returned home, TJ was finally able to write an exhaustive accounting of the entire ordeal. Today, we focus on one part of that reporting the long months Griner spent detained, including new specifics on her experience inside a Soviet-era prison colony, the affection she earned from guards and fellow prisoners, and her courageous display of perseverance and psychological endurance. Tomorrow, well be back with part two inside the painstaking negotiations to get Griner home.

Ravens Clinch a Playoff Spot + Can the Bills Circle the Wagons on Their Season?: Kevin Clark Recaps NFL Week 15: 12/18/23

Fifteen weeks are now in the books of this NFL season, and while we wish we had more answers about the playoff race&we just dont. The Buffalo Bills, whose season looked over a few weeks ago, all of a sudden have back-to-back wins over the Chiefs and Cowboys to get back into the hunt&and made Dallas look nothing like the contenders weve seen in recent weeks in the process. And can the Eagles, who we thought were the best team in the NFL, stop their downward spiral with a win on Monday night? Today, Kevin Clark joins the show to share his thoughts from another week of NFL drama..and explain how it sets up an action-packed final few weeks.

Victor Wembanyama Progress Report with Andrew Lopez: 12/15/23

Were just over a quarter of the way into Victor Wembanyamas rookie season, and its going just about as well as anyone couldve hoped. Hes looked every part of the generational talent or alien, as anointed by LeBron James he was touted to be through his first 22 games, averaging more than 19 points and nearly 11 rebounds per game. So today, with a rematch against the Lakers coming tonight on ESPN, we figured now was as good a time as any to check in with Andrew Lopez, our resident young basketball phenom reporter, and he tells us what hes seen from Wemby on and off the court.

The Bottom 10: Ryan McGees Unique View of College Football: 12/14/23

When it comes to lists, were obsessed with the Top 10. It feels like theres a Top 10 for everything these days from highlights, to pizza toppings, to Netflix shows. But what about the Bottom 10? Thats right, were eschewing tradition and turning the college football world upside down, with the help of ESPNs Bottom 10 columnist Ryan McGee. One year removed from his ode to oddball bowl games, McGee gives us his bottom-up view of the FBS landscape. And we look back on some big programs who, for one week at least, may have felt like bottom dwellers themselves.

How the Air Raid Changed Football Forever: 12/13/23

Ground and pound. Thats what defined college football offenses for the first 100 years the game was played. But then a coach named Hal Mumme hooked up with some lawyer from LA named Mike Leach & and everything changed. Playbooks were tossed. Passes were thrown. Records were broken. And the Air Raid offense was born. Now everyone from your local high school QB to Patrick Mahomes is executing some version of this on Game Day. And when its done right & man, it is fun to watch. So today, Dave Wilson delivers the origin story of this innovative offense and tells us how this once taboo concept changed the game of football forever.

How the Dodgers Won the Shohei Sweepstakes: 12/12/23

While the whole baseball world collectively held their breath in anticipation of any update on Shohei Ohtanis free agency, one thing became clear: this was not going to be MLBs version of LeBron James The Decision. There was complete radio silence from both Ohtanis camp and the teams rumored to be in the running for his services&well, most of them at least. But when the dust settled on Saturday, the numbers were still staggering, shattering even the most ambitious expectations: Ohtani is heading to the Los Angeles Dodgers on a 10-year, $700 million deal&oh and by the way, $680 million of those dollars will be deferred until 2034. So today, Alden Gonzalez explains how this union between the sports best player and one of its most marketable teams came together, what the price tag tells us about both sides&and what the fallout might be across the Big Leagues.

Cowboys Avenge Loss to Eagles, Chiefs Shoot Themselves in the Foot, and the MVP Case for Lamar Jackson: Jason Reid Recaps NFL Week 14: 12/11/23

As the NFL plows through December, the one thing we have learned is that there are no gimmes in this league. Take the AFC, where Baltimore had their top spot in the conference put to the test through wind, rain and an OT scare from the Rams. Meanwhile, the Chiefs and Bills battled in yet another classic that saw Patrick Mahomes fall at home and put Buffalo back on the right side of .500. And in the NFC, the Cowboys let the Eagles know theres a new king in the East, while the Lions, who not so long ago looked like they could beat everyone, now look like they would struggle to beat just about anyone. So today, Jason Reid joins us to remind everyone that at this time of year, the road to the playoffs starts now.

How Shohei Ohtani Spoiled Baseballs Offseason : 12/8/23

The first domino from MLBs Winter Meetings fell on Wednesday night as the New York Yankees traded for slugger Juan Soto. But theres another, bigger move that we have no information about: who will Shohei Ohtani sign with? Ohtani is the biggest free agent baseball has had in recent memory and possibly ever yet his camp has managed to keep the rumor mill to an absolute minimum, with teams across the Big Leagues swearing to an oath of secrecy if they want a chance to court him. Clinton Yates was at the Winter Meetings, and he takes us behind the curtain to explain why Ohtani and his reps have been so lowkey&and why its bad for the sport.

Breaking Down the Surprising Success of the NBAs In-Season Tournament: 12/7/23

The NBA In-Season Tournament has had its fair share of criticism ever since the idea was first floated by Adam Silver. Everything from its merits, the timing and even the bold, colorful court designs drew the ire of basketball purists across the nation. But now, as the tournament heats up in its final stretch, people seem to get it. Four teams are left standing as the setting shifts to Las Vegas for the semifinals tonight. The Lakers have a chance to add more hardware to the Lakers trophy case, but first theyll have to get past the finally healthy New Orleans Pelicans. And in the East, its a clash of two red-hot offenses in the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers. So today, our friend Ramona Shelburne joins the show to tell us what her biggest takeaways from the tournament are, who she thinks has the best chance to bring home the inaugural In-Season Tournament title and how this is exactly what the league wanted all along.

Why Mark Cuban Sold the Mavericks: 12/6/23

No owner in sports has his identity as closely tied to a team like Mark Cuban of the Dallas Mavericks. When he bought the Mavs in 2000, he was an unknown, newly-minted billionaire. But his outspoken, passionate, and innovative approach shook up the NBA and helped him become one of the most well-known businessmen in America. So the news last week that Cuban was selling a majority stake in the team to the Adelson and Dumont families shocked the basketball world. So why did he do it? Longtime Mavericks reporter Tim MacMahon explains Cubans thinking, how he was able to keep control of basketball operations, and why the move could have major implications throughout all of Texas.

What Makes a Player a Bust? Brian Windhorst Explains: 12/5/23

For fans of teams who didnt have much to play for in the previous season, the NBA Draft represents a hopeful outlook towards the future; the chance to find their franchise cornerstone who can change their misfortunes and lead them to glory in the years to come. Or at least, thats the ideal. Now, six weeks into the NBA season, weve reached the point in the calendar where certain rookies start to get called the B-word: busts. But do some players earn this moniker unfairly? Recent chatter around rookie Scoot Henderson, who is a mere ten games into his NBA career, got us wondering why fans and commentators can be so quick to trot out this label. So what is the actual definition of a bust? Who qualifies and who doesnt? And how often are players, eventually, able to shed this unfortunate distinction? Brian Windhorst joins the show to explain.

49ers Ground Eagles, Jordan Love Arrives in Lambeau: Andrew Hawkins Recaps NFL Week 13: 12/4/23

There are just five weeks left in the regular season, but the playoff picture only seems to be getting more muddied at this stage. There are teams like the Green Bay Packers, young and led by an inexperienced QB in Jordan Love, who are finding their stride and clawing into the wild card hunt after knocking off Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in Lambeau on Sunday night. At the top of the NFC, the 49ers came into Philadelphia, and left no doubt that they are the favorite, regardless of where they are playing. And over in the AFC wild card picture, the Texans continue to impress behind rookie signal caller CJ Stroud. So today, Andrew Hawkins explains what he was looking for on the field on Sunday, and tells us why the margins in the NFL are razor thin.

Jeff Passan Previews Major League Baseballs Winter Meetings: 12/1/23

The winter meetings mark the traditional beginning to Major League Baseballs offseason. And this year, with three huge names on the market, including Shohei Ohtani, the best baseball player on the planet, the hot stove is sure to heat up. So today, Jeff Passan tells us who is available, who is buying, and how smart teams should approach the free agent market this winter.

Bill Barnwell Explains the NFL Playoff Picture: 11/30/23

Thanksgiving has come and gone, and that means the playoff push is here. After 12 weeks of competition, the wheat is separating itself from the chaff. Some teams that got off to slow starts have turned their season around, and others with strong starts have fallen down the pecking order. Over the next six weeks, the field will narrow more and more as each team fights for a shot to win Super Bowl LVIII. Our NFL expert Bill Barnwell joins the show to tell us who he thinks clinches their spots in this years playoffs.. and who gets sent home come December.

Ryan McGee Breaks Down a Chaotic Conference Championship Weekend: 11/29/23

While the College Football Playoff technically doesnt start for another month, if you look closely you can see that in many ways it already has. Look no further than the fireworks of Rivalry Week: while appearing to keep up with decades old traditions, they are actually setting the table for the win-or-go-home repercussions of this weekend's conference championships. So today, Ryan McGee joins us to talk about the chaos of this unofficial bracket, and then dares to take a look at the unpredictable future of college football our favorite Saturday pastime.

