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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

Tom Ley

Victor Wembanyama shoots a basketball over Chet Holmgren

We Are Hurtling Toward The Age Of Wembanyama

Israel Daramola

Timothee Chalamet's Paul Atreides addressing the Fremen in Dune: Part Two.

Arts And Culture

‘Dune: Part Two’ Is Big, Bold, Loud, And Still Missing Something

Samer Kalaf

Journalismism

The New York Times Ignores Intense Scrutiny Of Its Oct. 7 Report

Luis Paez-Pumar

A screenshot of Last Epoch, showing a knight overlooking a light-up city

Video Games

I Love A Good Mid-Budget Video Game

David Roth

A guest wears new Apple Vision Pro outside Bora Aksu during London Fashion Week February 2024 on February 16, 2024 in London, England.

Podcasts

The Future Doesn’t Work, With Ed Zitron

Patrick Redford

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 28: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers after a116-112 win against the LA Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on February 28, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

LeBron James Might Just Keep Doing This Forever

Diddy attends The After hosted by Diddy &amp; Doja Cat powered by Ciroc Premium Vodka and DeLeon Tequila at Club Love on May 01, 2023 in New York City.

What To Take From The Latest Suit Against Diddy

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<div>Casey Taylor is a writer living and working in Pittsburgh. He is currently writing a book for St. Martin&#8217;s Press about cannabis religions, Haile Selassie I, and the Cold War in the Caribbean. He also writes a free newsletter called <a href="https://weedchurch.substack.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://weedchurch.substack.com/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1709306863919000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1mVH2xiID6S0zvlyj6yHco">Weed Church</a> covering foolish spiritual things that occur to him. His work has appeared in The New Republic, WIRED, New York Magazine, and a sports blog he can’t currently recall the name of. You can <a href="mailto:caseyt7@gmail.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">email</a> him if you’d like.</div>
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Casey Taylor

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 27: A person holds a sign during a vigil for U.S. Airman Aaron Bushnell at the US Army Recruiting Office in Times Square on February 27, 2024 in New York City. Bushnell died after setting himself on fire outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC on Sunday. In a video that was posted to a social media account showing the act, he stated that would “no longer be complicit in genocide," before pouring an unknown liquid over himself and igniting it while yelling “Free Palestine” repeatedly. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

Politics

Why Did Aaron Bushnell Burn?

Lauren Theisen

Connor McDavid scores the overtime game winner against Jordan Binnington

Connor McDavid Is Bored By The Remarkable

Ray Ratto

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 11: Clark Hunt owner of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after winning Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images)

The Chiefs Hate Their Boss Too

<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

Melted chocolate with a heart shape in it.

Life Lessons

My Sweet Tooth


<p>Dan McQuade was a founding member of Defector. He died in January 2026.</p>


Dan McQuade

A screenshot of a guy playing Mario 64 on the drums

This Guy Beats Video Games Using A Drum Kit As A Controller

Christy Mathewson head and shoulders portrait photo

How To Throw A Baseball And Live Forever

Giri Nathan

ATP CEO Massimo Calvelli (left) sits alongside Kevin Foster, PIF Head of Corporate Affairs

Tennis

ATP Tour Announces Deal To Accept More Saudi Money

Maitreyi Anantharaman

Sarah Nurse #20 of Toronto smiles in a break in play with Natalie Spooner #24 against Montreal during the first period of their PWHL hockey game at Scotiabank Arena on February 16, 2024 in Toronto, Canada.

PWHL

Toronto’s Six-Game Heater Is Punishment For The Haters

Life's Rich Pageant

What Do You Type Into YouTube?

An AI-generated image from the Willy's Chocolate Experience website promising "Encherining Entertainment"

Scottish Children Fed Meager Servings Of Jelly Beans, Large Helpings Of Disappointment At Willy’s Chocolate Experience


<p>charismatic megafauna (they/them)</p>


Sabrina Imbler

An image of Flaco in his chain-link exhibit at the Central Park Zoo

Birdfector

What Do We Owe Zoo Animals?

Shohei Ohtani runs the bases after hitting a home run

Enjoy Shohei Ohtani’s Dodger Highlights While They’re Still Harmless

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


Chris Thompson

Teammates fling water onto Max Strus following his game-winner.

You Need Someone To Huck It On Up There

Serbian NBA basketball player Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets attends a horse race in his hometown of Sombor in native Serbia, on June 18, 2023. Jokic and his team the Denver Nuggets won their first NBA title on June 12, 2023. (Photo by Oliver Bunic / AFP)

Defector Up All Night

Unforgiving. The Lightning Is Coming.

CARSON, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 26: Alex Morgan #7 of United States reacts after a goal by Mexico in the second half during Group A - 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup match at Dignity Health Sports Park on February 26, 2024 in Carson, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)