Podcasts about ESPN

They used to be the N.F.L.'s biggest stars, with paychecks to match. Now their salaries are near the bottom, and their careers are shorter than ever. In this updated episode from 2025, we speak with an analytics guru, an agent, an economist, and some former running backs to understand why. SOURCES:Brian Burke, sports data scientist at ESPN.Roland Fryer, professor of economics at Harvard University.LeSean McCoy, former running back in the N.F.L., co-host for Fox's daily studio show, "The Facility."Robert Smith, former running back for the Minnesota Vikings, N.F.L. analyst.Robert Turbin, former running back, N.F.L. analyst for CBS Sports HQ, college football announcer.Jeffery Whitney, founder and president at The Sports & Entertainment Group. RESOURCES:"The Economics of Running Backs," by Roland Fryer (Wall Street Journal, 2024).Confessions of a Hero-Worshiper, by Stephen Dubner (2007).The Rest of the Iceberg: An Insider's View on the World of Sports and Celebrity, by Robert Smith (2004). EXTRAS:"Roland Fryer Refuses to Lie to Black America," by Freakonomics Radio (2022)."Why Does the Most Monotonous Job in the World Pay $1 Million?" by Freakonomics Radio (2022). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sheil and The Ringer's Billy Gil are joined by Mina Kimes from ESPN to talk about her experiences during Super Bowl week as a Seahawks fan and what she expects to see from her team during the big game. (00:40) Super Bowl takes with Mina Kimes(7:14) How does Mina feel about the SB LX matchup?(15:46) Worst-case scenarios(22:02) Mina's hipster football take The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Host: Sheil KapadiaGuests: Billy Gil and Mina KimesProducer: Chris SuttonVideo: Cory McConnell and Stefano SanchezSocial: Benjamin CruzProduction Supervision: Conor Nevins and Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to react to a wild day of NBA trades including the blockbuster deal sending James Harden to the Cavs and Darius Garland to the Clippers. Next, the guys break down Jaren Jackson Jr. getting traded to Utah discussing what it means for the future of the Jazz and what it may signal for Ja Morant's future in Memphis. Next, we tackle an interesting set of moves by the Bulls and wonder what the vision is moving forward. Finally, will Minnesota get better this week or are they in a money saving mode? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

February 3rd, 2026 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X Listen to past episodes on The Ticket’s Website And follow The Ticket Top 10 on Apple, Spotify or Amazon MusicSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode, Derek gets hurt on an elliptical, and Scotty accidentally ghosts a chick. The WWE is on ESPN, and people suck driving in the snow. Is being single on Valentine's Day overrated or underrated, and what do you think of the ShamWow? What is the worst thing you have done during a storm, and if your ex wrote a book about you, what would be the title? What are the worst things to do if you were in a horror movie, and could you take a paint can to the face and survive? Enjoy a hilarious episode between 2 best friends, and keep on laughing!

In the second hour, Matt Spiegel and Laurence Holmes were joined by ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller to discuss how the Bears' needs match up with the strengths and weaknesses of this draft class. After that, Spiegel and Holmes reacted to the Giants hiring former Bears head coach Matt Nagy as their new offensive coordinator.

Ben Criddle talks BYU sports every weekday from 2 to 6 pm.Today's Co-Hosts: Ben Criddle (@criddlebenjamin)Subscribe to the Cougar Sports with Ben Criddle podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-sports-with-ben-criddle/id99676

Ben Criddle talks BYU sports every weekday from 2 to 6 pm.Today's Co-Hosts: Ben Criddle (@criddlebenjamin)Subscribe to the Cougar Sports with Ben Criddle podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-sports-with-ben-criddle/id99676

Ben Criddle talks BYU sports every weekday from 2 to 6 pm.Today's Co-Hosts: Ben Criddle (@criddlebenjamin)Subscribe to the Cougar Sports with Ben Criddle podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-sports-with-ben-criddle/id99676

