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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

Justin Turner and Cody Bellinger celebrate in a Dodger win.

Podcasts

A Hater’s Guide To The MLB Playoffs, With Justin Halpern

Seattle Mariners reliever Paul Sewald hushes the crowd in Anaheim down the stretch of his team's failed 2021 playoff run.

How Did The Mariners Even Get This Close?

Steaks on a grill at the Las Vegas Food And Wine Festival, in the before times.

Talking Fine And Less-Fine Dining, With Liz Cook

Brewers reliever Devin Williams, seen here pumping his fist after getting an out against the Marlins in April.

Defector Up All Night

It’s Not What You Want

Jets quarterback Zach Wilson holding up his jersey on draft night, quite possibly the last time he will experience joy near such a jersey.

The Jets Effect And Pedestrian Mindset, With Dom Cosentino

Hungarian sculptors and creators Reka Gergely (L) and Tamas Gilly (R) pose next to the statue of Satoshi Nakamoto, the mysterious inventor of the virtual currency bitcoin, after its unveiling at the Graphisoft Park in Budapest, on September 16, 2021. - Hungarian bitcoin enthusiasts unveiled a statue on September 16 in Budapest that they say is the first in the world to honour Satoshi Nakamoto, the mysterious inventor of the virtual currency. The bronze life-size sculpture depicts a hooded figure with stylised facial features, alluding to Nakamoto, a pseudonym credited as bitcoin's founder, but whose identity remains unknown. (Photo by ATTILA KISBENEDEK / AFP) (Photo by ATTILA KISBENEDEK/AFP via Getty Images)

Capital

This Is All Exactly What It Looks Like

circa 1945: Studio image of a young boy wearing a party hat, blowing out the four candles on a chocolate birthday cake

Talking One Year Of Defector, With Almost Every Defector Staffer

Randy Edsall looking upset in a 2017 UConn Huskies game against Virginia.

College Football

Randy Edsall Punted Into Retirement By FCS Team

(Vaccinated) fans going berserk at Virginia Tech's Lane Stadium

This Is What It’s Supposed To Be Like

A drawing of French humanist and educational reformer Petrus Ramus.

The Many Guys Of History, With Patrick Wyman

Javier Baez does a double thumbs-down gesture, apparently directed at Mets fans, after hitting a home run on Sunday against the Nationals.

The New York Mets Must Win More Games To Humiliate And Punish Their Faithless Fans

Tennessee Titans star Derrick Henry rushes against the Houston Texans at the end of the last NFL season.

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy Football Draft, With Andy Behrens

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.

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.

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.