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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

Staff Writer
Find me on Signal @DefectorChris.19

Chris Thompson

LeBron James dressed in Philly gear at a preseason NBA game.

LeBron James Is Commuting In A Fanatics Helicopter

Samer Kalaf

Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin during Fanatics Fest 2025

Fanatics Makes More Excuses Than Sellable Jerseys

Capital

Fanatics And Ticketmaster Announce Plan To Get Even Worse, Together

Alex Shultz is a journalist based in Brooklyn. He&#8217;s a writer for <a href="https://www.hardresetmedia.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.hardresetmedia.com/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1763581679564000&amp;usg=AOvVaw07bi0TNndgTXDN2QH72s3J">Hard Reset,</a> a newsletter about tech, labor, and power.

Alex Shultz

The lobby of the Javits Center during Fanatics Fest

Three Days At Fanatics Fest, Michael Rubin’s Hollow Monument To Sports And Culture

Patrick Redford

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - APRIL 25: Marvin Harrison Jr. celebrates after being selected fourth overall by the Arizona Cardinals during the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza on April 25, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Marvin Harrison Jr. Sued By Fanatics For Breaching Contract, Speaking To Pat McAfee

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 Point B. Handsomest man in the world.

Drew Magary

Atmosphere at the Nike Air Innovation Summit held at the Palais Brongniart on April 11, 2024 in Paris, France.

The Fanatics Disaster Is Also A Nike Disaster

HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 30: Marcus Stroman #0 of the New York Yankees pitches in the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on March 30, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

MLB’s New Uniforms Continue To Suck Ass

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JULY 18: Michael Rubin attends Michael Rubin's MLBPA x Fanatics party at City Market Social House on July 18, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)

Michael Rubin Will Never Get The Benefit Of The Doubt With Crummy Sports Apparel

Here are three players showing three different ways to rock the diaper.

Nike And Fanatics’ Innovative MLB Uniforms Leave Baseball Players With Unintentional Diapers

Yuki Matsui #1 of the San Diego Padres stands during the daily workout at Peoria Sports Complex on February 12, 2024 in Peoria, Arizona.

Nike And Fanatics Have Truly Fucked Up MLB’s New Uniforms

Newly acquired Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani puts on his jersey for the first time as Chairman of the Los Angeles Dodgers Mark Walter looks on during a press conference on December 14, 2023 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Early Reviews Suggest That MLB’s New Jerseys Suck Ass

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 17: Andrew DePaola #42 of the Minnesota Vikings signs a jersey for a fan before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 17, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Jamboroo logo overlaid.

Jamboroo

Fuck Fanatics And Fuck Michael Rubin

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

Michael Rubin