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

Coach Aaron Glenn of the New York Jets during the game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium.

Nobody Fails Like The New York Jets

Baylor Football head coach Dave Aranda adjusts his headset on the sideline during a game against the Kansas Jayhawks in October 2026.

College Football

Scapegoat Season Has Arrived For College Football

Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Aaron Ashby pitching on the mound during game 2 of the 2026 World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Aaron Ashby Has Put The Brewers In Control


<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Culture Writer</p>


Israel Daramola

Aaron Philo #12 of the Florida Gators and Daniel Pierre Louis #73 celebrate after defeating the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on October 17, 2026 in Austin, Texas.

Now Is The Time For Hysteria

Detailed look at the mask worn by Connor Hellebuyck #37 of the Winnipeg Jets during the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets April 4, 2026.

The Connor Hellebuyck Showdown Is About To Get Expensive For The Jets

Junior Caminero #13 of the Tampa Bay Rays rounds the bases after hitting a two run home run in the seventh inning during Game Six of the American League Championship Series. He's got his hand up to his ear.

Here Comes The Fun Part

Young boys playing flag football react after fumbling the ball during a game.

Minor Dilemmas

How Do I Stop My Kid From Crashing Out Over Trying New Activities?

Mike Evans of the San Francisco 49ers sits on the ground after an injury against the Washington Commanders during the first half of an NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on October 19, 2026.

Some Wins Feel More Like Losses

Former Indianapolis Colts player Peyton Manning looks on prior to the game between the Miami Dolphins and the Indianapolis Colts during the game on September 7, 2026. He kind of looks like Tom Wambsgans.

Sometimes A Team Just Wants To Hire A Famous Guy

Mike Elko of the Texas A&amp;M Aggies prepare to lead his team onto the field before an SEC football game between the Texas A&amp;M Aggies and Missouri Tigers on Oct 10, 2026 at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, MO.

Do Not Rage At Your Most Online Fans

Aaron Ashby of the Milwaukee Brewers reacts against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the eighth inning in game one of the National League Championship Series.

Smart Can Win

Jose Ramirez of the Cleveland Guardians reacts after committing an error that scored Victor Mesa Jr. #25 of the Tampa Bay Rays during the fourth inning in game two of the American League Championship Series on October 13, 2026. He does not look happy.

Good Baseball Isn’t Necessarily Beautiful

The Brewers Will Just Keep Doing This Until Someone Stops Them

Munetaka Murakami #5 of the Chicago White Sox looks on from the dugout during the seventh inning in game five of the American League Division Series against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on October 10, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. He looks frustrated.

The White Sox Lean Into The “Windy” In “Windy City”

Head Coach Mike Ditka of the Chicago Bears looks on while his team warms up prior to playing the New York Giants in the NFC Divisional Playoff game January 13, 1991.

Mike Ditka, Forever Chicago

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - SEPTEMBER 19: Alabama Crimson Tide players pose with fans after beating the Florida State Seminoles 50-36 at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 19, 2026 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

We Now Know For Sure That We Know Nothing For Certain

Jackson Merrill #3 of the San Diego Padres celebrates after scoring in the third inning against the Milwaukee Brewers during game three of the National League Division Series in San Diego on October 6, 2026.

Padres-Brewers Has Been The Best Of October Baseball

Jonny DeLuca of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrates a double as Jazz Chisholm Jr. #13 of the New York Yankees looks on during the second inning in game two of the American League Division Series.

The Yankees Look Meek And Flubby

Didier Fuentes of the Atlanta Braves reacts to a play during Game Two of the National League Division Series. Positively, at that. He's in profile, pumping his fist.

Atlanta’s Least Heralded Relievers Did The Most

AUBURN, ALABAMA - SEPTEMBER 19:  Running back Jadan Baugh #13 of the Florida Gators celebrates with team after a win over the Auburn Tigers at Jordan Hare stadium on September 19, 2026 in Auburn, Alabama.

It’s Time To Separate The Real Teams From The Clowns

Dan Vladar of the Philadelphia Flyers surrenders a goal during the second period against the Pittsburgh Penguins as Christian Dvorak #22 looks on. Half his body is in the goal, and the puck is visible at lower right.

It’s Already Code Orange For The Philadelphia Flyers

Fernando Tatis Jr. celebrates at home plate after scoring in the seventh inning during Game One of the National League Wild Card Series presented by AbbVie between the Chicago Cubs and the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

These Are The Times That Try Managers’ Souls

Yordan Alvarez #44 of the Houston Astros is congratulated by teammates in the dugout after he hit a three-run home run against the Athletics during the fifth inning on September 26, 2026.

The Astros And White Sox Are The Playoff Matchup This Moment Deserves

Amon-Ra St. Brown #14 of the Detroit Lions celebrates after scoring a touchdown with Jahmyr Gibbs #0 against the New York Jets during the second quarter on September 27, 2026.

Sports

The Finings Will Continue Until Morale Worsens

Austin Romaine #15 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders returns an interception for a touchdown during the first half of the game against the Sam Houston Bearkats at Galaxy Stadium on September 26, 2026 in Lubbock, Texas.