Podcast appearances and mentions of mark fainaru wada

Send us a textWelcome back to Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast! This Episode, we have the extreme honour and privilege to be joined by ESPN journalist Mark Fainaru-Wada.Mark is an esteemed investigative journalist whose ground-breaking work has shaped the conversation around sports integrity and athlete health. He is the co-author of two New York Times bestsellers: Game of Shadows: Barry Bonds, BALCO, and the Steroids Scandal That Rocked Professional Sports, written with Lance Williams, and League of Denial: The NFL, Concussions and the Battle for Truth, co-authored with his brother Steve. The latter even became a documentary featured on PBS's Frontlie, further amplifying its impact.Mark's impressive accolades include the prestigious George Polk Award and the Peabody Award, recognizing his excellence in journalism. He also received the 2014 PEN Award for Literary Sports Writing, highlighting his exceptional skills.We're excited to delve into his insights on concussion and the importance of truth in journalism -       What lead to “The League of Denial” (1:18)-       Start of CTE and Concussion Investigations (3:39)-       Investigation and The Push Back (5:31)-       Reporting on Concussion Crisis (8:40)-       Cultural Shift Since Writing the Book (9:40)-       Effects on Players and Family (12:12)-       State of the Research (15:00)-       Take Home Message (19:10) Frontline League of Denial Documentary on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bW8nmS_RBT8] League of Denial Book: Available on Amazon and in Spotify Audiobooks Free if you have Premium Subscription.   Subscribe, review and share for new episodes which will drop fortnightlySocial media:Twitter: @firstconcussionFacebook: Headfirst: A concussion podcastInstagram: Headfirst_Concussion  Email: headfirstconcussion@gmail.com

A little more than three years ago, inside a shiny new arena in Rwanda's capital, the Basketball Africa League launched its inaugural season. It was a milestone for the continent and for America's National Basketball Association, which was a driving force behind the venture. But among human rights experts, the NBA's deal with Rwanda's president Paul Kagame has raised questions since the very beginning. Today, our Mark Fainaru-Wada takes us inside his 18-month investigation into a partnership that formed the foundation for Africa's new league and provides a clear-eyed examination of the complexities and ethical challenges of engaging in business with an authoritarian regime. Mark's full report will publish at 7am ET, Friday, July 26. Those links will post here shortly after. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Fainaru and his brother Mark Fainaru-Wada wrote a bestselling and award-winning book (and accompanying PBS documentary series) about the NFL coverup of concussion trauma, League of Denial. This conversation inaugurates an occasional Recall this Book series on collaborative work: who does it well, what makes it succeed, why can't grumpy isolatos like English professors get with the program? The brothers generously praise the colleagues and mentors who helped them on their way. They also dig into questions of trust between collaborators and constant choices reporting and writing entails. Some stories are dogs, some are "unmakeable" and some you can't see; how do you recognize the situation and cope? Almost as afterthought, they lay bare the amount of persistent, patient long-term conversation and relationship-building that goes into finding out the truth behind events that powerful organizations. Steve explains the reporting behind his 2008 Pulitzer-winning stories about American private contractors during the invasion of Iraq. Basically, "institutions react institutionally." Then the tricky question of how to be a football fan in the concussion era arises. Mentioned in the episode:  Phil Bennett a mentor for Steve. Lance Williams journalist, partner, source-maintainer: inspiration for Mark. The memorable newspaper advisors who shaped Mark and Steve in their high-school gig at the Redwood Bark: Sylvia Jones and Donal Brown. Plus: Stand by for more of their work on the NBA in China.... Read and listen to the episode here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Steve Fainaru and his brother Mark Fainaru-Wada wrote a bestselling and award-winning book (and accompanying PBS documentary series) about the NFL coverup of concussion trauma, League of Denial. This conversation inaugurates an occasional Recall this Book series on collaborative work: who does it well, what makes it succeed, why can't grumpy isolatos like English professors get with the program? The brothers generously praise the colleagues and mentors who helped them on their way. They also dig into questions of trust between collaborators and constant choices reporting and writing entails. Some stories are dogs, some are "unmakeable" and some you can't see; how do you recognize the situation and cope? Almost as afterthought, they lay bare the amount of persistent, patient long-term conversation and relationship-building that goes into finding out the truth behind events that powerful organizations. Steve explains the reporting behind his 2008 Pulitzer-winning stories about American private contractors during the invasion of Iraq. Basically, "institutions react institutionally." Then the tricky question of how to be a football fan in the concussion era arises. Mentioned in the episode:  Phil Bennett a mentor for Steve. Lance Williams journalist, partner, source-maintainer: inspiration for Mark. The memorable newspaper advisors who shaped Mark and Steve in their high-school gig at the Redwood Bark: Sylvia Jones and Donal Brown. Plus: Stand by for more of their work on the NBA in China.... Read and listen to the episode here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Fainaru and his brother Mark Fainaru-Wada wrote a bestselling and award-winning book (and accompanying PBS documentary series) about the NFL coverup of concussion trauma, League of Denial. This conversation inaugurates an occasional Recall this Book series on collaborative work: who does it well, what makes it succeed, why can't grumpy isolatos like English professors get with the program? The brothers generously praise the colleagues and mentors who helped them on their way. They also dig into questions of trust between collaborators and constant choices reporting and writing entails. Some stories are dogs, some are "unmakeable" and some you can't see; how do you recognize the situation and cope? Almost as afterthought, they lay bare the amount of persistent, patient long-term conversation and relationship-building that goes into finding out the truth behind events that powerful organizations. Steve explains the reporting behind his 2008 Pulitzer-winning stories about American private contractors during the invasion of Iraq. Basically, "institutions react institutionally." Then the tricky question of how to be a football fan in the concussion era arises. Mentioned in the episode:  Phil Bennett a mentor for Steve. Lance Williams journalist, partner, source-maintainer: inspiration for Mark. The memorable newspaper advisors who shaped Mark and Steve in their high-school gig at the Redwood Bark: Sylvia Jones and Donal Brown. Plus: Stand by for more of their work on the NBA in China.... Read and listen to the episode here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/sports

