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This is Defector, a new sports blog and media company. We made this place together, we own it together, we run it together. Without access, without favor, without discretion, and without interference.

Defector

Kathryn Xu

Randy Arozarena #56 of the Mexico in action during the 2026 World Baseball Classic game between Mexico and the United States.

Even At The World Baseball Classic, The Mariners Cannot Escape Themselves

Israel Daramola

The Atlanta Hawks’ Magic City Night Was Too Misunderstood To Live

Ray Ratto

James Harden of the LA Clippers carries his brand name wine J-Harden Cabernet Sauvignon and shoe package as he arrives ahead of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors.

My Coworkers Browbeat Me Into Drinking James Harden’s Wine

Columnist. Author of many <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Drew-Magary/e/B001JS8R52/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1">fine works of literature</a>, including Point B. Handsomest man in the world.

Drew Magary

Funbag

The Kindness Of Familiar Faces

Albert Burneko

Chefector

If Cool The Pan Be, A Lousy Breakfast For Thee

Maitreyi Anantharaman

Madison Booker #35 of the Texas Longhorns shoots over Destiney McPhaul #2 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the first half at Moody Center on February 22, 2026 in Austin, Texas.

College Basketball

Madison Booker’s Game Punishes The Tryhard Defender

Dave McKenna

Senior Day Ain’t What It Used To Be

David Roth

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrives ahead a meeting with Paraguay's Foreign Minister Ruben Ramirez Lezcano at the State Department in Washington, DC on December 15, 2025.

Politics

Report: President Donald Trump Is Giving “All The Boys” Dress Shoes That Don’t Fit Right

Patrick Redford

LAWRENCE, KANSAS - JANUARY 31: Darryn Peterson #22 of the Kansas Jayhawks and forward AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars chase down a loose ball in the first half at Allen Fieldhouse on January 31, 2026 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)

Who Deserves To Win The NBA Draft Lottery?

Tom Ley

Media Meltdowns

Is Nellie Bowles The Worst Writer In America?

Luis Paez-Pumar

Islamic Republic of Iran players take part in anthems during the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 match between Korea Republic v Islamic Republic of Iran at Gold Coast Stadium on March 02, 2026 in Gold Coast, Australia.

Soccer

Iran Women’s Soccer Team Is Feeling The Effects Of The War All The Way In Australia

Where Does Tua Tagovailoa Go From Here?

We Have Obtained More Footage Of Kash Patel Falling Down While Playing Hockey

Scott Sabourin of the Tampa Bay Lightning fights Sam Carrick of the Buffalo Sabres on March 8, 2026. The shadows look cool.

The Sabres And Lightning Brawled, Scored, And Cemented A Wild New Rivalry

Ebba Aarsjoe of Sweden competes in the Para Alpine Skiing Women's Downhill Standing Final on day one of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games at Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre on March 7, 2026 in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.

Crosswords

The Crossword, March 9: Music Round

Lauren Theisen

Nathan MacKinnon #29 of the Colorado Avalanche scores a goal during a shootout after overtime to win the game against the Minnesota Wild

I Have So Many Nice Things To Say About The Avalanche And The Wild

Staff Writer
Find me on Signal @DefectorChris.19

Chris Thompson

Jayson Tatum Might Redefine Basketball’s Worst Injury, Or Might Not

It’s Just Another Day In ‘Paradise’ Cover Song Hell

Barry Petchesky

WRITER DAN SIMMONS PUBLISHES 'FIRES OF EDEN'

Defector Reads A Book

Dan Simmons Is Dead, So It’s Time To Read ‘Hyperion’

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO - MARCH 07: Luis Vázquez #8 of Team Puerto Rico celebrates after his team's 4-3 victory against Team Panama at Hiram Bithorn Stadium on March 07, 2026 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

The World Baseball Classic Is Already Producing Some Classic World Baseball

Ferrari's Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc speaks during a press conference after the Formula One Australian Grand Prix at Melbourne's Albert Park Circuit on March 8, 2026.

Racing

New F1 Season, New Regulations, Same Old Ferrari Fuck-Up

Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers faces off against Sebastian Aho

I Bought A Ticket To The Connor McDavid Show And A Hurricanes Game Broke Out

General view during Joseline's Cabaret Tour at Magic City Kitchen on January 18, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Road To Magic City Monday Is Paved With Good Intentions

NEWARK, NJ - MARCH 04: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs chats with William Nylander #88 during a game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on March 4, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Andrew Mordzynski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

It’s Angst Day In Canada’s Angst Capital

Pictured L to R: Joe Hunter, Christian Hubicki on Survivor 50