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Defector

Luis Paez-Pumar

Joseph Ossai hits Patrick Mahomes late in the AFC Championship game

The Bengals’ Season Came Down To One Late Hit

A board signifying 14 minutes of first half stoppage time is seen during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between England and IR Iran at Khalifa International Stadium on November 21, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.

Soccer

Where Is All This World Cup Stoppage Time Coming From?

Lauren Theisen

Who Are NFL Refs Talking To?

Patrick Redford

Mike Evans Wrote Down A Thing: The NFL’s Finest Minds Investigate

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

Dan McQuade

Touchdown Tom Has Done It Again

Kalyn Kahler

HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 07: Back judge Shawn  Hochuli #83 and side judge Allen Baynes #56 carry a game ball to the Oakland Raiders locker room before the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on January 7, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

How NFL Teams Scout The Refs

Ray Ratto

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 27: Referee Scott Foster #48 during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on March 27, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the 76ers 114-104. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The NBA’s Actual Ref Problem, Explained

Blake Coleman kicks the puck past Mike Smith for a non-goal

I Never Want To Hear The Phrase “Distinct Kicking Motion” Ever Again So Help Me God

Here's Mauer on that stupid Whitlock show

Former NBA Referee Ken Mauer: I’m A Big Asshole

Laura Wagner

Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards looks on against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 15, 2022 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Nets Assistant Coach Contributes “Horseshit” Steal In One-Point Win Over Wizards

Oregon player Kayvon Thibodeaux stands with his hands on his hips. He's number 5. white shirt, gold/yellow helmet, yellow gloves.

College Football

The Replay Review That Wasn’t

Staff Writer
Find me on Signal @DefectorChris.19

Chris Thompson

The Crackdown On Unnatural Motions Is Working

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

CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 17: Referee Carl Cheffers #51 calls a defensive penalty during the fourth quarter of the game between the Cleveland Browns and the Arizona Cardinals at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 17, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

Funbag

You Don’t Want AI Refs

The NFL Refs Are Going Wild With The Taunting Flags Already

Jrue Holiday goes the other way following a Chris Paul turnover.

Basketball Saved The Finals From The Refs

EAST HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT - JULY 01: Tobin Heath #7 of United States celebrates with Christen Press #11, Alex Morgan #13, Lindsey Horan #9 and Emily Sonnett, #14 after scoring a goal against Mexico at Rentschler Field on July 01, 2021 in East Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Extremely Confused Referee Deems USWNT Wondergoal Too Cool To Exist

There’s Only One Solution To Bad Refereeing

NHL Quickly Distances Itself From Referee Shenanigans

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 03: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz is escorted off the court after being ejected during overtime against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on March 03, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

The Jazz Lack The Lost Art Of Working The Refs

The Fights

Try As It Might, Boxing Couldn’t Ruin Terence Crawford’s Return

Barry Petchesky

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 02: Head coach Joe Judge of the New York Giants reacts during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium on November 02, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)