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Wake up to the best sports story you'll hear all day. Monday through Friday, we bring you an inside look at the most interesting stories in sports, as told by ESPN's top reporters and insiders. The breaking news of SportsCenter. The deep dive storytelling of 30 for 30. Get the very best of ESPN. Daily. Hosted by Clinton Yates.
Archived Podcasts
The Invisible Problem Spoiling Game Day for Millions: 8/30/24
The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed 34 years ago, leading to a significant rise in awareness, inclusion, and accommodation for people with disabilities across the country. But all these years later, many needs remain unmet by stadiums and arenas nationwide. And the challenges faced by tens of millions of Americans with invisible disabilities are often under-appreciated and misunderstood. Today, Sam Borden helps us bridge the gap, taking us inside his expansive project on these unseen challenges, and revealing what we risk losing when we overlook them.
The NFLs Overlooked Game Breakers: 8/29/24
The NFL season is only one week away and while quarterbacks and Fantasy Football starting lineups are dominating everyones mind, there are hidden game breakers through the league that just might get overlooked. From the tight ends in Buffalo, to the defensive backs in K.C., to the man replacing future Hall of Famer Jason Kelce, these games will be decided from just about every spot on the roster. Not to mention the coaches, whose game planning and the play calling are often the razor-thin difference between playing in January and taking an early vacation. So today, ESPNs newest NFL expert Ben Solak breaks down who he thinks could be true influencers this season from the field to the sidelines. difference makers for a lot of contenders in this league.
Texas A&Ms 12th Man Towel Heist: 8/28/24
Youve heard of the 12th man before, but probably didnt know that it originated at Texas A&M. Because back in 1922, a fan by the name of E. King Gill, literally came out of the crowd and donned a jersey, helmet, and pads to support the Aggies, after a rash of injuries shrunk their roster in the Dixie Classic. Some 60 years later, Jackie Sherrill, the newly appointed Aggie head coach was so impressed by the rough and tumble nature of the student body, that he literally assembled a kick coverage team made up entirely of walk ons, called the 12th Man Kickoff Coverage Unit. ESPN College Football reporter Dave Wilson explains how that rogue unit of madmen, took it to Notre Dame, and its Heisman Trophy winner Tim Brown, in the 1988 Cotton Bowl. And tells us all about the trophy that they claimed from that game.
How Ali Truwit Rose from Sadness and Pain to the Paralympics: 8/27/24
Life was perfect for Ali Truwit. She was in Turks and Caicos with her best friend celebrating her graduation from Yale. Her life stretched before her, like the clear blue sea. But one moment in the ocean changed her life forever. And suddenly, Ali, whos entire life revolved around being in the water, was faced with the prospect that she might never swim again. Today Aish Kumar shares Alis story, and explains how doing the work to reclaim what she lost, opened the door to Ali representing the United States in the 2024 Paralympic Games.
How a Heavy Crown Derailed Nebraskas Harper Murray: 8/26/24
In Lincoln, Nebraska, it doesn't get any bigger than Husker Volleyball. From sold out arenas, to raking in record attendances, it's not so much a team as it is a culture, and heavy is the head that wears the crown. But for Harper Murray, who made a bold prediction after losing in the national championship game to Texas, social media threats and public pressures began to take over not just her career, but her life. So today, Jen Karson-Strauss, the co-director of a recent E-60 feature on the Huskers titled No Place Like Nebraska explains how this team dealt with adversity.
Is the NWSL Ready to Surf a Global Wave in Women's Soccer? : 8/23/24
With the U.S. Womens National Teams Olympic championship in the rearview mirror, its time to turn our attention to the National Womens Soccer League as play restarts this weekend. Allegations of widespread sexual and emotional abuse forced a reckoning for the league in 2021. But three years later, a groundbreaking collective bargaining agreement is in effect, investment is pouring in, and franchise values are on the rise. Today, Philadelphia Inquirer soccer reporter Jonathan Tannenwald explains how the U.S. gold medal triumph sets the stage for the remainder of the NWSL season and why, both globally and domestically, the womens game has never been better.
Why Everyone Needs a Francisco Lindor: 8/22/24
Lets face it, for the last few years, the New York Mets have made headlines in the most Metropolitan way possible. From first round playoff flamouts to million dollar fire sales to chucking gloves in the stands, something always seemed to be going wrong in Queens. But through it all, the one enduring constant has been their underrated superstar shortstop Francisco Lindor. And with the Mets looking to make noise this October, his off the field leadership could be more valuable than his Hall of Fame numbers. So Jeff Passan joins us to explain why Lindor is definitely the guy you want in you clubhouse and how the Mets could be building MLBs next juggernaut.
Inside the Magic of Americas Greatest Amateur Tradition: 8/21/24
The rolling hills of Central Pennsylvania are home to Howard J. Lamade Stadium one of the most fabulous baseball sites in America and the site of the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Every year teams from around the globe travel to this small town to showcase their grit, hope, sportsmanship and will to win. While this represents everything thats great about the game of baseball, theres also a special brand of magic that takes place thats hard to explain if youve never been. So today, ESPNs Sebastian Salazar joins us to break down exactly what makes Williamsport so special from the families, to the competition and, of course, the food.
Buckle Up, College Football is Back : 8/20/24
While we are still enjoying the last moments of summer, the college football machine is already off and running as a fully operational battlestation. The CFB Top 25 rankings were just released and while some teams are looking poised to be some serious competition, others have fallen in the rankings leaving many questions up in the air. There have been so many changes in 2024, from the new sheriff in town for the Crimson Tide, to the SoCal teams swimming in the ultra-competitive Big Ten waters. Not to mention the chaos that will be the new playoff format. So today, college football uber-expert Ryan McGee joins us to make sense of all of this and more.
A Chicago Bears Owners Surprising Side Gig & A Caleb Williams Check-in: 8/19/24
Today, as the Little League World Series brings youth sports front and center, ESPNs Courtney Cronin explains how George McCaskey, a scion of the legendary Halas family who owns the Chicago Bears, became a community fixture in youth sports as an umpire. Plus, Courtneys been watching the Bears closely this preseason and tells us whether or not theyve found their dream team with the rookie duo of quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze.
What Armando Galarragas Near Perfect Game Can Teach us About Justice: 8/16/24
When Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga took the mound on June 2, 2010 he was just looking to prove to the team that he deserved the stay in the starting rotation. But what began as a routine outing, turned into one of the most dramatic and historic moments in baseball history. Galarraga sat down the first 26 Cleveland hitters that he faced, leaving him one out away from a perfect game. But moments later, instead of glory, a blown call by the umpire, Jim Joyce, kicked off a nightmare for Major League Baseball. Today, ESPNs Jen Lada explains what we can learn about justice and equity from this moment in time. Jens report, E-60 Presents 28 Outs: An Imperfect Story, airs August 18 at 4pm ET on ESPN and ESPN+.