Is Draymond Ready to Change? Taking Stock of His Latest Suspension: 11/28/23

The past two seasons have been tumultuous, to say the least, for Draymond Green. Throughout the Warriors dynasty of the past decade, Green has been the enforcer of the team, playing a crucial role in bringing four NBA championships to the Bay Area, pushing the envelope on league rules in the process. But now, Greens latest suspension for putting Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert in a chokehold has everyone questioning where he currently stands with the team. Marc J. Spears has covered the NBA and Bay Area sports for decades, so he takes us inside the mind of Draymond Green and inside the Warriors franchise as all parties figure out how to move forward.

A Mothers Vow, a Worldwide Search, and the Mystery of the Dallas Mavericks Barbie (ENCORE): 11/27/23

Throughout human history, the allure of rare and mysterious artifacts has always summoned our bravest and most intrepid explorers to scour the ends of the earth. The Ark of the Covenant. The Holy Grail. And now, the Dallas Mavericks Barbie. The ultra-rare Mavs Barbie, the product of a late 90s collaboration between Mattel and the NBA, has given collectors everywhere headaches for years as the missing piece to their Barbie collections. She is so hard to find, in fact, that some collectors have even questioned her existence. So today, as the holiday gift-giving season kicks into full gear, we revisit a conversation between Jeremy Schaap and Dave Fleming on his quest for Mavericks Barbie, why shes so hard to find&and how Dave helped put an end to one collectors 25-year pursuit.

The Lions Look to Flip Their Thanksgiving Day Script: 11/22/23

Its that time of year, America. Its time to grab a plate and have a seat for Thanksgiving dinner. And while we may not have the same foods on our table, there is one dish we all get to dive into: the Detroit Lions playing on Thanksgiving day. If youre a Lions fan, most of those Thanksgiving games this century have sat in your stomach like leftovers gone bad&but as a quick look at the standings show, its a new day in Motown. So today, Eric Woodyard, our Michigan native and Lions insider, shares his experience growing up around this tradition, tells us where this first-place team is going and what you can expect to eat if you stop by Mama Woodyards house.

How One Glove and the UFC Changed Everything We Knew About Fighting: 11/21/23

Earlier this month, the Ultimate Fighting Championship, more commonly known as UFC, celebrated its 30th anniversary. The companys explosive growth is unprecedented in the history of sports, recently earning a $12 billion valuation. But the UFC didn't just create a new kind of sports entertainment. It brought a relatively unknown fighting style out of the underground and into the mainstream, upending our understanding of human combat. So today, Ryan Hockensmith tells the tale of the first-ever UFC event, through the eyes of one fighter who had no idea what he was getting into. Back in 2017, our friends at 30 for 30 Podcasts went even deeper on the origins of UFC. Check out their episode No Rules: The Birth of UFC.

Eagles vs Chiefs: A Super Bowl Rematch on Monday Night Football: 11/20/23

After more than a few lackluster primetime games over the first half of the NFL season, tonights Monday Night Football matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs is sure to deliver a feast to kick off Thanksgiving Week. Not only is it the two best teams from each conference, with two presumptive MVP candidates at quarterback on each side, its also only the second time weve seen a rematch from the previous years Super Bowl on Monday Night Football. So today, Andrew Hawkins joins the show to break down every major aspect ahead of tonights game, and gives his take on one&well actually two& of the most anticipated meetings of the season.

Inside CJ Strouds Rise to Superstardom: 11/17/23

Nine games into CJ Strouds NFL career, and hes already taking the league by storm. He resurrected a lifeless Houston Texans organization, and etched his name in the record books. Forget Rookie of the Year, he might be the NFLs Most Valuable Player this season. Period. But there is so much more to Stroud than his heroics on the field&so today, ESPNs Liz Merrill joins the show to tell us about where he comes from, who shaped him&and what sets him apart, as a quarterback, and as a person. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Inside Paige Bueckers Return: 11/16/23

Even if you dont follow basketball, odds are that you heard of Paige Bueckers. Even before she stepped foot on the floor at the University of Connecticut, clips of her getting buckets had gone viral as far back as when she was in middle school. And she arrived at UConn in 2020 as the next big thing; the next superstar that would lead the storied Huskies program to another national championship. But for the past couple of years, injuries have plagued Bueckers, turning her charmed tale into a story about adversity, struggle, and mental fortitude. So today, ESPNs Alexa Philippou takes us inside Bueckers road back to the court, and shows us how time away has changed her approach to the game, all while keeping a national championship run in her sights.

Was Coach Primes First Year in Colorado a Success?: 11/15/23

Colorados final home game of the 2023 season ended in agony last Saturday, a heart-wrenching 34-31 defeat their fourth in a row at the paws of the Arizona Wildcats. The prime time games and celebrities on the sidelines are gone for now, and with their record now sitting at 4-6, the Buffaloes need to win out just to be bowl eligible. But with Deion Sanders taking over a program that won one game a year ago, what does a successful season really look like for them? So today, as the sun sets on Coach Primes first year with the Buffs, ESPNs Spencer Hall joins the show to give us his review on year one of the Deion Sanders Experience in Boulder.

The Bag Game: How Billy Prestons NBA Dream Died: 11/14/23

Billy Preston was thought to be the next one-and-done player when he signed with the University of Kansas basketball team back in 2017. But before he could make that leap, a minor fender bender opened the door into a world of illegal corporate payouts that unraveled his future in an instant. So today as Kansas, and their coach Bill Self the highest paid coach in the sport prepare to take on Kentucky, Paula Levigne joins us to talk about how corporate America, the Federal Government, and the NCAA extinguished a hoop dream before it even began.

AFC North Insanity, Lions Win a Shootout, and CJ Stroud for MVP?: NFL Week 10 Recap with Kevin Clark: 11/13/23

Week 10 gave us some of the craziest finishes of the NFL season. The Houston Texans pulled off a last second victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, where rookie QB CJ Stroud basically out-Burrowed Joe Burrow himself, inserting himself into the MVP conversation in the process. Elsewhere in the AFC North, the Browns came from behind to steal a win from the Baltimore Ravens, who had been gaining momentum as a Super Bowl contender in recent weeks. The 49ers offense is back at full strength with the returns of Trent Williams and Deebo Samuel, and they look like the world beaters we saw back in Week 1 again. And in Los Angeles, the Detroit Lions had maybe their biggest win of the season over the Chargers in a shootout&which might make Brandon Staleys seat a little bit warmer. So today, Kevin Clark, host of This is Football, joins the show to discuss his biggest takeaways from Week 10.

The Michigan Sign-Stealing Scandal, Explained: 11/10/23

Michigan has been one of the top teams in college football for the past few seasons. Ever since head coach Jim Harbaugh stepped on campus, theyve stayed in the headlines, for better or worse. And now, In the midst of their undefeated season, allegations of sign stealing have taken over the narrative surrounding the team. The near-daily developments have been unexpected, and sometimes downright odd, making this situation feel as if it was pulled right from the silver screen. Sunglasses with spy cameras, fake play call signs, and 600-page manifestos have put Michigans run to the National Championship in jeopardy. So today, Mark Schlabach joins the show to explain how this all has unfurled, the difficult choices facing the Big Ten, and what the consequences for Michigan and Harbaugh might be.

Why Caitlin Clark is So Much More Than a Local Legend: 11/9/23

Caitlin Clark is one of the greatest college basketball players we have ever seen. Shes the reigning NCAA womens basketball Player of the Year after leading Iowa to the Final Four; and now in her senior season, shes poised to set or break several more records. But regardless of what Clark accomplishes, shell do it all while holding her favorite title: Being just another kid from Des Moines. So today, Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Voepel joins the show to tell us all about Clarks connection with her roots, and why it could continue to shape Iowas basketball program and Clarks career, for years to come.

How Laila Edwards Became the First Black Hockey Player on the US Womens National Team: 11/8/23

University of Wisconsins star sophomore Laila Edwards is the first Black woman to make the U.S. Womens National Hockey Team. After an incredible freshman season that ended with Wisconsins record seventh national title, she now adds representing the U.S. to her resume. Inspired by a chance meeting with Blake Bolden, the first Black woman to play professional hockey, Laila is showing a new generation that they can not only play hockey, but thrive in the sport. Ahead of tonights Team USA vs Team Canada matchup, Andscapes Branson Wright shares Lailas story, how crucial her family was to her journey to the U.S. National Team, and what her future holds.

Battlefields to Ballfields: How Veterans are Helping Solve the Sports Officiating Crisis (ENCORE): 11/7/23

Few jobs are more thankless than that of the referee. At best, your existence is completely invisible. No one notices when you do a terrific job. At worst, you become enemy #1 for fans or coaches or in lower levels, angry parents. Combine that with low pay and high pressure, and it's no wonder why officiating is undergoing a crisis at the moment. Not enough people are willing to do the job a job without which, the games quite literally cannot go on. But, today, ahead of Veterans Day weekend, we revisit the story of Battlefields to Ballfields, an organization working to make military vets part of the solution. And in many cases, its the kind of opportunity some struggling former soldiers have dreamed of. For more on Battlefields to Ballfields, you can read McGees story here. This episode first ran on November 11, 2022.

Bengals Roll, Eagles Escape, Ravens Dominate: Jason Reid on NFL Week 9: 11/6/23

The playoff picture is slowly starting to take shape as we get deeper into the NFL season. Teams like the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens, who got off to slow starts, are finally hitting their stride. Meanwhile, other teams are starting to raise more questions than answers. Can the Kansas City Chiefs defense carry a lackluster offense to the Super Bowl? How far can the Dallas Cowboys really go with Dak Prescott under center? And will the real Miami Dolphins please stand up? So today, ESPN NFL senior writer Jason Reid joins the show to break down four of Sundays biggest matchups, and he helps us make sense of what they mean at this point of the season.

