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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

<p>Carly Stern is an independent journalist, writer and editor based in Brooklyn. She has written for publications including The New York Times, Vox, The Guardian and The Washington Post.</p>


Carly Stern

Carlos Watson, co-founder of Ozy Media, speaks with press after his sentencing hearing at Brooklyn Federal Court on December 16, 2024 in New York City. Watson was sentenced to almost 10 years in prison for trying to defraud investors and lenders by lying about the company’s finances after being convicted in July. Samir Rao, the other co-founder of Ozy, and Suzee Han, a former Ozy chief of staff, pleaded guilty last year to fraud charges and both cooperated in the case and testified against Watson.

Journalismism

Looking For Closure At Carlos Watson’s Sentencing Hearing

David Roth

Malcolm Gladwell and Carlos Watson speak onstage during OZY Fest 2018 at Rumsey Playfield, Central Park on July 22, 2018 in New York City.

Podcasts

Feeling Like Ozymandias, With Susie Banikarim

Alex Sujong Laughlin

Carlos Watson caught mid-speech in a press conference.

Media Meltdowns

Carlos Watson Played The Wrong Game And Lost

OZY Media founder Carlos Watson sitting onstage during a conversation at Carnegie Hall for an event by History Channel February 29, 2020 in New York City.

Who Is Giving Carlos Watson Money Now?


<p>Dan McQuade was a founding member of Defector. He died in January 2026.</p>


Dan McQuade

NEW YORK, NY - JULY 21: Carlos Watson speaks onstage during OZY FEST 2018 at Rumsey Playfield, Central Park on July 21, 2018 in New York City.

Ozy Media Is Still A Monumental Bummer

An ad for the Carlos Watson show. A quote calls him "Anderson Cooper Meets Oprah" on it.

Ozy Media

Looking For Closure At Carlos Watson’s Sentencing Hearing

Feeling Like Ozymandias, With Susie Banikarim

Carlos Watson Played The Wrong Game And Lost

Who Is Giving Carlos Watson Money Now?

Ozy Media Is Still A Monumental Bummer

Ozy Media Is A Monumental Bummer