Will the WNBA Season Have a Gold-Medal Hangover?: 8/15/24
The Olympic games are over and on the hardwood, both the men and women of Team USA brought home gold. But while the guys head off to vacation, the WNBA athletes are getting back to work. The leagues four-week break for the Paris Olympiad is over with teams taking the court tonight to kick off the seasons home stretch. And many storylines are still up in the air. Today, ESPNs Rebecca Lobo, an Olympic gold medalist and former WNBA All-Star herself, drops by to tell us about the playoff push and what its like to represent your country on the hardcourt.
Does Rhythm Hold the Key to Sports Greatness?: 8/14/24
Some of the greatest achievements in sports and music are the product of the same phenomenonfinding your flow. That is the motivating idea behind a new ESPN Film, from the mind of Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart, titled Rhythm Masters. Hart interviewed numerous athletes and coaches from different sports, from Phil Jackson and Laila Ali, to Marshawn Lynch and Joe Montana. The result is an exploration of the common threads between top level athletes and musical artists. Our own Wright Thompson worked with Hart on the film. In advance of its premiere tonight on ESPN, he takes us inside the production teams artistic process, explains Bill Waltons influence on the project, and examines the often overlooked role that creativity plays in athletic greatness. For more on Bill Walton and the Grateful Dead, check out our 2021 conversation with the man himself.
European Soccer Gets Underway in the Premier League and La Liga: 8/13/24
The Olympics are over, but in Europe, the soccer season is just about to get underway. In England, Premier League football begins on Friday, and the question everyone needs answered? Can anyone topple Manchester City from the top of the heap? Meanwhile, further south in the continent, La Liga starts on Thursday. And the league with the most star power on the map, welcomes the best player on the planet in Kylian Mbapp�, to its biggest brand, Real Madrid. Today, ESPNs Luis Miguel Echegaray tells us everything we need to know ahead of the start of two of the biggest soccer leagues on the planet.
The Olympics Enters its Influencer Era: 8/12/24
The Summer 2024 Paris Olympics just ended, and it was truly a return to form for the games. France, and the world, embraced the athletes from across the globe, and with no COVID restrictions in place, we got a chance to see the competitors play a brand new role. Influencer. We were able to get up close and personal thanks to the access you get on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter, or X, which made for a fun, and at times hilarious two weeks of competition. So today, our Emily Kaplan puts down her hockey stick and dives into social media to explain how the Olympics is entering its influencer stage.
The Quiet Stardom of Katie Ledecky: 8/9/24
After winning two golds, a silver, and a bronze in Paris, Thursday brought news that Katie Ledecky will carry the flag for the United States in Sundays Olympic closing ceremonies. Its just another item on a very, very long list of career records and milestones. But despite the wild success, Ledeckys unassuming personality and predictable dominance have made her more of a steady champion than a cultural phenomenon. Today, our Darcy Maine helps peel back the curtain to understand what makes Ledecky tick, how shes achieved such greatness, and whether well see her on the Olympic stage one more time.
Track and Field in Paris Has Lived up to Its Olympic Billing: 8/8/24
The second week of the Olympic Games means one thing the promise that stars will either fall or be made in track and field. And from what weve seen so far, Paris has delivered. Noah Lyles claimed the title of Fastest Man Alive and has his sights set on claiming more gold in todays 200M event. And while ShaCarri Richardson lived up to her 2020 promise that she would be a presence in these Games, despite so many counting her out. Then theres the newly minted national heroes like Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia and Thea LaFond of Dominica bringing home the first medals in the history of their respective countries. So today, from Paris, Coley Harvey shares his front row seat in Stade de France and lets us know that the drama in these Games is just getting started.
How Simone Biles Became an Agent of Change: 8/7/24
Paris womens gymnastics events were flooded by Olympics fans looking to get one last peek at Simone Biles on the sports biggest stage. But her ultimate legacy will likely go far beyond what took place in this competition, or any other for that matter. Today, our Alyssa Roenigk draws on her years of reporting on Biles and explains how generations of gymnasts will have Simone to thank for a sport with a far healthier outlook on the body and the mind. Alyssas project on Simone Biles is titled The Eras Tour - Simones Version.
Olympic Boxers Reignite Debate Over Inclusion in Womens Sports: 8/6/24
When Imane Khelif of Algeria defeated Italys Angela Carini in just 46 seconds at the Paris Olympics, she should have been celebrating her advancing to the quarterfinals. Instead, Khelif found herself at the center of a firestorm focused on her gender. Because even though she was born a woman, has lived her life as a woman, and was verified by the International Olympic Committee as a woman. There were loud voices spreading the misinformation that a man had just beaten up a woman in an Olympic boxing match. Its a familiar debate that has raged at different points in the modern sports world. About who is and isnt eligible to take part in womens athletics. And a fight that hits even harder against women of color. So today, ESPNs Katie Barnes joins the show to explain how the history of eligibility in womens athletics is tied to a complicated science that doesnt lend itself to simple regulations. And to explore why we keep weaponizing gender when it comes to womens sports.
Ben Solak on the NFLs Young Quarterback Landscape: 8/5/24
Weve seen how a good quarterback can change everything for an NFL franchise nearly overnight. Brett Favre started a chain of succession that is looking to anoint its third champion in Green Bay. Tom Brady turned the Patriots into the greatest dynasty the sport has ever seen. And Patrick Mahomes is looking to three-peat in Kansas City. And in todays NFL, it seems like the path to becoming an iconic signal caller is happening faster than ever before. So today, with the NFL season just around the corner, ESPNs newly cemented NFL Analyst Ben Solak tells us what we can expect from this rookie class of QBs, and how ready this new generation is to take the league by storm.
Volleyball legend Jordan Larsons quest for peace: 8/2/24
From a national title with the legendary Nebraska Huskers to bronze, silver and gold with Team USA in the Olympics, Jordan Larson has won every volleyball honor imaginable. For many people that is a complete resume, but for Larson that was never enough. What she sought from the game was an emotional connection to her peers, her hometown and her family. And as her career winds down she often finds herself reflecting on those lost connections of what could have been and since the loss of her mother what should have been. Today, Aishwarya Kumar shares the time she spent with Jordan Larson and reveals an intimate portrait on one Team USAs Olympic legends.
Jeff Passans MLB Trade Deadline Post-Mortem: 8/1/24
The dust has settled, and the MLB trade deadline is behind us. The rosters are more or less set for the stretch run of the MLB regular season. And what a deadline it was. 30 deals were struck on Tuesday alone, to say nothing of the moves that happened in the weeks leading up to July 31st. So Jeff Passan joins the show today to breakdown the comings and goings across the league.
Can anyone stop Team USAs quest for womens basketball gold?: 7/31/24
With the Olympic games well under way, so is the quest of the US womens basketball team as they go for their eighth-straight gold medal. And with names like Diana Taurasi, Aja Wilson, Nepheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart in tow, the odds are definitely in their favor. But who's got next for this juggernaut? And more importantly, when will the rest of the world catch up with Team USA? Today, Alexa Philippou joins us to break down everything we will see in Paris and beyond as Team USA continues to write their own elite history.
Bill Barnwell on the 49ers Contract Conundrum: 7/30/24
The NFL season is almost upon us. Training camps are open and preseason games start on Thursday, but in many corners of the league, the action is already well underway in the negotiating room. Like in San Francisco, where the 49ers are trying to figure out how to pay their Mr. irrelevant QB Brock Purdy the huge money he has coming his way while also trying to keep the rest of the Niners stars in town. And out in Texas, what will the Cowboys, and their checkbook, do about Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb? Today, Bill Barnwell breaks down all these decisions and more as he gets us ready for another year of Americas favorite TV Show the NFL
A Look at the New College Football Landscape: 7/29/24
Its not hyperbole to say that this may be the biggest shake-up college football has gone through in decades. The Pac-12 is extinct, the Big Ten stretches from coast-to-coast, the Big 12 and ACC are fighting to stay alive, and the SEC just keeps on gaining steam. Oh, and the College Football Playoff is expanding from four teams to an even dozen. So ESPN senior college football writer Heather Dinich, fresh off trips to both SEC and Big Ten media days, explains how things are going to work in college footballs new chapter.
How the NBA Got Into Business With an African Dictator: 7/26/24
A little more than three years ago, inside a shiny new arena in Rwandas capital, the Basketball Africa League launched its inaugural season. It was a milestone for the continent and for Americas National Basketball Association, which was a driving force behind the venture. But among human rights experts, the NBAs deal with Rwandas president Paul Kagame has raised questions since the very beginning. Today, our Mark Fainaru-Wada takes us inside his 18-month investigation into a partnership that formed the foundation for Africas new league and provides a clear-eyed examination of the complexities and ethical challenges of engaging in business with an authoritarian regime.
How the USWNT Fits into a Changing Womens Soccer Landscape: 7/25/24
The Olympic games are officially underway, and for the USWNT the chase for gold begins tonight against Zambia. But this isnt the same team that were used to seeing. The names have changed, and with Americas worst finish in a major international tournament EVER in the 2023 Womens World Cup, the playing field is stronger than ever. So today, ESPN global correspondent Sam Borden explains whats changed. Who stands between the ladies and a gold medal on the pitch?
Will Team USA Remain At The Top in the Paris Olympics?: 7/24/24
The 2024 Olympics are just about ready to get started in Paris. And that means that from sea-to-shining-sea, American fans are preparing to see the mens Olympic basketball team bring home gold. But, as weve seen in recent years, the talent gap between Team USA and the rest of the world has been closing on the hardwood. So today, ESPN NBA writer Tim Bontemps tells us if the most talented international team weve ever sent to the games can capture the gold against the most talented field in the history of the Olympic games.
Breakdancings Path From the Streets of the Bronx to the Olympics: 7/23/24
It's been a minute since breakdancing hit mainstream culture in the early 1980s, but this summer, its evolving to another level with breaking, a competitive version of this art form, making its Olympic debut at the 2024 Summer Games in Paris. 16 men and 16 women will compete for the first-ever breaking medals on August 9th and 10th. Today, Clover Gold introduces us to one of Americas top B-girls, Sunny Choi, and reflects on what breakdancings rise to the Olympics says about the impact and evolution of hip hop culture.
An Epic Examination of the 21st Century's GOATs - Part 2: 7/22/24
Last Thursday, we kicked off an examination of ESPNs rankings of the greatest athletes of the 21st century. And though we found a lot to disagree with, we also uncovered a lot of insights about the state of the sports world in 2024. So today, we bring you part two of this conversation between Emily Kaplan, Kevin Clark and guest host Jeremy Schaap. Does Kobe deserve to be higher than Tim Duncan? Why is Aaron Rodgers so low? Did international stars get a fair shake? What does this list tell us about the modern relationship between athlete and fan? We get into all that and more.
Breaking Down an Unprecedented WNBA Season at the All-Star Break: 7/19/24
WNBA All-Star Weekend is upon us, with the STARRY 3-Point Contest and the Kia WNBA Skills Challenge airing on Friday night at 9 pm eastern on ESPN. And the AT&T WNBA All-Star Game itself tipping off on tomorrow at 830 PM on ABC So today, ESPN womens basketball reporter Alexa Philippou, takes us through what the weekend has in store. She previews the faceoff between Team USA and Team WNBA, and dives into the most riveting Rookie of the Year race in the history of the league. Before explaining just how the W can capitalize on the momentum that its seeing right now.
An Epic Examination of the 21st Century's GOATs - Part 1: 7/18/24
ESPN has released its rankings of the greatest athletes of the 21st century so far, and weve got some bones to pick! That is, after all, the point of these things its fun to argue about. So thats exactly what well do today. Emily Kaplan and Kevin Clark join guest host Jeremy Schaap to examine why the players missing from the list may be more telling than those actually on it (no Brianna Stewart?!), why the term GOAT may be losing its meaning, and why Serena Williams, Tiger Woods, Lionel Messi, Tom Brady and beyond are all more deserving of the top slot than Michael Phelps.
The Girl Who Fell Two Miles and Survived: 7/17/24
Ten years ago, during a skydiving accident, Emma Carey and her instructor plummeted some 14,000 feet into an empty cow pasture in Switzerland. Miraculously, both survived the more than two-mile fall. Our own Ryan Hockensmith had the chance to speak with Emma about that experience. And to find out how she overcame the nightmare, processed her recovery, came to terms with the miracle and used her story to inspire others, without letting it define her.
Taking MLBs Temperature at the All-Star Break: 7/16/24
The Midsummer Classic is upon us once again. And once again, there are more questions than answers in Major League Baseball. What will the Pirates do with Paul Skenes, their rookie phenom? How can we get players interested in the All-Star Game again? How should we honor the late legend Willie Mays? And with a couple weeks left until the trade deadline, what should the powerhouse teams on both coasts do to make sure they are more than ready for October baseball? Today, Buster Olney sits side-by-side with Clinton Yates in Texas to answer all these questions and more on the eve of the 2024 MLB All-Star Game.