Steve Fainaru and his brother Mark Fainaru-Wada wrote a bestselling and award-winning book (and accompanying PBS documentary series) about the NFL coverup of concussion trauma, League of Denial. This conversation inaugurates an occasional Recall this Book series on collaborative work: who does it well, what makes it succeed, why can't grumpy isolatos like English professors get with the program? The brothers generously praise the colleagues and mentors who helped them on their way. They also dig into questions of trust between collaborators and constant choices reporting and writing entails. Some stories are dogs, some are "unmakeable" and some you can't see; how do you recognize the situation and cope? Almost as afterthought, they lay bare the amount of persistent, patient long-term conversation and relationship-building that goes into finding out the truth behind events that powerful organizations. Steve explains the reporting behind his 2008 Pulitzer-winning stories about American private contractors during the invasion of Iraq. Basically, "institutions react institutionally." Then the tricky question of how to be a football fan in the concussion era arises. Mentioned in the episode:  Phil Bennett a mentor for Steve. Lance Williams journalist, partner, source-maintainer: inspiration for Mark. The memorable newspaper advisors who shaped Mark and Steve in their high-school gig at the Redwood Bark: Sylvia Jones and Donal Brown. Plus: Stand by for more of their work on the NBA in China.... Read and listen to the episode here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Fainaru and his brother Mark Fainaru-Wada wrote a bestselling and award-winning book (and accompanying PBS documentary series) about the NFL coverup of concussion trauma, League of Denial. This conversation inaugurates an occasional Recall this Book series on collaborative work: who does it well, what makes it succeed, why can't grumpy isolatos like English professors get with the program? The brothers generously praise the colleagues and mentors who helped them on their way. They also dig into questions of trust between collaborators and constant choices reporting and writing entails. Some stories are dogs, some are "unmakeable" and some you can't see; how do you recognize the situation and cope? Almost as afterthought, they lay bare the amount of persistent, patient long-term conversation and relationship-building that goes into finding out the truth behind events that powerful organizations. Steve explains the reporting behind his 2008 Pulitzer-winning stories about American private contractors during the invasion of Iraq. Basically, "institutions react institutionally." Then the tricky question of how to be a football fan in the concussion era arises. Mentioned in the episode:  Phil Bennett a mentor for Steve. Lance Williams journalist, partner, source-maintainer: inspiration for Mark. The memorable newspaper advisors who shaped Mark and Steve in their high-school gig at the Redwood Bark: Sylvia Jones and Donal Brown. Plus: Stand by for more of their work on the NBA in China.... Read and listen to the episode here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/journalism

