The Comeback: COVID-19 and the Return of Sports

How College Football Happens this Fall with Bruce Feldman Aug 03, 2020

Bruce Feldman, who covers college football for The Athletic, joins The Comeback to discuss what role does the NCAA have in college football's return this fall, the inside discussions in the Pac-12 players' stand, and all that needs to happen for football to return to campuses this year.

Outbreak in Baseball with Jayson Stark Jul 27, 2020

The Athletic's Senior Baseball writer Jayson Stark joins the show to discuss how a coronavirus outbreak developed inside the Miami Marlins locker room, how MLB mishandled the situation and the impact of the outbreak on the rest of the league.

Inside Baseball's Return with Britt Ghiroli and Lindsey Adler Jul 24, 2020

The Athletic's Nationals reporter Britt Ghiroli and The Athletic's Yankees reporter Lindsey Adler were both inside Nats Park for the start of the MLB season. They joined The Comeback to discuss what happens next after Juan Soto's positive test, what it was like inside an empty stadium during Opening Day, and what to watch for as Major League Baseball begins its season.

Biggest Questions Facing the NFL's Return with Mike Silver Jul 21, 2020

NFL Network Analyst Mike Silver joins the show to discuss how differently the NFL will look this season, the biggest issues the league still needs to work out and what needs to happens so that the upcoming season isn't suspended.

Covid-19's Impact on Youth Sports with Jon Solomon Jul 16, 2020

Jon Solomon from the Aspen Institute joins The Comeback to dive into the details for what it will take to keep youth sports going during the pandemic: what questions parents should be asking, how youth leagues are keeping kids safe and specifically whether youth football is possible this fall.

Life in the NBA's Bubble with Joe Vardon Jul 13, 2020

The Athletic's Joe Vardon is in Disney World in quarantine, covering the NBA's bubble-based restart. Joe joins Seth to discuss his experience being placed in quarantine, how the NBA is operating its return to play differently and the discussion around Russell Westbrook's positive diagnosis of coronavirus.

College Football Impact of the Big Ten's Schedule Shift with Stewart Mandel Jul 10, 2020

The Athletic's College Football Editor-in-Chief Stewart Mandel joins the show to discuss why the Big Ten is going to an all in-conference schedule for football this fall, the impact to non-Power 5 schools and ultimately - is this step one in the cancellation of college football this fall.

College Football: Drastic Scheduling, a Spring Season and Closed Campuses with Bruce Feldman Jul 07, 2020

The Athletic's Bruce Feldman joins the show to discuss how radically different the college football season could look: some teams choosing to play in the spring, conference-only schedules and the biggest concerns college athletic directors are facing right now.

NFL v. Coronavirus with Lindsay Jones Jul 01, 2020

NFL training camps begins in a month - and there are still major questions that need to be answered. The Athletic's NFL writer Lindsay Jones joins the show to discuss how the NFL is preparing for its season, how the game will look different, and what needs to happen to a full NFL season.

Biggest Takeaways from NBA Schedule Reveal with Zach Harper Jun 29, 2020

The Athletic's NBA writer Zach Harper joins The Comeback to discuss which teams benefit from the final eight game regular season schedule, the biggest storylines to watch going into the Disney Bubble season finish, and how the uncertainty of the 4-month layoff for the NBA's top contenders.

The Promise of a Wild Baseball Summer with Jayson Stark Jun 26, 2020

MLB's 60 game season will bring a completely unique season never before seen in baseball. The Athletic's Senior Baseball Writer Jayson Stark details how radically different baseball will be played this season, how we may never seen pitchers hit again and which team benefits the most from the new format.

NCAA President Mark Emmert Interview: Covid-19, College Football and the Social Justice Movement Jun 24, 2020

Seth Davis, host of The Comeback, is joined by NCAA President Mark Emmert to discuss the spike in cases among college football programs, how college football will look different this fall, the college basketball schedule shift being discussed inside the NCAA and how the NCAA is working with student-athletes to address social injustice.

Golf's Impressive Return with Brendan Quinn Jun 22, 2020

The PGA Tour moves onto its third weekend of tournaments in a row. And so far the sports has avoided a cluster of coronavirus cases we've seen in other sports. The Athletic's golf reporter Brendan Quinn joins the show to discuss how the PGA has accomplished this, what the rest of the summer for golf looks like, and the issues Rory McIlroy is raising amongst international golfers.

This episode was recorded before The Guardian reported the Ryder Cup was being pushed back to 2021 due over coronavirus concerns.

The NBA's Behind the Scenes Discussions with David Aldridge Jun 18, 2020

The NBA has issued a 113-page safety manual to players for its Orlando plan. The Athletic DC Editor-in-Chief David Aldridge joins the show to discuss how the NBA's end of season will unfold and the internal discussions going on in the league office and its players.

Why Baseball is on the Brink with Evan Drellich Jun 16, 2020

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred now says he's not confident there will be a season this year. The Athletic's Business of Baseball reporter Evan Drellich joins Seth to discuss the behind-the-scenes story of why Manfred is taking that stance now, how the players may react, and if Evan believes there will still be a season.

Social Injustice, Health Issues: The Return to Play Concerns Among NBA Players with Shams Charania Jun 15, 2020

The Athletic's Lead NBA Insider Shams Charania joins The Comeback to reveal what he knows about the 80-player Friday night Zoom call, led by Kyrie Irving, where players discussed their concerns about returning to play this season.

The Damaging MLB Negotiations with Jayson Stark Jun 11, 2020

The Athletic's Senior Baseball Writer Jayson Stark joins the show to discuss the damaging impact of MLB's contentious negotiations being felt by fans and those in the game. Plus - Jayson assess where the middle ground will likely be that will lead to the return of baseball.

Why to be Optimistic about an MLB Season with Evan Drellich Jun 09, 2020

There's an emerging sense of optimism that baseball will return this summer as the MLB countered the Players Association proposal. The Athletic's Business of Baseball reporter Evan Drellich joins Seth Davis - host of The Comeback - to discuss what concessions the owners have made, the evaluation of risk players are making and where a deal could possibly be made.

The Gaps in the NBA's Return Plan with Sam Amick Jun 05, 2020

A long awaited moment - the NBA has announced 22 teams will play inside a 'bubble' in Orlando to finish out its season. The Athletic's Sam Amick, senior NBA writer, joins Seth Davis to discuss why the NBA went forward with this plan, the major questions that still need to be answered and how basketball will look this summer.

Inside the NBA's 22-Team Plan with John Hollinger Jun 02, 2020

The NBA is reportedly preparing to vote this Thursday on a plan that would bring back 22 teams to finish out the regular season and then go into a 16 team playoff. Seth Davis, the host of the Comeback, is joined by The Athletic's Senior NBA Columnist to discuss all the ins and outs of the 22-team plan, the risks involved and how a pushed back season will impact next season.

The Money Rift in Baseball with Ken Rosenthal Jun 01, 2020

Seth Davis, host of The Comeback, is joined by The Athletic's Senior Baseball writer Ken Rosenthal to discuss the the single biggest issue stopping baseball from returning: money. What the owners want, what the players want, and what the middle ground may look like to help facilitate the return of Major League Baseball.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman Interview: On the 24-team format, hub cities, and plans moving forward May 29, 2020

The Comeback host Seth Davis is joined by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman to discuss his league's 24-team playoff proposal, what it'll take to finish the NHL's season, and where the league will play its remaining games. Then at (13:20) The Athletic UK's Football News and Investigations reporter Matt Slater joins Seth to discuss the Premier League's major announcement: a June 17th return date and plan to finish its season.

The Comeback is a show that tracks the latest developments in the return of sports. Seth Davis is joined by the most plugged-in reporters from The Athletic to dive into the latest news; as well as joined by athletes, league officials and decision-makers in government.

The Biggest Questions Surrounding the NHL's Competition Format with Pierre LeBrun May 27, 2020

Seth Davis, host of The Comeback, is joined by The Athletic's Senior NHL Columnist Pierre LeBrun to discuss the details behind the NHL's 24 team return-to-play format, the questions hanging over the process now, and what needs to happen soon in order for hockey to be back in July.

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey Interview: On testing, financial impact, and what football may look like this fall. May 25, 2020

Seth Davis, host of The Comeback, is joined by SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey to discuss how his conference is opening up to on-campus workouts, the major benchmarks that need to be met for sports to return this fall and the financial impact on the universities if there is no football this fall.

The Comeback is a podcast dedicated to tracking the biggest stories surrounding the return of sports. Seth Davis is joined by the most plugged-in reporters at The Athletic, as well as athletes, league officials and health experts. Follow along and subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts or ad-free on The Athletic.

NHL Nears Return to Play Plan with Pierre LeBrun May 22, 2020

First, The Athletic's soccer reporter Sam Stejskal joins The Comeback to detail the MLS's potential season opening tournament. Then The Athletic's NHL Columnist Pierre LeBrun joins the show to discuss the NHL's unique 24-team format that is awaiting approval from the league's players.

The NBA Turns to Disney World with Sam Amick May 20, 2020

Seth Davis, host of The Comeback, is joined by The Athletic's NBA Senior Writer Sam Amick to discuss Sam and Sham Charania's story that the NBA has focused on Orlando as the city to resume its season, if the season resume. Sam details why Orlando is the favorite choice and how the remaining NBA season may look.

The Comeback is a podcast focused on tracking all the developments leading to the return of pro and college sports during the coronavirus pandemic. Episodes (10-15 minutes in length) are released ever Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

NBA's Chances of Return with Shams Charania May 18, 2020

Seth Davis, host of The Comeback, is joined by The Athletic's NBA Insider Shams Charania to discuss the latest on how close the NBA is to making a decision on resuming the season, the internal discussions behind that looming decision, and how a renewed season could look.

NASCAR Back on the Track with Jeff Gluck May 15, 2020

NASCAR will hold its first race this Sunday in more than two months. The Athletic's Jeff Gluck joins Seth Davis, host of The Comeback, to discuss why testing for COVID-19 is not part of NASCAR's plan, how the rest of the season may unfold, and the extreme isolation measures the drivers are placing themselves in.

Moneyball Blocking Opening Day with Evan Drellich May 13, 2020

Seth Davis, host of The Comeback, is joined by The Athletic's Evan Drellich to discuss why money - and a proposed salary cap - is the current major hurdle that could prevent the MLB from starting its season this year.

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