The Lead

Recently across Major League Baseball, the issue of pitchers using sticky substances to generate more spin — and therefore gain an advantage — has exploded into a controversy, with Yankees ace Gerrit Cole among those under scrutiny. Today, The Athletic’s Britt Ghiroli on how big this problem has become, how MLB and commissioner Rob Manfred are trying to put a stop to it, and why the league ultimately needs to look itself in the mirror.

UPDATE: A few hours after this episode published, MLB issued a statement explaining exactly how they intend to deal with the issue of sticky substances. Umpires have been instructed to perform checks of both teams throughout the game, and any pitcher caught using a foreign substance will be ejected and automatically suspended, with progressive discipline for repeat offenders. Other position players and club personnel may also be subject to league discipline. You can read the full statement here.

Follow Britt Ghiroli’s coverage of Major League Baseball and the sticky substance controversy: https://theathletic.com/2641498/2021/06/09/ghiroli-blame-for-mlbs-sticky-substance-controversy-falls-first-on-the-league/?source=theleadpodcast

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As NFL teams move closer to the start of the 2021 season, many have run into a challenging dilemma -- how to handle players who are hesitant or flat out unwilling to get a Covid vaccine. This has led to some frustration on the part of coaches, executives, agents, and others working behind the scenes, who are trying to find ways to persuade players to get their shots. The Athletic's Lindsay Jones recently spoke with people from around the league about the situation, and joins us today to discuss the growing push to get more NFL players vaccinated and how it is or isn't working.

Read Lindsay Jones's recent story about the NFL and vaccination rates.

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There's been a lot of talk in recent years about the 'psychedelic revolution' coming in mental health, thanks to studies that have shown that drugs like MDMA (ecstasy or molly) and psilocybin (magic mushrooms), together with therapy, can have positive effects for people suffering from PTSD, depression, and other mental illnesses. But what many people might not realize is that athletes -- who often suffer from these same conditions -- are helping lead the charge. The Athletic's Dan Robson recently wrote about this phenomenon, and he joins us to discuss why many former pro athletes are taking up the cause and how some of their lives have been transformed by their experiences with the drugs.

Read Dan Robson's full story about athletes and psychedelics.

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Hopes are high in Nashville after the trade that brought superstar wide receiver Julio Jones from the Atlanta Falcons to the Tennessee Titans this week. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Joe Rexrode to look at the gamble that the Titans (and their risk-taking GM, Jon Robinson) are taking by bringing in the 32-year-old, how his new teammates have responded, and why an offense featuring Jones, Derrick Henry and A.J. Brown has Tennessee dreaming of a Super Bowl.

Read Joe Rexrode’s story about Julio Jones landing with Tennessee: https://theathletic.com/2635345/2021/06/06/titans-julio-jones-are-close-to-teaming-up-and-nashville-should-rejoice/?source=theleadpodcast

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Soccer fans were treated to an unforgettable spectacle on Sunday night when the U.S. Men's National Team squared off against Mexico in the final of the CONCACAF Nation's League. It was the first big test for what many are calling the 'Golden Generation' of U.S. men's soccer -- a collection of young players who are playing for some of the very best clubs in the world. The Athletic's Paul Tenorio joins us to break down the absolutely unforgettable match, which included everything from controversial penalty kicks and pitch invaders to red cards and fan projectiles, and why the character and skill displayed by the U.S. team should give fans plenty of optimism.

Read Paul Tenorio's story about the game:

https://theathletic.com/2636376/2021/06/07/usmnt-mexico-nations-league-final/

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The Utah Jazz finished the regular season with the best record in the NBA, but it seems like many people still aren’t taking them seriously as bona fide title contenders. Today, The Athletic’s Tony Jones joins us to break down the challenges that the Jazz have faced this season — from an injury controversy with Donovan Mitchell to a terrifying incident on an airplane — and whether this team is still being overlooked as they get ready to take on the Clippers.

Follow Tony Jones’s coverage of the Utah Jazz: https://theathletic.com/author/tony-jones/?source=theleadpodcast

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Three years ago, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was one of the most prized prospects in all of baseball. His plate discipline, raw power, and notable lineage led everyone to believe he was destined for stardom at the major league level. Now after facing some adversity during his first two seasons as a pro, Guerrero is living up to the billing. The 22-year-old first baseman is leading the American League is just about every offensive category and he's also become a surprisingly limber defensive player. The Athletic's Kaitlyn McGrath joins the show to talk about Guerrero's breakout campaign and whether he can sustain this level of play going forward.

You can read Kaitlyn McGrath's story about Vladimir Guerrero Jr. here: https://theathletic.com/2527434/2021/04/19/vladimir-guerrero-jr-s-hot-start-has-him-looking-like-the-elite-hitter-the-blue-jays-knew-he-could-be/

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We’re a few weeks into the WNBA’s 25th season, and already it’s been filled with signature moments from star players, including Sabrina Ionescu of the New York Liberty recording just the ninth triple-double in league history. Today, The Athletic’s Chantel Jennings on some of the most notable early-season story lines, including one contender (the Chicago Sky) that has struggled early with Candace Parker injured. Plus, a coaching shakeup for the defending champs, the Seattle Storm, and a fast start for the Atlanta Dream, a team powered by windmills (sort of).  

Follow Chantel Jennings’s coverage of the WNBA: https://theathletic.com/author/chantel-jennings/?source=theleadpodcast

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On Wednesday, the college basketball world received some surprising news with reports that Mike Krzyzewski is planning to retire at the end of next season after four decades as the head coach of Duke men’s basketball. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Brendan Marks to look at the factors behind Coach K’s decision, and what to expect during the legendary coach's farewell season. 

Read Shams Charania, Seth Davis and Brendan Marks’s story about Mike Krzyzewski’s plans to retire: https://theathletic.com/2583383/2021/06/02/coach-k-plans-to-retire-after-season-inside-the-factors-for-the-decision-and-dukes-plans-for-their-next-head-coach/?source=theleadpodcast

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On Tuesday night, the Brooklyn Nets — led by Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and a huge game from James Harden — knocked out the Boston Celtics for the team’s first playoff series win in seven years. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Alex Schiffer to look at one key component of Brooklyn's success — the mind of Harden — and why that basketball brain could be the driving force for a Nets title run.

Read Alex Schiffer’s story about James Harden’s basketball mind: https://theathletic.com/2597501/2021/05/20/inside-james-hardens-beautiful-mind-the-tool-that-could-lead-the-former-mvp-and-the-nets-to-an-nba-title/?source=theleadpodcast

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