Steve Fainaru and his brother Mark Fainaru-Wada wrote a bestselling and award-winning book (and accompanying PBS documentary series) about the NFL coverup of concussion trauma, League of Denial. This conversation inaugurates an occasional Recall this Book series on collaborative work: who does it well, what makes it succeed, why can't grumpy isolatos like English professors get with the program? The brothers generously praise the colleagues and mentors who helped them on their way. They also dig into questions of trust between collaborators and constant choices reporting and writing entails. Some stories are dogs, some are "unmakeable" and some you can't see; how do you recognize the situation and cope? Almost as afterthought, they lay bare the amount of persistent, patient long-term conversation and relationship-building that goes into finding out the truth behind events that powerful organizations. Steve explains the reporting behind his 2008 Pulitzer-winning stories about American private contractors during the invasion of Iraq. Basically, "institutions react institutionally." Then the tricky question of how to be a football fan in the concussion era arises. Mentioned in the episode:  Phil Bennett a mentor for Steve. Lance Williams journalist, partner, source-maintainer: inspiration for Mark. The memorable newspaper advisors who shaped Mark and Steve in their high-school gig at the Redwood Bark: Sylvia Jones and Donal Brown. Plus: Stand by for more of their work on the NBA in China.... Read and listen to the episode here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/popular-culture

You've probably heard about Brett Favre's involvement in a welfare fraud scandal in his home state of Mississippi. The Hall of Fame quarterback is accused of accepting money intended for the poorest citizens of America's poorest state, and using the money to fund a volleyball facility at his alma mater: the University of Southern Mississippi. But Favre's role in that case only became known to investigators when they began looking into something else entirely: a little-known drug company in Florida that was promising to give the entire football world the miracle it needed around concussion science. Mark Fainaru-Wada investigates the real story behind Prevacus and its gunslinging investor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The AUXORO Podcast, Mark Fainaru-Wada and Lance Williams discuss The BALCO Steroids Scandal of the early 2000's lead by mastermind Victor Conte, the duality of Barry Bond's existence as a beloved home run king and steroids user, how steroids infiltrated almost every professional sport all the way up to the Olympic level, congressional hearings on baseball's drug problems, grand jury testimony, how Mark and Lance faced possible prison time for covering the story, whether PEDs should be legalized in sports, and more. I asked Mark and Lance to come on the podcast after reading their book Game Of Shadows which you should absolutely check out if you have any interest in scandals or steroids.   Guest bio (Mark Fainaru-Wada): Mark Fainaru-Wada is an investigative journalist and writer who was worked for ESPN since 2007. He formerly was a reporter with the San Francisco Chronicle, where he and Lance Williams first uncovered the BALCO steroid scandal, and is the co-author of 'Game of Shadows: Barry Bonds, BALCO, and the Steroids Scandal that Rocked Professional Sports.' Guest bio (Lance Williams): is an investigative journalist and writer who is the senior reporter for the CIR (Center Of Investigative Reporting).  He formerly was a reporter with the San Francisco Chronicle, where he and Mark Fainaru-Wada first uncovered the BALCO steroid scandal, and is the co-author of Game of Shadows: Barry Bonds, BALCO, and the Steroids Scandal that Rocked Professional Sports. BONUS EPISODES & PREMIUM ACCESS: https://auxoro.supercast.com/HOSTING MASTER (GUMROAD SERIES): https://auxoro.gumroad.com/l/vzekt MARK FAINARU-WADA LINKS:Game of Shadows: Barry Bonds, BALCO, and the Steroids Scandal that Rocked Professional Sports: https://amzn.to/3cWAXNVTwitter: https://twitter.com/markfwespnESPN: https://bit.ly/3RKkn2ELeague of Denial: The NFL, Concussions and the Battle for Truth: https://amzn.to/3qgKORx LANCE WILLIAMS:Game of Shadows: Barry Bonds, BALCO, and the Steroids Scandal that Rocked Professional Sports: https://amzn.to/3cWAXNVTwitter: https://bit.ly/3D5wy62Reveal News (CIR): https://revealnews.org/ THE AUXORO PODCAST LINKS:Apple: https://apple.co/3B4fYju Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3zaS6sPOvercast: https://bit.ly/3rgw70DYoutube: https://bit.ly/3lTpJdjWebsite: https://www.auxoro.com/ AUXORO SOCIAL LINKS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auxoroYouTube: https://bit.ly/3CLjEqFFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/auxoromagNewsletter: https://www.auxoro.com/thesourceYouTube: https://bit.ly/3CLjEqF If you enjoy the show, please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts. It takes less than 60 seconds, helps us appear higher in searches so more people discover the show, and it boosts my ego;) Past Guests On The Auxoro Podcast Include: Aubrey de Grey, Andy Weir, Eben Britton, Eric Jorgenson, Isabelle Boemeke, Houston Arriaga, Jerzy Gregorek, Chris Cooper, Gryffin, Elsa Diaz, Dave Robinson, Meghan Daum, FINNEAS, Chloé Valdary, Coleman Hughes, Maziar Ghaderi, YONAS, Ryan Michler, Ryan Meyer, Gavin Chops, Bren Orton, Zuby, Jason Khalipa, Ed Latimore, Jess Glynne, Noah Kahan, Kid Super, Deryck Whibley, and many more.  

Co-hosts Steven Negishi and Ken Fang welcome Shane P. Hallam of the DraftCountdown.com to talk about the NFL Draft.  In the second half, ESPN's Mark Fainaru-Wada, an award-winning investigative sports journalist, talks about major stories in the headlines and some of his past work.

For decades the NBA has been in an intricate, expensive dance with China's government. While the league has become wildly popular in China, its business there is increasingly complicated over issues like free speech and China's record on human rights. If there's one man who personifies the layers and complexities of NBA-China relations it's Joe Tsai, the Chinese billionaire who owns the Brooklyn Nets. ESPN investigative reporter Mark Fainaru-Wada breaks down the ties of Tsai's company, Alibaba, to the Chinese government, and his stance on social and political issues in China compared to the US.

MARK FAINARU-WADA has been on the investigative team at ESPN for 15 years. He and his brother Steve Fainaru often collaborate and did so on a piece released April 14, 2022, “Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai is the face of NBA's uneasy China relationship.” John got Mark on the line within hours and recorded this conversation about the story, about the task of reporting on the ESPN's business partners, about the process of chasing down this story, which took a year to report, edit and deliver, and working so often with his older brother.

Mark Fainaru-Wada was a reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle when he co-authored "Game of Shadows," the definitive book about Barry Bonds, BALCO, and baseball's steroid scandal. An award-winning ESPN reporter since 2007, Fainaru-Wada talks about the ongoing debate over Bonds' rightful place in Cooperstown and in baseball history.

On how Mark's Barry Bonds book brought him glory, while my Barry Bonds brought bought me Dollar Store space; on how the entire Balco investigation commenced; on the non-joys of cold calling subjects.

Today is Brian's 21st birthday!  We celebrate by reviewing highlights from our 21 months of podcasting with guests including: MLB star Daniel Murphy; award winning ESPN journalist and author Mark Fainaru Wada; NY Post/Ball Nine columnist Kevin Kernan; Houston/national radio host Sean Pendergast and many others.

ESPN investigative reporters Steve Fainaru and Mark Fainaru-Wada come on to discuss their recent story detailing the NBA's relationship with China.

Our interview with award winning ESPN journalist Mark Fainaru-Wada.