The NHL, Pride Nights, and Sports as Catalyst for Social Change: 11/3/23

Across the American sporting landscape, Pride Nights have become a popular way to reach out to the LGBTQIA+ community, a simple show of support meant to signify that sports are for everyone. In the NHL, teams have worn themed warm up jerseys that were later auctioned off for charity. But last year, Pride Nights became the epicenter of a public relations disaster for the league. A small handful of players publicly refused to participate in their teams respective Pride Night, citing their religion or fear of retribution in their home countries, and some teams opted out of wearing the warmups entirely. Backlash and debate ensued, and the NHL banned all specialty jerseys ahead of this season. They also banned the use of Pride Tape, a rainbow-patterned wrap that players would use on their sticks. But rather than make the issue go away like the league had hoped, it blew up in their faces and created even more of a PR firestorm. The ban was eventually rescinded, but the initial decision itself was a damning tell of the state of LGBTQIA+ support, or lack thereof, in society at large. So today, Emily Kaplan joins us for a candid discussion about what happened in hockey, how we can learn from it&and whos really affected when we talk about this subject.

Fire Canada: The Story Behind the NFLs New Favorite Meme: 11/2/23

There are few professions with a shorter leash than the job of an NFL coach. The league is a results-based business with 32 teams all vying for a Super Bowl ring. So if you cant build a perennial contender, you can pretty much expect to be looking for other work sooner rather than later, with the fans all too eager to see you go. Thats whats going on right now in Pittsburgh, where offensive coordinator Matt Canada has drawn the ire of so many fans that the calls for his job have now transcended outside of the Acrisure Stadium walls. The chants and signs and memes have spread to Penguins games, wrestling matches, and NFL stadiums everywhere. So today, Steelers beat reporter Brooke Pryor joins the show to explain how the Fire Canada phenomenon started in the first place, how the unique psychology of Steelers fans catapulted it into the mainstream, and if the fun and games have gone too far.

Mens College Basketball Looks a Lot Different This Year. Heres Why: 11/1/23

Another season of mens college basketball is upon us&and we really dont know what to make of it. The usual teams adorn the top of the preseason polls: Kansas, Duke, and Michigan State, but theres really no clear frontrunner that looks primed to stand above the crowd. Add to the wide-open field a whole crop of familiar faces in new places, as NIL deals and the transfer portal continue to dominate the sport. So today, Myron Medcalf returns to give us some clarity as the marathon towards March Madness starts.

Zach Lowe Explains the New NBA Tournament : 10/31/23

Ever since the NBA introduced the 82-game schedule over 60 years ago, its been a fairly predictable league. The playoffs are always a best-of-seven, with the best teams the dynasties of that particular era usually coming out on top in June. As for the regular season, its importance has come into question in recent years as the grind of a six-month road to the playoffs takes its toll on players and fans alike, and given to the rise of load management. But this year, the league is shaking things up. Enter the In-Season Tournament, a soccer-style competition with six groups of five teams all vying for the NBA Cup&and it all starts on Friday! So today, Zach Lowe explains everything you need to know about the In-Season Tournament, why its more than a gimmick, why the players might be more into it than you would think&and why it should actually be pretty fun.

First Place Teams Stumble: Andrew Hawkins on a Spooky NFL Week 8: 10/30/23

Week 8 had some scares in store for teams around the league. We saw the Kansas City Chiefs lose to the Denver Broncos for the first time in eight years, and the San Francisco 49ers drop their third straight game, and out of first place in the NFC West in the process. On the other side of the coin, the Cincinnati Bengals are finding their stride coming out of their bye week, while the Philadelphia Eagles survived a fright against the Commanders. Meanwhile, quarterbacks went down all around the league, and the Vikings might be facing a horrifying rest of the season without their starting quarterback. So today, Andrew Hawkins tells us who should be able to overcome their fears&and who might be in trouble. Halloween, Kansas City Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Andy Reid, Denver Broncos, San Francisco 49ers, Deebo Samuel, Trent Williams, Brock Purdy, Cincinnati Bengals, Joe Burrow, Joe Mixon, Kyle Shanahan, Seattle Seahawks, Geno Smith, Philadelphia Eagles, AJ Brown, Jalen Hurts, Will Levis, Tennessee Titans, DeAndre Hopkins, Minnesota Vikings, Kirk Cousins, New York Giants, Saquon Barkley, New York Jets, Zach Wilson

Jeff Passans 2023 World Series Preview: 10/27/23

When the baseball season got underway, the World Series favorites were: big market juggernauts like the Yankees, Dodgers, Padres, and Mets; annual contenders like the Braves, and Astros; and plucky dark horses like the Phillies and Blue Jays. But fast forward to the end of October, and none of those front runners remain standing. The Texas Rangers and the Arizona Diamondbacks who had a combined 2% chance to lift the trophy are ready to face off in a battle of underdogs. So Jeff Passan tells David Dennis Jr. how they got here, and how he thinks this series will unfold. Arizona Diamondbacks, Texas Rangers, Corbin Carroll, Jordan Montgomery, Max Scherzer, Zac Gallen, Evan Longoria, Christian Walker, Tommy Pham, Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, Adolis Garcia, Brandon Pfaadt, MLB

Why Womens Basketball Is Bigger and Better Than Ever: 10/26/23

Womens basketball is having a moment in 2023. Attendance records have been broken not only at the WNBA Finals, but also at the University of Iowas outdoor scrimmage featuring the NCAAWs biggest star: Caitlin Clark&which took place on a football field. With the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty establishing themselves as the WNBAs superteams and the Ws recent expansion announcement, it begs the question: Is the league entering a new era? Alexa Philippou joins the show to answer the burning questions about the present and future of womens basketball.

Brian Windhorst Sizes up the Two Beasts in the NBAs East: 10/25/23

The NBAs Eastern Conference looks very, very different than it did just a few weeks ago. The Milwaukee Bucks rocked the basketball universe by shipping off Jrue Holiday to Portland in exchange for Damian Lillard, who everyone assumed would eventually end up on the Miami Heat. Holiday, meanwhile, found his way to Boston after the Celtics had already added Kristaps Porzingis. The result is two Eastern Conference powers who seem to be on a collision course. But is the NBA ever really that simple? And Philadelphia is still hoping to crash the party, though theyll have to solve their James Harden problem first. Can they actually contend without him? Brian Windhorst returns for day two of our NBA season preview, and this time he tells us everything we need to know about the East.

Brian Windhorst Breaks Down the NBAs Wild Western Conference: 10/24/23

Everyones favorite real-life soap opera, the NBA, is officially back tonight! And the moves this offseason have shaken up the league. Out west weve seen: Bradley Beal force his way to Phoenix to form a brand new big three with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, the Lakers double down on the defense-first roster that saved their season last year, and the Warriors bring in Chris Paul to share the load with Steph Curry. But the question remains, is any of that enough to topple the defending champion Denver Nuggets? Brian Windhorst joins the show to give us a full breakdown of the Western Conference&and tell us how familiar this Victor Wembanyama arrival feels.

Eagles Wear Down Dolphins, Patriots Upset Bills, Ravens Tame Lions: Louis Riddick on NFL Week 7: 10/23/23

Week 7 in the NFL was headlined by the Sunday Night matchup between the Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles, two teams at the top of their respective conferences. Jalen Hurts and the Birds triumphed, and the Philly defense shut down Tua and the Dolphins, soaring to victory 31-17. And in the early slate of games, Lamar Jackson reminded us all that hes that guy as the Ravens finally put it all together in a blowout of the Detroit Lions, while the Patriots pulled off an upset over the struggling Bills. So today, ESPNs Louis Riddick breaks down some of the most noteworthy moments from around the league this week&and he lets us know if its time to panic in Buffalo.

Ryan McGees Mid-Season College Football Check-In: 10/20/23

This college football season has been full of excitement, and not always from the places weve grown to expect. Because for every Georgia and Michigan and Ohio State sitting at the top of the rankings, weve also got rebounding powers making noise, like Florida State and Texas. And unexpected teams like North Carolina pushing their way into the conversation. Not to mention a Pac-12 conference insisting on making its final season a memorable one. So today, Ryan McGee drops by to tell us what hes been looking at as the first college football playoff rankings of the season loom on the horizon.

Bill Barnwell on Why The NFL Trade Market Is Heating Up: 10/19/23

Throughout the sports world, trade deadlines tend to be one of the most reliable generators of storylines and intrigue. A star player stuck on a bad team can create months of speculation and headlines. And in other leagues such as the NBA and MLB, the trade deadline serves as the most dramatic point of the season of the midseason. But historically, the NFL had kept major player movement to the offseason, making for a largely inactive deadline until recently, that is. Last year, we saw the 49ers trade for Christian McCaffrey, who took their offense from stagnant to one of the best in the league. And the year before that, the Rams added Von Miller to a defensive line that already featured Aaron Donald, a move that would ultimately help them win the Super Bowl. So today, Bill Barnwell makes his triumphant return to ESPN Daily helping us understand how the football trade market has changed over time, and giving us a full breakdown of this years possible movers and shakers, including a few surprises.

Whats Behind Ja Morants Off-Court Struggles?: 10/18/23

Ja Morant has been an NBA superstar since pretty much the night he was drafted. A young, overlooked, and under recruited point guard that drew Damian Lillard comparisons when he was the No. 2 pick coming out of Murray State, the expectations for Morant were high and he has exceeded every single one of them & on the court. But despite his limitless basketball potential, Morants behavior off the court has become not just a distraction, but problematic. So today, a week ahead of the Grizzlies season opener which Morant wont be a part of due to a 25-game suspension ESPNs Tim McMahon joins the show to tell us how Morants issues might be putting his basketball career in jeopardy.

Inside the NFL Turf Debate: 10/17/23

Stop us if youve seen this before: a star NFL player falls down on a turf field sometimes without contact and clutches his knee or calf before being helped off the field. Hes diagnosed with a significant injury, his season ends, and then social media sounds off, calling on the league to move away from artificial turf. That cycle played out most recently when Aaron Rodgers tore his achilles just four plays into his Jets debut. But just how much is turf really to blame for these injuries? And can anything actually be done about it? The answers and solutions arent as simple as you might think. Today, Kevin Seifert joins the show to help us survey the field, literally, as we dive into the high-stakes debate between the NFL Players Association, the league, and the local officials that maintain the fields. For more on the NFLs turf debate, you can read ESPNs story here.

49ers, Eagles Fall, and a Logjam Emerges in the AFC North: Kevin Clark on NFL Week 6: 10/16/23

There are no unbeaten teams left six weeks into the 2023 NFL season. But there are still plenty of questions about every team in the league. Will the Eagles ever look like they are in high gear? Is Brock Purdy really good enough to win with the 49ers? When will Joe Burrow be healthy enough to deliver? Why doesnt Lamar Jackson look like he used to? Is this really what the Patriots season is going to be? Kevin Clark, host of This is Football, joins the show to provide answers to these questions and more.

Black Power Salute at the 1968 Olympics: A Conversation with John Carlos: 10/13/23

Youve probably seen the image: Tommie Smith and John Carlos standing on an Olympic podium in Mexico City in 1968, accepting their medals, heads bowed, with a gloved fist raised in the air. Its one of the most enduring moments not just from that Olympics, but in all of American history. It was a representation of the Black Power and Civil Rights Movements on a global stage&and you probably dont know the full story. So today, nearly 55 years after his iconic act of defiance, Dr. John Carlos sits down with David Dennis, Jr. to discuss the impact it had on himself and those around him&and we delve into the mind of a 23-year-old who was ready to change the world.

LeBrons Fall, International Dominance, and More: NBArank 2023, Explained: 10/12/23

There is probably no sport susceptible to more debate in the American consciousness than the NBA. It feels inescapable; the discussions comparing players legacies, the debates about whos the best, and the chatter around whos got next. But today, ESPNs NBArank returns for another installment, hoping to settle all questions once and for all (well, for this upcoming season at least). Kevin Pelton takes us inside this exercise: one that includes more than 150 journalists working to decide who the top 100 players in the league are&and some of the results may surprise you.

Why Oregon vs. Washington Could Decide the Pac-12, CFB Playoffs, and Heisman Trophy: 10/11/23

When you think of college football rivalries, images immediately come to mind of longtime powerhouses, schools with a deep rooted hatred of each other like Alabama and Auburn, or Oklahoma and Texas, or even USC and UCLA. Theres one rivalry thats just as strong, even if it doesnt come to you off the top of your head: Oregon vs Washington. Its a battle of Pacific Northwest supremacy, and this year especially, two of the best teams in the country featuring two quarterbacks with Heisman aspirations. So today, Kyle Bonagura tells you why you should be a little more invested in this clash of Pac-12 leaders, and what to expect when Saturdays game kicks off.

Crosby, McDavid, & Bedard: NHL Season Preview with Greg Wyshynski: 10/10/23

If theres anything last season proved, its how unpredictable the NHL can be. The Boston Bruins had a historic regular season, setting league records for wins and points, only to get eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. But tonight, a new year of hockey begins, and with it, a new face that you need to know about. Connor Bedard is set to take the ice for the Chicago Blackhawks, with his debut being the most anticipated since the likes of Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby. So today, ESPNs Greg Wyshynski joins the show to tell us all about Bedards maiden voyage, McDavids hunt for his first Stanley Cup, Crosbys hunt for his last, and everything else you need to know about the NHL in 2023.

49ers Roll, Jets Get Revenge, Steelers Steal a Win: Andrew Hawkins on NFL Week 5: 10/9/23

NFL Week 5 is in the books, and this week was certainly a page-turner. The Jets defended the honor of offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett in Denver, as Gang Green beat Sean Payton and the Broncos after an offseason of back-and-forths. At Foxborough, its starting to look like the final chapter for Bill Belichick and the Patriots could be an ugly one. Meanwhile in Pittsburgh, things turned into an Edgar Allan Poe-esque nightmare for the Ravens as turnovers doomed their lead, gifting a win to the Steelers. And then in San Francisco, the 49ers closed the book on the night with an utterly dominant performance, obliterating the Cowboys 42-10. So today, Andrew Hawkins gives us the SparkNotes on Week 5, and summarizes the story of what weve seen so far across the league.

What Were Made Of: A Vaccine Pioneer and Her Olympian Daughter (ENCORE): 10/6/23

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Susan Francia's mother, Dr. Kate Karik�, has seen her lifelong work come to fruition with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. An accomplishment that has led to her being the recipient of the 2023 Nobel Prize in medicine. Dr. Karik�s dedication to her research over the decades inspired her daughter to become an Olympian rower. In a re-air of one of our favorite episodes, ESPNs Julie Foudy takes us through the story of Dr. Karik�s perseverance, her mRNA breakthroughs behind the vaccine, and the mother-daughter relationship at the center of the E:60 feature What Were Made Of.

Is This the Biggest WNBA Finals Matchup Ever?: 10/5/23

As much as we love an underdog story, theres nothing quite like a clash of titans. Two heavyweights, slugging it out until only one is left standing. And thats exactly what we have in this years WNBA Finals. In the first year of the Ws superteam era, we get the championship matchup weve been dreaming about since the offseason: the Las Vegas Aces vs the New York Liberty. Both teams are stacked with MVPs, All-Stars, and championship experience all around&but will it all live up to the hype? ESPN WNBA analyst LaChina Robinson joins us to break down this unprecedented Finals matchup&and tell us what it means for the league writ large.

Ramona Shelburne Decodes NBA Media Day: 10/4/23

NBA Media Day is the unofficial start to the NBA season, and in a lot of ways its like the first day of school. Youve got your new kids, like Damian Lillard, popping up with their new teams. And your returning stalwarts, like Giannis Antentokounmpo, holding court in front of reporters. Meanwhile, the media, serving as the teachers in this tortured metaphor, are quizzing everyone about their summer reading, trying to get a take on the season to come. And oftentimes, the answers we get are anything but straightforward. So we turned to our friend and NBA Insider Ramona Shelburne, to help us read between the lines and decode the most intriguing comments we heard on Media Day. Did the Celtics actually land on the winning side of the Bucks Damian Lillard trade? What is James Hardens next move in Philly? Is this LeBron James last ride? And what on earth is going on with emo-Jimmy Butler?

Jeff Passan Previews the MLB Postseason: 10/3/23

As the weather starts to cool down and summer comes to an end, it can only mean one thing for baseball fans: October is here. Twelve teams from around the league are left standing, all with a World Series trophy in their sights. Can the Baltimore Orioles continue their newfound success and capture Americas hearts? Will we see yet another chapter in the heated Dodgers-Braves postseason rivalry? Are the Houston Astros truly inevitable? Our good friend, Jeff Passan, surveys the bountiful harvest of playoff baseball upon which we now get to feast&and he tells us who he thinks will emerge victorious come November.

Kevin Clark Recaps the NFL Week 4: 10/2/23

We're about a quarter of the way through the 2023 NFL season. And in some cases, It's going about as you'd expect. The problem with those expectations? Sometimes you're the Chicago Bears. So for teams like Dallas, Buffalo, and Miami, they are who we thought they were. But then you get a surprise like the Jets almost gave the Chiefs and Taylor Swift, nearly leaving us all looking like the foolish one. So today, Kevin Clark, host of the This Is Football podcast, tells us who's living up to their potential, and who's already fallen short of the mark around the league.

The (Mostly True) Legend of Lane Kiffins USC Firing : 9/29/23

Its one of the most infamous legends in recent college football history: how Lane Kiffin was fired from USC&in the dead of night&on a tarmac, at LAX. You might have heard that version of the story: but today, David Hale joins the show to tell us what actually happened to Kiffin that night, how Kiffin ended up at USC in the first place, and what his many junctures in college and pro football coaching have taught him so far.

Woj on the Damian Lillard Blockbuster Trade: 9/28/23

Damien Lillard is now a member of the Milwaukee Bucks. The former Portland superstar joins Giannis Antetokounmpo on a team that instantly jumped to the top of the NBA Championship betting odds. All offseason, it seemed Lillard was headed to South Beach, as the superstar made no secret of his desire to joinin the Miami Heat. But Wednesdays shocking three team deal between Milwaukee, Portland and Phoenix has reshaped the NBA landscape with less than a month before the season tips off. Adrian Wojnarowski explains how the trade unfolded, what it means for each team&and how the rest of the league will try to keep up.

Dolphins-Bills: Inside the Battle for AFC East Supremacy : 9/27/23

The Miami Dolphins are the NFLs hottest team, after dropping an incredible 70 points against the Denver Broncos. But this week, theyll face a familiar foe when they shuffle up to Buffalo to take on the Bills in an early battle for the AFC East lead. Has Miamis offensive speed met its match in Buffalos stalwart defense? What kinds of QB heroics will be see from Tua Tagovailoa and Josh Allen? Is this going to be an AFC playoff preview? With the premiere matchup in the AFC East on deck with the Bills and the Dolphins, Marcel Louis-Jacques tells us what to expect from both teams on Sunday.

