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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.

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<p>Nina Mandell is a journalist living in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, who has written for Bustle, ESPN, <em>Sports Illustrated</em>, <em>USA Today</em>, <em>The New York Daily News</em>, and NBC Regional Sports Networks. She is the former managing editor of <em>USA Today</em>’s For The Win site and the former digital director/managing editor of NBC Sports Washington.</p>


Nina Mandell

Footwork on the AAI vault during a gymnastics competition. In the corner is the cover image for the book "A Fraction of a Point: A Gymnastics Dynasty on the Line"

Book Excerpts That Don't Suck

How One Ohio High School Built An Unlikely Gymnastics Dynasty

Tom Ley

Soccer

Gianni Infantino: We’re Just Here To Extract Wealth From You American Hogs

<p>Jake Romm is a New York City-based writer and the Associate Editor of Protean Magazine.</p>


Jake Romm

Arts And Culture

Franco Berardi’s ‘Thinking Gaza’ Fails To Think

David Roth

Gritty the mascot of the Philadelphia Flyers skates onto the ice prior to an NHL game against the Dallas Stars at the Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 29, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Podcasts

Gritty Is Beside Himself, With Lauren Theisen

Patrick Redford

PORTLAND, OREGON - APRIL 26: Dylan Harper #2 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on prior to Game Four of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on April 26, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)

Dylan Harper Is Ready For The Moment

Luis Paez-Pumar

World Cup Tallies Another Human Rights Abuse


<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Culture Writer</p>


Israel Daramola

Listening Habits

What Makes A Great American Songwriter?

Kelsey McKinney

anne hathaway and meryl streep wear sunglasses in the Devil Wears Prada 2

Even In The Movies, Journalism Is Fucked

Report: Mike Vrabel And Dianna Russini Went Boat Mode

Ray Ratto

Daulton Varsho #5 of the Toronto Blue Jays collides into Victor Caratini #37 of the Minnesota Twins at home plate during the second inning at Target Field on May 1, 2026.

The American League Is Putting The Mid In Middling

Billy Haisley

A little boy, wearing a diaper and a top hat, poses in front of a New Year's calendar at a hospital in New York City, United States, on December 22, 1949.

Minor Dilemmas

How Do I Manage My Newborn’s Life If Planning Things Stresses Me Out?

Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final Second Leg match between Arsenal FC and Atletico de Madrid at Arsenal Stadium on May 05, 2026 in London, England.

Arsenal Can Almost Taste The Glory

We Can’t Grow The Game Like This, With Danny Of Who’s Next

Kathryn Xu

Jose Altuve takes a swing at a pitch over two feet off the plate.

José Altuve Takes Mighty Rip At Pitch That Would Have Knocked A Lefty Batter’s Shoes Off


<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Diana Moskovitz is Defector&#8217;s investigations editor. You can contact her at diana@defector.com or dfmoskovitz@protonmail.com. She&#8217;s also on Signal @dmoskovitz.99</p>


Diana Moskovitz

Professional football wide receiver Stefon Diggs walks out of Dedham District Court on May 4, 2026, following the first day of his assault trial. Diggs has pleaded not guilty to charges of felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery. Diggs wore a suite and tie. Around him stood several news reporters.

Stefon Diggs Found Not Guilty Of Attacking Private Chef

US President Donald Trump speaks with US golfer Bryson DeChambeau and South African retired golfer Gary Player

Golf

It’s A Strange Time To Be A LIV Golf Fella

Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche smiles during warmups ahead of Round Two Game Two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild.

The Colorado Avalanche Don’t Need Luck

Amy McCarthy

Food

Lesbians And Legalized Gambling Are Vying To Save The American Sports Bar

Barry Petchesky

SECAUCUS, NEW JERSEY - MAY 05: Detailed view of the draft board is shown following the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery at the NHL Network Studio on May 5, 2026 in Secaucus, New Jersey. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images)

The Leafs Fell Ass-Backward Into Gavin McKenna

<p>Staff Writer</p>
<p>Find me on Signal @DefectorChris.19</p>


Chris Thompson

Cade Cunningham handles the basketball with Max Strus guarding.

The Pistons Are Getting Down To Business

Albert Burneko

The Machines

You Should Never Be The Most Sycophantic Participant In A Conversation With A Chatbot

Lauren Theisen

Taylor Hall #71 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal

Could This Finally Be The Hurricanes’ Year?

John Chayka speaks to media at a press conference he was announced as General Manager and Mats Sundin is introduced as Senior Executive Advisor of Hockey Operations of the Toronto Maple Leafs .

Everyone Is Already Mad At The New GM Of The Toronto Maple Leafs

<p>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 <em>Point B</em>. Handsomest man in the world.</p>


Drew Magary

The Jackson family poses on the red carpet

Funbag

The Musical Biopic Is Dead

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<div>Abigail Segel is a contributing writer at Defector. She is also an editor for The IX Soccer and the Equalizer. Her work has been published in the Guardian and the Montreal Gazette.</div>
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