Episode 40 of the Sports Media Podcast with Richard Deitsch features three great guests: ESPN senior investigative reporter Mark Fainaru-Wada; Fox Sports NASCAR host and NFL reporter Shannon Spake, and preeminent NASCAR writer and reporter Jeff Gluck.  First up is Fainaru-Wada, who discussed his recent piece on how Bob Costas went from fronting the NFL to being excised from last year's Super Bowl; how the story came to fruition; how often he spoke with Costas; why he thinks Costas talked to him; how he approached NBC Sports and what their response was to his inquiries; whether an in-game broadcast of the NFL can ever tell hard truths; calling me out for saying ESPN would no longer do investigative work on third rail NFL issues; how he navigated this story with his superiors, who negotiate NFL media contracts; ESPN’s commitment to this kind of reporting, and much more.   Spake discussed being named hostof FOX NASCAR’s race coverage, including all the anchor duties for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series; how that assignment came about; how she plans to forge chemistry with the studio group; the numbers of women working in NASCAR; how to navigate covering the sport from a studio in Charlotte; why NASCAR has hemorrhaged television viewers; working on the team of Thom Breneman and Chris Spielman on NFL games this season; the differences and similarities between NFL and college football sideline reporting; whether players and coaches curse more in pro football or college; the differences between working at Fox and ESPN; her superfandom of The Howard Stern show; her training as an endurance racer and racing in multiple half Ironmans  1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run, and much more. Gluck discussed covering NASCAR via crowdfunding and how he supports his career and life via his Patreon page; why he opted to leave USA Today for this new style of independent reporting; who is patrons are and why he thinks they fund him; his current relationship with NASCAR; how he views the state of the media covering NASCAR today; why media outlets have scaled back on NASCAR coverage; whether ESPN leaving the sport has had an impact; the declining television ratings of the sport; how to get more people of color and women interested in NASCAR; whether the crowdfunding approach could work for writers in major sports, and much more.  You can subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher and more.

ESPN'S Mark Fainaru-Wada and producer Dave Lubbers talk about Bob Costas E:60 story

Mark Fainaru-Wada and David Lubbers from ESPN join Travis and Heather to recap the Bob Costas E60 that aired yesterday plus more on the Iowa win and Iowa State loss...

Host Lindsay Graham talks with the journalists who broke the BALCO scandal and almost went to jail. Mark Fainaru Wada and Lance Williams are the authors of “Game of Shadows: Barry Bonds, BALCO and the Steroids Scandal that Rocked Professional Sports.” Support us by supporting our sponsors!

ESPN investigative reporter Mark Fainaru-Wada joins the show to discuss his findings into Russian President Vladimir Putin's influence at FIFA and the corrupt case of the Russian doping scandal and the IOC. DG talks FIFA's announcement to hold the 2026 World Cup in North America.

ESPN investigative reporter Mark Fainaru-Wada stops by to break down the way in which Tom Jurich shaped the Louisville program for the better while also allowing corruption to unfold. DG also takes calls on his sports vs. Star Wars theory.

ESPN Outside the Lines Reporter and Co-author of League of Denial Mark Fainaru-Wada joins us today to discuss concussions and his experiences in investigative journalism. The book League of Denial is the one that really woke me up to the severity of concussions and what was happening with them.  Growing up, I knew guys who had concussions and knew that it was an issue, but didn't realize the extent of it until this book.  Dr. Bennet Omalu, Dr. Ann McKee, and Chris Nowinski became like celebrities to me. With Mark, we talk about why he does what he does, and the similarities between the BALCO scandal he reported on with steroids, and the current concussions crisis.  He also talked about what can be done about this. I highly encourage you to check out his book at leagueofdenial.com. 

The NBA Playoffs have gotten really interesting really quickly! Tom Haberstroh joins me to break down both conference finals. Plus, ESPN's Mark Fainaru-Wada joins me to talk about his latest reporting on the NFL's attempt to influence a government study into concussions. I "Call It A Wrap" with thoughts on Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love and the topic that is the bane of my existence: defensive positioning.Support the show (http://HoffmanShow.com)

Meet Steve Fainaru and Mark Fainaru-Wada. You might have guessed from their names that they’re brothers. They’re also both investigative journalists working for ESPN. On this episode, we’re sharing pieces of our conversations with the brothers during their recent trip to the University of Missouri. We talk about everything from their reporting on the NFL’s concussion crisis to the much-discussed relationship between ESPN and the NFL, and how they decide when to team up on a reporting project. EPISODE NOTES: http://bit.ly/1WPh9qG

Episode 059: Mark Fainaru-Wada – Investigative Reporter, Steroids, Barry Bonds, and Concussions This was an extremely thought provoking conversation with Mark Fainaru-Wada.  This is the first time I’ve ever had an investigative reporter on as a guest of The Learning Leader Show.  The magnitude of the work that Mark has done is immense.    We touched on a number of topics during this conversation from Chris Borland retiring to Cris Carter’s “Fall Guy” comments made at the NFL Rookie Symposium.  It was a very enlightening an entertaining conversation. Mark Fainaru-Wada is an investigative reporter for ESPN. With his colleague Lance Williams, he co-authored the New York Times best-seller “Game of Shadows — Barry Bonds, BALCO and the Steroids Scandal That Rocked Professional Sports.”  He’s also written (along with his brother Steve Fainaru) “League Of Denial,” which reveals how the NFL, over a period of nearly two decades, sought to cover up and deny mounting evidence of the connection between football and brain damage. Episode 059: Mark Fainaru-Wada – Investigative Reporter, Steroids, Barry Bonds, and Concussions Subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher Radio The Learning Leader Show “The scientist is not the person who gives the right answers; he’s the one who asks the right questions.” – Claude Levi-Strauss Some Questions I Ask: What are common characteristics of people who lie and cheat that you have encountered? Why do people who are obviously guilty continually lie? What was your process for writing “Game Of Shadows?” You were told to “give up your sources or go to jail.”  What affect did that statement have on your life? Why write the book “League of Denial” about the NFL? Would you allow your own children to play football? What is the future for the NFL? What could the NFL have been thinking by putting the Cris Carter “fall guy” statements on their website for years? In This Episode, You Will Learn: The amount of ego and narcissism he’s found in certain athletes who have cheated and lied How “Game of Shadows” grew from his reporting at the San Francisco Chronicle What happened to him and his family when he was told he would go to jail for not giving up his sources The great conversations he’s had with Chris Borland about his decision to retire from the NFL at such a young age About the ethics in reporting and why he would have reported the Cris Carter “fall guy” comments if he was in that room The next big plans he has for his career “Give up your sources or you will go to jail.” Continue Learning Read the Boston University Head Trauma Research: http://www.bu.edu/cte/ Read: League of Denial: The NFL, Concussions, and the Battle for Truth Read: Game of Shadows: Barry Bonds, BALCO, and the Steroids Scandal that Rocked Professional Sports   Follow Mark on Twitter: @markfwespn You may also like these episodes: Episode 019: Chris Borland – Why He Walked Away From Millions Of Dollars Episode 003: The Incredibly Interesting Story Of Maurice Clarett And How He Built A 6 Figure Income After Spending 4 Years In Prison Episode 004: How Todd Wagner (and Mark Cuban) Sold Broadcast.com To Yahoo! For $5.7 Billion Episode 010: Shane Snow – How To Accelerate Success Using Smart Cuts Did you enjoy the podcast? I really enjoyed this great conversation with Mark… I learned a lot about his makeup and his specific process about how he does his great work. Who do you know that needs to hear this?  Send them to The Learning Leader Show! Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell Bio from ESPN Mark Fainaru-Wada is an investigative reporter for ESPN. With his colleague Lance Williams, he co-authored the New York Times best-seller “Game of Shadows — Barry Bonds, BALCO and the Steroids Scandal That Rocked Professional Sports.”  He’s also written (along with his brother Steve Fainaru) “League Of Denial,” which reveals how the NFL, over a period of nearly two decades, sought to cover up and deny mounting evidence of the connection between football and brain damage.

