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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

Barry Petchesky

Billy Hale, age 7, Simi Valley celebrates a Nintendo victory over his brother. Photo/Art by:Alan Hagman

Video Games

Video Games Should Be Easy, For Baby Gamers Like Me

Patrick Redford

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 23: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts to officials for a LA Clippers foul during a 96-93 Mavericks win in game two of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 23, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Luka Doncic Is Unshakeable

charismatic megafauna (they/them)

Sabrina Imbler

an illustration by Ray Troll depicting a gigantic spike-toothed salmon overpowering a fisherman

Creaturefector

Meet The Extremely Metal Spike-Toothed Salmon

Asher Elbein is <a href="https://www.asherelbein.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.asherelbein.com/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1712179533443000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2CJ0U-vHMdK0s6sOdzlGGF">a journalist and fiction writer</a> based in Austin, Texas. Among other places, his work has appeared in The New York Times, Scientific American, Undark Magazine, Audubon, and Texas Monthly.

Asher Elbein

An illustration of Magneto placing a yarmulke atop his head.

History

The Judgment Of Magneto

Ray Ratto

Sam Bennett #9 of the Florida Panthers celebrates his goal with teammates against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game Two of the First Round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Amerant Bank Arena on April 23, 2024 in Sunrise, Florida.

The Panthers Might Love Overtime Even More Than We Do

Reggie Bush, University of Southern California tailback holds the Heisman Trophy during the 2005 Heisman Trophy presentation at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York City, New York on December 10, 2005.

College Football

Reggie Bush Gets Back The Heisman He Never Should Have Lost

Lauren Theisen

Let's Remember Some Guys

Let’s Remember Some Guys: Reader Edition

Luis Paez-Pumar

Pascal Siakam #43 of the Indiana Pacers prepares to shoot a free throw during Round 1 Game 2 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks on April 23, 2024 at the Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Pascal Siakam Is Taking Over

Tom Ley

Deshaun Watson wearing traditional Saudi clothing.

NFL’s Preeminent Creep Now Trying To Lure League To Saudi Arabia

Justin Ellis

Normal Gossip logo with cartoon characters gossiping

Podcasts

The Taming Of The Xanadu

Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves fouls Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns in the first quarter of game two of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Target Center on April 23, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The Suns Are Two Losses From Organizational Disaster

This Puck Didn’t Go In

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

Help! My Son Won’t Stop Huffing His Own Farts!

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 22: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the New York Knicks during Round 1 Game 2 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on April 22, 2024 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

It’s Getting To Joel Embiid

Kelsey McKinney

Arts And Culture

I Am Obsessed With This Clay Pot

Israel Daramola

Donte DiVincenzo #0 of the New York Knicks reacts after making a three-point shot during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 22, 2024 in New York City. The Knicks won 104-101.

The Knicks Cannot Die

MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 22: Tom Brady seen arriving at Palacio De Cibeles on April 22, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Alberto Gardin/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

I Learned It By Watching You, Tom Brady

The Islanders Couldn’t Fake It For 60

Billy Haisley

Youri Tielemans of Aston Villa helps up Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey, the scorer of their third goal, after celebrating their third goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and AFC Bournemouth at Villa Park on April 21, 2024 in Birmingham, England.

Soccer

Ollie Watkins Has Taken Himself And Aston Villa To The Summit

DALLAS, TEXAS - APRIL 22: Mark Stone #61 of the Vegas Golden Knights is defended by Matt Duchene #95 of the Dallas Stars during the third period in Game One of the First Round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the American Airlines Center on April 22, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

Death, Taxes, And Mark Stone Coming Off Long-Term IR For The Playoffs

Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets scores game winning basket against the Los Angeles Lakers on April 22, 2024 at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.

Jamal Murray Has Never Missed A Jump Shot In His Entire Life

Kathryn Xu

Ranger Suárez #55 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws a pitch in the top of the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Citizens Bank Park on April 16, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Ranger Suárez Will Not Lie To You

Dave McKenna

Ryan Garcia (white trunks) reacts against Devin Haney (gray trunks) during their WBC Super Lightweight title bout at Barclays Center on April 20, 2024 in New York City.

The Fights

Ryan Garcia Turned A Sad Show Into A Thrilling Fight

David Roth

Yankees manager Aaron Boone argues with home plate umpire Hunter Wendelstedt after being ejected in the first inning of his team's game against the Oakland Athletics at Yankee Stadium on April 22, 2024 in New York City.

Aaron Boone Gets Ejected For Whatever Some Fan Yelled At Hunter Wendelstedt

Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Visa Cash App RB waves to the crowd on the drivers parade prior to the F1 Grand Prix of China at Shanghai International Circuit on April 21, 2024 in Shanghai, China.