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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

Barry Petchesky

The Commanders Pulled Off The Perfect Hail Mary

Patrick Redford

LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets celebrates against the Houston Rocketsduring the second half at Toyota Center on October 23, 2024 in Houston, Texas.

The Hornets Are Under Construction, But LaMelo Ball Is Still Really Fun To Watch

There’s Officially Hockey In Utah Now

Maitreyi Anantharaman

Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders runs the ball as Denzel Ward #21 of the Cleveland Browns attempts to tackle during the first half at FedExField on October 06, 2024 in Landover, Maryland.

Jayden Daniels Has Brought The Commanders To Life

Ray Ratto

Jurickson Profar #10 of the San Diego Padres makes a jumping catch into the crowd to rob a home run during game two of the National League Divisional Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on October 6, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images)

Jurickson Profar Got In Dodgers Fans’ Heads

Staff Writer
Find me on Signal @DefectorChris.19

Chris Thompson

Jorge Soler of the Braves smokes a cigar after his team clinched a playoff berth.

The Shambling, Half-Dead Braves Have Gone Far Enough

Giri Nathan

Napheesa Collier #24 of the Minnesota Lynx looks to shoot against Sophie Cunningham #9 of the Phoenix Mercury in the fourth quarter in Game Two

WNBA

Napheesa Collier Keeps The Lynx Cool

Kathryn Xu

Jake Cronenworth #9 of the San Diego Padres watches after throwing the ball to first base as part of a triple play as Enrique Hernández #8 of the Los Angeles Dodgers ducks.

The Padres Found The Coolest Way To Clinch

Justin Ellis

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley runs for a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints on September 22, 2024 at the Superdome.

Eagles Remember They Should  Give The Ball To Saquon Barkley More

MIAMI, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 19: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a two-run home run, his 50th of the season, during the seventh inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on September 19, 2024 in Miami, Florida. Ohtani is now the first MLB player to have at least 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in the same season. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Shohei Ohtani Is Playing A Sport Of His Own

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 21: A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces reacts after being called for a foul against the Minnesota Lynx in the second quarter of their game at Michelob ULTRA Arena on August 21, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Ian Maule/Getty Images)

A’ja Wilson’s Game Is Joyfully Precise

Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Philadelphia Phillies gives a thumbs up after hitting his third home run of the game in the ninth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Kyle Schwarber Jacks Taters

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 10: Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (52) celebrates after robbing a home run to end the MLB game between the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers on September 10, 2024 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire)

It’s A Bad Day To Be A Fly Ball When Pete Crow-Armstrong Is Around

James Wood Sounds Like A Happy Future

Jackson Merrill celebrates after hitting a walk-off home run.

Jackson Merrill Has Already Achieved Dude Status

Ernie Clement slugs a home run on a pitch at forehead height.

No Pitch Is Too High For The Courageous Of Heart

Tom Ley

Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears passes in the first half of a preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field on August 17, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.

Caleb Williams Made Some Throws

Jhon Duran of Aston Villa celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammate Morgan Rogers during the Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Aston Villa FC at London Stadium on August 17, 2024 in London, England.

Soccer

Jhon Durán Picked The Funniest Time And Place To Score

Samer Kalaf

A photo finish of the 100-meter at the 2024 Olympics, with Noah Lyles winning.

Olympics

Noah Lyles Wins The 100-Meter Gold By A Skin Cell

Shohei Ohtani smacks a 473-foot home run.

This Is So Stupid

Sunday’s Events Will Ring Out Through History

Lauren Theisen

Shohei Ohtani Speaks In Dingers

VILLENEUVE-SUR-LOT, FRANCE - JULY 11: (EDITOR'S NOTE: Alternate crop) Biniam Girmay of Eritrea and Team Intermarche - Wanty - Green Sprint Jersey celebrates at finish line as stage winner ahead of (L-R) Wout Van Aert of Belgium and Team Visma | Lease a Bike, Pascal Ackermann of Germany and Team Israel - Premier Tech and Jasper Philipsen of Belgium and Team Alpecin - Deceuninck during the 111th Tour de France 2024, Stage 12 a 203.6km stage from Aurillac to Villeneuve-sur-Lot / #UCIWT / on July 11, 2024 in Villeneuve-sur-Lot, France. (Photo by Tim de Waele/Getty Images)

Cycling

Biniam Girmay Is The New Sprint King

These Dang Reds Have Found Another Cool Guy To Squander

For Maximum Efficacy You May Wish To Dilute Your Shohei Ohtani Highlight Consumption

Owen Lewis is a former Defector intern and has written for The Guardian, The Second Serve, The Athletic, and other publications.