The Long Game with LZ & Leitch

On the final episode of The Long Game with LZ & Leitch, Will and LZ reveal the teams they most want to see win a championship next; offer one change they hope will occur in the sports world one day; and explain the single event they'd love to see take place in their personal lives in the future (and no, it's not winning the lottery). Then they wrap up the show with a fond farewell — not goodbye — share a few memorable stories, and talk about what The Long Game and their growing relationship has meant to them.Thank you for listening to The Long Game with LZ & Leitch! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Long Game with LZ & Leitch, Will and LZ break down the NBA Conference Championships and make their predictions; talk about how the sports world would react if a male superstar athlete was incarcerated in Russia instead of Brittney Griner; and after their epic takedown of Skip Bayless last week, the two hosts continue their discussion of the worst people in sports, this time focusing on Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. Then, they wrap up the show with their weekly "This Week In Sports History'' segment, explaining that the biggest difference between Michael Jordan and LeBron James is that LeBron is happy, while Michael seems decidedly miserable.The final episode of The Long Game drops next Wednesday. Thanks for listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Long Game with LZ & Leitch, Will and LZ talk about the best moments of Round 2 of the NBA playoffs; explain why it's smart for the NFL, NBA, and MLB to avoid making statements about the Supreme Court's possible repeal of Roe v. Wade; and discuss their choice for the worst person in sports. Then they wrap up the show with their weekly "This Week In Sports History'' segment, going back to 2006 when Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro suffered catastrophic injuries during the Preakness Stakes, which led to a nationwide 8-month vigil as the horse struggled in vain to return to health.The Long Game drops on Wednesdays. Listen, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Long Game with LZ & Leitch, Will and LZ are joined by Jack Flaherty, star pitcher of the St. Louis Cardinals, to discuss MLB's unwritten rules and what happened in last week's fight between the Cards and the Mets. Will and LZ also preview the second round of the NBA playoffs; nominate the smartest and dumbest moves in the recent NFL Draft; and weigh in on the latest news about the Supreme Court and Roe v. Wade. Then they wrap up the show with their weekly "This Week In Sports History'' segment, going back 41 years to when tennis great Billie Jean King became the first athlete to be publicly outed when she was sued by a former girlfriend for money and property.The Long Game drops every Wednesday. Listen, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Long Game with LZ & Leitch, Will and LZ discuss why the NFL Draft matters less now than it ever has; break down the wild and crazy NBA Playoffs and explain why the next champion will hail from the East; and engage in a hot debate over Wimbledon's ban of Russian and Belarusian players. Then they are joined by Josh Kantor, the organist for the Boston Red Sox, to wrap up the show with their weekly "This Week In Sports History'' segment on the 81st anniversary of the first live organ music played at a baseball game.The Long Game drops every Wednesday. Listen, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Long Game with LZ & Leitch, Will and LZ discuss why some NFL quarterbacks have more leverage in contract negotiations than ever while others may not get paid what they expect; break down the alleged financial misdeeds of Washington Commanders owner Daniel Snyder and how Snyder's actions reveal what matters most to the league; and explain why Alabama head football coach Nick Saban is starting to get very worried about student athletes getting paid for their names, images, and likenesses. Then they wrap up the show with their weekly "This Week In Sports History" segment, imagining how the world would be different if George W. Bush was named MLB commissioner instead of Bud Selig.The Long Game drops every Wednesday. Listen, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Long Game with LZ & Leitch, Will and LZ preview the NBA playoffs and predict the next league champion, break down why it costs more every year to watch our favorite sports and explain why this trend will continue, and discuss the pros and cons of the public funding of NFL stadiums, most specifically the newly approved $1.4 billion facility in Buffalo, with New York State Senator Sean Ryan. Then they wrap up the show with a "This Week In Sports History" segment debating the merits of presidential ceremonial first pitches and the visits of athletes to the White House.The Long Game drops every Wednesday. Listen, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Long Game with LZ & Leitch, while Will spends a miserable vacation in Florida waiting for his luggage to arrive, he and LZ discuss which MLB teams are under the most pressure to win this year; make their NBA MVP picks and then debate who will be the future face of the league; and break down how the leagues should handle two players accused of sexual harassment and assault, Deshaun Watson and Trevor Bauer. Then they wrap up the show with a “This Week In Sports History” segment about Tiger Woods' iconic Master's win in 1997 and whether the media would cover it differently if it happened today, and with a listener Q&A.The Long Game drops every Wednesday. Listen, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Long Game with LZ & Leitch, LZ and Will discuss sports hate-watching and explain why, even though they loathe Coach K, they will miss him when he retires; unpack why baseball has been so resistant improving the entertainment value of the sport by making changes to its rules; and play a spirited game of Chatterbrain, The Recount's new game show premiering on Twitch on Wednesday, March 30th, at 4 PM ET on twitch.tv/therecount. They wrap up with a memorable "This Week in Sports History" segment about the Baltimore Colts leaving town in the dead of night for Indianapolis, and answer a poignant listener question.Watch The Long Game with LZ & Leitch Monday, April 4th at 12:30pm ET at www.therecount.com or on Twitch at twitch.tv/therecount, or on The Recount's YouTube or Twitter platforms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Long Game with LZ & Leitch, LZ and Will are joined by Michelle Beadle, formerly of ESPN and now host of the “What Did I Miss?” podcast, and Lindsay Jones, senior writer for The Athletic covering the NFL, to discuss the Deshaun Watson trade and the NFL's bankrupt morals; predict whether LeBron, Joel, or Giannis will win the closest NBA scoring race in history, and wrap up the show with a “This Week In Sports History” segment about Magic, Bird, and one of the greatest rivalries in sports.Watch The Long Game with LZ & Leitch every Tuesday at 12:30pm ET at twitch.tv/therecount; on Twitter @therecount; and on YouTube at youtube.com/TheRecount. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Long Game with LZ & Leitch, LZ and Will preview the NCAA college basketball tournaments and predict both final fours and tourney MVPs; examine why Coco Gauff is the only well-known athlete to criticize Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill, and explain why Jerry Jones is every bit the villain that Dan Snyder is. They wrap up with a "This Week in Sports History" segment about Phil Jackson's tumultuous tenure as president of the New York Knicks, and answer a round of listener questions.Watch The Long Game with LZ & Leitch every Tuesday at 12:30pm ET at twitch.tv/therecount; on Twitter @therecount; and on YouTube at youtube.com/TheRecount.Join "The Long Game-Will Leitch Newsletter NCAA College Basketball Tournament Pool" here and win a chance to appear on a future The Long Game episode: Will Leitch Newsletter NCAA Men's Basketball Pool Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Long Game with LZ & Leitch, L.A. Rams and Super Bowl champion head coach Sean McVay stops by to talk about how L.A. is treating him now that he's won the big one, the status of his relationship with Jon Gruden, and his personal connection to the ongoing war in Ukraine, among many other topics. Will and LZ also break down the highly concerning arrest of WNBA star Brittney Griner in Moscow, and after "sports hating" on Coach K, even find a reason or two to praise him. And to honor International Women's Day, they wrap up with a "This Week in Sports History" segment about the lawsuit that finally opened locker room doors to female sports reporters.Watch The Long Game with LZ & Leitch every Tuesday at 12:30pm ET at twitch.tv/therecount; on Twitter @therecount; and on YouTube at youtube.com/TheRecount.Happy Birthday LZ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Long Game with LZ & Leitch, Will and LZ discuss how the unified reaction of Russian athletes to the invasion of Ukraine reveals that athletes have more power than they realize; explain how Phil Mickelson could have been a hero instead of a pariah; and lament how MLB owners choked the joy out of baseball. Then they wrap up the show with a “This Week In Sports History” segment about the “death penalty” for SMU football in 1987 and why it's unthinkable that a college football season could ever be canceled again; and with a listener Q&A.Watch The Long Game with LZ & Leitch every Tuesday at 12:30pm ET at twitch.tv/therecount; on Twitter @therecount; and on YouTube at youtube.com/TheRecount. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Long Game with LZ & Leitch, LZ and Will explain why baseball's owners have already won their labor negotiation with the players; make their case for Ja Morant as NBA MVP, and concede that it's time for Kyrie Irving to play ball in New York City. Then they wrap up the show with a "This Week In Sports History" segment about "The Miracle on Ice" and why it would be perceived much differently if it happened today, and with a listener Q&A. Watch The Long Game with LZ & Leitch every Tuesday at 12:30pm ET at twitch.tv/therecount. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Long Game with LZ & Leitch, LZ and Will explain why the NFL loves L.A. and why Matthew Stafford is better than you think; wonder if James Harden is eating himself out of "forcehood", and discuss how MLB owners are underestimating the players. Then they wrap up the show with a great "This Week In Sports History" segment on the 10-year anniversary of "Linsanity", and with a listener Q&A.Watch The Long Game with LZ & Leitch Tuesday, Feb. 22 at 12:30pm ET at twitch.tv/therecount. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this special episode of The Long Game with LZ & Leitch: You've never heard of the most important player in NFL history. In 1946, Kenny Washington became the first Black athlete in the modern era to sign an NFL contract, joining the Los Angeles Rams and breaking the color barrier a year before his former teammate at UCLA, Jackie Robinson, did the same in Major League Baseball. Today few people know the full story of the man nicknamed “Kingfisher.”To discuss Washington's legacy, Will and LZ are joined by Super Bowl champion and ESPN analyst Keyshawn Johnson; Newsday football columnist Bob Glauber; and Kenny Washington's grandson, Kraig Washington. The panel also talks about the NFL's ongoing issues with race and Keyshawn explains why team owners, who are almost exclusively white billionaires, aren't interested in hiring Black head coaches.Johnson and Glauber are the co-authors of “The Forgotten First: Kenny Washington, Woody Strode, Marion Motley, Bill Willis, and the Breaking of the NFL Color Barrier” — a book about the league's first Black players.Watch The Long Game with LZ & Leitch Tuesday, Feb. 15 at 1pm ET at twitch.tv/therecount. And listen out for our next podcast, which drops on Wednesday, Feb. 16. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this special episode of The Long Game with LZ & Leitch, LZ and Will dissect NFL commissioner Roger Goodell's much anticipated “State of the League” press conference in the wake of former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores' lawsuit against the league for allegedly racist hiring practices. They explain why Goodell is a PR person's dream, examining everything from his hand gestures to his facial expressions. They also identify the question that made him noticeably uncomfortable and the answer that was the most insulting, concluding that the NFL is not yet ready for meaningful change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Long Game with LZ & Leitch ahead of Super Bowl Sunday, LZ and Will delve into all things NFL. They talk about which of the dueling quarterbacks has the more compelling narrative — the Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Burrow or the Los Angeles Rams' Matthew Stafford; whether Los Angeles is an NFL town now, given it's home to a Super Bowl contender (oh, and the Chargers); and break down the league's insincere reaction to former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores' lawsuit, including purely coincidental (yeah, right) head coaching interest in Lovie Smith. The hosts end the show with “This Week in Sports History” and Aaron Rodgers' surprising playoff futility, and also take audience questions concerning how the Flores lawsuit will resolve and what to expect ahead of the NBA trade deadline.Join us for our next livestreams on Twitch, twice this Wednesday from the Super Bowl in Los Angeles – at 12:30pm ET and 5:15pm ET. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this special episode of The Long Game with LZ & Leitch, LZ and Will talk about former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores' lawsuit against the NFL and three of its teams, exposing what critics have long argued: there's an old boy network (of white men) undercutting the league's publicized efforts to consider and hire diverse candidates. They also break down Bill Belichick's texting skill; praise Flores' exquisite timing; and end the show urging NFL players to speak up and show support for Flores' cause. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is sure to face tough questions from the news media at his “State of the League” address next week, so stay with us — LZ & Leitch will be covering this story every step of the way.Watch The Long Game with LZ & Leitch Monday, Feb. 7 at 1pm ET at twitch.tv/therecount and listen out for two more podcasts next week as well! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Long Game with LZ & Leitch, LZ and Will explain why Tom Brady decided to retire and remember when he was actually popular; laud the Rams' ability to "match the muscle" and Joe Burrow's mental toughness; and talk about why the Beijing Winter Olympics has no buzz at all. Then they wrap up the show with a great "This Week In Sports History" segment about Ray Lewis and the mystery surrounding his possible involvement in a double murder; and a listener Q&A. Watch The Long Game with LZ & Leitch Monday, Feb. 8 at 1pm ET at twitch.tv/therecount. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Long Game with LZ & Leitch, LZ and Will are together at the Recount studios for the first time to recall their favorite moments from the NFL divisional round and preview the conference championships; rank the people most at fault for the Lakers' troubles; and talk about why baseball tends to get such a bad rap from sports fans. Then they end the show with a listener Q&A. Watch The Long Game with LZ & Leitch every Tuesday at 12:30pm ET at twitch.tv/therecount. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Long Game NFL playoffs fantasy draft heats up, how betting could harm sports, and the NBA's most compelling teams right nowOn this episode of The Long Game with LZ & Leitch, LZ and Will break down their closely contested NFL playoffs fantasy draft; discuss the threat of legalized gambling on the integrity of sports; and debate which teams are the most fascinating in the NBA so far this season. They wrap up with “This Week In Sports History,” looking back at Joe Buck's reaction to Randy Moss fake mooning Green Bay Packers fans in 2005, and with their “Games of the Week” and “Blunders of the Week.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Long Game with LZ & Leitch, LZ and Will look back at the 2021 NFL regular season and explain why we're seeing “peak NFL” right now; select the teams in their first ever NFL fantasy playoff draft; and try to make sense of the Novak Djokovic/Australian Open controversy. They wrap up with LZ recounting his experience acting with Sidney Poitier in the 1995 movie, “To Sir, with Love II”, directed by Peter Bogdanovich. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Long Game with LZ & Leitch, LZ and Will explain why college football is more dominant than ever; reveal which athlete works the media the best; and discuss how the new CDC COVID quarantine guidelines are the sports world's golden ticket, with guest David Wallace-Wells of New York Magazine. They wrap up with "This Week In Sports History," deciding if Mark Cuban is lucky or good, and with their "Games of the Week" and "Blunders of the Week." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this special episode of The Long Game with LZ & Leitch, LZ and Will point out the permanent changes that COVID has made in sports; discuss what big news events will rock the sports world in 2022; and talk about what sports events they're looking forward to in the new year as well as their predictions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Long Game with LZ & Leitch, LZ and Will explain why sports leagues will let asymptomatic athletes who just might have COVID play; discuss why it's more than just Deion Sanders that's revitalizing H.B.C.U.s; and talk to Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner about his new movie, "American Underdog," the burden of being a hero, and playing football in the Donald Trump era. They wrap up with "This Week In Sports History," revisiting the short-lived career of the amazing Bo Jackson, and with their "Games of the Week" and "Blunders of the Week." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Long Game with LZ & Leitch, LZ and Will discuss why Stephen Curry is the biggest game-changer of his era; explain why golf is lost without Tiger Woods; and talk with Michelle Beadle (former host of ESPN's “NBA Countdown” and current host of The Athletic's “What Did I Miss” podcast) about the impact of “The Decision,” plus LeBron James' relationship with the media, and ESPN's NBA coverage. They wrap up with “This Week In Sports History,” revisiting the perfect 1972 Miami Dolphins, and with their “Games of the Week” and “Blunders of the Week.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Long Game with LZ & Leitch, LZ and Will discuss why the NBA's Enes Kanter Freedom is all about elevating his “brand” and less about human rights; explain how the firing of Portland Trail Blazers GM Neil Olshey shows there's no place for a**holes in big time sports anymore; and dig into the absurdity of keeping controversial players like Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, and Curt Schilling out of the Baseball Hall of Fame. They wrap up with “This Week In Sports History,” revisiting the struggles of Darryl Strawberry, and with their “Games of the Week” and “Blunders of the Week.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Long Game with LZ & Leitch, LZ and Will explain why the recent and shocking college football coaching changes are only the tip of the iceberg; talk about how athletes have finally had enough of unruly fan behavior; and assess whether sports could ever be shut down again in the shadow of the Omicron variant. They wrap up with “This Week In Sports History,” revisiting Michael Jordan's uninspiring tenure with the Washington Wizards, and with their “Games of the Week” and “Blunders of the Week.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Long Game with LZ & Leitch, LZ and Will discuss Peng Shuai's disappearance and how the sports world should respond to China's human rights abuses; pay homage to Richard Williams and decide whether his mentorship of daughters Venus and Serena is the greatest story in sports history; talk about whether Major League Baseball can save itself from self-imposed disaster, and are joined by L.A. Rams GM Les Snead to break down the current state of the team. They wrap up with "This Week In Sports History," revisiting MLB's first $3 million a year contract, and with their "Games of the Week." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Long Game with LZ & Leitch, LZ and Will break down Jon Gruden's lawsuit against Roger Goodell and determine whose side they're on; discuss the right way to build a team — all-in like the Rams or from scratch like the Orioles; and debate whether New York is the worst sports city to play or work in. They wrap up with “This Week In Sports History,” wondering if Sandy Koufax is so beloved because we never got to see him not be great — and with their “Games of the Week.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Long Game with LZ & Leitch, LZ and Will talk about Aaron Rodgers' vaccination deception and whether he'll suffer consequences for it; discuss whether ESPN can be taken seriously even after publishing its investigation of Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver; and explain why the college basketball season doesn't matter anymore. They wrap up with “This Week In Sports History,” imagining how the rivalry between tennis greats Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert would play out today, and with their “Games of the Week.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the very first episode of The Long Game with LZ & Leitch, LZ and Will discuss the Atlanta Braves' chop and determine why it's going stronger than ever; evaluate whether Joe Biden is "blowing it" by not attending sporting events, and break down the Chicago Blackhawks sexual abuse scandal and where fans should draw the line when their favorite team condones amoral acts. They wrap up with "This Week In Sports History," asking who had the more impactful draft class, Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan, and let us know their "Games of the Week." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The intersection of sports, culture, and politics is at the heart of the new weekly podcast, The Long Game with LZ & Leitch, premiering Wednesday, November 3rd. Hosted by LZ Granderson, formerly of ESPN, now an op-ed columnist for the L.A.Times and a political contributor to ABC News, and Will Leitch, founder of the late website Deadspin, a contributing editor at New York Magazine, and the author of How Lucky, The Long Game dives into the most relevant sports topics of the week to not only break down the games, but the games people play. From vaccination hesitation, to online betting, to all of the wonderful "isms" and "phobias" we've come to know and love, sports not only reflect our culture, they drive our culture. Join Will and LZ as they explore the events on and off the field that collide with the political, business, and social concerns that captivate the American conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.