Ben Criddle talks BYU sports every weekday from 2 to 6 pm.Today's Co-Hosts: Ben Criddle (@criddlebenjamin)Subscribe to the Cougar Sports with Ben Criddle podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-sports-with-ben-criddle/id99676

Ben Criddle talks BYU sports every weekday from 2 to 6 pm.Today's Co-Hosts: Ben Criddle (@criddlebenjamin)Subscribe to the Cougar Sports with Ben Criddle podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-sports-with-ben-criddle/id99676

Ben Criddle talks BYU sports every weekday from 2 to 6 pm.Today's Co-Hosts: Ben Criddle (@criddlebenjamin)Subscribe to the Cougar Sports with Ben Criddle podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-sports-with-ben-criddle/id99676

Ben Criddle talks BYU sports every weekday from 2 to 6 pm.Today's Co-Hosts: Ben Criddle (@criddlebenjamin)Subscribe to the Cougar Sports with Ben Criddle podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-sports-with-ben-criddle/id99676

Former Patriots Ted and Wiggy react to Robert Kraft's Hall of Fame snub // ESPN's Adam Schefter joins, shares insight on Kraft + Belichick's HOF snubs // Former All-Pro Shawne Merriman joins, explains why he forgives the Patriots // Comedian Frank Caliendo joins, shares spot-on impressions of NFL stars // NFL broadcaster Solomon Wilcots joins to talk Pats-Seahawks + Hall of Fame // BREAKING: Celtics acquire Nikola Vučević from the Bulls for Anfernee Simons // Ex-Pats QB Joe Milton joins, explains why he felt disrespected by the team // Reacting to Joe Milton's comments about his tumultuous tenure in Foxboro // Are the Patriots using their role as underdogs as motivation vs. Seahawks? // Ted Johnson's wild story of how he nearly lost his Patriots SB ring at WEEI // NFL analyst Ross Tucker joins, talks Robert Kraft + the HoF voting process // Tully Banta-Cain joins, tells story of nearly losing SB ring in Providence //

Catch “The Drive with Spence Checketts” from 2 pm to 6 pm weekdays on ESPN 700 & 92.1 FM. Produced by Porter Larsen. The latest on the Utah Jazz, Real Salt Lake, Utes, BYU + more sports storylines.

Bomani Jones is joined by Shannon Penn, a former producer of The Right Time and currently at ESPN. They delve into the history and cultural significance of the Dallas Cowboys and their 1990s dynasty. They break down the cultural significance of Michael Irvin and Deion Sanders while pondering what is keeping the Cowboys from returning to their past success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The year ended with an absolute whirlwind for Michigan and Utah football. First, the Wolverines fired Sherrone Moore for an inappropriate relationship with a staffer. Within the next 48 hours, he was arrested and arraigned at a local courthouse, marking an unexpected twist as the story took a dark turn. Just two weeks later, the longtime coach of Utah, Kyle Whittingham, was introduced as Michigan's next head coach after succession plans led to an uneasy exit from Salt Lake City. In this episode, we talk with Dan Wetzel from ESPN and Sean O'Connell from ESPN 700 to go inside the ropes and understand what happened during a wild two weeks in December, what it was like to track the Moore news, how Whittingham ended up in Ann Arbor, and more. Timecodes:0:00 - Intro6:03 - Dan Wetzel on Sherrone Moore & Michigan Football41:01 - Sean O'Connell on Kyle Whittinham & Utah FootballSupport the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Reis joins the show to discuss Drake Maye's shoulder injury, what makes Milton Williams so good and how the Patriots got here. Then, Abe Lucas discusses the Super Bowl experience, what Rick Dennison and John Benton have brought to their O-line, his favorite walk and talk, the story behind the neck roll and facing the Patriots.

