It’s that time again for the best newsroom in sports to honor its own. The Best of 2021 is an offering of some of the outstanding work produced this year among our 50,000 articles written and 7,500+ hours of podcasts recorded. We’ve expanded from previous years to include categories: breaking news coverage, investigative, features, column writing and event/game coverage, along with the best from the UK and audio. Stories are unlocked through the end of the year.
Investigative
Five women accuse Mickey Callaway of lewd behavior
by Britt Ghiroli and Katie Strang (MLB)
Troubling behavior of other employees contributed to workplace culture being investigated by a law firm hired by owner Steve Cohen.
Inside the Padres’ collapse: Manager, GM under scrutiny after club crumbles down the stretch
by Dennis Lin, Ken Rosenthal and Eno Sarris (MLB)
Former manager Jayce Tingler was on the hot seat, and the team’s unraveling brought widespread scrutiny to the GM who handpicked him.
Dysfunction in the desert: Finger-pointing, fear and financial woes roil the Coyotes organization
by Katie Strang (NHL)
An investigation revealed claims of a “toxic” work environment and financial troubles exceeding what has previously been disclosed.
Why the mass exodus from Syracuse women’s basketball? ‘Ego, manipulation … fear tactics’
by Chantel Jennings and Dana O’Neil (WCB)
Former coach Quentin Hillsman was accused of bullying and threatening players and inappropriate physical contact.
‘This guy has a pattern’: Amid institutional failure, former NWSL players accuse prominent coach of sexual coercion
by Meg Linehan (US Women’s Soccer)
One of the most successful coaches in U.S. women’s soccer, Paul Riley’s alleged misconduct left players feeling ‘under his control.’
Features
Inside Zlatan’s MLS exploits, from banana balls to locker-room invasions and the mysterious ‘Kevin’
by Pablo Maurer, Matt Pentz, Chris Kamrani (MLS)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic achieved a lot during his two seasons with the LA Galaxy, but he never quite got the name of one teammate in particular.
‘His name is Sang. He is a pitcher.’ A family’s American dream, their unbearable loss
by Stephen J. Nesbitt (MLB)
Sang Ho Baek believed he was bound for the big leagues, and he’d let nothing stop him.
‘I don’t think we will ever be healed:’ The Arizona Coyotes say goodbye to Leighton Accardo
by Ryan S. Clark (NHL)
It was a day of tears and celebration as Leighton Accardo, who died of cancer, was inducted into the Coyotes Ring of Honor.
Emoni Bates is an NBA inevitability. The path, his college decision, the control … that’s more complicated
by Brendan Quinn (CBB)
Inside Ypsi Prep, a school created by a father to transport his son, a hoops prodigy, into tomorrow’s NBA stratosphere.
How college baseball nomads became an NCAA regional host: Louisiana Tech’s road back after a tornado destroyed its home
by Brody Miller (CFB)
After Love Field was ravaged by an F-3 tornado in 2019, Louisiana Tech was without a home field for two years. The Bulldogs still became title contenders.
Protecting the ‘child inside of me’: Donald Brashear’s toughest fight
by Dan Robson (NHL)
Once one of the most feared men in the NHL, Donald Brashear is trying to find peace after losing almost everything to drugs and alcohol.
The flyest AAU team: Antonio Davis as coach, Ken Griffey Jr.’s daughter, two WNBA Finals players and a whole lot of winning
by Bre’ana Singleton (WNBA)
Diamond DeShields and Lexie Brown won the 2021 WNBA title with the Chicago Sky. But they started as kids on the Georgia Ice.
The coaching search that changed Nebraska: An empty jet, mystery NFL coach and 41 eye-opening days
by Max Olson, Mitch Sherman (CFB)
As the clock ticked, a candidate fell into Nebraska’s lap. But choices made led the program to mediocrity, just what it wanted to avoid.
The Great Hope: Ricardo Pepi shows the promise of an untapped USMNT talent pool as Europe takes notice
by Christopher Kamrani (US Men’s Soccer)
(I) don’t think U.S. football has ever seen a striker like him,’ one source said of the 18-year-old rising international star.
The man in every room: The enduring influence of NASCAR’s Mike Helton
by Jeff Gluck (Auto)
There are many sides to Mike Helton, who remains a mentor, father figure and a key voice in NASCAR, no matter the job title.
Trevor Lawrence and the artist: Two brothers, two remarkable talents
by Grace Raynor (CFB)
Chase Lawrence inadvertently caused a stir during the Heisman ceremony, but the art he and his wife create is what he wants to stand out.