James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers: What Went Wrong: 9/26/23

Theres never been an NBA player quite like James Harden. Whether hes dominating the court at the highest level of play one night or turning nearly invisible the next, his presence and persona leaves fans asking a seemingly eternal question: what exactly is going on inside Hardens head? And while his latest falling out with the Philadelphia 76ers might feel unsurprising, its also been unpredictable. So today, just days before the start of Sixers training camp, Ramona Shelburne takes us inside the team and inside James Harden's mind to explain how this all unfolded, why things went south, how soon Harden will show up, and how this whole saga may finally come to an end.

NFL Week 3: Dolphins Hit Gold Rush, Charger-ing Hits Different, Cardinals Mastermind Win: 9/25/23

Week 3 in the NFL went beyond some teams Wildest Dreams&like the Miami Dolphins, who racked up an astounding 70 points thanks to Tua Tagovailoa and the speed of the Fins offense. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers nearly suffered Death By A Thousand Cuts by handing the ball back to the Vikings late in the 4th quarter, but the Bolts were the Lucky Ones and escaped with a win, 28-24. Then, the Arizona Cardinals had the Electric Touch and stunned the Cowboys 28-16&and no, it wasnt a Glitch, Taylor Swift was cheering on Travis Kelce at the Kansas City Chiefs win over the Bears. So today, Andrew Hawkins brings his own Style and helps us navigate the Labyrinth of Sundays games&and he shares his thoughts on tonights Monday night matchups&are you Ready For It?

Coach Prime and Colorado Are For Real. But is That Enough to Beat Oregon?: 9/22/23

When Deion Sanders was named head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, everything in Boulder, Colorado changed. Suddenly, every game for the Buffs is primetime television home or away night or day. Their rivalry game, last Saturday against Colorado State, broke viewership records, and had the country glued to their screens well past 2 in the morning out east. With each win, and each riveting quote, Coach Prime has quickly become the center of not only college football, but arguably, all of American sports. The stars dot the sidelines, and now, Colorado is 3-0 and facing their toughest test yet: a trip to Eugene to take on the Oregon Ducks. So today, Kyle Bonagura shares his experiences in Boulder this season and explains how Deion Sanders has not only had an impact on the local community, but also captured the attention of the nation.

Going Green: The History of Notre Dame's Special Jerseys, from Rockne to Today: 9/21/23

Tradition is one of the most polarizing aspects of college football. One on hand, there are teams like Oregon, who seem to roll out a new uniform combo every week. And then there are schools like Notre Dame who seem to only stick with the iconic gold helmets and navy blue jerseys. Its been their look for what feels like a century, and it seems like they never deviate from it. However, every few years Notre Dame will don green jerseys, and their reception is just as mixed as you might think. Some of the Irishs signature victories have come in green&but so have some of their most humiliating defeats. So are the green jerseys a blessing, a curse, or just a piece of fabric? Our good friend, Ryan McGee, helps us find that out.

Inside the As Messy Divorce from Oakland: 9/20/23

Today marks five months exactly since Oakland fans had their worst fears confirmed: The Athletics were leaving town, having reached an agreement for a shiny new stadium in Las Vegas. Fans felt betrayed and most of all, blindsided by the news. Up to that point, there had been promising talks about building a stadium in Oaklands Howard Terminal, and As owner John Fisher has never explained his reasoning for killing that deal&until now. So today, ESPNs Tim Keown brings us his findings from his sit down with Fisher a rarity in itself and why there still might be a chance that the As stay put.

The Passan Awards: MLBs Most Electrifying Players and Timeless Moments from 2023: 9/19/23

Between the introduction of the pitch clock, the widening of the bases& and two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani being Shohei Ohtani&the 2023 MLB season has been one for the history books. And as the regular season winds down, what better way to honor history, than with baseball's newest and most coveted award&the first annual Passans! So Today, live from the ESPN Daily Red Carpet, our favorite baseball nerd recognizes his top players, moments and innovations backed by completely legitimate science from an unprecedented baseball season.

NFL Week 2: Dolphins Speed to 2-0, Giants Comeback, Bengals in Trouble?: 9/18/23

Sundays slate of NFL games saw some teams continue their good fortunes, like Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins who survived a last minute drive from Mac Jones and the Patriots. Some teams bounced back from their Week 1 struggles, like the New York Giants, who completed a thrilling comeback over the Arizona Cardinals, and the Kansas City Chiefs and Travis Kelce, who celebrated his return from injury with a touchdown in KCs win over the Jaguars. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Rams again, but LA isnt quite looking like the bottom dwellers we expected. For other teams like the now 0-2 Cincinnati Bengals - it might be time to panic&especially since QB Joe Burrow admitted to reaggravating his calf injury. So today, Kevin Clark, host of the podcast This is Football, helps us survey Sundays games and tells us everything we need to know about the biggest wins and losses of the week.

How the Number 865 Changed Dolphins Coach Mike McDaniels Life: 9/15/23

You could argue that the Miami Dolphins have the most exciting offense in the NFL right now. That can be backed up by Miamis thrilling upset over the Los Angeles Chargers a week ago, where Tua Tagovailoa looked like he belonged in the conversation around the leagues most elite quarterbacks. Much of the credit belongs to quirky head coach Mike McDaniel, who has reinvigorated this offense over the past two seasons and brought a level of excitement not seen in decades. Weve previously covered his meteoric rise here on the show, but what if I told you it almost never happened? Today, ESPNs Jeff Darlington brings a chapter of McDaniels life that is rarely discussed but essential to understanding how he operates, and how hes redefining the paradigm of NFL coach.

Short Kings: Why NFL Teams are Ditching the Deep Ball and What's to Blame: 9/14/23

There are few moments like it in sports. The quarterback takes a deep drop, steps up and unleashes a bomb. Time feels like it stops, 70,000 fans collectively hold their breath, waiting to see if it will be agony or ecstasy on the other end. The long passing game has long been the sizzle to the steak that is NFL football. But today, ESPNs Brooke Pryor takes us on a deep dive into the deep ball, and investigates whether its going the way of the single wing offense, destined for the graveyard of football past.

The WNBAs Superteam Era Enters the Postseason: 9/13/23

The first regular season of the WNBAs superteam era has concluded, and we set our sights towards the playoffs. The two most talked about teams all season have been the Las Vegas Aces, who added the GOAT Candace Parker to their championship core of Aja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Kelsey Plum. Meanwhile in the Eastern Conference, the New York Liberty brought in Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Courtney Vandersloot to complement Sabrina Ionescu. The investments seem to have paid off for both teams, as theyve secured the top two seeds in the postseason and are in prime position to win it all, despite a season-ending knee injury to Parker for Las Vegas. Dont sleep on the rest of the field, though. The Atlanta Dream are making their first playoff appearance in five years, led by top draft pick Aliyah Boston. The Minnesota Lynx, Dallas Wings, Washington Mystics, Connecticut Sun, and Chicago Sky are all in the mix this year. So today, ESPNs LaChina Robinson joins us to break down everything you need to know about this years WNBA postseason&and reflect on the most important player who isnt in it.

The Crossover: 50 Years of Hip Hop and Sports: 9/12/23

It has now been 50 years since a new genre of music was birthed out of the Bronx: Hip Hop. And over the last half century, it has grown and spread across the globe to become one of Americas greatest exports. And throughout its life, the genre has developed this symbiotic-like relationship with sports. They became two pillars of Black culture& empowering a community to be heard and celebrated against the backdrop of cultural oppression and political persecution. So today, ahead of the premiere of E:60s The Crossover, our good friend, Justin Tinsley, joins the show to explain how hip hop, and sports, became the dominant voices of a generation. You can check out the latest E60 special, "The Crossover: 50 Years of Hip Hop and Sports" narrated by Busta Rhymes, tonight at 7:30 Eastern on ESPN or afterwards on ESPN plus.

Aaron Rodgers. Josh Allen. Tonight on Monday Night Football.: 9/11/23

The NFL is back, and Sundays action-packed slate of games didnt disappoint: but tonight, its time for the most anticipated matchup of Week 1: Bills at Jets on Monday Night Football. After a hype-filled offseason, well finally get to see if future Hall of Fame QB Aaron Rodgers can deliver hope for a playoffs-starved Jets fanbase. And for Josh Allen and the Bills - who have claimed the AFC East crown for the past three seasons - questions are swirling around how much longer their championship window remains open. So before you tune in to Joe Buck and Troy Aikman tonight, we called up ESPN NFL Nation reporters Rich Cimini and Alaina Getzenberg who each cover the Jets and Bills, respectively to get a sense of where these two AFC East rivals are, and what we can expect to see from them after the kickoff.

Is It Time to Believe in Deion Sanders and Colorado?: 9/8/23

When Deion Sanders first took the reins of a woeful Colorado program that went 1-11 last season, he wasted no time in shaking things up. Sanders told Buffalos holdovers to hit the transfer portal, because he was bringing his own luggage with him to Boulder. That luggage turned out to be 86 new players, and an unprecedented 51 transfers to overhaul the Buffs roster. The reaction across the college football universe ranged from intrigue to skepticism&and last Saturday, the Coach Prime era began with a 45-42 win at TCU&a team that played in the National Championship a year before. Shedeur Sanders, Deions son, broke the school record for passing yards in his first outing as the Buffaloes quarterback. Travis Hunter played over 120 snaps on both sides of the ball, making his presence felt at wide receiver and cornerback. It was enough to silence the skeptics for at least one week. And so ESPNs Adam Rittenberg, who has been keeping tabs on the scene in Boulder since Primetimes arrival, tells us if he himself is now a believer, or if it was just a case of beginners luck.

Sean Payton Doesnt Forget Anything: 9/7/23

The job of NFL head coach is notoriously brutal. It involves endless hours of grinding tape and scheming up gameplans, not to mention endless headaches from logistical challenges, personnel issues, and public relations battles. Its not for the faint of heart. And yet, after a theoretically relaxing season away from the game of football, 59-year-old Sean Payton has elected to return to the grind as the new head coach of the Denver Broncos. So today, with the NFL season upon us, ESPNs Seth Wickersham explains how, in spite of the litany of grudges and grievances Payton has held against the league for many years, he just cant quit this game.

Mina Kimes Previews the 2023 NFL Season: 9/6/23

The wait is over: The NFL regular season is finally upon us, and there will be football every weekend from now until February. The season officially kicks off this Thursday when the defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs take on the Detroit Lions, who have a lot to prove themselves. Theres also an abundance of young quarterbacks, gunning to be the new faces of the league as the new guard transitions in. But the old guard isnt completely ready to hand over the reigns just yet, as the Aaron Rodgers experience has relocated to New York. And whos title window is still open? Our favorite football nerd, Mina Kimes, helps us ring in the new season and returns to answer all the burning questions you might have looming.

Satchel Paiges Legend and Legacy, 75 Years After His MLB Debut (ENCORE): 9/5/23

The Negro Leagues biggest star, pitcher Satchel Paige, is a figure who at times feels more myth& more legend than man: his fastball was supposedly clocked at 105 mph, he estimated that he threw more than 50 no-hitters throughout his career, and he claimed to have had such a command of the baseball that he could allegedly work both corners of a chewing gum wrapper&and even his age itself is a hotly debated topic still to this day. So today, guest host Justin Tinsley explores the life and legacy of Satchel Paige, a man whose legendary feats may always be debated, but whose impact on the game is without question.

Baseball is who I am. The Unforgettable Story of Sarah Langs (ENCORE): 9/4/23

If youre a baseball fan, odds are youre probably familiar with the story of Lou Gehrig. The New York Yankees legend who left the game in 1939 after he was diagnosed with ALS and is honored around the Major Leagues on Lou Gehrig Day every June 2. And today, theres someone else in baseball who is fighting the exact same fight Gehrig fought over 80 years ago: Sarah Langs. Sarah is a baseball researcher and analyst, and has worked for ESPN and MLB. Shes one of sports medias brightest young voices, and Buster Olney joins us today to share her story&and how she remains unphased after life threw her a devastating curveball. For more information on Sarahs Fist Bumps for ALS campaign, click here.

How Sean Taylors Brother is Continuing His Legacy at Safety: 9/1/23

Sean Taylor was one of the most gifted and respected defensive players of his generation, and his 2007 death during a burglary gone wrong rocked the NFL. But with a new college football season kicking off in earnest this weekend, another chapter in the Taylor family legacy is being written. Lisa Salters brings us the story of Seans younger brother, Gabriel Taylor, now a starting safety for Rice University. Its the story of a young man learning to step out of his older brothers shadow, and how nearly 15 years after Seans death, Gabriel keeps his spirit alive, one snap at a time.

A World Cup Victory, a Forced Kiss, and a Reckoning with Sexism in Spain: 8/31/23

Spain are the Womens World Cup champions for the first time ever. That should be the story. The moment should have been euphoric, a historic triumph for the best players in the world. But it all changed when Spanish Soccer Federation President Luis Rubiales grabbed and kissed forward Jenni Hermoso without her consent. Now, instead of celebrating, Spanish players have taken a stand and are refusing to play another game for Spain unless Rubiales is removed from his position, which he has refused to step away from voluntarily. ESPN Soccer reporter Alex Kirkland is based in Madrid, and joins the show to take us inside this firestorm&which shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.

The Most Watched Womens Sporting Event in History: Nebraska Womens Volleyball?: 8/30/23

Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska is the house that Tom Osborne built. Its the hallowed place where so many Cornhusker fans of a certain age remember the football team dominating the 1990s, winning national championships, and breaking NCAA records. Memorial Stadium also holds the record for longest streak of sellout games&but theres one game taking place there tonight that might set a whole nother record of its own. The Nebraska womens volleyball team is set to play against the University of Nebraska, Omaha tonight at Memorial Stadium, and a crowd of over 91,000 is expected. That has the potential not just to set a new attendance record at the stadium&it can possibly be the most attended womens sporting event in the world. So today, ESPNs Liz Merrill tells us how this all came together, why its such a big deal&and why its really not as much of a surprise as outsiders might think it is.

The Secret History of the Burpee: The One Exercise to Rule Them All: 8/29/23

If youve ever played sports, or really, any physical activity, then youre most likely familiar with the Burpee. Weve all done them and from junior high gym class, to military boot camp, to the Crossfit Games, the burpee remains undefeated. This unique blend of strength training and cardio is often used to bring teams together such as in the case of the Detroit Lions under head coach Dan Campbell despite simultaneously tearing your insides apart. But where did this whole thing begin? And why? And where did that name come from? Today, ESPNs Dave Fleming tells the tale of the secret history of the burpee. The humble calisthenic that became the one exercise to rule them all.

2023 College Football Preview with Spencer Hall: 8/28/23

This might be the most anticipated college football season in recent memory. USC looks ready to build off of last season and rally around the reigning Heisman Trophy winner in Caleb Williams, but can their defense keep up? Can Colorado, now led by Deion Sanders, be competitive after so many years as a Pac-12 cellar dweller? The Big 12 also prepares for its last season before realignment shakes up the entire conference as we know it, so how will Texas and Oklahoma do in their farewell tours before they bolt for the SEC? And speaking of the SEC, Georgia lost several key contributors from last years national championship team, but can their new faces do enough to help them run it back? And why does it feel so quiet over in Alabama? ESPNs Spencer Hall surveys the college football landscape for us, and he tells us what to expect from this season.

Can Caleb Williams and USC Finish the Job?: 8/25/23

The 2022 college football season was almost a dream for USC. Led by a flashy new coach in Lincoln Riley who brought his star quarterback Caleb Williams with him the Trojans finished with an 8-1 record in the Pac-12. Williams cemented himself as the best player in the nation throughout his Heisman-winning campaign, and there was an electricity surrounding the Coliseum that hadnt been felt in a generation. But the dream came to a sudden halt in the Pac-12 Championship Game, as the Trojans lost to Utah for the second time in 2022. Giving away a 15-point fourth quarter lead to Tulane in the Cotton Bowl only rubbed salt in the wounds, and the Achilles heel of this team became evident, as their defense ended the year one of the worst in the nation. So today, ahead of their season opener this weekend, ESPNs Paolo Uggetti tells us how Williams has been prepping for the new season, what USC has done to address their glaring holes on the opposite side of the ball&and if its enough to get them to the College Football Playoff for the first time.

Simone Biles is Back: What Are Her Paris 2024 Chances?: 8/24/23

While weve hit a break in Taylor Swifts Eras Tour, Simone Biles leg has just begun. Biles returned to competition at the US Classic in early August, where she became an all around champion after a two-year hiatus from gymnastics. Back in 2021, Biles pulled out of the Tokyo Olympics due to mental health concerns - and many wondered if that was the last time wed ever see her on the mat. But now, she intends to return to the Games at the 2024 Paris Olympics. So today, Alyssa Roenigk tells us why Simone Biles is ready to begin again&and how since Tokyo, everything has changed for US gymnastics.

Bill Barnwell Predicts This Seasons NFL Risers and Fallers: 8/23/23

As always the offseason brought a ton of change: In Chicago, the Bears doubled down on their franchise quarterback, Justin Fields, and surrounded him with talent. Head coach Sean Payton returns to the sidelines in hopes of fixing Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos. The Minnesota Vikings decided that now is the time to look to the future, despite winning 13 games in 2022. So with the start of the NFL season right around the corner, fans throughout the league are filled with hope and anticipation that the beginning of a new year always brings. Those great expectations can end in playoff appearances and Super Bowl wins, or missed opportunities and overwhelming disappointment. Bill Barnwell delivers his annual dissertation on which teams are set to rise and which can expect a fall when all is said and done this NFL season.

Why J.J. Watt, Tom Brady, and Ryan Reynolds Are Investing In British Soccer: 8/22/23

Stop us if youve heard this before: American football icon travels across the Atlantic to inspire a small market English football club and in the process, falls in love with the people and community. And while Ted Lasso might be finished (for now), there are some real life examples of American athletes and celebrities getting involved with English football: LeBron James has been a partial investor in Liverpool FC since 2011, Tom Brady is an investor of Birmingham City, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney own Wrexham FC, and as of May: J.J. Watt and his wife Kealia are minority owners in Burnley FC. Connor OHalloran toured the small town of Burnley with the Watts, and he talked to them about their experience with the team, the fans who love the club, and why they wanted to buy into English soccer.

Why Jiu-Jitsu is the Key to Tua Tagovailoas 2023 Season: 8/21/23

The 2022 season started off great for Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. After struggling in his first two seasons in the NFL, it looked like he had turned a corner alongside new head coach Mike McDaniel and star wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. But then Tua suffered an injury against the Bills that left almost everyone concerned for his health. The following week against Cincinnati, Tua suffered a concussion, in a horrifying scene on national television. And not too long after that, he suffered another, effectively ending his season and almost his career. But Tua ultimately decided to return, and may have found a way to protect himself on the field: by learning jiu-jitsu. So today, ESPNs Marcel Louis-Jacques explains how Tuas martial arts training can translate onto the field&and how it might be the key to him staying healthy and prolonging his career.

Is MLS Too Easy for Messi?: 8/18/23

When we last talked about Lionel Messi on this show, ahead of his debut for Inter Miami, we talked about how he might find Major League Soccer tougher than expected. But as it turns out, we were very, very wrong. Messi continues to remind us why he is the GOAT, as hes scored nine goals in his first six matches throughout the Leagues Cup, and hes barely broken a sweat while doing so, even at the age of 36. So today, ahead of the Leagues Cup final between Inter Miami and Nashville SC this weekend, ESPNs Luis Miguel Echegaray tells us why Messis absolute dominance says more about Messi than it does about MLS&and how it will help the league in the long run.

The Blind Side Controversy: Sorting Fact from Fiction: 8/17/23

In 2009, audiences flocked to the theater to see a heartwarming movie, The Blind Side. Based on a true story, the film depicts a young, Black man named Michael Oher who came from an unstable background, getting adopted by a wealthy white family, who then helped propel him to NFL stardom as an offensive tackle for the Baltimore Ravens. By the time its box office run ended, The Blind Side earned the moniker "highest-grossing sports movie of all time" and was nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, where Sandra Bullock won Best Actress for her portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy. But now, in real life, the sentimental story has gone sideways. Its central character, Michael Oher, claims the Tuohy family never adopted him at all, and instead took advantage of him. The Tuohy family strongly denies these claims. So today, Michael Fletcher, who first broke this story, digs into these stunning allegations and explains how the truth of Michael Ohers story has become harder to find.

The 'Chargering' Phenomenon: How Real Is It?: 8/16/23

The Chargers are a little different from some of the teams that have never won a Super Bowl. They seem to always find themselves in the playoff hunt. Theyve always had great names on the team: Dan Fouts, Junior Seau, LaDanian Tomlinson, Antonio Gates, Phillip Rivers. Even this current iteration of the team has premiere talent with quarterback Justin Herbert, running back Austin Ekeler, wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, edge rushers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, and in the secondary with Derwin James and JC Jackson. But for some reason, regardless of talent, the Chargers have always come up short in the biggest spots. Often in spectacular fashion. According to Lindsey Thiry, theres a name for that phenomenon: Chargering. She joins the show to explain how chargering has been around as long as the team has, how its the only logical explanation for some of the most spectacular collapses in the teams history&and what this years team can do to put chargering behind them once and for all.

The Hug Heard Round the World, One Year Later: 8/15/23

One year ago, a Little League qualifying game that should have been remembered as one teams ticket to Williamsport, became known for so much more. One batter, Isaiah Jarvis, was hit in the head by a wayward pitch. He was able to take first base and stay in the game, however the opposing pitcher, Kaiden Shelton, was still visibly shaken up by what had transpired. Then, the world stopped when Jarvis walked to the mound with a gift that everyone could use a lot more of compassion. He embraced Shelton, offered him some words of encouragement, and the game went on. So today, Liz Merrill tells us the story of that moment and how a couple of 12-year-olds reminded us all about the power of sportsmanship.

How the Opioid Epidemic Became Personal for Giants Pitcher Logan Webb: 8/14/23

Life can change in an instant. For San Francisco Giants pitcher Logan Webb, that instant came on a December evening in 2021, when a national epidemic opiate addiction stopped being a statistic and became personal. In that moment of profound loss, he discovered a new purpose that would take him well beyond the baseball field, and mean more than throwing strikes or winning games ever could. So today, ESPNs Sam Borden tells the story of Webbs new mission: raising awareness on the perils of addiction, while honoring the memory of a cousin&and a friend&gone too soon.

The Jordan Love Era in Green Bay Kicks Off: 8/11/23

The Green Bay Packers kick off their preseason schedule tonight, and for the first time in three decades, someone not named Brett Favre or Aaron Rodgers will be under center. Jordan Love will finally get the nod as QB1 after three years as Rodgers understudy. And we may finally be getting closer to knowing if Love can fill some Hall of Fame-sized shoes and be Green Bays third consecutive franchise quarterback&or if we still have more unanswered questions. ESPNs Rob Demovsky has covered the Packers for 27 years, and he joins the show to tell us about this new era in Green Bay&and how familiar this transition feels.

Gregg Popovich and Chateau dYquem, the Ultimate Pairing: 8/10/23

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich has an unparalleled resume: head coach and GM of the Spurs for over 25 years, the all-time winningest coach in NBA history, and five championship rings to show for it. And after this weekend, Pop will finally be able to add Hall of Famer to that list of accomplishments. What will he do after his induction ceremony? Probably celebrate with his favorite wine: Ch�teau dYquem, which has its own extensive and sustained history of excellence. So today, ESPNs Baxter Holmes tells you about the symbiotic relationship between one of the greatest basketball coaches of all time, and the drink that can possibly be his equal.

The Seattle Kraken BookTok Hockey Romance Controversy, Explained: 8/9/23

The Seattle Kraken are the NHLs newest expansion team, and from their inception, theyve done things a little differently. Case in point: their social media approach. Back in the spring during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Krakens TikTok account was discovered by BookTok. If youre now asking yourself, what is BookTok? youre not alone. BookTok is a community on TikTok which is comprised of creators and readers discussing all things books. BookTok embraced the Kraken, and the Kraken started posting videos that specifically targeted BookTok. The moment represented two niche fandoms coming together&and it seemed like the end of the story&until last week, when things took a bit of a turn. If this story sounds a bit absurd so far, stay with us: it actually touches on some of the biggest issues in sports, social media, literature&and objectification. So today, Greg Wyshynski helps us explain the Seattle Kraken BookTok hockey romance controversy&and he tells us what happens when the worlds of fiction, online fandom&and real-life athletes&collide.

What the Collapse of the Pac-12 Means for the Future of College Football: 8/8/23

The good news, if you're a Pac-12 Football fan, is that the 2023 seasons looking pretty good. Last year's Heisman Trophy winner, Caleb Williams, is returning to USC. And Five Pac-12 Teams are represented in the First Top 25 Coaches Poll The bad news& well&after 2023, the Pac-12 as weve traditionally known it is basically headed to the dustbin of history. So today, college football insider Heather Dinich explains the sudden and stunning disintegration of a Power 5 conference&whether any of its peers should be worried about their own futures& and how different college football may look when the carousel finally stops turning.

What Does Damar Hamlins Football Future Look Like?: 8/7/23

When Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin went down on the field in the middle of a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football back on January 3rd, the last thing on anybodys mind was his return to football&the number one question was if he would even survive. Now, seven months later, Hamlin has miraculously responded to both those questions with a resounding yes. Hes been a full participant at Bills training camp, and hes slowly transitioning back to his identity as a young player trying to keep a roster spot. So today, ESPN Bills reporter Alaina Getzenberg gives us the latest on Hamlins comeback&and gauges how secure his roster spot really is.

Ali Krieger on USWNTs Group Stage Woes + Round of 16 Preview: 8/4/23

The US Womens National Soccer Team have found themselves in an unfamiliar position going into the knockout stage of the World Cup: with their backs against the wall. The USWNT, who have historically dominated the tournament since its inception and have never finished worse than third place, struggled through the group stage&and it wont get any easier, as a physical Sweden team awaits them in the round of 16. ESPNs Ali Krieger is a former member of the USWNT herself, and she tells us what shes seen on the pitch from her old team, how expansion of womens soccer around the world has elevated this edition of the World Cup&and why theres still hope for a USA three-peat.

Will Aaron Rodgers and the Jets Live Up to the Hype?: 8/3/23

The New York Jets might not have wanted to see themselves on HBOs Hard Knocks, but theyre about the only people who felt that way. In ESPN Jets reporter Rich Ciminis words, everyone wants to see the Jets. And for good reason: they have an exciting core of young talent and personalities on both sides of the ball such as Sauce Gardner and Garret Wilson, and they just traded for one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time in Aaron Rodgers, who had openly stated that his only desire was to play this year in a Jets uniform. On top of that, Rodgers recently agreed to restructure his contract, essentially giving back $35 million to give the front office some cap flexibility. Its an unprecedented pay cut, and today Cimini tells us if its all enough to turn the Jets into legit Super Bowl contenders.

'You Ever Look at a Ninja?': �The Untold Stories of Joe Thomas HoF Career: 8/2/23

The life of an NFL Offensive Lineman isnt an easy one. If you do your job well, you are pretty much invisible, taking all the punishment so that your teammates can get all the glory. Its all about sacrifice for the greater good of the team. And then, theres the curious case of Joe Thomas, who had one of the most prolific careers in NFL history, despite playing on some horrible Cleveland Browns teams. Thomas played over 10,000 consecutive snaps throughout his 11-year career, none of which came in the playoffs. In fact, the only time Thomas was on a winning team was in his rookie season. But he remained loyal to Cleveland, and will finally get his glory this weekend as hes enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. So today, ESPN Browns reporter Jake Trotter brings you Thomas story, and explains how he found joy in the least expected place.

