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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

Alex Sujong Laughlin

Doechii performs onstage at the Grammy Awards

Under The Influence

Doechii’s Old Vlogs Document Her Self-Invention

Giri Nathan

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 2: Masai Ujiri President of the Toronto Raptors speaks during media day on October 2, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Mark Blinch/Getty Images)

Masai Ujiri Continues His Baffling Wing Collection

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


Sabrina Imbler

a chimpanzee stares out between the leaves

Creaturefector

Chimpanzee Culture Is Disappearing Because Of Us

David Roth

Nick Sirianni, head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, is escorted off the field by thirsty-ass Dom DiSandro following the NFC Championship Game against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field on January 26, 2025.

Podcasts

The Eagles Fan Version Of Personal Growth, With Dan McQuade

Patrick Redford

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 02: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands next to Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter in game one of the Western Conference Semifinal Playoffs at Chase Center on May 02, 2023 in San Francisco, 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Everyone Thinks They Have A Shot

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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

History

The Last Living Bedwardite

Ray Ratto

Richaun Holmes of the Washington Wizards reacts after dunking the ball as Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets looks on.

The Washington Wizards Have Forgotten How To Lose

<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

Whilte House Chef Rene Verdon (L) and former chef Jacques Pepin preparing a salad for a picnic on Gardiners Island. (Photo by Mark Kauffman/Getty Images)

Jamboroo

I Want To Focus On My Salad

a pink Amazon River Dolphin floating on back in slightly brown water

Think River Dolphins Don’t Piss On Each Other? Urine For A Surprise

of the Miami Heat looks down during the first quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Kaseya Center on January 2, 2025.

The Warriors And Jimmy Butler Are Trying To Stop The Clock

Tom Ley

President of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Charlie Baker testifies before the Senate Judicary Committee in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on December 17, 2024 in Washington, DC. The Committee held a hearing to investigate sports gambling. (

Death To The NCAA

Charlie Baker And The NCAA Roll Over For Donald Trump

People organize a rally and demonstration against Elon Musk outside the U.S. Office of Personnel Management in Washington D.C., United States on February 03, 2025.

Politics

Billionaire Dipshit And His Strike Team Of Greasy Beavises Are Stripping The Wires From The Federal Government

<p>Lesley Ryder is a writer and a host covering the Chicago Red Stars. She co-created <a href="https://galpalsports.com/">Gal Pal Sports</a>, a platform that lives to make women’s sports fun for everyone.</p>


Lesley Ryder

The digital signage shows the NWSL logo on it before the National Women's Soccer League match between NJ/NY Gotham FC and the Houston Dash at Red Bull Arena on July 31, 2022 in Harrison, New Jersey.

NWSL

NWSL To Pay $5 Million To Abused Players As Part Of Settlement

Samer Kalaf

D'Angelo Russell celebrates after hitting a game-winner

Nets Sabotage Their Own Tank With Thrilling Upset Of Rockets

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


Chris Thompson

The plasma cannon fires a bolt of plasma.

Science

I Would Think Nothing Of Being Shot In The Chest With This Plasma Cannon

Kathryn Xu

MLB umpire Pat Hoberg looks on during a game between the Minnesota Twins and Chicago Cubs on May 12, 2023.

MLB Loses Its Best Umpire To Sports Gambling

<p>Nicholas Russell is a writer from Las Vegas.</p>


Nicholas Russell

Two hands, a drawing, holding an orange sign with yellow text that reads: MAKE YOUR OWN JOB

Interviews

The Power Of Negative Thinking

<p>Raphael Orlove is a freelance writer and editor with a few events under his belt as a rally co-driver. You may have seen his work on Robb Report, Road &amp; Track, Jalopnik, or the briefly-aired Car vs America TV show if you have a very extensive cable subscription.</p>
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Raphael Orlove

Stephane Lhonnay gives a thumbs up while driving his recce car

Racing

On The Road With The Monte Carlo Ice Crews, Who Keep Disaster At Bay

Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks celebrates a call in the first quarter against the Houston Rockets at Madison Square Garden on February 03, 2025 in New York City. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)

Jalen Brunson Plays Like A Rolling Rock

A Chiefs end zone with the NFL slogan "End Racism"

NFL No Longer Interested In Ending Racism

Protestors gather outside of USAID headquarters on February 03, 2025 in Washington, DC. Elon Musk, tech billionaire and head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), said in a social media post that he and U.S. President Donald Trump will shut down the foreign assistance agency.

Funbag

Help! I’m Worried The Government Will Stiff Me On My Paycheck!

Jaren Jackson Jr. And The Memphis Grizzlies Are Leveling Up

Defector Reads A Book

‘The Artist’s Way’ Week 4: We Are Deprived

Israel Daramola

Luis Paez-Pumar

Kendrick Lamar performs onstage during The Pop Out – Ken &amp; Friends Presented by pgLang and Free Lunch at The Kia Forum on June 19, 2024 in Inglewood, California.

Defector Music Club

Defector Music Club Travels Back To M.A.A.D City

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 01: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs and De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings go for a rebound in the first half at Golden 1 Center on December 01, 2024 in Sacramento, 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)