The Lead

Latest Episodes:

The MLB Stars Who Won’t Play Jul 06, 2020

Show notes

A number of All-Star-caliber MLB players have decided not to take part in the 2020 season, including David Price, Felix Hernandez, Ryan Zimmerman and Ian Desmond. Meanwhile, Mike Trout and Buster Posey are among the star players who are on the fence. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Britt Ghiroli to look at why some of these players have chosen to sit out, and whether many more will follow.

Follow Britt Ghiroli’s coverage of the Washington Nationals and Major League Baseball: https://theathletic.com/author/brittany-ghiroli/?source=theleadpodcast

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The NWSL Takes Flight Jul 03, 2020

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The NWSL became the first professional U.S. sports league to resume play this week, kicking off the Challenge Cup, a month-long knockout tournament, in Utah. The Athletic’s Meg Linehan joins us to discuss what happened in the opening matches, a much-talked-about moment during the national anthem, and whether or not anyone can stop the North Carolina Courage.

Follow Meg Linehan's coverage of the NWSL:

https://theathletic.com/author/meg-linehan/?source=theleadpodcast

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Tom Brady's Workouts: Fearless or Foolish? Jul 02, 2020

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As coronavirus cases skyrocket in Florida, Tom Brady has been defying league health recommendations and working out with his Tampa Bay Buccaneer teammates at a local high school -- and posting about it on social media. The Athletic’s Greg Auman joins us to talk about Brady’s controversial training sessions and why they have become a lightning rod in a national debate over COVID-19.

Read Greg Auman's story about the Brady workouts:

https://theathletic.com/1893828/2020/06/25/as-workouts-with-bucs-continue-is-tom-brady-being-fearless-or-foolish/?source=theleadpodcast

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How College Sports Helped Change Mississippi's Flag Jul 01, 2020

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There was some historic news out of Mississippi yesterday, as governor Tate Reeves signed a bill removing the Confederate emblem from the state flag. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s David Ubben to discuss the role that college sports played in the change, from SEC head coaches Lane Kiffin and Mike Leach to Mississippi State's star running back Kylin Hill.

Read David Ubben’s column about Kylin Hill and the Mississippi flag: https://theathletic.com/1897593/2020/06/28/kylin-hill-mississippi-state-flag-kansas-state-football-player-protest/?source=theleadpodcast

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The Patriots Bet On Cam Newton Jun 30, 2020

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Cam Newton is officially a member of the New England Patriots. And the Pats reportedly got the former NFL MVP at a bargain basement price.The Athletic’s Mike Sando joins us to talk about how the deal came about, what the Pats could look like with Cam at the helm, and what this signing tells us about Superman.

More from Doug Glanville:

https://theathletic.com/author/doug-glanville/?source=theleadpodcast

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A Trip to the Negro Leagues Museum (Rebroadcast) Jun 26, 2020

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Today, we’re replaying one of our favorite episodes of The Lead, which originally aired back in February. It’s a virtual tour of the Negro Leagues Museum in Kansas City. The Athletic’s Nate Taylor was our eyes and ears, and he joined us to relay stories about Jackie Robinson, the rock star status of many Negro League players, and some of the women who made an impact on and off the field.

Follow Nate Taylor's writing:

https://theathletic.com/author/nate-taylor/?source=theleadpodcast

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A Hockey Coach's Long History of Sexual Abuse Accusations (Rebroadcast) Jun 25, 2020

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Warning: This episode contains details about alleged sexual abuse and might be emotionally upsetting for some listeners.

Today, we are replaying a story that first aired on our show back in March. It’s about a hockey coach with a long history of child sexual assault accusations. Since this story was first reported by The Athletic’s Katie Strang, there have been several developments, including at least two investigation, and follow-up reporting by Katie, all of which are detailed at the end of this episode.

Read Katie Strang's original story:

https://theathletic.com/1851010/2020/06/03/chico-adrahtas-former-hockey-coach-accused-of-sexual-abuse-gets-lifetime-ban/?source=theleadpodcast

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Vince Carter's Remarkable Career (Rebroadcast) Jun 25, 2020

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Earlier this month, Vince Carter announced his retirement from the NBA -- in the midst of the pandemic, and without getting to complete his final season. It was, as he put it, a weird way to end a career. The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner joined us back in March to discuss Vince Carter’s remarkable career, his final moments on an NBA court, and what he meant to the city of Toronto. (Original air date: March 20, 2020)

Follow Chris Kirschner's Atlanta Hawks coverage:

https://theathletic.com/author/chris-kirschner/?source=theleadpodcast

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How Jurgen Klopp Has Hugged His Way To Dominance (Rebroadcast) Jun 23, 2020

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Liverpool has absolutely dominated the current Premier League season, and is on the brink of winning its first league title in three decades. The man responsible for much of that success is talismanic head coach Jurgen Klopp. The Athletic’s James Pearce joined us back in January to talk about Klopp’s unique combination of passion, tactics, and positivity (read: hugs), and how he has transformed both the club and the team. We are replaying that episode today. (Original air date: January 16, 2020)

Follow James Pearce's Liverpool coverage:

https://theathletic.com/author/james-pearce/?source=theleadpodcast

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