Coronavirus and Sports

Introducing: The Bag - A show about Sports, Money, and Making It

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Ever wonder how some teams can seemingly do everything wrong and still generate record-profits? Or how some athletes end up going broke? Or why suddenly, everyone in pro sports seems to be obsessed with cryptocurrency? Former NFL running back (and Dancing With The Stars champ) Rashad Jennings has teamed up with award-winning journalist Lindsay McComick to help make sense of all the dollars, NFTs, cryptos and contracts that make up modern sports. They'll talk to gambling experts, NIL insiders, star athletes, agents, business mavens and more to bring you insights from all the intersections of sports and money. From Sports Illustrated and iHeart Radio - what are you waiting for? Get The Bag.

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Podding the Bubble - Part 3: Will the NBA Bubble Burst?

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 15:00:00 +0000

Podding the Bubble is a three-part mini-series taking a deep dive look into the biosphere created by the NBA in Orlando. Part 3 puts the NBA's plan into the context of what other major sports leagues are doing, and of the pandemic at large as it stands today. And with the help of global health expert and noted bioethicist, Dr. Zeke Emanuel, we try to answer the question: Was all of this a good idea?

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Podding the Bubble - Part 2: Will the NBA Players Go Stir Crazy?

Tue, 28 Jul 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Podding the Bubble is a three-part mini-series taking a deep dive look into the biosphere created by the NBA in Orlando. Part 2 follows the lives of the NBA players inside the bubble who now face a unique challenge. How do they stave off restlessness and cabin fever for three months while living inside the bubble through the rest of the season and the playoffs? Not to mention, they still have to find a way to play their best basketball.

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Podding the Bubble - Part 1: A Deep Dive into the NBA Biosphere

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Podding the Bubble is a three-part mini-series taking a deep dive look into the biosphere created by the NBA in Orlando. Part 1 explores how the NBA decided that a bubble was the right solution for them to be able to finish the 2019-2020 NBA season and conduct something resembling a normal playoffs and NBA finals. We'll also get into how the bubble is supposed to work on paper, both for players and basketball staff, as well as for Disney Parks employees, and for journalists.

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Horse Racing Breaks With Tradition

Tue, 26 May 2020 13:00:00 +0000

As one of the few sports positioned to stay afloat during the coronavirus shutdown, horse racing now appears poised for a big summer with the rescheduling of the Belmont Stakes, Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. Sports Illustrated senior writer Pat Forde breaks down how a sport steeped in tradition has successfully pivoted in response to the global pandemic.

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Bundesliga Behind Closed Doors: Keith Costigan

Fri, 22 May 2020 13:00:00 +0000

The Bundesliga made a much-anticipated return to action, playing games in empty stadiums and adjusting logistics off the field to account for social distancing between coaches and players on the sidelines. The response was generally positive from fans and industry professionals, and now the league has soccer audiences around the world to itself. What can other top tier football leagues, like the Premier League in England or La Liga in Spain, learn from the Bundesliga's return to action? And with few other options for live sports entertainment, can the Bundesliga capitalize on its captive audience? Soccer commentator Keith Costigan breaks down a pivotal moment in the effort to bring back sports from the coronavirus shutdown.

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Minor League Baseball on the Brink

Tue, 19 May 2020 13:00:00 +0000

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred had already announced plans to reduce the number of affiliated minor league teams prior to the outbreak of coronavirus. With the pandemic grinding all sports to a halt, minor league baseball finds itself in an even more precarious situation. Sports Illustrated senior editor Jason Schwartz breaks down SI's Daily Cover on what comes next for minor league teams and the communities they help bind together.

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The Lost Season of Little League

Fri, 15 May 2020 13:00:00 +0000

A summer without Little League baseball would be unfathomable most years. But for the first time in its 73-year history, the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania has been canceled, leaving the status of leagues everywhere in question. Sports Illustrated baseball writer Matthew Martell breaks down the complications that ultimately led to the demise of the 2020 Little League World Series, and the ripple effects of the decision on amateur baseball across the country and around the world.

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Athletes Taking Action: Quinn Cook + Prince George's County

Wed, 13 May 2020 13:00:00 +0000

ESPN's "The Last Dance" has helped fill the sports void as the coronavirus shutdown enters its third month, opening the door for other high-end documentary productions to take the spotlight as well. Los Angeles Lakers point guard Quinn Cook discusses his involvement in "Basketball County: In The Water," a new Showtime documentary produced by Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman that pays homage to Prince George's County, a small county in Maryland producing more pro basketball talent than anywhere else in the country. Quinn shares what it means to make a film honoring his hometown and the people who make it special.

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The Human Toll on Sports Gambling

Mon, 11 May 2020 13:00:00 +0000

Prior to coronavirus, the gambling industry was preparing for a banner year as various states had begun the process of legalizing sports betting. Now the sports gambling world can only wait and hope for the NFL, NBA, Premier League and other major professional sports organizations to return to action. Sports Illustrated senior writer Greg Bishop returns to the show to discuss what gamblers are doing in the short term to get their fix, how Vegas may actually stand to benefit when sports returns, and how sports gambling could be a solution for states looking to rebound financially after the pandemic.

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On The Verge of a Return: Chinese Basketball Association + Major League Soccer

Fri, 08 May 2020 13:00:00 +0000

Professional sports leagues around the world are beginning to entertain the idea of returning to action sooner rather than later. Sports Illustrated senior writer Alex Prewitt breaks down the failed attempt to restart the Chinese Basketball Association, and what it means for former NBA players in the league whose health and safety hang in the balance. Then, ESPN commentator Taylor Twellman and Philadelphia Union midfielder Alejandro Bedoya set the scene for MLS, which might be in a rare position to salvage all or most of its 2020 season.

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Athletes Taking Action: Siya Kolisi

Wed, 06 May 2020 13:00:00 +0000

Siya Kolisi is the captain of the South Africa rugby national team, the first black man to hold that title, and led the team to victory in the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final against England. One of the most influential athletes in one of his country's most popular sports, his platform extends far beyond the pitch. Siya discusses the work he and his newly-launched foundation have taken on to combat the crippling effects of coronavirus in South Africa, and adds perspective on what's really important in these times.

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SI Dispatch: New Look MLB + Running's Lost Season

Mon, 04 May 2020 13:00:00 +0000

As parts of the country begin to reopen, MLB eyes a return to action later this summer. What would a shortened 2020 season look like? And could answers lie in professional baseball leagues abroad? Sports Illustrated staff writer Emma Baccellieri shares the latest developments from around MLB. Then, how are professional running events like marathons, cross country and track and field adjusting? Sports Illustrated writer Chris Chavez says even though running is a popular pandemic activity, it's not so simple at the competitive level. Plus, a recap of the weekend's developments around coronavirus and sports.

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Athletes Taking Action: Danielle Kang + Dalilah Muhammad

Fri, 01 May 2020 13:00:00 +0000

Athletes awaiting the return of their sports are finding ways to become involved as their friends, families, and communities grapple with the effects of the coronavirus shutdown. Danielle Kang discusses her efforts to combat an issue close to her heart, and Dalilah Muhammad shares her experience as a role model for young athletes everywhere.

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Sports Psychology in Quarantine: Denise Shull

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 13:00:00 +0000

As time away from sports gets longer and tougher for athletes, the emotional toll can be just as overwhelming as the physical. Likewise, sports fans lacking the outlet of watching their favorite player, team or season are struggling to find joy during the shutdown. Performance, strategy, and decision advisor Denise Shull works with athletes on crafting their emotional well-being to overcome challenges in their careers. She helps address one of the underlying psychological struggles of the pandemic: how can the broader sports community care for itself emotionally in a time without sports?

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Weekend Recap: NFL Draft Pulls Off Major Success

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 13:00:00 +0000

A quick recap of the recent developments around coronavirus and sports. The NFL executes a successful virtual 2020 Draft. Top Dutch soccer league Eredivisie officially calls off the remainder of its season. ESPN airs Episodes 3 and 4 of the Michael Jordan docuseries, "The Last Dance." Plus, a look ahead at this week's upcoming episodes.

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Dilemmas of an Overseas Athlete: Priya Desai + Emily Dolan

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 13:00:00 +0000

For most American professional athletes, the delays and stoppages brought on by the coronavirus pandemic have created uncertainty within the confines of the broader infrastructure of the American sports industry. But for those athletes whose careers have taken them overseas, the issues at play increase exponentially, Sports Illustrated reporter Priya Desai breaks down the issues facing American athletes navigating the pandemic from across the globe. And professional soccer player Emily Dolan, a goalkeeper with Real Betis Féminas in Sevilla, Spain, shares her experience watching the pandemic unfold in the two communities she calls home.