Athletes Grant Childrens Wishes with ESPNs My Wish : 7/15/24
There is no greater pain than seeing a child suffer through an illness. But also, there is no greater joy than seeing that child smile.That full spectrum of emotions is at the heart of ESPNs annual My Wish series that debuts this week. An elite slate of athletes will meet with several children to bond over their shared love of the game and a belief that hope, passion and a good team are the recipe for victory in whatever challenge they face. So today, our very own Chris Connelly reflects on the legacy of this program and shares what his experience has been like having a front-row seat to every My Wish ever granted.
Continental Championships and the USMNT Looks For a New Coach: 7/12/24
Players scrapping with fans in the stands, continental championships up for grabs on both sides of the pond, and US Men's Soccer is once again searching for a new manager. Theres a ton going on in the international soccer world, so today Luis Miguel Echegaray helps us break it all down, and lets us know who he thinks will capture the crown in Europe and the Americas.
Why the Championship Celtics Are For Sale: 7/11/24
After 22 years, Wyc Grousbeck and his family announced theyll be selling their controlling stake in the Boston Celtics. The announcement marks a seismic moment not just for the Celtics, but for the NBA. Our own Tim Bontemps is here to talk about how the sale of one of the most iconic franchises in the world connects to greater trends in sports team ownership worldwide, and to explain who or what entity could be Jayson Tatum and Jalen Browns new boss.
How EA Sports Brought Back College Football: 7/10/24
Gamers of a certain age have fond memories of building dynasties with their favorite schools in the NCAA College Football video game series. But - because of a lawsuit filed by former UCLA Bruin Ed OBannon over name, image, and likeness violations - its been more than a decade since EA Sports released the game. That wait is almost over, as the game returns next week. Today, ESPN staff writer, Michael Rothstein, who broke the news of the games return in 2021, and has been covering the journey ever since, explains why college sports video games were shelved, and tells us just how EA Sports worked to return gamers holy grail.
Why Klay Thompsons Exit Spells the End of the Warriors Dynasty: 7/9/24
After 13 seasons as a splash brother with the Warriors, Klay Thompson is trading in the boats in the Bay for cowboy boots in Dallas, Texas. And it feels like the end of the most recent dynasty in the NBA. But how exactly did it all come to an end? Today, ESPN senior NBA writer Ramona Shelburne explains what forced Klays hand, and details how he ended up choosing to moor his boat to the Mavericks.
How the NBAs Contenders Look to Be Not Like The Rest: 7/8/24
The NBA has been busy since the Celtics locked down their 18th championship. In Los Angeles, JJ Redick has traded in his microphone for a clipboard, becoming the new coach of the Lakers. And one of the first moves on his watch? Drafting Bronny James, fulfilling a father and son moment that the world has been waiting on. Meanwhile, Paul George says goodbye to the Clippers and heads over to Philly, while DeMar Derozan pulled back up to the west coast, heading from Chicago to Sacramento. So today we talk with ESPN NBA writer Tim Bontemps about which teams look like chevy hitters. And explore which moves could lead to the beginning of the next NBA dynasty.
Is the Godfather of Competitive Eating Ready to Reclaim his Title? : 7/3/24
Last month, we learned that the rivalry between legendary competitive eaters, Japans Takeru Kobayashi and Americas Joey Chestnut, would be renewed this Labor Day. It will be their first head-to-head, hot-dog-eating-showdown in 14 years. A dispute with the organizers of Nathans Famous Hot Dog Eating contest, a July 4th tradition, had forced Kobayashi out of the competition in 2010. A similar dispute this year for Chestnut set the stage for a long awaited rematch between two men who had accounted for 22 of the last 23 Nathans Famous titles. So today, we bring you an interview with Takeru Kobayashi himself, exploring what drove him to rethink and revolutionize the sport of eating in the early 2000s, why his rivalry with Chestnut wasnt as fun as it looked, the false reports of his retirement, and what we should expect to see when these two finally meet again on Labor Day.
Jeff Passan takes the temperature of MLB: 7/2/24
Now that we are heading to the midpoint of the 2024 MLB season, its time to take the temperature of the league. Can the surprising Cleveland Guardians stay hot and catch pennant fever? Will the Orioless arms stay healthy enough to take down the Yankees? Are the Phillies and Dodgers simply inevitable in the National League? Or will Grimace continue to hold court in Queens and somehow bring the Mets to the table? To get the answers to all this and more we once again turn to our friend ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan as he breaks down what stood out to him over the first few months and tells us how things might shape up down the stretch.
Luis Miguel Echegaray Breaks Down Global Soccer Madness: 7/1/24
There are two absolutely gigantic continental soccer tournaments happening side by side across the globe. In the western hemisphere Copa America features the United States, the Caribbean, and the best of South America on the pitch. Giving Uruguay a spotlight to shine. While across the pond the UEFA European Championship, better known as the Euros, are giving us all of the traditional national rivalries were used to seeing. Of course, it wouldnt be soccer on a global stage, if the USMNT didnt have some sort of controversy going on, and following their upsetting loss to Panama last week, the questions about Gregg Berhalters fitness to lead the team are starting to swirl. So today, Luis Miguel Echegaray is here to: Get us set for tonights U.S. vs Uruguay matchup, breakdown everything hes been seeing in both tournaments, and to let us know who he likes to take home championships on both sides of the Atlantic.
Will Connor McGregor Ever Return to the Octagon? : 6/28/24
Its a big week for the UFC. Out in Vegas, the premier combat sports company is celebrating International Fight Week, and on Thursday night, inducted its latest class to the Hall of Fame. Saturday night, the festivities culminate in UFC 303. But the sports biggest star, Conor McGregor, wont be there, after pulling out of the main event due to injury, and forcing UFC to scramble and find other fighters to carry the card. So today, our Andreas Hale explains why McGregors three year absence has proven detrimental for him on all fronts, and why another delayed return has everyone wondering if Mr. Notorious will ever step into the Octagon again.
Is Sha'Carri Richardson Finally Ready for Her Olympic Moment?: 6/27/24
Three years ago, a positive marijuana test forced ShaCarri Richardson off of team USA, robbing her and her country of a chance at an all-time Olympic moment. But in the years since, with a style reminiscent of the great Florence Griffith Joyner, Richardson has more than made her mark on the sport. So with 100-meter qualifications complete and the 200-meter on the horizon this weekend, our Coley Harvey explains how Richardson bounced back and why the Summer Games could make her one of the biggest stars on the planet.
A Fond Farewell to the Say Hey Kid: 6/26/24
From his time in Negro Leagues as a teenager to his epic run of success with the Giants, Willie Mays was always student and ambassador of Americas Pasttime Mays performance on the field has him in the conversation as one of the best players ever. 24 All Star Games, 12 Gold Gloves, two MVP awards, and 660 homers leave him in the most rare of air. In short, putting his legacy into words is almost impossible, so we let his actions tell his story. And the stories you will hear about Willie are that he was the one player from Ted Williams and Mickey Mantle to Reggie Jackson and Ken Griffey Jr. that left every major leaguer simply star struck by his otherworldly skills and his graceful presence.
