Journalism fights his way to Preakness Stakes win
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Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
ESPN completely sheds disguise of objectivity with NFL deal
Good morning and welcome back to The Morning Win, where I'm still allowed to voice an opinion on just about anything in sports without fear of consequence. Today, the same can't be said about ESPN after it was announced Tuesday that Disney agreed to sell a 10 percent equity stake of the network to the NFL in exchange for the rights to distribute the NFL Network and RedZone Channel. Reaction to the news seemed mostly negative, as fans on social media worried ESPN might ruin a couple properties they enjoy which... yikes. Really tells you how people feel about ESPN these days. There's also the obvious gambling conflict that comes up with ESPN Bet. But that's not the part I'm concerned with right now. What jumped out to me about this deal is the journalism of it all. ESPN is the biggest sports media company in the country. It's supposed to cover the NFL. How on earth can it do that objectively if the NFL is a part-owner? ESPN DTC: Everything to know about the new streaming service The answer, of course, is it probably can't. This deal is ESPN completely taking off any disguise of being a trusted source of hard-hitting, independent journalism. At least when it comes to the big, bad National Football League. Or at least it won't be able to shake it if there's a controversial story handled a certain way. The truth is, this was always the case. Has been for a while. When you earn the broadcast rights for games from a league as powerful as the NFL, you have to be a good little partner to keep those rights. Let me say that ESPN has done good work on the journalism side, from the writers who cover each team to the investigative stories penned by Don Van Natta Jr. and Seth Wickersham. And Disney CEO Bob Iger recently told the Wall Street Journal "nothing in this deal in any way changes ESPN's approach when it comes to journalism," and he's right, because ESPN always tip-toed in its coverage. But remember when the network suspended Bill Simmons in 2014 for calling Roger Goodell a liar? That happened to one of its most popular sports personalities when the NFL only had a fraction of the power and influence it'll have now. But here's the thing: Even as ESPN likely played nice all along, the network at least cared about its optics before. Even if objectivity was compromised, the Worldwide Leader in sports separated itself enough to give an impression its writers and personalities had the freedom to hold partners accountable if necessary. Now? That veil is completely gone. Ripped off overnight. ESPN has completely leaned into the "E" of it all. The NFL is boss. So, yeah, ESPN might ruin the NFL Network and RedZone, but that's not the part I'm worried about because ESPN's coverage of the NFL will probably ruin ESPN first. PSA: STOP THROWING THINGS AT WNBA GAMES! I really didn't think it'd become necessary to address this, but people can be stupid sometimes and love to give us constant reminders of how stupid they can be. So here it is: Can we please stop throwing sex toys on the court at WNBA games? It's not funny and it never was. Not the first time, and not the latest time during Tuesday's game between the Fever and Sparks, which Sophie Cunningham addressed in a tweet and Sparks coach Lynne Roberts had this to say about: "I think it's ridiculous. It's dumb. It's stupid. It's also dangerous. Player safety is number one. Respecting the game. All those things. I think it's really stupid." At least one of the people caught for throwing something at a game has been arrested and faces multiple charges. I personally hope they catch the others too. This is getting out of hand. Quick Hits: No more smelling salts ... Spider-Man is back ... and more The NFL has a new ban on smelling salts and ammonia inhalants and at least one player is taking the news really hard. George Kittle said he considered retirement over the ban. Filming for the new MCU Spider-Man flick, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, is underway, and this one photo from the set has me so fired up for the release. The Mystics traded all-star guard Brittany Sykes to the contending Storm. Here's Meg Hall with trade grades for the surprising deal. If the Cowboys stink this year, it won't be because of the bad vibes created by Jerry Jones or an absence of Micah Parsons. It'll be because new coach Brian Schottenheimer wears a backwards visor. Umm, OK. This article originally appeared on For The Win: ESPN and NFL deal brings in objectivity questions
New York Times
05-08-2025
- New York Times
While gossip is name of our game, we look for the truth behind on-court, off-court dramas
When we started The Sports Gossip Show in October of 2024, we had a refrain: 'We're doing this ourselves.' Because, until today, the only two people working on the show were us, Madeline Hill and Charlotte Wilder, the two gals pictured above. It is now our great pleasure to announce that not only are we no longer doing the show ourselves, we're doing it with the best possible partner in sports media: The Athletic. We're thrilled to be joining its network of engaging, informative and entertaining shows, and we're beyond excited to continue growing our audience with the help of its first-rate team and impressive platform. Advertisement We'll be coming to you twice a week now, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can watch us on YouTube and listen wherever you get your podcasts. The pairing of SGS and The Athletic couldn't be a better fit. Yes, gossip is in the name of our show, but at its core, The Sports Gossip Show does its best to get as close to the truth as possible. Everything we talk about is rooted in journalism and reporting. In fact, many of the stories we've discussed over the past eight months have come from news that talented reporters from The Athletic have broken. What kinds of stories, you might ask? We cover all the juicy, interpersonal happenings surrounding athletes, teams and leagues off the court, field and pitch. We also break down intriguing moments that occur during games, as well as the work drama that unfolds behind the scenes of the biggest franchises. Because we firmly believe that understanding what's happening off the court helps explain what's happening on it. Simply put: If it has to do with sports and there's tension involved, we're on it. (We're also on it if someone gets married or has a baby, but you know what we mean.) We both watch games with one eye on the action and one eye on the 'Personal Life' section of the athlete's Wikipedia pages. We started The Sports Gossip Show because there wasn't a podcast out there that truly spoke to people like us. We've been blown away by the response. It seems that a