Jonathan Taylor and the Colts: What Went Wrong?: 8/1/23

The tension between NFL owners and running backs is continuing to escalate. In the latest development, Jonathan Taylor and the Indianapolis Colts have come to a stalemate, with Taylor reportedly requesting a trade following a meeting with Colts owner Jim Irsay. Irsay has been vocal about not wanting to extend Taylors contract, which ends after this season&and about paying running backs in general. Irsays stance follows a recent trend among NFL executives: devaluing the running back position, signing them to less money, and selecting them later in the draft. What happens in the Taylor-Irsay saga has the potential to determine what path the NFL goes down at-large when it comes to their offensive backfields. So today, ESPN Colts reporter Stephen Holder brings us the latest from Colts training camp&and where this dispute might go next.

Inside the 49ers QB Room: 2023 Outlook for Brock Purdy, Trey Lance, and Sam Darnold: 7/31/23

Every football season in San Francisco brings fans another chance to lose their minds over who is starting under center. QB1 for the Niners has become a gig that no one can seem to hold onto for more than a season or two: from Jimmy Garoppolo to Trey Lance, back to Jimmy Garoppolo, and then to Brock Purdy it seems like you never know whos going to be in the pocket for the 49ers. Were not calling it a curse, or even a controversy, but it has been unpredictable. So today, Nick Wagoner takes us through the QB room of 2023, where Mr. Irrelevant, Brock Purdy, is returning from elbow surgery. The Niners once-heir apparent, Trey Lance is battling with another former top draft pick, Sam Darnold, for the number two spot. And he tells us what this all means for a roster thats ready to win now.

Mallory Rubin on the Return of Orioles Magic: 7/28/23

The Baltimore Orioles have the best record in the entire American League. Yes, you read that correctly. When you think of the best team in the AL East, you might think of the New York Yankees, or Boston Red Sox, or even the Tampa Bay Rays in recent years. But this year its the Os who stand head and shoulders above the rest. The same team who lost 110 games two seasons ago is now led by two of the most exciting prospects in baseball in Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson&and theyll be taking center stage this weekend, as they host the Yankees on Sunday Night Baseball, marking the first time the Orioles have done so in five years. So today, long-suffering Orioles fan Mallory Rubin of The Ringer joins the show to break down what this run means for the Os faithful&and how long this particular version of Orioles magic can last.

The Ballad of Gardner Minshew: The NFL's Most Interesting QB?: 7/27/23

Journeymen quarterbacks dont typically merit long, in-depth profiles from national reporters, nor, for that matter, from this show. But very little about Gardner Minshew is typical. With his handle-bar mustache, emotions all over his sleeves, and propensity to fashion unexpected magic off the bench, Minshew has become a walking NFL meme the internet always eager for another round of Minshew Mania. So today, ESPNs Ryan Hockensmith tells us about his lunch with Minshew, which unearthed even more surprising details about the Indianapolis Colts quarterback, including the time he tried to break his own hand with a hammer. And then, theres the video of a postgame hug with his dad from 2021, which explains the passion that drives and defines Gardner Minshew II.

Whos on the Hot Seat in 2023? Bill Barnwells NFL All-Pressure Team: 7/26/23

Training camp is officially underway and the dawn of a new NFL season is upon us. But with a new season, there are new questions: Who will live up to their expectations? Who will disappoint? Who will rise out of nowhere? And for some people around the league, the stakes are even higher. Can Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa return to his elite form? How will Kirk Cousins cement his legacy with the Minnesota Vikings? Will the Dallas Cowboys keep winning when head coach Mike McCarthy assumes playcalling duties? So today, Bill Barnwell explains who has everything to prove among both players and coaches. This is the 2023 NFL All-Pressure Team.

The Northwestern Hazing Scandal, Explained: 7/25/23

For more than 150 years, Northwestern University has been known more for its academics than its prowess on the gridiron. The type of school that seems like the last place you would expect to find a scandal involving hazing and abuse in its football program. But over the last couple weeks, a growing list of accusations and alleged victims has come forward. Pat Fitzgerald, the Wildcats long time head coach and a decorated former player himself, has been fired, and the university is facing multiple lawsuits&with more likely coming. So today, ESPNs Adam Rittenberg explains this complex case from the beginning. What we know, what we dont&and where it might be heading next.

SEC in 2023: Ryan McGee on Georgia Future, New Look Bama, and Vols Violations: 7/24/23

The SEC sparks the conversation around college football at the start of seemingly every season: and its usually SEC teams were talking about at the end of the season, too. And after an offseason dominated by off the field tragedy at Georgia, violations at Tennessee, and the impending addition of both Texas and Oklahoma to the most powerful conference in college sports, 2023 promises to be no different. Ryan McGee was at the Grand Hyatt in downtown Nashville for SEC Media Days, so he stopped by to get us prepared for the new season of SEC football.

A Mothers Vow, a Worldwide Search, and the Mystery of the Dallas Mavericks Barbie: 7/21/23

Throughout human history, the allure of rare and mysterious artifacts has always summoned our bravest and most intrepid explorers to scour the ends of the earth. The Ark of the Covenant. The Holy Grail. And now, the Dallas Mavericks Barbie. The ultra-rare Mavs Barbie, the product of a late 90s collaboration between Mattel and the NBA, has given collectors everywhere headaches for years as the missing piece to their Barbie collections. She is so hard to find, in fact, that some collectors have even questioned her existence. So today, ESPNs Dave Fleming takes us inside his quest for Mavericks Barbie, why shes so hard to find&and how he helped put an end to one collectors 25-year pursuit.

The Daniel Snyder Era Ends in Washington: 7/20/23

Washington D.C. football fans rejoice: Today, NFL owners are expected to ratify the sale of the Commanders, ending Daniel Snyders tenure as owner. After nearly a quarter century of mediocrity, marked by scandal, accusation, ineptitude, and toxicity, an ownership group led by Josh Harris will take the reins. So today, as Washington fans prepare to meet the new boss whom theyre praying is anything but the same as the old boss ESPNs John Keim tells us how it all went so wrong during the Snyder years&and what hope now looks like in DC.

Life Lessons From the NBAs Most Surprising Free Agent Deal: 7/19/23

When you think of the most recognizable players in the NBA, forward Bruce Brown wouldnt be very high on the list. Were not even sure hed crack the top 50. But after having a breakout postseason in 2022-23 and winning a title with the Denver Nuggets, Brown was considered one of the most coveted free agents among teams with championship aspirations&which ultimately led to his two-year, $45 million contract with the Indiana Pacers. Even then, understanding his value is a lot more complicated than simply pointing to a stat sheet. So today, Ben Cohen of the Wall Street Journal is here to enlighten us and explain why Bruce Brown is cashing in, what he can teach all of us about being overlooked&and how being a good teammate can be its own super power.

On the Road with Shohei Ohtani: 7/18/23

You arent nuts, we did just do a Shohei Ohtani episode two weeks ago. But when youre dealing with MLBs brightest star, a unicorn who can blow you away from the pitchers mound and then blow you out from the batters box, every day is something brand new. So, do a piece on Ohtani one day, and just a few hours after its published, he might have another historic moment. ESPNs Tim Keown took a different approach. He hung around the Los Angeles Angels clubhouse for an entire week, bookended by two Ohtani starts, to get to the bottom of who Ohtani really is, on and off the diamond. So today, Keown shares his findings&and gives us some insight into what the future might hold for Shohei Ohtani, at the trade deadline, and beyond.

2023 Womens World Cup Preview: Can USWNT 3-Peat?: 7/17/23

The United States Womens National Soccer Team has established themselves as one of the most dominant powerhouses in sports - ever. In the eight Womens World Cups played, USA has won four of them, reached the semifinals each tournament, and has never finished lower than third place. As this edition of the team takes the field for the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, well see the familiar faces of Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, Julie Ertz, Rose Lavelle, and Kristie Mewis among others but theres also 14 players on the roster making their World Cup debut. This years squad is no exception to the expectations on their shoulders - and are well aware of the additional pressure that comes with the prospect of winning three World Cups in a row - something no team, mens or womens, has ever accomplished. So today, with a three-peat on the line, Jeff Carlisle tells us what we can expect to see from a USWNT that continues to chase history.

Messi Takes Miami: What Leos Arrival Means for Soccer in America: 7/14/23

Lionel Messi, the best soccer player of the 21st century, perhaps of all time, is coming to America. And yes, Pele decamped to New York to join the Cosmos nearly half a century ago& and David Beckham bent the soccer universe by joining the LA Galaxy in 2007. But THIS is different&this is quite possibly even bigger. So today, ahead of Messis official debut for Inter Miami in MLS, ESPNs Luis Miguel Echegaray tells us what it all means&and why Miami, specifically, is the perfect landing spot for the one and only Leo Messi.

Chiefsaholic: Superfan, Twitter Personality&Bank Robber? (UPDATE): 7/13/23

Six months ago, ESPNs Liz Merrill introduced us to the mystery of Chiefsaholic, the Kansas City Chiefs superfan who lived a lavish lifestyle, but also had been arrested for robbing an Oklahoma bank in December. So much has happened since we told that story: while awaiting his next court date, Chiefsaholic, whose real name is Xavier Babudar, reportedly cut off his ankle monitor, threw it in the woods, and skipped town. A manhunt spanning across multiple states ensued and finally came to an end last Friday, when Babudar was apprehended by the FBI. And only then did we learn that his arrest was just the tip of the iceberg. So today, Liz Merrill returns to expand on the mystery of Chiefsaholic, whose tale has somehow become even harder to believe.

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