Whats Happening in the WNBA Besides Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese?: 6/25/24
With all of the air in the WNBA room being sucked up by loud takes on Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and what their rivalry means to America, its easy to forget that were about a month and a half into the season. So today ESPN womens basketball writer Michael Voepel takes us around the league to fill us in on what weve been missing. Tonights Commissioner Cup final between the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx is one of the stories that has gotten lost in the shuffle. Ironically, we havent been talking much about whats happening on the court with the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky. And Aja Wilson is doing it again, looking like a pretty solid bet to take home her third MVP award.
Will the Oilers Finally Bring the Stanley Cup Back to Canada?: 6/24/24
By the end of tonight, the world will know if the Edmonton Oilers will be the first Canadian team to hoist the Stanley Cup in more than three decades. Despite an initial 3-0 lead by the Florida Panthers, the Oilers have pushed forward and forced a Game 7. Our own Emily Kaplan is here to tell us how both these teams got to the finals, why key players like Connor McDavid and Stuart Skinner have been crucial to the Oilers comeback, and what tonights outcome could mean for all of hockey.
Which Gymnasts Will Make Team USA?: 6/21/24
The 2024 Olympics are almost upon us. Trials are taking place around the world to determine who will represent their countries in Paris. And next week, all eyes will be on USA gymnastics trials in Minneapolis as 16 women compete for one of five coveted spots on Team USA. Olympic superstar gymnast Simone Biles is looking to make it to her 3rd Olympics, but alongside her are 15 other women with just as much a shot to make the team as her. So today, our Olympics expert DArcy Maine joins us to break down how we got to trials and why this Olympic team might be the hardest to make in the history of the sport.
Is the USMNT Ready to Compete with the Worlds Best? : 6/20/24
The Copa Am�rica is South Americas fiercely competitive international soccer tournament, historically dominated by Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. But this summer, the games are happening in the United States, and the Americans have been invited to compete along with other North and Central American teams. So, as this unprecedented tournament gets underway Thursday night, our soccer savant Luis Miguel Echegary explains how it all landed in the states to begin with, why it will be a major measuring stick for the American squad, and whether Argentinas Lionel Messi has anything left to prove.
Roy Wood Jr. on Rickwood Field and Growing up a Black Baseball Fan: 6/19/24
The St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants will meet in a special ballgame at Birmingham, Alabamas historic Rickwood Field tomorrow. That ballpark is 114 years old, the oldest professional field in America, and was the home to two teams named The Barons: one black and one white. And what happened on that field: a community gathering to cheer both squads, and the nations first integrated baseball game was a reflection of what happened in the city during the Civil Rights struggle. Today we are joined by Roy Wood Jr. Comedian, Daily Show veteran, baseball fan - who grew up in the shadow of Rickwood Field. He explains: what the city was like during his life, how ready Birmingham is for its spotlight, and how the lessons he learned on the diamond still carry weight in his life today.
How Kyle Larson Took on the Memorial Day Double: 6/18/24
The Indianapolis 500 is a sacred tradition in the racing community. But so is the Coca Cola 600, NASCARs longest race. And both of these events just happen to fall on the same day. So when a brave driver decides to tackle all 1100 of these miles a challenge affectionately known as the Memorial Day Double the eyes of the race world fall on them. This year, NASCAR champion and IndyCar rookie of the year Kyle Larson took his shot, battling: the logistics; the tracks; and, most of all, Mother Nature. And our good friend Ryan McGee was there to chronicle the attempt. So today, McGee shares the history of folks trying to tackle The Double, and explains how the people who dare to get behind the wheel are built differently from the rest of us.
How Jerry West Dedicated His Life to Basketball: 6/17/24
Its difficult to identify a true contemporary to Jerry West. Hes the man who spent 14 consecutive years as an All Star for the Los Angeles Lakers. The guy who helped engineer and sustain not one, but two dynasties with the team. A figure whose silhouette literally loomed above the league as the NBAs logo. So when the news broke last week of his death, at the age of 86, it marked the passing of a giant. Today, Jeremy Schaap memorializes the great Laker. He explains Wests West Virginia origins, explores his life and legacy with the Lakers and across the NBA, and tells us how, in spite of all of his great accomplishments, the harshest critic of Jerry West was always Jerry West.
Why the Yankees-Red Sox Rivalry Feels Different in 2024: 6/14/24
Yankees vs. Red Sox. Its one of the fiercest rivalries in all of sports and includes names like: Derek Jeter, Pedro Martinez, David Ortiz, Bucky Dent, and of course Babe Ruth. But these days Major League Baseball has become so obsessed with data, that it feels like the human element can fall by the wayside. So, ahead of their three game weekend series, culminating with a matchup on Sunday Night Baseball, Jeff Passan joins the show to explain just what this rivalry is like in 2024. And to tell us why things have been uncharacteristically quiet these days in Fenway Park.
The WNBAs Identity Debate Began Long Before Caitlin Clark: 6/13/24
The first month of the WNBA season has been full of compelling on-court storylines. The Connecticut Sun look ready to contend for a title. The defending champion Las Vegas Aces have struggled to find their footing with veteran Chelsea Gray injured. But all of that is getting crowded out by one big distraction a debate over whether or not the league is being fair to its megastar rookie, Cailtin Clark. Chennedy Carters hard foul on Clark is the match that lit the flame, but the firestorm had been brewing long before that. So today, Elle Duncan, host of ESPNs womens basketball coverage, is here to help understand how we got here, unpack whats really going on in this conversation, and gauge if and when we can get back to actual basketball. Check out The Elle Duncan Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.
Can Anything Keep the Celtics from Raising Banner 18? : 6/12/24
Two games into the NBA Finals, and it looks like nothing can keep the Boston Celtics away from lifting an 18th championship banner to the rafters. Theyve been able to limit the Dallas attack to just Luka Doncic, and everything seems to be going their way. ESPN NBA reporter Tim Bontemps has been at both games of the series, and he joins the show to explain just how Boston is keeping the Dallas attack in check. And explore if a shift in venue to the Lone Star state will be enough to give the Mavs a fighting chance.
America Shocks the World in& Cricket?! : 6/11/24
For Americans whove never watched a cricket match before, now may be the best time to start. Because for the first time ever, Team USA has drawn global attention, after shocking the world in an upset over Pakistan last Thursday. And that feat looks all the more improbable when you learn who exactly is on this roster. So today, ESPNs own Aishwarya Kumar explains how they pulled it off, and why this Mens T20 World Cup tournament looks like a watershed moment for American cricket. You can stream Team USAs Wednesday and Friday matches against India and Ireland at 10:30 AM Eastern Time.