lot of listeners and viewers out there were hungering for the same thing — a show about sports that doesn't take itself too seriously, is chock-full of information, goes on tangents about clothing brands, our love of bridges, magicians and TV shows while analyzing a personnel decision, and that considers the intangible things (like 'vibes') when it comes to why a team lost. Advertisement The best part? SGS is for everyone, whether you're a die-hard who has stats memorized or you think that Taylor Swift really did put Travis Kelce on the map. We never assume our audience knows who people are — by taking the time to give you a little backstory on the characters involved, we provide an entry point for fans of all levels. It's been a joy to hear from listeners who say that, thanks to our show, they can finally participate in conversations at work dinners when the talk turns to sports. Or connect with their sports-obsessed spouse. At the same time, it's been rewarding to hear from self-proclaimed sports nuts who started listening and got sucked in, shocked at how much they now care about the florals at athletes' weddings. Not to toot our own horn, but we know what we're talking about. Madeline has been in the entertainment world for over a decade, working as the social media lead for high-profile celebrities and consulting with many Fortune 500 companies. She understands the machinations behind the biggest athletes' social media accounts and can shed light on what might be going on behind the scenes. She began specializing in 'sports gossip' with her Substack, Impersonal Foul, in 2020. Charlotte has been working in sports media for more than 10 years. She's been a reporter, a features writer, a producer, an on-camera host, and has covered almost every major North American championship. Whether she's talking about going to her seventh Super Bowl or the U.S. Air Guitar Championships, she brings a deep well of sports knowledge to every story. Her work has often gravitated toward the cultural impact of sports, or what she used to call 'the fringes of sports' — but then Madeline came along, and the rest is history. Together, we fill a niche that has been missing and bring a fresh perspective to the sports world. We want the show to feel like you're laughing with your best friends while also looking at sports through the lens of power dynamics and societal forces. Advertisement We started this show with not much more than two microphones, a camera, and a dream to be the biggest sports podcast out there. And now, thanks to The Athletic and their its amazing team, that truly feels more possible than ever. So, welcome to the Sports Gossip Cinematic Universe. If you've been here since the beginning, we are so grateful for your support. And if you're just finding out about us? Buckle up and join us on this wild ride. You can find The Sports Gossip Show every Tuesday and Thursday on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.
Yahoo
02-08-2025
- Yahoo
Umberto Rispoli: 'Triple Crown Campaign Was Amazing'
Umberto Rispoli: 'Triple Crown Campaign Was Amazing' originally appeared on Paulick Report. Jockey Umberto Rispoli is no stranger to success. He won 15 graded stakes in 2024, has collected numerous riding championships and records back in his home country of Italy and is one of the most respected grass riders in this country. But nothing has compared to the ride he's been on the past couple of months. Rispoli is the regular jockey for Journalism, runner-up to Sovereignty in the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1) and winner of the Preakness (G1) and Haskell (G1) at Monmouth Park. 'Winning a classic race is the goal of every jockey every year,' Rispoli said, 'and trying to find a horse like Journalism is the key. Every year you wish to get a horse like him.' He calls the victory in the Preakness the biggest achievement of his career, which has taken him all around the world. From Italy he moved to France. He's also ridden in England, Australia, Japan and Hong Kong before coming to the United States in 2020. Through it all, he's ridden some quality racehorses, but now there's a new name at the top of the Rispoli Top Ten list. 'I have to put him on the top,' he says of Journalism. 'It was a big achievement for me to be a favorite in the Kentucky Derby and then the favorite in the Belmont against Sovereignty. The whole journey of the Triple Crown campaign was amazing. Plus you put the Haskell in there. So far it's been a wonderful season.' What makes the Rispoli/Journalism union different from his other successful partnerships is that most of that success has come on the turf. 'It's the first time I have found a real good dirt horse,' Rispoli claims. 'I worked him at Del Mar last summer and then after his first start we saw something different in him. We knew he was a two-turn horse, no doubt about it.' Rispoli has three winners so far at Del Mar, a noticeable drop-off from past year's production but with good reason. He missed the first Saturday of the meet when he traveled back east to ride Journalism at Monmouth Park and he's gone again this weekend. 'So far it's been a slow Del Mar for me, which I would say is unusual,' Rispoli said. 'When you're not here, it costs you some rides. But if that affords you the chance to ride horses like Journalism or Johannes, you do it.' Rispoli was in New York Saturday to ride Johannes in the Fourstardave (G1) at Saratoga. With all the traveling he's been doing lately, he's definitely piling-up the frequent flyer miles. 'I like that,' Rispoli insists. 'When I was in Europe I used to travel in a car for five hours just to ride one horse and then come back. When you have a day to fly around and ride good horses it gives you motivation.' Even with all this recent success, Umberto says he's not one to rest on his laurels. 'Once you win a big race you just forget about it and move on,' Rispoli said. 'Enjoy the day, enjoy the moment but there are other big races out there to win. If I had a bad day yesterday, I'm more hungry than ever.' Coming as close as he did to winning the Kentucky Derby like he did this year only intensifies that hunger in his bid to win the biggest prize in horse racing. 'You need a good horse and a barn that supports you,' Rispoli believes. 'Irad (Ortiz Jr.) and Flavien (Prat) on the East Coast ride for specific trainers. Here, Juan (Hernandez) is riding a lot for Bob (Baffert). You need those stables that support you from the beginning when the 2-year-olds comes around.' Rispoli has gained the confidence of trainer Michael McCarthy and owner Aron Wellman of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and he has every intention of rewarding that confidence all the way to the Breeders' Cup this fall at Del Mar. This story was originally reported by Paulick Report on Aug 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
