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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

David Roth

Julio Rodriguez, seen here hitting a homer against a much more intimidating pitch than the one described in this post, in the Tokyo Olympics.

This Is What Happens When One Of Baseball’s Best Prospects Is Served A Meatball By A Position Player

Alex Dickerson and Brandon Crawford congratulate each other at home plate, presumably for being talked about on this episode of The Distraction.

Podcasts

These Damn Giants And The Best Imaginary Team In The Canadian Football League, With Ray Ratto

Orioles outfielder Cedric Mullins in the dugout after a loss to the Detroit Tigers.

The Baltimore Orioles Are In The Waiting Room

The Bathrooms Of America, And Other Vacation Delights

SEATTLE, WA - JUNE 11: Seattle Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto watches batting practice before a game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on June 11, 2016 in Seattle, Washington. The Rangers won the game 2-1 in eleven innings. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)

Jerry Dipoto Has Touched The Ultimate

Giannis Antetokounmpo driving for one of his many baskets in the decisive Game 6 of the NBA Finals.

Dunker Cyclist Ninja Guy, With Jason Gay

A photograph of Michael Irvin with the hideous image of Jerry Jones reflected in his sunglass lenses.

Michael Irvin Is The Future Of The COVID Vaccine Push

NBA megastar Brandon Jennings seen here objecting to a foul call while with the Knicks, a team he apparently played for.

Defector Up All Night

The Stars Are Out For Game 6 Of The NBA Finals!

Giannis Antentokounmpo attempts a pass while being fouled by Chris Paul in Game 4 of the NBA Finals

Talking About The Federal Limewire Enforcement Agency And The NBA Finals, With Gabe Fernandez

Juan Soto and Shohei Ohtani high-five at the MLB All-Star Game's Home Run Derby

ESPN Has Found The Absolute Worst Way To Talk About The Absolute Coolest Stuff

Devin Booker and Chris Paul high-five at the end of Phoenix's victory in Game 1 of the NBA Finals

The NBA Finals At The End Of The World, With Albert Burneko

Rockies pitcher Jon Gray and Rockies shortstop Trevor Story high-five in a game against the Phillies

Press 3 To Request A Trade From The Colorado Rockies

Max Scherzer of the Washington Nationals is inspected on the mound by umpire Tim Timmons during a June game.

Frisk Max Scherzer If You Dare, With Kelsey McKinney

Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, seen here in a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.

Olympics

Tom Cotton Demands That U.S. Olympians Safeguard Their Sacred Purity Of Essence Against Communist Perfidy

Two baby goats snuggling over The Distraction logo. It's all been leading up to this.

Joss Whedon Disease And The Age Of Goats

Author Chris Bosh, seen here during his playing days.

Call Of The Ice Bath, With Chris Bosh

Gerrit Cole of the Yankees rubs up a baseball, with what we can presume is nothing at all, just a normal thing you do with your hands.

No League Cleans Up Its Own Mess Worse Than Baseball

Gerrit Cole, seen here looking uncomfortable on the mound, if notably less uncomfortable than he seemed when asked whether he cheats.

Napoleonic Wars, Baseball Cheating, And Pandemic Television, With Michael Schur

Brad Stevens, seen here contemplating a future in which he doesn't have to coach anymore.

The NBA Playoffs And The Defenestration Of Boston, With Rohan Nadkarni

Caitlyn Jenner at the Los Angeles Women's March in 2020.

Politics

Caitlyn Jenner: As Governor, I Will Cancel Cancel Culture And Wake Up The Woke

This is a photo of a rock formation in Oman, I just thought it looked neat.

The Ocean Of Time And The Lighter Side Of Extinction, With Peter Brannen

Matt Wieters, seen here catching for the Cardinals in a 2019 game.

Team USA’s Preliminary Roster Is A Damn Symphony Of Baseball Guys

Russell Westbrook contemplates the void, and The Distraction logo.

A Hater’s Guide To Every Postseason, With Lauren Theisen And Albert Burneko

Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa, seen here trudging towards the pitcher's mound.

Tony La Russa Should Just Stay In His Office

Eugene Melnyk, cast here as Thurston Howell III in a remake of Gilligan's Island.