How Maya Brady Carried the Family Name into the Next Generation: 6/10/24
With all of the energy surrounding womens basketball these days, it can be easy to lose sight of the fact that the interest in womens sports is growing beyond just the hardwood. Weve seen a professional womens hockey league return to the ice this season, stars continue to shine on the tennis courts and the track. And interest in the Womens College World Series has steadily increased year over year leading to an average of two million fans tuning in to the most watched title series ever. So today, Jake Trotter, who covers college sports at ESPN, introduces us to Maya Brady, a prolific shortstop at UCLA, who just completed a decorated college career on the softball field. And Jake tells us why Mayas rise is about more than just her shared family lineage with her uncle, one Tom Brady.
Who Will Get Over the Hump? Emily Kaplan Previews the Stanley Cup Final: 6/7/24
The teams meeting in the Stanley Cup Final this season, the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers, are both trying to get over the hump. For the Panthers, this is year three in their recent turnaround. Having the best record in the NHL two seasons ago didnt get it done, and last year they fell a step short of lifting Lord Stanleys trophy into the air for the first time as a franchise. Up in Edmonton, the Oilers havent won it all since 1990, when a guy named Wayne Gretzky was still lacing them up. And after falling short in the playoffs themselves over the past few seasons, they are looking to bring home the cup not just for their city, but for the entirety of the nation. So today, ESPN NHL reporter Emily Kaplan tells us what to watch for ahead of Saturdays game one.
How a City Sponsorship Could Signal Change in the WNBA: 6/6/24
Unless youve been living under a rock the WNBA continues to be a hot topic, showing fans and the world that excitement around women's basketball is expanding beyond a moment. With all the chatter about aggression towards rookies, vet players, crazy record stats, and even team mascots dominating the floor, there is one thing that has been looming top of mind for many over the last few weeks: money. The two-time reigning WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces are again at the forefront, as all twelve of the players on the team are negotiating with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) on a $100,000 sponsorship deal. A number even higher than the league salary minimum. The news came as a welcome surprise to many, but also sparked an investigation from the league. So today Aces beat reporter, Callie Lawson-Freeman of the Las Vegas Review-Journal is here to share what she has been able to find out on the ground about this sponsorship and what it could mean for the league.
Brian Windhorst Previews a Fascinating NBA Finals Matchup: 6/5/24
This years NBA finals feature one team everyone saw coming and, according to Brian Windhorst, another we probably should have seen coming. The Boston Celtics have been on a hot streak all season long easily claiming the leagues best record while the Dallas Mavericks have been pushing their way towards the mountaintop week by week. Game 1 of the NBA Finals tips off Thursday night and theres so much to think about, including how Dallas might actually have the two best players on the court, whether or not Kyrie Irving can shake his Celtics curse, and why its win now or maybe never for this iteration of the Celtics. Brian Windhorst has been in the building with both teams as theyve made their run through the playoffs and joins us to share what we can expect as the Finals begin.
What the Negro Leagues' Statistical Integration Really Means: 6/4/24
For years, names like Josh Gibson, Cool Papa Bell, and Satchel Paige were well known as legends in the Negro Leagues, but unrecognized in the record books alongside their white contemporaries. Last week that changed, as a nearly quarter-century long endeavor to collect and verify decades of statistics was unveiled for the first time. The news seems to have been met with every emotion under the sun: confusion, anger, disdain, but not joy. And part of that is because many are confused as to whats actually happening. This story was never about Josh Gibson unseating Ty Cobb as the single season batting average leader. It was about presenting the statistics of major professional baseball leagues as evidence to support the legends that played. So Today, our host Clinton Yates sits on the other side of the table and joins our very own Alex Hyacinthe to break down what this process undertook, and what this really means for baseball.
One Pitcher May Have Secretly Changed the Balance of Power in MLB: 6/3/24
Major League Baseball teams have developed a habit of manipulating contract rules so as to prevent a player from realizing his true financial value. Many contend its all part of a player exploitation system perpetrated by the league under the guise of maximizing efficiency. But five years ago, while pitching for the Brewers, reliever Josh Hader and his agent employed an unprecedented strategy to fight back. Today, Buster Olney joins us as we explore Haders story, the greater context of how MLB uses and abuses pitchers, and the impact this new tactic could have not only on their contracts, but also their long-term health.
Will a Shuttered School Win a College World Series Title?: 5/31/24
Birmingham Southern College sits on a lovely campus three miles from downtown Birmingham, Alabama. But today, that college is officially ceasing operations. Nonetheless, the schools baseball team will play on, as they take the field this afternoon in the Division III college world series. So our Kyle Bonagura is here to explain how the schools looming closure actually inspired the Panthers to turn their season around. And how the teams final run may turn out to be its best ever.
Is Bronny James Good Enough for the NBA?: 5/30/24
Bronny James has been in the public spotlight his whole life. Being the son of all-time great LeBron James has set expectations that would be too high for most NBA Draft prospects, let alone one with a less-than-guaranteed shot in the NBA. Bronny James wont be a lottery pick, and probably wont be picked in the first round either. What makes this more complicated than your average draft prospect analysis is LeBron has the opportunity to opt out of his contract and become a free agent this summer, and has stated publicly that he would like to play with his son. So today, ESPNs resident NBA Front Office expert Bobby Marks joins the show to break down Bronnys value as a player, and how his father plays a part in where and when Bronny gets drafted.
Inside the Mind of Bill Walton: 5/29/24
On Memorial Day the world lost one of the gems of the sports world the one and only Bill Walton. He was a two-time NBA champion and won two NCAA titles as a young man at UCLA. But his reputation as the most cheerful, colorful, and contemplative personality in sports, especially in his many decades as a broadcaster, has extended his legacy beyond the generations who first watched him on the court. In tribute to Walton, today we revisit our January 2021 conversation with the man himself, and revel in the joy he brought into our lives.
Has Shohei Ohtani Pitched His Last Game? : 5/28/24
Over the previous six seasons, Shohei Ohtanis prowess as a hitter and a pitcher made him the most talked about player in baseball. But when the Dodgers signed him to a record-setting $700 million contract in December, they knew an elbow injury would prevent him from pitching in 2024. Now, after 53 games this season, were seeing Ohtani reach new heights at the plate. Which begs the question: Do he and the Dodgers really want to mess with that? Today, our Bradford Doolittle explains why, like Babe Ruth before him, Ohtanis bat skills may keep him off the mound forever.