ESPN's Mark Fainaru-Wada talks about the Chris Borland shocker and dealing with the counter-attack from other media outlets.

Host: John J. Russell, MD In December 2005, the National Football League produced a scientific paper concluding that "professional football players do not sustain frequent repetive blows to the brain on a regular basis." That judgment, implausible even to a casual fan, also contradicted the opinion of a growing cadre of neuroscientists who worked in vain to convince the NFL that it was facing a deadly new scourge: a chronic brain disease that was driving an alarming number of players -- including some of the all-time greats -- to madness. In this conversation with Mark Fainaru-Wada, author of League of Denial, the NFL's apparent efforts to cover up and deny mounting evidence of the connection between football and brain damage over a period of nearly two decades are put into the spotlight.

Host: John J. Russell, MD In December 2005, the National Football League produced a scientific paper concluding that "professional football players do not sustain frequent repetive blows to the brain on a regular basis." That judgment, implausible even to a casual fan, also contradicted the opinion of a growing cadre of neuroscientists who worked in vain to convince the NFL that it was facing a deadly new scourge: a chronic brain disease that was driving an alarming number of players -- including some of the all-time greats -- to madness. In this conversation with Mark Fainaru-Wada, author of League of Denial, the NFL's apparent efforts to cover up and deny mounting evidence of the connection between football and brain damage over a period of nearly two decades are put into the spotlight.

I spoke to Mark, co-author of Game of Shadows in this 2007 podcast, about the rampant use of drugs in professional and olympian sports.

We worry about too big to fail.  Yet bank losses pale in comparison to the degree to which the National Football League, has been too big to tell the truth.  Its denials have seemingly directly resulted in the death of NFL players.  Even worse, it has created untold dangers to young kids playing football, because their parents believed the leagues denials about the risk of brain injury coming from concussion and repetitive head trauma.  When seen in its totality, it’s  hard to deny that this ten billion dollar Park Avenue business, that is the NFL, does not have blood on its hands.We’ve all heard the debate questioning the impacts of repeated concussions and head trauma on NFL players. But the facts are are not up for debate.  This is not a case where the cover up is worse than the crime.  For the NFL, the cover up is the crime.Two of the top investigative journalists, Mark Fainaru-Wada and Steve Fainaru look inside twenty years of denial on the part of the NFL in their book and Frontline documentary League of Denial: The NFL, Concussions and the Battle for Truth.My conversation with Mark Fainaru-Wada & Steve Fainaru:

The National Football League, a multibillion-dollar commercial juggernaut, presides over America's indisputable national pastime. But the NFL is under assault as thousands of former players claim the league has covered up football's connection to long-term brain injuries. In a special two-hour investigation, FRONTLINE and prize-winning journalists Steve Fainaru and Mark Fainaru-Wada of ESPN reveal the hidden story of the NFL and brain injuries, drawn from their forthcoming book League of Denial: The NFL, Concussions and the Battle for Truth (Crown Archetype, October 2013). What did the NFL know and when did it know it? What's the truth about the risks to players? What can be done? The FRONTLINE investigation details how, for years, the league denied and worked to refute scientific evidence that the violent collisions at the heart of the game are linked to an alarming incidence of early onset dementia, catastrophic brain damage, and other devastating consequences for some of football's all-time greats.

The Best of Sports Business Radio. We revisit conversations with MLB Network President Tony Petitti and ESPN Investigative reporter and "Game of Shadows" co-author Mark Fainaru-Wada. We also look at the headlines of the week including the Los Angeles Dodgers signing of Manny Ramirez and the Dallas Cowboys release of controversial wideout Terrell Owens.

Mark Fainaru-Wada, ESPN Investigative Reporter and co-author of the book "Game of Shadows" joins us to discuss the many layers of the Alex Rodriguez story after we learned this week that the Yankees superstar has used performance enhancing drugs. Paul Swangard from the Warsaw Sports Marketing Center joins us from Phoenix, site of the 2009 NBA All-Star weekend, to discuss the NBA's sports business happenings and festivities. We also examine several headlines from this week that show us how the sagging economy continues to impact the sports world.