The Lead

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.