What is driving the rift between Russell Wilson and Seahawks? ‘Power and control’
by Michael-Shawn Dugar, Mike Sando and Jayson Jenks (NFL)
Wilson wondered if the Seahawks saw him as a player who has earned greater control over his situation, his future, his legacy.
The Legacy Bowl: How a bold scout, HBCU talent elevated Chiefs — and football
by Rustin Dodd (Culture)
The Chiefs were successful in the AFL and NFL for several reasons, one of which was unquestionably the talent of a scout named Lloyd Wells.
Joe Thornton and Gord Downie: Inside a friendship that changed an NHL star and inspired a music legend
by Joshua Kloke (NHL)
Hockey and music brought them together, but their friendship grew stronger through years and heartache and Downie’s tragic death.
‘Around the NFL’ mourns Chris Wesseling, hero among heroes: ‘I’m still reeling’
by Zak Keefer (NFL)
The self-made NFL pundit was ‘cheating life’ before cancer took it from him, but his spirit lives on in friends, family and fans.
Column Writing
Klay Thompson has a vulnerable moment after Warriors win
by Marcus Thompson II (NBA)
This was day 898 since he last played an NBA game, and it was a rough one.
Kyle Beach’s courage and humanity is in sharp contrast with the craven men who failed him
by Mark Lazerus (NHL)
When Kyle Beach described all the ways he was failed, he showed us there’s a better way.
‘A fear based system’: How the structure of sports protects abusers of power
by Steph Yang (US Women’s Soccer)
A sobering wave of NWSL allegations and dismissals has shined a spotlight on the harmful environment players must cope with.
The NWSL and women’s soccer power brokers have repeatedly turned a blind eye to harm
by Meg Linehan (US Women’s Soccer)
In each new allegation of coach misconduct, the NWSL’s failure to lead effectively becomes more evident.
Buckley: The Raiders’ Carl Nassib makes a statement not just for today, but for tomorrow
by Steve Buckley (NFL)
The sixth-year defensive end’s “fireside chat” announcing he is gay provides inspiration in the moment and for the future.
Event Coverage
‘I didn’t go’: The Giants’ record-setting season ends with the slimmest of margins and a checked swing
by Andrew Baggarly (MLB)
A controversial end to a memorable season left the Giants both questioning the umpires and looking forward to what their future holds.
Baylor’s NCAA title run is Scott Drew’s masterpiece, an 18-year rise from basketball ruin
by Dana O’Neil (CBB)
Scott Drew inherited a program in turmoil and built it into a powerhouse that steamrolled Gonzaga for its first national championship.
7,500 miles, 100 nights on the road, 6.1 seconds: Stanford’s season of sacrifice was destined for greatness
by Chantel Jennings (WCB)
The pieces of Stanford’s national championship were built in the most atypical of places.
In a victory for the ages, Phil Mickelson proves work can outlast time
by Brendan Quinn (Golf)
Mickelson, now the oldest major champion in golf history, tamed the famed Ocean Course at Kiawah Island by getting back to work.
One on one with Giannis Antetokounmpo on the Bucks’ NBA championship: ‘It’s crazy. It’s f—-ing crazy.’
by Eric Nehm (NBA)
As the Bucks celebrated their NBA title, the Finals MVP talked about going from being miserable in the bubble to finally finding joy.
Breaking News
Big 12 and SEC Re-alignment
CFB Staff + Max Olson (CFB)
After the fallout, what comes next for the Big 12 as the conference realignment rumor mill continues to turn?
Inside the Mavericks front office, Mark Cuban’s shadow GM is causing a rift with Luka Doncic
Tim Cato and Sam Amick (NBA)
It’s not that Doncic’s situation with the team was at a critical inflection point. It was the fear that it was headed that way.
Inside the 24 hours that rocked Notre Dame football, and where the Irish go from here without Brian Kelly
Pete Sampson + Matt Fortuna (CFB)
On the day of Brian Kelly’s bombshell exit, nothing quite added up for those at Notre Dame who thought they knew their coach well.
Sharks’ Evander Kane files for bankruptcy with $26.8 million of debt
Daniel Kaplan (CFB)
The San Jose Sharks winger is the latest athlete to file for bankruptcy as he faces lawsuits and a large debt.
The rift with Cincinnati Bearcats coach John Brannen that led to a mass exodus of basketball players
Justin Williams (CBB)
An untenable culture within the Bearcats’ program, stemming from player issues with Brannen, sparked six transfer announcements.
UK Coverage
We know Justin Fashanu died. Now let us hear how he lived
Adam Crafton (EPL/UK)
Justin Fashanu remains Britain’s only high-profile gay footballer. This is his story, told by those who knew him best.
