New ESPN execs are done with "Embrace Debate" and now want to "Embrace Authenticity." Will the pivot help them re-engage with sports fans who tuned out the Worldwide Leader over the past decade?

Plus, we continue our Sports Media Influence Olympics with Stephen A. Smith vs. the 'Pardon the Interruption' hosts and ESPN's NFL investigative team vs. Yahoo's Ross Dellenger.

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0:45 ESPN wants authenticity over debate

18:27 Influence Olympics Rd 3: Stephen A vs Wilbon/Kornheiser

39:35 Influence Olympics Rd 4: Wickersham/DVN vs Dellenger

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The Tony Romo OWI story keeps getting worse, despite rumors that CBS Sports will keep him in place. Plus, 49ers and NFL media seemingly kept Kyle Shanahan's car crash quiet, while ESPN's story only made things for confusing.

Then, it's time for Round Two of the Sports Media Influence Olympics, with #1 Colin Cowherd facing off against #4 Ryen Russillo in the Radio and Podcast region.

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Ryan Clark is out at ESPN and claims he had to be "less Black" to avoid the ire of the company over the past year before he was fired.

So what is the state of play at the Worldwide Leader around politics right now?

Plus, we debut our Sports Media Influence Olympics, a bracket to decide who has the most influence in the industry. First up: Pat McAfee vs. Pablo Torre.

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The dust has settled from ESPN's layoffs, so we discuss the network's strange handling of the cuts as well as the broader strategy behind them. Is this the beginning of the Pat McAfee takeover?

Plus, what's next for Ryan Clark, Cam Newton and Tom Pelissero after ESPN laid them off? And what does it mean for ESPN to move further away from original content production, including with a new show from Josh Pate, Taylor Lewan and Will Compton?

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ESPN is laying off Ryan Clark, Cam Newton, Tom Pelissero, Karl Ravech and others as part of wider cuts at Disney.

We break down the news as well as what it means for ESPN and the affected talent.

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Dan Patrick is still ripping WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert, Tom Brady keeps stooping to new lows, and Zlatan Ibrahimović delivered a surprise mic drop after covering the World Cup for Fox Sports.

Plus, our review of the John Strong-Stu Holden tandem: Are they worthy of being the No. 1 soccer broadcast team in America?

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Time Magazine sports reporter Sean Gregory has profiled LeBron James, Dana White, Caitlin Clark and A'ja Wilson over the past two years, giving him unique insight into some of the biggest stories in all of sports.

Gregory joins The Play-By-Play to discuss his UFC White House scoop, where he thinks LeBron will finish his NBA career, and what he would ask Clark if he could profile her again.

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The FIFA World Cup has been defined by VAR, leading to international controversies and conspiracies. Has the technology gone too far?

Plus, a look at what Bundesliga's new U.S. TV deal means for the Premier League, MLS and the rest of the soccer world's broadcast market going forward.

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Conor McGregor exited his UFC 329 fight early with a knee injury, leading to immediate speculation over his status heading into the fight. Even Dana White was forced to weigh in, though it did little to quell fans' doubts.

Is there actually a conspiracy at play here, or just more gambling-fueled skepticism?

Plus, the story of Bryce Harper and a FanDuel VIP message gets even weirder.

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Netflix will reportedly pursue the World Cup and other sports rights more aggressively as it struggles with lagging engagement compared with YouTube and other free services.

Plus, MLB is in experimentation mode with July 4, the Home Run Derby and Field of Dreams games this summer. Is it working?

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