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Esports On The Rise: Carlos Rodriguez + Fabian Hällsten

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 13:00:00 +0000

The COVID-19 outbreak has halted just about every aspect of the sports industry, with one notable exception. Esports have been steadily growing in popularity for years, and are now seeing exponential increases in both gamers and viewership on live-streamed events like leagues and tournaments. Carlos Rodriguez, founder of G2 Esports, and decorated esports athlete Fabian Hällsten share their experience in the gaming world, and why esports may be a rare source of community during a global pandemic.

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The 2020 NFL Draft: Albert Breer + Solomon Wilcots

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 13:00:00 +0000

After a month of speculation, questions about how the 2020 NFL Draft will be executed in a virtual format will be answered during the broadcast of the first round on Thursday, April 23rd. What should fans expect? And are there potential pitfalls that could derail the entire event? Sports Illustrated senior writer Albert Breer breaks down how the league is preparing for a Draft night unlike any other. Then former NFL player and PFF senior analyst Solomon Wilcots weighs in on the impact on players around the league. Plus, an update from the weekend's developments: the WNBA Draft, and the premiere of the highly anticipated Michael Jordan documentary, "The Last Dance."

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Sports Media in Flux: Stephen Espinoza + Robin Lundberg

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 13:00:00 +0000

As sports fans everywhere await the return of their favorite teams and leagues, the sports media industry looks for answers in the short and long term. President of Showtime Sports Stephen Espinoza breaks down how programming, production and development have shifted to meet the needs of an industry in flux. Then Sports Illustrated host Robin Lundberg shares his experience covering the most unique daily sports beat in modern history.

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Setting Expectations: Dr. Zeke Emanuel + Aly Wagner

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 13:00:00 +0000

What do medical experts think about the appropriate timeline for sports to return? Bioethicist and Special Advisor to the Director General of the World Health Organization Dr. Ezekiel "Zeke" Emanuel discusses what he believes is a realistic outlook for sports and society as whole while the medical community works to produce a vaccine for COVID-19. Then, former U.S. Women's National Team player and FOX Sports analyst Aly Wagner breaks down what the pandemic means for the USWNT, NWSL, and women's soccer around the globe.

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The Olympians Speak Out: Laurie Hernandez + Race Imboden

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 13:00:00 +0000

Olympic athletes who had been training for the 2020 Games in Tokyo now face a daunting set of questions and obstacles as they begin another year of build-up for 2021. Which athletes won't make the cut because of the postponement? How will qualification work? What do these athletes do in the meantime while the world is at a standstill? Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez and Olympic fencer Race Imboden talk about what comes next for their 2021 ambitions.

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The XFL's Untimely Pause

Fri, 10 Apr 2020 13:00:00 +0000

Just as the XFL looked like it was going to establish staying power in its first professional season, the coronavirus cut its momentum short. But according to three-time Super Bowl champion Daryl "Moose" Johnston, who serves as Director of Player Personnel for the Dallas Renegades, all is not lost. Moose explains how the fledgling football league has grappled with challenges unlike any other professional sports organization.

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A Second Chance for NCAA Athletes

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 13:00:00 +0000

The NCAA announced that eligibility and athletic scholarships would be extended into next year for spring athletes whose sports have been canceled due to the coronavirus shutdown. While the idea is a welcome development, the execution of such a plan creates various complications. SI senior writer Pat Forde breaks down how the NCAA, its athletes, and colleges around the country are planning ahead for the next academic year.

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The Long Road to Full Speed

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 13:00:00 +0000

When sports returns from the hiatus brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the desire to rush back to game action will be inevitable. But even for athletes who don't contract coronavirus in the interim, their health and fitness will be a huge concern for leagues and team medical personnel upon their return. Sports Illustrated contributor Brian Burnsed shares what he learned during an investigative deep dive into the health and medical practices necessary to keep athletes safe in the short and long term.

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When There Are No Matches to Call

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 13:00:00 +0000

The voices of the world's best play-by-play commentators create unique lenses through which the spectator views their favorite sports. Soccer commentators Fernando Palomo and Derek Rae, whose voices can be heard calling European soccer matches, World Cup events and even the FIFA 2020 video game, discuss life without the sport they love.

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A Window of Opportunity for NHL + Around Sports Law

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 13:00:00 +0000

The specialized nature of hockey puts NHL players in an especially difficult position during the pandemic shutdown. But Sports Illustrated senior writer Alex Prewitt says the league has a chance to capitalize on some opportunities if the health crisis can be abated. Plus, SI legal analyst Michael McCann breaks down a breakthrough agreement in MLB, Roger Goodell's NFL Draft memo, and more.

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On the Frontlines in Kirkland, Washington

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 13:00:00 +0000

Kirkland, Washington was the original epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in the United States. Sports Illustrated senior writer Greg Bishop lives there and has been documenting the pandemic's far-reaching effects on the people, businesses and sports in his community. Greg recounts the stories that have moved him most as COVID-19 disrupted all aspects of life in his hometown.

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Will Technology Save College Football Recruiting?

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 13:00:00 +0000

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to stall the sports world, the next generation of athletes waits in the wings. High school football players across the country face daunting new obstacles in the already daunting task of figuring out their prospects for the college game, and whether their first choice of college feels the same way about them. Sports Illustrated Director of Football Recruitment and college football recruiting analyst John Garcia Jr explains how technology is allowing recruiter and recruit to get creative in an unprecedented time.

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When Two Sports Events Converge

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 13:00:00 +0000

With the Olympics officially rescheduling for summer of 2021, how will a league like the NBA deal with the consequences? Which players will end up going to Tokyo? What if the new league season interferes with the Games? Sports Illustrated staff writer Rohan Nadkarni tackles these questions and more. Plus, a recap of the weekend's updates around coronavirus in sports.

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A New Silence in Golf

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 13:00:00 +0000

The PGA faces difficult decisions with every major tournament it is forced to postpone, while golfers everywhere grapple with what the coronavirus means for their careers and their families. Sports Illustrated golf writer Ryan Asselta shares why golf means more than ever in a global pandemic.

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Business as Usual for NFL Offseason

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 13:00:00 +0000

The NFL offseason has generally proceeded as normal thus far, with a busy free agency period and plans to move forward with the NFL Draft. Is this sustainable? Responsible? Sports Illustrated and MMQB senior writer Jenny Vrentas explains the factors at play for a league that hasn't yet faced the brunt of the coronavirus.

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The Fallout of Olympic Postponement

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 13:00:00 +0000

In a long-awaited announcement, the IOC postponed the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo until summer of 2021, an unprecedented decision due to the coronavirus outbreak. What has to happen in order to reschedule an event as massive as the Olympics? Sports Illustrated senior writers Jon Wertheim and Michael Rosenberg react to the development and explain how this complicates "the biggest jigsaw puzzle in sports."

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The World's Game in a Global Pandemic

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 13:00:00 +0000

With soccer at all levels around the world coming to a standstill in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, how will domestic leagues and governing bodies like FIFA and UEFA navigate the crisis? And what will it take to get leagues, divisions and tournaments functioning again? Sports Illustrated senior writer Grant Wahl joins us.

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Time is of the Essence for MLB

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 13:00:00 +0000

The coronavirus brought the sports world to a halt just as MLB was preparing to kick off its 2020 season. Sports Illustrated senior writer Tom Verducci explains how this impacts everyone, from transcendent talents like Mookie Betts and Mike Trout to unheralded minor leaguers and amateurs hoping for a shot at the big leagues. America's pastime has never seen anything quite like this.

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Coronavirus: Where the NBA Goes From Here

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 13:00:00 +0000

Sports Illustrated senior writer Chris Mannix discusses how the NBA is proceeding after officially postponing the 2019-2020 season, and how players' anxieties around the outbreak are manifesting in different ways. Then, staff writer Jeremy Woo looks ahead at how the incoming class of NBA prospects has more questions than answers.

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Tennis at a Crossroads

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 13:00:00 +0000

The French Open made a surprising decision that sent shockwaves through the tennis community. Sports Illustrated senior writer Jon Wertheim discusses the fallout from this development, and why the spread of COVID-19 might hurt tennis players more than most athletes.

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Introducing Coronavirus + Sports

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 18:44:27 +0000

Sports Illustrated presents a new series about the shape of sports in the midst of a global pandemic. We'll aim to answer questions about how we got here and where we go now, and here from experts to athletes and all those affected by the near universal suspension of professional leagues. Listen for free wherever you get podcasts, and subscribe or follow to get each new episode.

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