Salk highlights what to expect at Super Bowl Week and the media party as the crew heads out to San Francisco after today's show, and also reacts to the Mariners trading for Brendan Donovan and how he fits the team. Later, they re-air their conversation with former NFL center Jeff Saturday (now of ESPN) to help preview the upcoming Super Bowl and what to watch for on the Seahawks side.

ESPN's Dan Orlovsky previews the Super Bowl Alabama Crimson Tide OC Ryan Grubb loves his QB room. The Alabama Football assistant has not been shy to publicly heap praise on players and does so when it comes to Keelon Russel and Austin Mack. We show you what the Bama OC said. Did first year Auburn Tigers HC Alex Golesh catch a scheduling break? CBS Sports ranked the toughest schedules for first year head coaches and the only one they say is easier than Auburn's is the LSU Tigers. We take a look at Auburn's 2026 path. If LSU Football has the easiest schedule in that category, what does that mean for LSU Football in 2026? The Alabama Crimson Tide was embarrassed at The Florida Gators Sunday. After Alabama Basketball was dominated in every phase of the game by Florida Basketball, the Crimson Tide fell out of the Top 25 for the first time in 42 consecutive polls, the 5th longest streak in the nation. PLUS, LT's Trash presented by Bud Light! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Freddie Coleman, Harry Douglas and Courtney Cronin are in for Evan, Canty and Michelle. We react to the breaking news that Robert Kraft, Patriots owner, was not selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame for 2026. Adam Schefter, ESPN senior NFL insider, joins the show to make sense of it all. Then, we discuss the fact that zero Black head coaches were hired in this NFL hiring cycle. Plus, which player, non-quarterback, will have the largest impact on Super Bowl LX? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Freddie Coleman, Harry Douglas and Courtney Cronin are in for Evan, Canty and Michelle. We react to the breaking news that Robert Kraft, Patriots owner, was not selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame for 2026. Adam Schefter, ESPN senior NFL insider, joins the show to make sense of it all. Then, we discuss the fact that zero Black head coaches were hired in this NFL hiring cycle. Plus, which player, non-quarterback, will have the largest impact on Super Bowl LX? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The guys recap Super Bowl LX Media Night with the best soundbites from the Patriots and Seahawks from the annual event. ESPN ‘Monday Night Football' Analyst Troy Aikman and Rich discuss the keys to who wins Super Bowl LX between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks, and says what advice he has for Drake Maye, what's impressed him most about Sam Darnold's rollercoaster NFL journey, reveals why Offensive and Defensive Coordinators are nearly as important to a team's success as HC's, says why Bill Belichick's snub was a “huge black eye” for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and why Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones deserved an Emmy for his memorable ‘Landman' cameo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

ESPN's Matt Miller joins the show to talk about why Ty Simpson to the Jets could happen. Plus, an edition of CMT which Dave proclaims Eli Manning as the best clutch QB ever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Spiegel and Laurence Holmes were joined by ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller to discuss how the Bears' needs match up with the strengths and weaknesses of this draft class.

In the third hour, Matt Spiegel and Laurence Holmes were joined by ESPN writer and author Seth Wickersham to discuss Bears quarterback Caleb Williams' talents and legendary head coach Bill Belichick being snubbed by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year on the ballot. After that, Matthew Coller of Purple Insider joined the show to discuss the Vikings' firing of general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.

Ben Criddle talks BYU sports every weekday from 2 to 6 pm.Today's Co-Hosts: Ben Criddle (@criddlebenjamin)Subscribe to the Cougar Sports with Ben Criddle podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-sports-with-ben-criddle/id99676

Ben Criddle talks BYU sports every weekday from 2 to 6 pm.Today's Co-Hosts: Ben Criddle (@criddlebenjamin)Subscribe to the Cougar Sports with Ben Criddle podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-sports-with-ben-criddle/id99676

Ben Criddle talks BYU sports every weekday from 2 to 6 pm.Today's Co-Hosts: Ben Criddle (@criddlebenjamin)Subscribe to the Cougar Sports with Ben Criddle podcast:Apple Podcasts: 

Ben Criddle talks BYU sports every weekday from 2 to 6 pm.Today's Co-Hosts: Ben Criddle (@criddlebenjamin)Subscribe to the Cougar Sports with Ben Criddle podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-sports-with-ben-criddle/id99676

Ben Criddle talks BYU sports every weekday from 2 to 6 pm.Today's Co-Hosts: Ben Criddle (@criddlebenjamin)Subscribe to the Cougar Sports with Ben Criddle podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-sports-with-ben-criddle/id99676 

Ben Criddle talks BYU sports every weekday from 2 to 6 pm.Today's Co-Hosts: Ben Criddle (@criddlebenjamin)Subscribe to the Cougar Sports with Ben Criddle podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-sports-with-ben-criddle/id99676

Chris Williams welcomes longtime Division I coach and ESPN+ analyst Derrin Hansen to The CW Pod for a deep dive into Iowa State basketball. As the Cyclones enter the most challenging stretch of their Big 12 schedule, Hansen breaks down why Iowa State is playing at such a high level, what makes T.J. Otzelberger's defensive system so effective, and how this team is coming together at the right time. The conversation focuses on defensive philosophy, player development, lineup balance, and what Iowa State needs to do to reach its ceiling in March. This is a detailed, basketball-centric discussion focused on how Iowa State wins, not just the results. New episodes of The CW Pod available weekly on Iowa Everywhere, courtesy of Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Freddie Coleman, Harry Douglas and Courtney Cronin are in for Evan, Canty and Michelle. We react to the breaking news that Robert Kraft, Patriots owner, was not selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame for 2026. Adam Schefter, ESPN senior NFL insider, joins the show to make sense of it all. Then, we discuss the fact that zero Black head coaches were hired in this NFL hiring cycle. Plus, which player, non-quarterback, will have the largest impact on Super Bowl LX? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Taking a quiz together on ESPN that quizzes fan bases knowledge of their last Super Bowl winning roster.