One Racial Slur Tore a Baseball Team Apart: 5/24/24
On April 6th, 2023, a startling scene played out on a baseball field in Fort Myers, Florida. Shortly after the start of the annual rivalry game against nearby Estero High School, nearly the entire roster for Fort Myers High School, along with the coaching staff, walked off the field, leaving two teammates of color behind. According to witnesses on the scene, chaos ensued, as parents on both sides of the divide began trading insults. That incident was the latest manifestation of racial tensions that have existed in Fort Myers for decades. And the direct result of an assistant coach being dismissed for using a racial slur in a team group chat on Valentines Day of that year. Today, our Howard Bryant takes us inside this story, unpacks a chain of smoldering racial resentments, and provides a new understanding of what it means to be outnumbered.
How Men, Moonshine, and the Need for Speed Birthed NASCAR: 5/23/24
We know that the roots of NASCAR can be traced back to the American South in states like North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, and Tennessee. But what you might not realize is that particular motorsport was conceived through the hills of those very same states by bootleggers running moonshine while racing for bragging rights. So when a sinkhole was recently discovered under the famous North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Carolina, there was no surprise to find more than just mud and dirt down there. Ryan McGee joins us to explain how one of the sport's oldest tracks might just have been the site of one of Americas oldest vices.
Are We Seeing the Next Kobe Bean Bryant in Anthony Edwards? : 5/22/24
For the first time in 20 years, the Minnesota Timberwolves will make their way into the Western Conference Finals, and they couldn't have made it there without their star shooting guard Anthony Edwards. He has become a leader for this Timberwolves team at only 22 years old and has forged great relationships with teammates like Karl-Anthony Towns. So today, our Ramona Shelburne takes us into the mind of the ANT-man and breaks down his progress from starting at the top of a COVID season rookie class up until leading his team to the Western Conference Finals.
The Link Between Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic and Europes First Basketball Star: 5/21/24
Basketball has grown into a worldwide sport over the past several decades. Just look at the past six NBA MVPs: Giannis Antetokounmpo from Greece, Nikola Jokic from Serbia, and Joel Embiid from Cameroon. Waiting in the wings are Slovenias Luka Doncic and Canadas Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. But this worldwide explosion of talent did not happen overnight. Like any other explosion, it starts with a single spark. In Europe that spark was named Radivoj Korac. Korac played for the Yugoslavian national basketball team in the 1950s and 60s, and quickly gained acclaim after winning The Best Athlete of Yugoslavia (Zlatna zna ka), and Yugoslav Sportsman of the Year (Sportske novosti award). He laid the path for future European superstars to follow in the years to come. Sadly, Korac never got to see his true peak or join the NBA after passing away in a tragic car accident at the age of 30. Today, Baxter Holmes joins the show to tell us the story of the legendary Radivoj Korac, and how his stardom spawned the European dominance we see today.
How We Got to the NBA Conference Finals: 5/20/24
The NBAs conference finals are set after two game sevens on Sunday. In the east the Boston Celtics will take on the Indiana Pacers, while out west, weve got the Minnesota Timberwolves against the Dallas Mavericks. Its a star-studded affair, and frankly a window into the next chapter in the NBA. And the most important question is, whos going on to the finals? So today ESPN NBA writer Tim Bontemps says goodnight to the Knicks, and explains how the Pacers, Celtics, Mavs, and TWolves got to the final four.
Can Jalen Brunson Will the Knicks Past the Pacers?: 5/17/24
After a 30 point win over the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, the New York Knicks are knocking on the door to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since the year 2000. But weve already seen locale shift the momentum in this series, and with Game Six set to tip off tonight in Indianapolis, it could be a tall order for Tom Thibodeau and company to put the Pacers down in six games. So today, ESPN senior writer Chris Herring explains how the Knicks got to this point despite so many injuries, and tells us who has to do what to lock in a date with the Boston Celtics, and a shot at an NBA Finals appearance.
How Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets Got Their Groove Back: 5/16/24
The Nuggets and Timberwolves Western Conference Semifinals is truly a tale of two series. Just about a week ago, it looked like young phenom Anthony Edwards was going to lead the Timberwolves past the defending champion Nuggets to the promised land after starting the postseason with six-straight wins. But then, the inevitable happened. And it came in the form of 6-foot-11 three-time MVP, Nikola Jokic reminding everyone in the league who the defending champions are. With all these ups and downs we turn to ESPNs Dave McMenamin and he shares what hes seeing and hearing behind the scenes in this roller coaster of a series.
Kids are Signing Their Likeness Away to Youth Baseball Giant Perfect Game: 5/15/24
The latest move for Perfect Game, the worlds largest youth baseball tournament and scouting service, is an expected multi-year memorabilia deal with Fanatics. While on the surface, the deal means Fanatics would produce and distribute trading cards and collectibles for Perfect Game athletes, it also raises agents concerns about amateur players rights, especially if they end up playing professionally. Brittany Ghirolis reporting on the impending deal for The Athletic revealed that young baseball players have already been signing their rights away to Perfect Game. She joins us today to discuss why Perfect Game and Fanatics marriage is potentially harmful for players and how these companies machinations impact amateur baseball more largely.
Has Women's Basketballs Moment Exploded into a New Era?: 5/14/24
The 2024 WNBA season begins tonight, and youve probably heard that womens basketball is having a moment. But with ratings and excitement skyrocketing around the college game, and an incoming rookie class stepping into the W, bringing along more social media followers than ever, the question is: has that moment turned into an era? Hall of Famer and ESPN basketball analyst Rebecca Lobo is here to tell us how the game is evolving right before our eyes, and what Caitlin Clark and the rest of this rookie class has in store for them. Plus, she breaks down whether or not were heading for a rematch of super teams from New York and Las Vegas.
When Will We See a Female F1 Champion?: 5/13/24
Formula 1 races seem to have everything the pomp of an A-list party, exotic locations, excited fans, and global superstars on the grid. So whats missing from this scene? Women behind the wheel. Formula 1 hasnt had a female driver qualify for a race in almost 50 years and as womens sports continues to make great strides, the world of elite racing seems to be falling behind. Today, ESPNs Alyssa Roenigk brings the story of two drivers working together to break barriers in the world of motorsports one race at a time. For more on this story, watch Roenigk in a new documentary that spotlights the women breaking barriers in motorsports for the Emmy-winning "In Real Life" series, premiering Sunday, June 2 at 8 p.m. Eastern, 7p.m. Central on Scripps News. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Will Black WNBA Superstars Get What They're Due?: 5/10/24
Last month, news broke about Caitlin Clarks $28 million shoe deal with Nike. Its undoubtedly a great business decision for both Nike and Clark as she transitions into becoming the most hyped WNBA rookie of all time, but the announcement begets a conversation about equity in the WNBA. In a league that is nearly 64% Black, the most marketed, endorsed, and featured players are mostly white. ESPNs Sean Hurd wrote about this for Andscape and ESPNs Katie Barnes has extensively covered womens basketball and its intersection with issues of race and gender. Theyre both here today to discuss how Caitlins Nike deal will affect other superstars in the league like Aja Wilson, Jonquel Jones and Angel Reese, and to provide context for how not only race, but also queerness and gender expression impact WNBA players access to capital.
