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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.

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Defector

The Defector Crewneck Sweatshirt Is Back In Stock

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Merch v3

Normal Gossip: portraits

Alex Sujong Laughlin

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Ray Ratto

Staff Writer
Find me on Signal @DefectorChris.09

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Chris Thompson

charismatic megafauna (they/them)

Typing

Sabrina Imbler

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Kathryn Xu

Providence-based band The Whelks, which is composed of at least two Defector subscribers.

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Defector Reads A Book

‘The Artist’s Way’ Week 9: We Are Annoyed

ampa Bay Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg greets Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred Jr. before the Opening Day game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Tropicana Field on Sunday, April 3, 2016

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Tampa Bay Rays

Rob Manfred Is The Face Of An Elite Mutiny Against Rays Owner Stuart Sternberg

Darius Garland reacts during the first half against the Miami Heat

Miami Heat v Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavaliers Are Going To Take Some Getting Used To

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 01: Head coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors reacts to a play against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half of the game at the Wells Fargo Center on March 1, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Golden State Warriors v Philadelphia 76ers

It’s Not A Real NBA Season Until Steve Kerr Complains About Traveling

A gamer wears a gem head decoration that was handed out at the SIMS exhibit in the annual Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) at the Los Angeles Convention Center on June 16, 2010 in Los Angeles, California.

E3 Expo Showcases Latest In Computer And Video Games

‘The Artist’s Way’ Week 8: We Are Burnt-Out Sims

(Original Caption) 3/22/1989-Plant City, FL-Cincinnati Reds' manager Pete Rose reacts to a reporters question 3/22 in the dugout prior to their contest against the Cards. Rose is under scrutiny by the baseball commissioners office for gambling.

Pete Rose Reacts To Reporter’s Question

Pete Rose Will Spend The Afterlife As A Cudgel

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 30: Deebo Samuel Sr. #1 of the San Francisco 49ers in action against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium on December 30, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Detroit Lions v San Francisco 49ers

Deebo Samuel And The Offensive Revolution That Never Was

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 12: Former NFL Player Tom Brady looks on prior to the NFC Wild Card Playoff between the Green Bay Packers and the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 12, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

NFC Wild Card Playoffs: Green Bay Packers v Philadelphia Eagles

Life Lessons

Nuisance Is That Which You Cannot Escape

Mercury astronauts in simulated weightless flight in C-131 aircraft flying trajectory at Wright Air Development Center, Ohio, 1959.

Mercury Astronauts

‘The Artist’s Way’ Week 7: The Third-Quarter Slump

Ruben Amorim, Manager of Manchester United, reacts during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Manchester United FC at Goodison Park on February 22, 2025. He has his hand over his mouth and looks aghast.

Everton FC v Manchester United FC – Premier League

Soccer

Does Manchester United Exist? Its Manager’s Answer May Surprise You

and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate after Butler scored and was fouled on the shot against the Dallas Mavericks on February 23, 2025.

Dallas Mavericks v Golden State Warriors

The Warriors Might Be Onto Something

Austin Wells in action, looks on from behind the plate vs Los Angeles Dodgers at Yankee Stadium. Game 5. Big ol mustache on his upper lip.

New York Yankees vs Los Angeles Dodgers, 2024 World Series

The New York Yankees No Longer Have To Look Like That, Will Still Be Acting Like That

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 20: Connor McDavid #97 of Team Canada reacts after scoring the game-winning goal during the first overtime period of the 4 Nations Face-Off Championship game between Team Canada and Team United States at TD Garden on February 20, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Ben Jackson/4NFO/World Cup of Hockey via Getty Images)

NHL 4 Nations Face-Off – Championship

The Game Always Speaks For Itself

An abstract work of art featuring some line-drawn faces.

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‘The Artist’s Way’ Week 6: Are We Feeling Abundant?

Matthew Tkachuk #19 of Team USA and Brandon Hagel #38 of Team Canada fight during the first period in the 2025 NHL 4 Nations Face-Off on February 15, 2025.

2025 NHL 4 Nations Face-Off – United States v Canada

The 4 Nations Face-Off Really Might Be The Solution For All-Star Malaise

Dallas Mavericks fans lift a cutout of general manager Nico Harrison with a clown nose during a protest of the trade of Los Angeles Lakers point guard Luka Doncic outside the American Airlines Center.

NBA: FEB 08 Dallas Mavericks Fans Protest

Nico Harrison’s Reasons Are Not Getting Any Better

An alligator-y creature behind museum glass.

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‘The Artist’s Way’ Week 5: Looking For Small Evolutions

Lance Lynn of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches during a baseball game against Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on July 6, 2024 in Washington, DC.

St. Louis Cardinals v Washington Nationals

Nike Triumphantly Agrees To Fix The MLB Uniforms It Ruined, Eventually