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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

Tom Ley

The Yankees And Astros Have Engaged In A Shirt-Based Beef

Luis Paez-Pumar

Gerrit Cole #45 of the New York Yankees pitches in the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on July 10, 2021 in Houston, Texas.

Gerrit Cole Cussed A Bunch Then Went The Distance

Daniel Camarena Hit The Dumbest, Funniest, Best Home Run Of The Season

Staff Writer
Find me on Signal @DefectorChris.19

Chris Thompson

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 08: Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges, middle, dunks against Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez, left, and Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, right, during the second half of Game Two of the NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena on July 08, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Ross D. Franklin-Pool/Getty Images )

The Suns Simply Have Too Much Juice

Nick Castellanos socks the ball, probably during a memorial service or something.

Nick Castellanos Hit A Drive Into Deep Left Field, Which Is How You Know Something Grave Has Happened

Giri Nathan

Tennis

Please Enjoy The Cartoonishly Pinwheeling Arms Of This Man Avoiding The Net

Lord Of The Long Ball Kyle Schwarber rounds the bases after another big fly.

What’s With This Damn Kyle Schwarber And All The Dingers!

Billy Haisley

Germany's defender Robin Gosens (L) heads the ball to score their fourth goal during the UEFA EURO 2020 Group F football match between Portugal and Germany at Allianz Arena in Munich on June 19, 2021.

Internationals

Robin Gosens Beheaded Portugal, But Portugal Bared Its Own Neck

Patrick Redford

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JUNE 12: Terrance McKinney hurts his knee celebrating his knock-out victory over Matt Frevola during their UFC 263 lightweight match at Gila River Arena on June 12, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona.

The Fights

There’s Gonna Be Three Hits: Me Hitting You, You Hitting The Floor, Also Me Hitting The Floor

Jake Fraley leaps to rob a walk-off home run.

10 Uninterrupted Minutes Of FRAYHAYLAYYYYY, Sure

Ronald Acuña Jr. crushes a ball to the moon.

Dinger Beauty Is A Joy Forever

Chris Paul runs past Facundo Campazzo in a playoff game.

God Help Me, I’ve Been Charmed By Chris Paul

Trae Young beats Frank Ntilikina for the deciding bucket.

A Timely Nudge And A Lost Shoe Helped Trae Young Author A Classic Finish

Let’s Appreciate Some Randos Who Smushed The Hornets Flat As A Pancake

Ray Ratto

Astudillo Versus Mercedes Was A Battle Of Brains And Brawn

The Steph Curry Show Rolls On

Soccer

Alisson Saves Liverpool’s Season With A Stoppage-Time Keeper Goal

Defector Up All Night

Now Here Are Some Gosh Darn Throws

Dan McQuade was a founding member of Defector. He died in January 2026.

Dan McQuade

LaMelo Ball Is Back, And So Are His Otherworldly Assists

Russell Westbrook, Ish Smith, and Bradley Beal celebrate during the Wizards' win over the Lakers.

The Unstoppable, Charming, Incredibly Telegenic Wizards Are Truly Basketball’s Feel-Good Story, No Matter What The Haters And Losers Say

Vlad Jr. waves to fans after his team beat the hell out of the Washington Nationals.

Vlad Jr. Did Some Primo Smashing

Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels hits a double against the Texas Rangers in the second inning at Globe Life Field on April 26, 2021 in Arlington, Texas.

Shohei Ohtani Highlights Have Made Me Care About Baseball Again

Maitreyi Anantharaman

The Best Bucket Of The Night Was The One That Didn’t Go In

Please Join Me For A Chuckle At This Grayson Allen Blooper

Diana Moskovitz is Defector&#8217;s investigations editor. You can contact her at diana@defector.com or dfmoskovitz@protonmail.com. She&#8217;s also on Signal @dmoskovitz.99

Diana Moskovitz

Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat reacts during the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 27, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida