30 for 30 Podcasts

NFL Films producer Courtland Bragg investigates the mysterious 1996 burning of Reggie White’s church in Knoxville, Tennessee, and in the process, shines a light on the greater legacy of the NFL Hall of Famer. In the midst of a rash of mid-1990s church burnings across the United States, White’s Inner City Church boasts a growing interracial congregation, and after the building is firebombed and reduced to ashes, White believes the attack is the work of racists. The podcast brings the story to life through the voices of those involved with the church and the investigation – and in the process, draws a powerful parallel between these ugly incidents and the deeper challenges the nation still faces. 30 for 30 Podcasts and Andscape present Through the Flames: Reggie's Church. Available February 20th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

To unravel how a top college recruit’s NBA dreams ran into a sprawling federal investigation, reporter Paula Lavigne explores his early years. Billy Preston and his mom struggle to get by in L.A. An active kid, Billy finds basketball through his mom’s partner, a high school coach and former professional player. Billy’s star rises in youth leagues. He generates buzz as an NBA prospect. Top colleges vie for his talents, and his family pulls out all the stops to support his goals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nichole, Billy's mom, navigates the offers and pressures in college basketball recruitment. The growth of salaries, TV deals, and the black market economy in college sports is explored. The chapter delves into the concept of 'the bag' and the involvement of AAU teams. A revelation leads to a questioning session and Billie's decision to leave the University of Kansas and play overseas.

The podcast explores the underground economy created by the NCAA's amateurism rules and the influence of youth teams in recruiting top players. It uncovers a youth coach in Florida seeking funding from shoe companies in exchange for influence. The investigation into the bribery scandal in college basketball, involving coaches, players, and apparel companies, is highlighted. Wiretaps, undercover agents, and recorded conversations serve as evidence in this shocking scandal.

Federal prosecutors reveal secret payments and their legal strategy in college sports fraud and corruption case. The aftermath of the investigation impacts Billy's NBA draft prospects and raises racial implications. Confidence expressed amidst NCAA investigation. Impact of FBI investigation on college basketball and athlete compensation discussed.

ESPN and 30 for 30 Podcasts present "The Bag Game." Investigative reporter Paula Lavigne shines light on the biggest pay-to-play scandal in college basketball, through the story of Billy Preston. He was a five-star recruit set to start for Kansas, when his path crossed a sprawling federal investigation. The complex case ensnared major athletic programs, coaches, apparel executives and agents. But did it clean up corruption in college sports? And what did it mean for players like Billy? Available now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Growing up Iranian American, Shima Oliaee found her mother didn’t talk much about where she came from. Watching soccer, though, was a portal to Iran, a place that was in large part a mystery. Shima delves into the stories she didn’t hear growing up: Iran's mandated modernization and how soccer played a role, the women-led 1979 revolution, and her parents’ mistaken-identity love story.  Shima and her mom meet Zeinab Sahafy, a young Iranian woman and avid soccer fan whose love of the game led to her being named an enemy of the state. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The podcast explores the erosion of women's rights in Iran following the 1979 revolution. It features the experiences of writer and activist Mehrangiz Kar and the symbolism and oppression of the hijab. The podcast also discusses the banning of women from attending soccer games in Iran.

The podcast explores the origin story of the White Scarves, a group of Iranian women who defy the regime by attending international soccer matches. They face opposition and violence but remain determined to fight for their rights. The chapter also highlights the consequences of the Iranian Revolution and the Green Movement, focusing on the experiences of Sarah, the last remaining member of the White Scarves in Iran.

Iranian girl soccer fans cross-dress to defy the government, risking their lives. Zeinab Sahafy's friends are arrested, and one girl loses her life. Iran's regime relents on its ban, allowing women into the stadium. The podcast explores the connection to the 2022 protests and a potential revolution.