Podcasts about tokyo2020

Jim Brown passed away at his home in Los Angeles last week at the age of 87. The Cleveland Browns legend and three-time NFL MVP made a name for himself as a football player, actor, and social activist, and also spent years working with gang leaders to try and prevent violence. But his reputation was also marred by a long series of domestic violence accusations. Today, how to make sense of Brown's complicated life and legacy.Guests: Steve Rushin, Sports IllustratedDave Zirin, Author of Jim Brown: Last Man StandingSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After more than four decades of coming up short, the Denver Nuggets are finally playing in the NBA Finals for the first time. But despite a winning record in six consecutive seasons, most of those years for Denver have ended in heartbreak. Today, we look at how the Nuggets' foundation for winning has been built on a very large pile of past failures. Plus, what it will take for Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and head coach Michael Malone to bring Denver their first NBA title.Guest: Nick Kosmider, The AthleticRead his full story here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: It's looking like sweep season in the NHL and NBA conference finals. And Breanna Stewart flashes her MVP credentials in her home debut. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last season, the Las Vegas Aces won the WNBA championship in style, especially when it came to their post-championship celebrations. But now, with the 2023 WNBA season about to tip off, the Aces find themselves wrapped up in not one but two controversies. Today, can the Aces move beyond their off-court problems and find a way to repeat? Or will the league's newest super team, the New York Liberty, come for their crown?Guest: Sabreena Merchant, The AthleticCheck out The Athletic's special WNBA coverage: "Super Squads"See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you say the name Darvin Ham to a basketball fan of a certain age, chances are they'll think of the time he shattered a backboard playing for Texas Tech during the 1996 NCAA tournament. But what's less known about the Lakers' first-year head coach is his life before all of this, in Saginaw, Michigan, a life that almost ended when he was just 14 years old. Today, we look at how Ham was shaped by the Midwest city he grew up in, and the tragic accident that nearly ended his life. Plus, can Ham steer the Lakers past Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets as they try to win an improbable NBA title?Guest: Dan Woike, Los Angeles TimesRead his full story hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: Jonathan Marchessault delivers with an elimination-game silencer of his own. And Todd Bowles fulfills his mother's dream decades in the making. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last weekend, a 15:1 long shot named Mage raced to a dramatic victory at the Kentucky Derby. But that feel-good story was largely overshadowed by a series of tragic -- and in some cases mysterious -- racehorse deaths. Today, we explore what could be behind those deaths, the progress that horse racing has and hasn't made in terms of animal welfare, and why people inside the sport often fail to see eye to eye with people outside of it.Guest: Natalie Voss, The Paulick ReportSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After back-to-back 100-loss seasons, and with one of the lowest payrolls in Major League Baseball, life as a Pittsburgh Pirates fan has been pretty frustrating. However, this year, they started out as one of baseball's biggest surprises, with Bryan Reynolds and Andrew McCutchen helping to fuel a 20-8 start. Then came a recent seven-game losing streak — and fans were scratching their heads once again. Today, we look at the key factors behind the Pirates' early success, the cause of their recent struggles, and what to make of this roller coaster season so far.Guest: Britt Ghiroli, The AthleticRead Britt's full story about the Pirates hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: The Devils bounce back to make it a series with Carolina. And college basketball's most famous recruit finally announces where he'll play next season. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last week, we got the long awaited — and widely expected —answer of who would go first in the NFL Draft, when the Carolina Panthers selected Alabama quarterback Bryce Young. But the questions about Young, and specifically his height (5-10 1/8), are not going away soon. Today, we dive deep into the history of undersized quarterbacks to find out why some have succeeded where many others have failed. And, as we comb through the careers of Sonny Jurgensen, Russell Wilson, and Doug Flutie (among others), we attempt to answer the question of whether Bryce Young can write his name alongside the all-time greats. Guest: Dan Pompei, The AthleticRead his full story about Bryce Young hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Miami Heat head coach Eric Spoelstra has long been known as a fiery competitor who does not shy away from confrontations -- even with his own players. Today, with the Heat cruising through the playoffs, we explore the method to Erik Spoelstra's madness and explain why the confrontations, along with a heavy dose of compassion, are all part of the plan.Guest: Jason Quick, The AthleticRead Jason' full story here."See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: The Bruins' historic season ends with a whimper and the defending champs go down to a first timer. And a father-son phone call that will warm even the staunchest Cowboy hater's heart. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On Thursday night, the Boston Celtics — one of the favorites to win the NBA title — moved on to the Eastern Conference semifinals. But during their not-always-so-smooth first-round series against Atlanta, we got a reminder that there are still questions when it comes to their 34-year-old head coach, Joe Mazzulla, who took over after Ime Udoka's sudden suspension in September. Today, we look at how the team's identity on and off the floor have changed under Mazzulla's intense leadership, and the one question that won't go away: Is Mazzulla the right guy to lead this team to a title? Plus, a snapshot of team camaraderie through the eyes of the Celtics players who rarely get in the game — and the bus that bonds them together. Guest: Jared Weiss, The AthleticHear Jared on the NBA Daily Ding podcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hockey fans are used to Connor McDavid being the undisputed best player in hockey. But this past season, he somehow took things to an even higher level, doing things that haven't been done since the 1980s. Today, how McDavid's evolution off the ice has helped him reach new heights on it -- and how his growth can be traced, at least in part, to a six-year-old boy. Plus, what stands between McDavid and a highly coveted first Stanley Cup.Guest: Daniel Nugent-Bowman, The AthleticRead Daniel's original story hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: Steph Curry manages to avoid his own Chris Webber moment. And after more than decade, a career minor leaguer finally gets to The Show.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

So far this season, the Seattle Mariners have been getting big production from a former top prospect who roams their outfield. But if you're thinking of reigning AL Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez — think again. The guy who's been stealing the spotlight in Seattle so far is Jarred Kelenic. The 23-year-old came to Seattle in a blockbuster trade five years ago, but up until now, he has looked like a bust at the big league level. Today, we dig into the reasons behind Kelenic's rapid rise, and whether this early season surge is for real.Guest: Corey Brock, The AthleticRead his stories on Kelenic here and hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alyssa Thompson's incredible soccer talent has already made her look like a future global star, even though she's just 18 years old. And her path to greatness, which included becoming the first girl to play on an MLS Next boys academy team (along with her sister, Giselle), has changed minds -- and the way that youth soccer clubs operate.Guest: Gwen OxenhamRead Gwen's full story about Alyssa Thompson in Sports Illustrated hereCheck out Gwen's new book, Pride Of A Nation and her podcast, Hustle RuleSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: Two of hockey's greatest rivals produce another in epic championship final. And A Yankees ace continues his electric start.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When the NBA playoffs get underway on Saturday, basketball fans will be witnessing history, as the Golden State Warriors are playing the Sacramento Kings in the postseason for the first time ever. These two teams famously share the same highway — the I-80 — but they took very different roads to get here. The Kings emerged as an offensive juggernaut under their defensive-minded head coach, Mike Brown, while the reigning NBA champs, the Warriors, had to fight just to avoid the play-in tournament. Today, we break down the key factors that could decide the series, including De'Aaron Fox's knack for thriving in the clutch, and just how ready Andrew Wiggins will be after a long layoff for Golden State.Guest: Anthony Slater, The AthleticRead his full series preview hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There was time when it looked like China was going to be the next big thing in world soccer. After the government published an elaborate 50-point plan back in 2015, billions of dollars was spent developing China's professional league, building youth soccer academies across the country, and recruiting foreign stars to China for huge sums of money. But now, that ambitious program is all but dead. Tariq Panja of The New York Times joins us to discuss the rise and fall of China's oversized soccer dream.Guest: Tariq Panja, The New York TimesRead Tariq's full story hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: The Timberwolves get punch drunk on the final day of the NBA season. And a baseball team manages to give up a crooked number while not allowing a hit.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

LeBron James's final wish as an NBA player is to suit up with his son LeBron James Jr, a.k.a. Bronny. When he made that intention clear last year, it was just the latest development in the incredibly well-documented basketball life of the 18-year-old Bronny, who has amassed a huge following of supporters, doubters, and people questioning what his dad is doing. Luca Evans, a reporter with the LA Times, recently spent months following Bronny's high school basketball team, Sierra Canyon. Today, he shares stories from the young star's senior season, discusses how Bronny has managed the incredible expectations around him, and explains who he really is as a basketball player.Guest: Luca Evans, Los Angeles TimesRead Luca's full story about Bronny here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With three weeks to go until the NFL Draft, there's a clear cut top four at the quarterback position, featuring Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, Anthony Richardson, and the former Kentucky Wildcat, Will Levis. Levis emerged as a college star — and likely first round NFL pick — during the last two years in Lexington. But before that, he was a college football journeyman, known more for his viral eating exploits than anything he'd done on the field. Today, we tell the story of Levis's unlikely ascent from DoorDash driver — to potential NFL franchise savior. Guest: Kyle Tucker, The AthleticRead the full stories here (and here)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: KD shows why he makes the Suns the most dangerous team in the West. And a new spooky pitch has MLB hitters running in fear.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Boston Bruins have been making history this season. After becoming the fastest team in NHL history to rack up 50 wins, they might soon break the record for total points in a season. But what makes their success so incredible is the fact that almost no one saw it coming -- in fact, many people predicted they would miss the playoffs. Today, we break down the keys to Boston's unexpected greatness.Guest: Fluto Shinzawa, The AthleticRead Fluto's full breakdown of the B's success here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Major League Baseball Opening Day is Thursday, and the upcoming season begins with a lot of intriguing questions: Can the Astros repeat as World Series champs? What feats will we see from Shohei Ohtani (and Mike Trout) in Ohtani's final year before free agency? And, what does baseball's wave of new rules mean for our experience watching the game? Today, the forecast for what 2023 could look like — with five bold predictions for the upcoming year.Guest: Eno Sarris, The AthleticRead the full story hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: Iowa's maestro guides the Hawkeyes to its first Final Four in 30 years. And the Seahawks bring in an old stalwart to solidify their defense.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The World Baseball Classic, a tournament that many fans once viewed as a bunch of meaningless exhibition games, captivated the world over the past two weeks and culminated with an epic showdown between the two best players in the game. Today, how the WBC went from an afterthought to the best thing to happen to baseball in ages.Guest: Nick Groke, The AthleticRead more of Nick's WBC coverage here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With five weeks to go until the NFL Draft, there's one player who's arguably the most polarizing and intriguing prospect in the entire field: the dual threat quarterback out of the University of Florida, Anthony Richardson. Richardson wowed during his lone season as a full-time starter with the Gators, and at the NFL Combine, but the questions about how he'll perform at the next level won't go away. Today, we take a closer look at Richardson's tantalizing ceiling, and terrifying floor. Plus, the story of his not-too-distant past — as an aspiring firefighter.Guest: Nick Baumgardner, The AthleticRead the full story hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: One of college basketball's most storied programs misses the Sweet Sixteen for the first time in over a decade. And Trea Turner catches fire at the WBC.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Angelo Cataldi became Philadelphia's most popular sports radio personality by giving voice to the joys and frustrations of Philadelphia sports fans. And, along the way, he even saved a life or two -- literally. But his show was also criticized for being homophobic and misogynistic, and an event he founded, "Wing Bowl," eventually became a drunken public party that many Philadelphians despised. Today, we trace Cataldi's unlikely rise to radio stardom, and the complicated legacy he leaves behind.Guest: John GonzalezSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The NCAA tournament is finally here, which means that for the next three weeks, our lives will be consumed by college basketball's biggest stars, its most surprising teams, and — hopefully — a bunch of buzzer beaters along the way. Today, we break down the favorites, surprises and some of the biggest storylines to follow in the men's NCAA tournament, including an incredibly daunting West Region featuring Kansas, UCLA, UConn and Gonzaga — and the controversy surrounding top overall seed Alabama. Guest: Eamonn Brennan, The AthleticSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The NCAA tournament is finally here, which means that for the next three weeks, our lives will be consumed by college basketball's biggest stars, its most surprising teams, and — hopefully — a bunch of buzzer beaters along the way. Today, we break down the favorites, surprises and some of the biggest storylines to follow in the men's NCAA tournament, including an incredibly daunting West Region featuring Kansas, UCLA, UConn and Gonzaga — and the controversy surrounding top overall seed Alabama. Guest: Eamonn Brennan, The AthleticSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: It's time to fill out those office brackets after another Selection Sunday. And the Rams keep their ‘remodel' going by sending a former-All Pro's talents to South Beach. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In September of 2020, things began mysteriously disappearing from an MLB team's equipment bags. The ensuing investigation spanned six weeks and involved five Major League baseball teams, two police departments, and several very frustrated clubhouse managers.Guest: Stephanie Apstein, Sports IllustratedRead the original story: https://www.si.com/mlb/2023/02/27/mlb-great-jersey-caper-daily-coverSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mac McClung may always be remembered for one Saturday night in Utah a couple of weeks ago, when he made the jump from the G League to win the NBA Dunk Contest — a performance so great that some experts said it saved a dying event. But what's less well-known about McClung is his long journey just to get to that point: spanning 30 cities, 150 teammates, and 10 head coaches. Today, we take a closer look at McClung's odyssey from YouTube sensation to pro hoops journeyman, and whether the reigning Dunk Contest king can finally catch on in the NBA. Guest: Rich HofmannRead the full story hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: Washington State basketball breaks an 82 year drought. And United's dream run comes to a disastrous end at Anfield. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For many baseball fans, the name Dae-Sung Koo is synonymous with 2005, when the then-Mets relief pitcher smashed a double off of future Hall of Famer Randy Johnson, then proceeded to race home from second base on a bunt. That was the only season that the 35-year-old Koo appeared in Major League Baseball, and if you thought he'd retired after that, it would be understandable. But then, in January, footage surfaced of Koo getting batters out in Australia… at age 53. Today, we take a look at Koo's remarkable odyssey since that day in New York, why he's still taking the mound at an age when anyone in their right mind would have stopped, and just how long the ageless lefty might keep going. Guest: Matt MonaganRead the original storySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 1983, musical legend Marvin Gaye stepped to the microphone at The Forum in Los Angeles, to sing the national anthem before the NBA All-Star Game. What happened next set in motion a cultural transformation within the NBA that still reverberates today.Guests: David Aldridge and Marcus Thompson II, The AthleticRead their original story hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: The Lakers get a big win in Dallas, while Damian Lillard paints a masterpiece in the PDX. And Caitlin Clark puts a serious exclamation point on a wild weekend in college hoops. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For close to a decade, John Jaso made a name for himself in Major League Baseball. He was behind the plate for the last perfect game thrown in MLB (by Felix Hernandez), and he hit for the first cycle in the history of PNC Park in Pittsburgh. But if you haven't heard John Jaso's name in a while — there's a good reason for that: he's been living life at sea. Today, the story of why Jaso walked away from potentially millions of dollars to live on a boat, and some of his most harrowing adventures along the way.Guest: David GardnerRead the full storySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A deejay. A dance team. A VIP section. And a whole lot of victories. Meet Howard University's swimming and diving teams -- the only all-Black college swim teams in the U.S., with a mission that extends far beyond the pool.Guest: Robert Sanchez, Sports Illustrated contributorRead the full storySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Just over one year ago, the Baylor Bears were playing a game against Texas, when one of the key players on their national title-winning team, Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua, suddenly took a wrong step — and suffered a devastating injury. The 6-foot-8 forward was given a two-year timetable to return, if he made it back at all. Today, we tell the story of Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua's remarkable comeback, the role that his girlfriend — and a journal — played in getting him through it, and how the player known as “Everyday Jon” somehow came back better than he was before.Guest: CJ MooreRead the full story about Jonathan's comeback and his rise as a player at BaylorSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever since the NCAA began allowing college athletes to profit off their names, images, and likenesses (NIL), some athletes have been cashing in. But In a world filled with bad actors, some student-athletes have had much less fortunate outcomes. Today, we bring you the cautionary tale of Jaden Rashada, a top high school quarterback from California who saw an NIL deal worth millions of dollars -- along with his confidence -- go up in smoke.Guest: Stewart Mandel, The AthleticRead the full storySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.