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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

Some fancy hot chocolate being poured out of a carafe into a nice white mug.

Podcasts

One Last $12 Hot Chocolate For 2021

Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson signals for a first down in their game against the Lions.

The Future Is In The Protocols, With Jason Gay

The extremely unmemorable guy Chad Hutchinson, seen here calling a play against the Eagles in 2002.

Remembering Chad Hutchinson In Public, With Kelsey McKinney

Giri Nathan

Samer Kalaf

Announcements

Introducing ‘Namedropping,’ A Podcast About Names

Kelsey McKinney

Introducing ‘Normal Gossip,’ A Podcast Where We Will Gossip, As A Treat

Mets owner Steve Cohen and Mets mascot Mr. Met, seen at the opening of a mass vaccination site at CitiField in February of 2021.

Lockout Mindset And Dog Talk, With Lindsey Adler

A bunch of lemurs at the San Francisco zoo eat a version of Thanksgiving dinner at an actual table.

Toward A Unified Theory Of Tan Foods

Tom Brady, seen here yelling during the Bucs' Week 9 loss to Washington, with The Distraction logo at upper left.

The Key Ingredient Is Ruthlessness, With Seth Wickersham

A close-up image of Aaron Rodgers looking upset from a game against the Arizona Cardinals.

A Cancel Culture Casket Of One’s Own, With Lauren Theisen

Aaron Rodgers on the field in an old-timey Packers uniform in Week 5, before anyone knew he wasn't vaccinated.

Homeopathic Quarterbacks And Magic Baseball Jewelry, With Dan McQuade

This is Jim Breuer performing at the New York Comedy Club in 2016, but the photo is taken from far enough away that you can pretend it's someone funnier.

Engagement Versus Laughter And Other Comedy Dilemmas, With Christian Finnegan

Marvin Bagley is fouled by both Zion Williamson and Jaxson Hayes in a '19-20 NBA game no one on earth remembers.

Entering Marvin Bagley III Mode, With Patrick Redford

A picture of a human brain taken by a positron emission tomography scanner.

It’s Time For Brain Chat

Justin Turner and Cody Bellinger celebrate in a Dodger win.

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

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

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

<p>Columnist. Author of many <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Drew-Magary/e/B001JS8R52/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1">fine works of literature</a>, including <em>Point B</em>. Handsomest man in the world.</p>


Drew Magary

Steve Spurrier on the sidelines during a 1994 game in which his Florida Gators beat Kentucky by nearly 70 points.

Let’s Remember Some College Football Guys, With Spencer Hall

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

A drawing of French humanist and educational reformer Petrus Ramus.

The Many Guys Of History, With Patrick Wyman

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

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

The Bathrooms Of America, And Other Vacation Delights

SAN FRANCISCO - MARCH 25: A man walks past a sculpture of a bow and arrow near the San Francisco Bay Bridge March 25, 2005 in San Francisco, California. San Francisco's 49-Mile Scenic Drive was opened in 1939 as a guide for visitors to The City's 1939-1940 Golden Gate International Exposition. The route includes most of San Francisco's major sights as well as winding through many of the city's colorful neighborhoods; giving visitors a look into the diversity and beauty of the area. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

An Overdue Heart-To-Heart, With AJ Daulerio

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

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