CULTURE

Footer Column 2

Footer Legal

Footer Main

Nav Bar

OTHER

SPORTS

Subscribe, at any level, to play

Thanks for your interest in Defector Crosswords!

Become a subscriber today to get unlimited access

Thanks for reading!

Plans start at $8/month.

Subscribers enjoy unlimited, ad-free browsing.

Register to continue

Or click here to subscribe for unlimited, ad-free access!

Our gift to you: This year's post is unlocked. Register your email to get even more free articles.

Welcome to the 2025 Hater's Guide!

Just register your email:

This blog is free to read.

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

Ray Ratto

Super Bowl XV: Oakland Raiders Ray Guy (8) in action, punt vs Philadelphia Eagles.

Ray Guy Was The Last King Of Hang Time

Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat looks on in the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on October 29, 2022 in Sacramento, California.

The Heat Are Only 73 Wins Away From Meeting Jimmy Butler’s Standard

Soccer

A Free Trip To The World Cup Will Only Cost Your Soul

A World Series Rain Delay Just Leaves More Time To Drive Yourself Crazy

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 28: Las Vegas Raiders owner and managing general partner and Las Vegas Aces owner Mark Davis (L) and head coach Josh McDaniels of the Raiders attend Game One of the 2022 WNBA Playoffs semifinals between the Aces and the Seattle Storm at Michelob ULTRA Arena on August 28, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Storm defeated the Aces 76-73. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Same Old Raiders

Christian McCaffrey Creates Good Problems For The 49ers

If The Lakers Are In Hell, The Nets Are Somewhere Worse

The Astros Are Not Here For Any More Phillies Shenanigans

Tom Brady Is Going Quietly

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 27: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors holds the ball during the game against the Miami Heat on October 27, 2022 at Chase Center 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

What Is Steph Curry Worth?

New York Is A Football Town Now

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 23: The Houston Astros celebrate after defeating the New York Yankees in game four to win the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium on October 23, 2022 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

You Do Not Have To Root For The Phillies

Bruce Bochy Heard The Call

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 28: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers walks back to the locker room after Carolina was defeated by Miami 33-10 at Hard Rock Stadium on November 28, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)

Kyle Shanahan Had Better Hope Christian McCaffrey Is The Answer

Does Hatred Of The Astros Spring Eternal?

Politics

Relegation-Bound United Kingdom Sacks Liz Truss

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 18: Manny Machado #13 of the San Diego Padres reacts after flying out during the seventh inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in game one of the National League Championship Series at PETCO Park on October 18, 2022 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The Best Enigmas Money Can Buy

DENVER, CO - APRIL 24: Draymond Green #23 and Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors talk during Round 1 Game 4 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2022 at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. 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 2022 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Warriors’ Future Will Not Arrive Painlessly

There’s Nothing Left For The MLB Season To Do But End

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 03: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on after defeating the Los Angeles Rams at Levi's Stadium on October 03, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

You Can’t Get Rid Of Jimmy Garoppolo That Easily

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 17: Aaron Nola #27 of the Philadelphia Phillies walks back to the clubhouse before a game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on September 17, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Casey Sykes/Getty Images)

Jinxes Are Fake But Phillies Fans Are All Too Real

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 26: Tony La Russa #22 of the Chicago White Sox walk on the field in the sixth inning during a game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on August 26, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Chase Agnello-Dean/Getty Images)

Tony La Russa Was A Genius Until He Wasn’t

Not Even Peyton Manning Can Save The Pro Bowl

The Nets In Their Present Form Have Already Worn Us Out

CINCINNATI, OHIO - JULY 04: Mark Canha #19 of the New York Mets is hit by a pitch in the second inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on July 04, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)