‘He sucked the culture out of the club’ – the inside story of Jose Mourinho’s downfall at Tottenham
Jack Pitt-Brooke (EPL/UK)
No attacking plan, awful training sessions and his players fed up of being blamed for his shortcomings brought Mourinho down.
Gareth, you don’t need to apologise to us for Euro 96. Let it go. We’re so proud of you
Alan Shearer (EPL/UK)
Southgate said his penalty miss will stay with him forever but his England team-mates never blamed him and are so proud of him.
The rise of Ralf Rangnick, godfather of German coaching, manager of Manchester United
Raphael Honigstein (EPL/UK)
The rise of an obsessive, hands-on coach who will turn Manchester United into a high-energy and organised team.
‘The Viking clap is ruined forever’ – Icelandic football’s sex abuse scandal
Stu James (EPL/UK)
Sex abuse victims in Iceland speak about the allegations towards the Iceland football team, in a country that is now questioning its heroes.
US Podcasts
The Athletic Football Show
The Athletic’s flagship football podcast covers the NFL like only The Athletic can. Robert Mays is joined by a team of world class NFL writers and analysts. They’ll break down the biggest stories throughout the world of football. Whether it’s happening on the field, or behind-the-scenes, you’ll get an in-depth look at an unprecedented NFL season on The Athletic Football Show.
The Andy Staples Show and Friends
Andy Staples breaks down the beautiful mess that is college football with his friends from The Athletic’s loaded college football staff. He’ll celebrate the walk-ons, break down the touchdowns that weren’t supposed to happen, and freak out every time a coach punts on fourth-and-1 from the opponent’s 45.
The Athletic NBA Show
An NBA podcast featuring a rotating lineup of the best insiders, writers, and reporters from The Athletic.
Hoge and Jahns
The Athletic’s Adam Jahns brings his signature Chicago Bears analysis with co-host Adam Hoge to the Athletic’s exclusive Hoge & Jahns podcast.
Rates and Barrels
On Mondays and Wednesdays, Eno Sarris and Derek VanRiper discuss advanced stats and fantasy baseball strategy. On Fridays, Britt Ghiroli joins Eno and DVR to discuss the biggest stories around baseball from the Hot Stove season through the final pitch in October.
The Athletic Hockey Show
The Athletic’s flagship hockey podcast features hosts Ian Mendes, Craig Custance, Hailey Salvian, Sean Gentille, Sean McIndoe, Sara Civian, Jesse Granger and Rob Pizzo from CBC Sports. Plus, appearances from The Athletic’s great NHL writers, delivering previews of the week’s best matchups, interviews with league insiders, analytics, fantasy advice, prospect updates, betting picks, and much more.
No Dunks
No Dunks is a daily NBA podcast hosted by Skeets, Tas, Trey, Leigh, and JD — the original basketball podcasters. Join ’em as they break down the league’s biggest games and headlines, answer listeners’ questions, interview guests, and more.
UK Podcasts
The Athletic Football Tactics Podcast
Michael Cox is The Athletic’s football tactics writer, Tom Worville is The Athletic’s football analytics writer, and along with host Ali Maxwell they break down the tactical and technical details of football each week – looking at trends, systems, players, managers and all manner of statistics in order to give you a deeper look at the matches and moments that define football.
The Totally Football Show
James Richardson and the Totally pod squad – featuring some of your favourite writers from The Athletic – are here three times a week with all the football news you need to know – and plenty that you don’t.
The Athletic Football Podcast
The Athletic Football Podcast is our flagship show, running four times a week throughout the Premier League season. Hosted by Mark Chapman and featuring the likes of David Ornstein, Adam Crafton, and many others, they’ll take you inside the biggest stories and bring you exclusive news from behind the scenes at your club.
Football Cliches
The Athletic’s Adam Hurrey explores the glorious and unique language of football: the words, the phrases, the mannerisms and, above all, the clichés.
The Offside Rule
Each week there are three football topics to opine on, trawl through the history books on, or just be downright silly with, as the team widen your footballing horizon.
The Football Manager Show
Struggling with Football Manager? Leaking goals and dropping points? You need The Football Manager Show. Every week, Iain Macintosh speaks to the people who know the game best; the people who literally made the game. We give you the lowdown on tactics, recruitment, training, and anything else that might give you an edge. Don’t sigh and quit without saving. Get better.
The Tifo Football Podcast
In-depth tactical, historical and geopolitical breakdowns of the beautiful game. From the team behind the Tifo Football YouTube channel. Hosted by Joe Devine.
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(Top photo: Carolyn Fong, Nash Weerasekera, Sam Richardson)