(00:00-26:16) – Query & Company opens on a Tuesday with Jake Query and producer Eddie Garrison discussing last night’s loss for the Indiana Pacers to the Houston Rockets. They discuss Bennedict Mathurin’s performance and wonder (26:16-42:08) – Scott Agness from Fieldhouse Files makes his weekly visit on Query & Company to access what Rick Carlisle said last night about Bennedict Mathurin, believes what we have seen from Jarace Walker in the last month is here to stay, explains why so many teams are starting to make “pre-agency” deals at the trade deadline, and looks at what Mathurin’s role would look like next season if he signs an extension this offseason versus being traded. (42:08-1:07:29) – Pat Knight makes his first public interview appearance since the news broke last night that he has resigned as the Marian Knights head coach. He explains why he made that decision yesterday, explains some of the red flags that he kept note of, states that he is done coaching and wants to get back into NBA scouting, and reveals how excited he was for IU to win the College Football Playoff. (1:07:29-1:19:55) – Jake plays what Peter King said on a podcast yesterday as to why he couldn’t vote for Torry Holt or Reggie Wayne to make it in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Jake evaluates the reasoning that King gave and Eddie breaks news that the Utah Jazz and Memphis Grizzlies have made a big trade. (1:19:55-1:25:33) – Hour number two of the show concludes with Jake and Eddie sharing some more of the terms on the trade between the Utah Jazz and Memphis Grizzlies. Plus, they reveal who is out tonight for the Pacers on the second night of a back-to-back. (1:25:33-1:51:26) – ESPN.com’s Stephen Holder joins Query & Company to share some thoughts on both Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft not making it into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, shares some thoughts on how he believes the committee will view Jim Irsay when it is his time to be up for candidacy, and admits that he has found out that it is hard for NBA teams to tank because there is always someone else trying to tank more. (1:51:26-2:01:23) – Jake and Eddie give away a pair of tickets for a listener to go see John Mellencamp in concert at Ruoff Music Center in a few months! Plus, they give away tickets for someone to attend the Suburban Indy Home Show! (2:01:23-2:09:42) – Today’s show closes out with JMV joining Jake and Eddie in studio to preview his show and talk a little hockey!Support the show: https://1075thefan.com/query-and-company/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s Best of Features: (00:00-13:38) – Scott Agness from Fieldhouse Files makes his weekly visit on Query & Company to access what Rick Carlisle said last night about Bennedict Mathurin, believes what we have seen from Jarace Walker in the last month is here to stay, explains why so many teams are starting to make “pre-agency” deals at the trade deadline, and looks at what Mathurin’s role would look like next season if he signs an extension this offseason versus being traded. (13:38-38:44) – Pat Knight makes his first public interview appearance since the news broke last night that he has resigned as the Marian Knights head coach. He explains why he made that decision yesterday, explains some of the red flags that he kept note of, states that he is done coaching and wants to get back into NBA scouting, and reveals how excited he was for IU to win the College Football Playoff. (38:44-1:02:39) – ESPN.com’s Stephen Holder joins Query & Company to share some thoughts on both Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft not making it into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, shares some thoughts on how he believes the committee will view Jim Irsay when it is his time to be up for candidacy, and admits that he has found out that it is hard for NBA teams to tank because there is always someone else trying to tank more.Support the show: https://1075thefan.com/query-and-company/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Mariners are in the process of acquiring utility player Brendan Donovan from the Cardinals in a 3-team trade. Ben Williamson is rumored to be involved in the trade. // It is expected that Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak will become the new head coach of the Raiders, Wyman & Bob react to the potential loss of the Seahawks OC. // Take Two: Recently fired Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon has landed in Green Bay as their defensive coordinator while the Broncos are promoting Davis Webb to be their new OC. NFL will play its first game in Paris this upcoming season, it will be the Saints hosting the Browns…adds to the list of international games this year in Australia, Brazil, Germany, and Spain //  ESPN Senior Reporter Seth Wickersham joins the show to talk about the future sale of the Seahawks as it was to be in Paul Allen’s will. He also gives us his take on who needs to perform the best for the Seahawks to win the Super Bowl. // There were a lot of head coaching openings at the end of this NFL season, all 10 openings seemed to have been filled already, and the Super has not happened yet. 

ESPN's Tim Bontemps joins the show to talk about the Giannis rumors at the trade deadline & whether there's a clear path for any team to trade for him right now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John O'Sullivan is a renowned author, speaker, and founder of the Changing the Game Project who has spent over two decades shaping the conversation around youth sports, coaching, and athlete development. He's the bestselling author of Every Moment Matters: How the World's Best Coaches Inspire Their Athletes and his work has been featured by CNN, ESPN, Outside Magazine and more. Download my FREE Coaching Beyond the Scoreboard E-book www.djhillier.com/coach Download my FREE 60 minute Mindset Masterclass at www.djhillier.com/masterclassDownload my FREE top 40 book list written by Mindset Advantage guests: www.djhillier.com/40booksSubscribe to our NEW YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MindsetAdvantagePurchase a copy of my book: https://a.co/d/bGok9UdFollow me on Instagram: @deejayhillierConnect with me on my website: www.djhillier.com

Former Patriots Ted and Wiggy react to Robert Kraft's Hall of Fame snub // ESPN's Adam Schefter joins, shares insight on Kraft + Belichick's HOF snubs // Former All-Pro Shawne Merriman joins, explains why he forgives the Patriots //

ESPN's Adam Schefter joins, shares insight on Kraft + Belichick's HOF snubs

Freddie Coleman, Harry Douglas and Courtney Cronin are in for Evan, Canty and Michelle. We react to the breaking news that Robert Kraft, Patriots owner, was not selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame for 2026. Adam Schefter, ESPN senior NFL insider, joins the show to make sense of it all. Then, we discuss the fact that zero Black head coaches were hired in this NFL hiring cycle. Plus, which player, non-quarterback, will have the largest impact on Super Bowl LX? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In hour 4 of The Drive, Zach and Phil take a deep dive into the Broncos and Zach shares the stats on how teams do the following season after winning so many games by one possession. How big of a challenge are the Broncos in for with a first-place schedule next year? How have top defenses fared in the following season after being a top two defense in the NFL? How can the Broncos offense be more sustainable in 2026 than it was in 2025? We listen back to Sean Payton's reflection on being more conservative as he's aged and wonder if that was a hint about handing off responsibility to Webb. Veteran NFL reporter James Palmer joins the show to discuss the possibility of Davis Webb taking over play-calling, the dynamic between Jahdae Barron and Ja'Quan McMillian, and much more. We wrap up the show reacting to the latest ESPN mock draft which predicts the Broncos selecting a linebacker at pick number 30 in the first round. 

In hour 3 of The Drive, Zach and Phil react to the latest ESPN mock draft which predicts the Broncos selecting a linebacker at pick number 30 in the first round. How would the guys feel about the Broncos addressing a position of need at linebacker even if it is not a "sexy" pick? Should the Broncos be looking to develop their young wide receivers in Marvin Mims and Pat Bryant or draft a playmaker early in the draft? We examine another Broncos rookie season, today with RJ Harvey. How do the guys grade Harvey's up and down season and all the touchdowns he was able to score? How do the expectations of a second-round draft pick compare to the output that Harvey had this season? We react to a poor performance from the Avalanche last night as they fell 2-0 to the Red Wings. Zach explains just how bad the Avs' power play has been compared to the last 10 years in the NHL.  

Freddie Coleman, Harry Douglas and Courtney Cronin are in for Evan, Canty and Michelle. We react to the breaking news that Robert Kraft, Patriots owner, was not selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame for 2026. Adam Schefter, ESPN senior NFL insider, joins the show to make sense of it all. Then, we discuss the fact that zero Black head coaches were hired in this NFL hiring cycle. Plus, which player, non-quarterback, will have the largest impact on Super Bowl LX? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

