The Lead

Plus: Tom Brady’s strange week ends up in the land of conspiracy theories. And a historic heavyweight bout could be on the cards – if the price is right. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last weekend, Manchester United lost 4-0 to Brentford, a club that has only been in the Premier League for two seasons, and that last defeated mighty Man United in 1938. And for many supporters of the Red Devils, who have suffered through nearly a decade of frustration and disappointment, it felt like a new low point for the club. So what, exactly, has gone wrong at Manchester United? How have the former kings of Europe now become a club in shambles, and in last place in the Premier League? The Athletic’s Adam Crafton joins us to explain -- and to offer a small sliver of hope.More from Adam Crafton: https://theathletic.com/author/adam-crafton/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As a rookie, Ja’Marr Chase had one of the most spectacular rookie seasons you’ll see, pilling up 1,455 receiving yards with 13 touchdowns, and making highlight-reel catches all the way through a showdown with Jalen Ramsey in the Super Bowl. What made that even more stunning — beyond just the numbers — is that Chase pulled it off after some high-profile struggles early on. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr. to look at how the Bengals are planning for Chase to unlock even more of his game in his second season, and the connection with his quarterback (and neighbor), Joe Burrow, that helps make it possible. Read Paul Dehner Jr.’s full story about Ja’Marr Chase: https://theathletic.com/3495290/2022/08/10/jamarr-chase-cincinnati-bengals-2/And check out his Bengals podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hear-that-podcast-growlin-a-show-about-the/id1477129521See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: The Padres are not happy with their statue contract slugger. And Erik Ten Hag wants everyone to know that United aren’t losing because of him. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last week, the man that many people consider the greatest sports broadcaster of all time, Vin Scully, died at the age of 94. For 67 years, Scully was the iconic and unmistakable voice of the Dodgers, who started out calling games in Brooklyn in 1950, and signed off for the final time in 2016. Today, five writers share their memories of Vin Scully the broadcaster, the storyteller, and the person. Our guests on this episode:Steve RushinJayson StarkFabian ArdayaGustavo ArellanoRich HammondSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last week, NBA legend and civil rights activist Bill Russell passed away at age 88. In his 13 years with the Boston Celtics, the 6-foot-10 center -- who changed the way basketball was played -- won 11 NBA championships, including two while serving as a player-coach. (That also made him the first Black head coach of a professional North American sports team). But those who knew Russell admired him even more for what he did off the court, which included being a powerful voice in the civil rights movement and fighting back against ongoing racism. Today, three sportswriters and one historian join us to reflect on Russell's life and legacy.Our guests:Jared WeissRyan JonesGary WashburnKeith ReedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: Two young superstars don’t waste any time making their marks in the Premier League. And a 20,000 to 1 shot takes home one of golf’s most storied titles.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Over the last few weeks, few teams across Major League Baseball have been hotter than the extremely talented, previously disappointing — and suddenly surging — Toronto Blue Jays. Today, we're joined by The Athletic's Kaitlyn McGrath to look at why this team came up short in the first half, and three key factors that have helped power their turnaround — including emerging young ace Alek Manoah, and a fun-loving new manager who recently surprised everyone by bringing a DJ into the clubhouse. Plus, after sub par seasons so far, is there still time for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette to finish strong? Follow Kaitlyn McGrath’s coverage of the Blue Jays: https://theathletic.com/author/kaitlyn-mcgrath/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Back in March, the Chargers made a big bet on former Patriots defensive back J.C. Jackson, an undrafted free agent in 2018 who had a staggering journey just to reach the NFL. When Jackson was 19 years old, he was facing the possibility of anywhere from 40 years to life in prison in connection with an armed robbery. Today, Jeff Miller from the L.A. Times tells us the story of Jackson's football odyssey — from small town Florida to five days in a Gainesville courtroom — and everything his parents sacrificed to keep their son's football dream alive.Read Jeff Miller's full story about J.C. Jackson: https://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/story/2022-07-25/jc-jackson-family-chargers-nfl-florida-robbery-chargesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A sexual assault allegation involving members of Canada's 2018 World Junior Ice Hockey Championship team has reached the highest levels of government and dominated the airwaves in Canada recently. Investigative reporter Katie Strang of The Athletic joins us to discuss the details of the case, and why it has sparked a national moment of reckoning. *Warning*: This episode contains descriptions of sexual assault and might be triggering for some listeners.Read Katie Strang, Dan Robson, and Ian Mendes's full story about the case:https://theathletic.com/3441414/2022/07/22/hockey-canada-2018-sexual-assault/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.