The Lead

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=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Mike Sando:https://theathletic.com/author/mike-sando/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After months of bitter negotiations between MLB players and owners, an agreement was finally reached and the league is expected to begin a 60-game season in July. Doug Glanville, retired Major Leaguer and co-host of The Athletic's Starkville podcast, joins us to discuss the new rules that will be implemented during the abbreviated season, which teams are poised for success, and why this will almost certainly be the strangest season in MLB history.More from Doug Glanville:https://theathletic.com/author/doug-glanville/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last week, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said he "encourages" an NFL team to sign Colin Kaepernick. This came after Goodell had expressed support for the Black Lives Matter movement and said players have the right to peacefully protest. Now, many fans are wondering if an NFL team might actually sign Kaepernick, who that team would be, and how ready he would be to play. The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue attended Kaepernick’s workout for NFL scouts last November, and we are re-airing that episode today. It originally aired on November 18th, 2019. Read Jourdan Rodrigue's original story on the Kaepernick workout:https://theathletic.com/1384295/2019/11/17/colin-kaepernick-cuts-through-a-chaotic-day-to-deliver-a-solid-workout/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.