(00:00) Zolak & Bertrand start the show - LIVE from Radio Row - are joined in the first hour by ESPN's Mike Reiss to discuss everything Patriots ahead of Super Bowl LX.(10:17) Robert Kraft, per reports, will not get elected into the 2026 NFL Hall of Fame. The panel react to the Kraft and Belichick Hall of Fame snubs. Do the Belichick and Kraft snubs tarnish the NFL Hall of Fame?(25:23) The guys go through the Hall of Fame voting process and wonder who could've slighted Belichick and/or Kraft.(30:21) The crew breakdown the difference between Bill Belichick and Mike Vrabel's coaching styles and approach to this week.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sports betting is exploding across the country. With online platforms, mobile apps, and aggressive marketing, it's never been easier to gamble — or easier to hide it. What many view as harmless entertainment may actually be reshaping how we think about money, community, and even discipleship.Pastor and author Kyle Worley—Lead Pastor of Mosaic Church in Richardson, Texas, co-host of the Knowing Faith podcast, and author of Home with God: Our Union with Christ—recently wrote on this growing trend for Faithful Steward magazine. Today, he joins the show to explain why the rise of sports gambling deserves more careful thought from believers.A Different Kind of GamblingSports gambling carries a unique appeal. Unlike casinos or the lottery, it taps into nostalgia, play, and community.“Sports connect to childhood memories and communal experiences,” Worley notes. “That nostalgia makes sports betting feel natural, even harmless.”The danger lies in how subtly wagering attaches itself to something already meaningful—games shared with friends, family, or childhood heroes—making it easier to dismiss spiritual risks.What Does Scripture Actually Say?The Bible does not explicitly outlaw gambling. But it repeatedly warns against the desire for quick, hasty gain. Worley points to 1 Timothy 6:9–10, noting that it speaks directly to the temptations and destruction tied to wealth pursued rapidly and without wisdom. Gambling fits that pattern.Scripture's concern is not merely financial but formational. Gambling trains us to view wealth through the lens of chance, speed, and self-interest—the opposite of stewardship, patience, and contentment.The spiritual stakes aren't just internal. They are profoundly communal. Worley cites Old Testament scholar Bruce Waltke:“The righteous disadvantage themselves for the sake of the community; the unrighteous advantage themselves at the expense of the community.”Modern betting apps are built on asymmetric outcomes—they profit only because others lose. And statistically, those losses fall disproportionately on the vulnerable.Many platforms use predatory models:Winners face worse odds or even shuttered accountsConsistent losers are enticed with better odds and larger limitsWorley compares it to handing a chainsaw to a child—unjust simply because not everyone absorbs the harm equally.Normalization and Cultural FormationSports gambling has moved from taboo to mainstream with startling speed. Betting lines now appear on ESPN, broadcasts, and social media—even during youth-oriented sports programming.The result: a generation being formed to see gambling as normal and morally neutral.Worley warns that where gambling proliferates, other forms of exploitation follow — including human trafficking during major sporting events. While the Bible may speak indirectly about gambling, it speaks directly about exploitation.Some point to the biblical practice of casting lots as justification for gambling. Worley draws a sharp distinction:Casting lots was a religious act of trust—not a wager. It carried no profit motive and served no entertainment purpose. Reframing it as support for modern gambling misunderstands its role entirely.How Churches Can Disciple BetterFor pastors and ministry leaders, Worley offers three recommendations:Talk More About Money - Many Christians lack a positive theology of wealth. That vacuum leaves them vulnerable to cultural narratives.Address “Respectable” Vices - Gambling isn't the only fun, socially accepted vice that harms stewardship. Churches must disciple beyond obvious sins.Create Healthy Avenues for Play and Connection - Sports betting offers counterfeit community, especially for men. Churches should provide better alternatives.The Wisdom Required TodayIn the end, debates about whether gambling is technically permissible miss the deeper biblical question: Does this help me love God and neighbor well?Worley's counsel is simple: navigate these decisions in community, under Scripture, with wisdom. Quick profit is never neutral—it forms us. And it shapes the people around us.As sports betting continues to surge, Christians will need more than opinions. They will need conviction, clarity, and a vision of stewardship that honors God and protects the vulnerable.———————————————————————————————————————Kyle Worley's full article, “The Real Stakes of Sports Betting,” appears in the latest issue of Faithful Steward magazine. When you become a FaithFi Partner with a monthly gift of $35 (or $400 annually), you'll receive Faithful Steward magazine and other exclusive resources to help you grow as a faithful steward. Visit FaithFi.com/Partner to learn more.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I'll be 63 this year, and I've been earning more than usual. I want to make sure I'm not going over the Medicare IRMAA income limits.My parents are still living, and they've willed their house to all four siblings. We're the only ones who want to keep it—everyone else wants to sell. We can't afford to buy the others out. How do we handle that situation?My husband and I are both 60. We're debt-free and have about $100,000 in savings. What's the best way to grow that money so we can use it for retirement?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)The Real Stakes of Sports Betting (Article by Kyle Worley - Faithful Steward: Issue 4)Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful StewardshipWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Catch “The Drive with Spence Checketts” from 2 pm to 6 pm weekdays on ESPN 700 & 92.1 FM. Produced by Porter Larsen. The latest on the Utah Jazz, Real Salt Lake, Utes, BYU + more sports storylines.

Catch “The Drive with Spence Checketts” from 2 pm to 6 pm weekdays on ESPN 700 & 92.1 FM. Produced by Porter Larsen. The latest on the Utah Jazz, Real Salt Lake, Utes, BYU + more sports storylines.