Will the Falcons Survive Their Self-Inflicted QB Chaos?: 5/9/24
The Atlanta Falcons selection of Michael Penix Jr. in the first round was the biggest surprise of the 2024 NFL Draft. Especially when you consider that they had inked veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a massive deal just weeks before. So today ESPN NFL Draft and college football analyst Jordan Reid explains the plan to guest host David Dennis Jr. and tells us why theres a chance that this leaves a huge mess down in Atlanta.
Inside the Peculiar Deal Bringing the NHL to Utah: 5/8/24
The Arizona Coyotes have been a struggling franchise for most of their history. They have faced turmoil both on and off the ice a bankruptcy in 2009 and, as of late, a years-long failure to secure a new arena. This winter, with the Coyotes in the midst of a second season in a college hockey barn, the NHL finally had enough. Enter Ryan Smith, owner of the NBAs Utah Jazz. In an abnormal arrangement, Smith is taking over ownership and moving the team to Utah. But they wont be called the Coyotes. Control of that brand, as well as its logos, records, and history remains in the hands of former owner Alex Meruelo, who intends to restore the Arizona club in the coming years. Today, ESPN senior NHL writer Greg Wyshynski breaks down how we got here, how this sale works, and what the future holds for hockey in both Utah and Arizona.
Will Coach Prime Live Up to the Hype in Year Two?: 5/7/24
After coming off of a 4-8 season and losing more than two dozen players to the transfer portal, Coach Prime remains more optimistic and blunt than ever, promising long-time fan Miss Peggy and the world that the Buffaloes will make a bowl game this year. Today our Andrea Adelson recaps the Buffaloes spring game that got more than 20,000 fans excited for whats to come and previews players to look out for and the future of Dieon Sanders in the chilling mountain tops of Colorado.
Is Jalen Brunson The Quiet King of New York?: 5/6/24
Frank Sinatra, Derek Jeter, Christopher Walken, and The Notorious B.I.G. They have all been considered the King of New York at some point in time. And now it appears the time has come to place the crown atop the head of Jalen Brunson. But what kind of king would Brunson be? And where does this idea come from in the first place? Theres no king of Baltimore, or Tulsa, so why does this title exist for that city? Andscapes Justin Tinsley has explored this concept in his book It Was All a Dream: Biggie and the World That Made Him. So today he explains it all, and tells us why Brunson is perfectly suited to rule the five boroughs right now.
How Bryce Harper Taught Philadelphia to Love Again: 5/3/24
Phillies star Bryce Harper has always been about blue collar hard work and the spotlight. From his Sports Illustrated cover story at 16 years old to being the number one pick in the MLB Draft to his record-setting contract, Harpers headlines have followed him wherever he went. Its that worth ethic and willingness to take everything notoriety brings with it that made his arrival in Philadelphia a match made in heaven. And in a town notorious for wearing their hearts and hate on their sleeve, Harper has become one with the City of Brotherly Love. Today, ahead of the Phillies Sunday Night Baseball matchup with the Giants, ESPNs Jesse Rogers joins us to break down how this all happened and why the Harper Effect isnt going anywhere.
How Reggie Bush's Heisman Reveals New Landscape of NIL, NCAA: 5/2/24
The world watched as Reggie Bush's Heisman Trophy was revoked in 2010 after an NCAA investigation that uncovered improper gifts to Bush. Now, 14 years later, we watched him finally get it back. The Heisman Trust announced last week the formal reinstatement of Bush's trophy, citing "enormous changes in the college football landscape" as the reason. So today, ESPN's Ryan McGee is here to tell the story of where we once were and how the NCAA evolved to allow for Reggie Bush to get his trophy back, and what will come next as college athletes power continues to grow.
Candace Parker: The OG Women's Phenom: 5/1/24
From the suburbs of Chicago to the University of Tennessee, and onto WNBA courts. At every stage of her career, Candace Parker has left an indelible mark on the hoops world. But her influence extends well beyond basketball. So today, in the wake of Parkers retirement announcement, Shakeia Taylor of the Chicago Tribune joins us to assess a career crucial to the sport's dynamic evolution and explores a legacy poised to resonate for generations. Shakeias Tuesday column for the Chicago Tribune examined Candace Parkers impact.
How a Familys Bond Saved the Jazz GM: 4/30/24
The life of a successful NBA executive requires you to fix everything, everywhere all at once. So when Utah Jazz general manager Justin Zanik found himself in a fight for his life, he was suddenly in the unfamiliar position of needing to be fixed himself. But this is nothing new to the resilient Zanick family who have been at the forefront of fighting diseases for their entire lives. ESPN senior insider Adrian Wojnarowski spent time with the Zanicks and tells the story of this inspirational family and explains how they have been able to rally themselves, and others, to their cause. You can learn more about RUN - the Rare and Undiagnosed Network at https://rareundiagnosed.org/
Getting to Know the Real Caleb Williams: 4/29/24
Weve been waiting for Caleb Williams to be the number one overall pick in the NFL draft for what seems like years. And this past weekend, it finally happened. But with all of the hype around Williams the football player, and the focus on how his unique sense of style will fit into the NFL, theres been little conversation about who this guy is in the locker room and off the field. So today, ESPN Chicago reporter and host Courtney Cronin tells us who Caleb Williams really is. By talking to the people who know him best: his friends, coaches, and teammates.
Is the NFL in the Golden Age of Mr. Irrelevant?: 4/26/24
As the last pick of the 2022 NFL draft, Brock Purdy accepted the title of Mr. Irrelevant as he entered the league for the San Francisco 49ers. Hes already gone 17-4 as a starter, with 44 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. Hes had a Pro Bowl appearance and of course, ended the season with an appearance in the Super Bowl. With the NFL draft continuing through the weekend, we will know who our next Mr. Irrelevant is on Saturday night. So today, ESPN writer Ryan Hockensmith joins us to explore Purdys relationship to the Mr. Irrelevant title and tells us the history of Paul Salata, the former NFL underdog who turned the final pick of the draft into an event in itself.
Mina Kimes Previews the NFL Draft: 4/25/24
The NFL Draft is one of the most anticipated events on the NFL calendar. Fans of losing franchises wait to see who will be their next savior, and fans of winning franchises look to see who will bolster their Super Bowl hopes. While first round picks get all the buzz, it's the later picks that make or break a teams fortunes. So today ESPNs resident football expert Mina Kimes joins the show to break down who will be drafted where, and which teams futures will be determined this weekend.
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.
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