Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin assess the debate over whether to play the national anthem at sporting events. They also discuss what the pandemic taught us about the mysteries of home-field advantage. Finally, ESPN’s Ryan Smith joins to talk about a lawsuit alleging that the NFL’s concussion settlement discriminates against Black players.

Anthem (3:11): Why the Dallas Mavericks stopped playing it, why they resumed, and what happens next.

Home-field advantage (21:49): How home teams fare in a world without crowd noise.

Concussion settlement (38:22): Inside a lawsuit brought by pro football retirees.

Afterball (60:07): Stefan on “Star-Spangled Banner” debates of the past.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices