Defector
Total reads
66
This week
2
Rank
#303 of 464
Published
940 posts
Last 12 weeks
Most read posts
Featured on Sportsblogs
Run this blog? Add the badge to your site to show readers you're featured — it links back to this page.
Latest Entries
Goddamn, That Was Satisfying
In the November 2026 midterms, Democrats sweep the nation in a historic "blue tsunami." Jon Ossoff clinches Georgia’s Senate seat within 18 minutes, and Abdul El‑Sayed wins Michigan’s Senate race at 1 a.m. EST, securing Democratic control of both chambers. Landmark victories include Texas turning blue, a Democratic‑socialist mayor in Washington D.C., the first Muslim U.S. senator, the first openly gay man in New Hampshire, and a transgender woman elected to the House from Alabama. Even a low‑budget sheriff candidate wins in Maryland. Voters cast a clear referendum against Republican rule and former President Trump, rewarding Democrats’ focus on the economy.
The Timeout Bozo Is Gone
The New York Liberty fire head coach Chris DeMarco after just one season, ESPN reports. Despite the eighth‑seeded Liberty shocking top‑seed Minnesota Lynx in the first round, they were swept by the Atlanta Dream in the semifinals, losing 101‑98 in overtime in Game 2 after DeMarco failed to use a reset timeout for a potential game‑tying shot. Both Breanna Stewart and DeMarco blamed a referee error that mistakenly claimed the team had no timeouts left; the league later called it a "misunderstanding" but took no further action. The article argues the firing was justified because DeMarco lacked proper timeout management.
Big, Beautiful, And Bulging
A frog's eyes are the window to a frog's soul.
Hot Honey Is Bullshit
Time for your weekly edition of the Defector Funbag. Got something on your mind? Email the Funbag . You can also read Drew over at SFGATE , and buy Drew’s books while you’re at it . Today, we're talking about democracy, belts, bar soap, optimal diner orders, and more. Happy Election Day, everyone! I hope you voted early and often. I know I did! Your letters:
Critical Support To The Shotputting Free Throw Shooter
South Florida’s freshman Kendall Puryear defies conventional free‑throw technique, halting her shot mid‑rise and launching the ball like a projectile. The unorthodox motion, reminiscent of her high‑school shot‑put background, raised eyebrows after she missed two free throws in her USF debut. While she posted a modest 58.1% free‑throw rate at Purdue, her unique form sparks debate about the influence of shot‑put training on basketball shooting mechanics.
Alison Knowles Made Art That Was Designed To Delight And Disappear
A new retrospective, “by Alison Knowles,” opens at NYU’s Grey Art Museum, showcasing the avant‑garde work of the late Fluxus pioneer. The exhibit highlights her rain‑soaked salad performance on the High Line (2012) and early paintings like “Taxis and Buses” (1959‑60), one of only two surviving canvases after she famously burned the rest. Born in 1933, Knowles abandoned traditional painting after a clash with Josef Albers and spent six decades expanding art’s boundaries with playful, public actions. The show offers a vivid introduction to the 92‑year‑old’s groundbreaking, disappearing art.
Spiders Sleep, But Do They Dream?
Scientists have confirmed that Portia fimbriata jumping spiders, nicknamed “eight-legged cats,” actually sleep—and even enter a REM phase marked by rapid eye movements. These tiny, Cheerio‑sized hunters hunt insects and other spiders, then spin a silken hammock to rest, grooming and twitching before they drift into REM sleep, just like cats. The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, highlight the spiders’ surprising intelligence and dream‑like rest, a fact that even inspired Adrian Tchaikovsky’s novel Children of Time.
Jeffery Simmons Makes Life Easy
All‑Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons finally shows his impact after joining the Chicago Bears. Traded from the Tennessee Titans on Thursday, Simmons dives into the playbook and debuts on Monday Night Football against the Seattle Seahawks. He helps the Bears dominate with a 34‑17 victory, recording six tackles (two for loss), a sack on Sam Darnold on the fourth play, and a pass deflection. The performance suggests Simmons could reshape Chicago’s defensive strategy and give the team a new winning formula.
Canelo Alvarez Claims Another Belt. Now What?
Saul “Canelo” Alvarez adds another belt to his collection, defeating WBC super‑middleweight champion Christian Mbilli by unanimous decision in Riyadh on Saturday. Despite a delayed start—reportedly due to Saudis’ Turki Al‑Sheikh’s tardiness—Canelo overcame Mbilli’s early pressure, counterpunching accurately before intensifying his offense in the later rounds. The 31‑year‑old French challenger, who earned his title last year with a first‑round knockout of Maciej Sulecki, showed speed and power but couldn’t match Alvarez’s experience. The win boosted Canelo’s earnings and legacy, yet the article questions why the champion still garners sympathy.
How The Golden State Valkyries Won The Most Unlikely Championship
The Golden State Valkyries clinched the WNBA title on Saturday night in front of 18,000 fans, surprising even their confident owner Joe Lacob, who had predicted a championship within five years. Unlike typical underdog stories, the Valkyries have enjoyed immediate, region‑wide adoration, selling out every game at an NBA arena since their debut two years ago. Their rapid rise reflects the broader surge in women's sports and a Bay Area appetite for a home team, outshining local rivals like Bay FC. The article explores how this unexpected triumph reshapes fan culture and expectations.
Michigan Really Dodged A Bullet
Former Rep. Haley Stevens, who lost the Michigan Senate primary to Abdul El‑Sayed, has ignited controversy by endorsing Republican Mike Rogers ahead of the November 2 general election. The endorsement drew scathing criticism from Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who called it a “despicable betrayal.” Stevens' shift, highlighted in a recent CNN interview, raised questions about her motives and sparked speculation about personal influences, such as her fiancé Jason Turkish’s media push linking El‑Sayed to antisemitism. The piece argues her actions reflect a sore‑loser attitude rather than a coherent political strategy.
The Ravens Have Withered Into Mediocrity
Lamar Jackson’s thumb injury during Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills likely sidelines the Ravens’ star quarterback for the rest of the season, as he heads to the IR for surgery. Baltimore’s 36-10 loss was compounded by backup Tyler Huntley’s injury, echoing the Jets’ 2024 collapse after Aaron Rodgers’ early exit. The article questions whether Jackson’s misfortune signals the end of the Ravens’ competitive era, recalling past heartbreaks like Mark Andrews’ missed two‑point conversion in the 2025 playoffs.
Brighton Is This Season’s Giant Killer
Brighton & Hove Albion cement their reputation as the Premier League’s biggest upsetters by beating Manchester City at the Etihad for the first time. Despite City dominating possession, shots, xG and passing stats, Yasin Ayari’s 11th‑minute goal handed the Seagulls a historic victory, pushing them into a tight battle for third place. The article highlights Brighton’s knack for top‑team spoils amid Arsenal and City’s usual dominance, and notes City’s looming off‑field sanctions that could affect their standing.
Kimi Antonelli Conquers The World
At 20 years old, Kimi Antonelli clinches his first Formula 1 Drivers Championship at the Mexican Grand Prix, becoming the sport’s youngest champion. The win caps a season where Antonelli secured podiums in every race except Azerbaijan (P5) and overcame two engine failures, maintaining a 43‑point lead over teammate George Russell. His podium finishes alongside Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton mark a historic trio, echoing an early‑season Canada podium that sparked talk of a new legend. Despite a youthful slump last summer, Antonelli’s consistency and the fastest car on the grid have propelled him to the top of the standings.
Nikita Kucherov Wants Out, And He’s Not Alone
Tampa Bay Lightning star Nikita Kucherov publicly demanded a trade, stating he won’t re‑sign next summer and wants to be moved while still playing. Coach Jon Cooper backs his on‑ice effort, but GM Julien BriseBois rejects the request. Kucherov, the league’s fourth high‑profile player seeking a “Somewhere Other Than Here” move, contributed an assist in the Lightning’s 5‑4 shootout loss to the Nashville Predators, showing he’s still performing despite the trade talk.
The Crossword, Nov. 2: Flexible Schedule
Our Monday crossword is the best, and don't get it twisted. This week's puzzle was constructed by Vik Shirvaikar , and edited by Hoang-Kim Vu. Vik is a data scientist, weekend soccer referee, and long-suffering Cowboys fan from the Dallas area. Defector crosswords, launched in partnership with our friends at AVCX , run every Monday. If you’re interested in submitting a puzzle to us, you can read our guidelines HERE .
The Bull And Male Donkey Who Choose Each Other Again And Again (For Sex)
Evolutionary biologist Elisabetta Palagi’s team in Ethiopia documents a recurring sexual partnership between a bull named Achille and a male donkey, Patroclo. The cross‑species mounting, observed on a grassy plateau alongside gelada monkeys, appears consensual—the donkey shows no resistance. Local herders are familiar with the behavior, but the researchers highlight its scientific intrigue in a new Current Biology paper. The study sheds light on unconventional animal mating strategies without displaying the explicit footage.
Sloane Murphy Is The Bard Of Chicago’s Drunk Trans Women
Sloane Murphy’s debut short‑story collection *Shut Up I Love You I’ll Call You Tomorrow* spotlights two trans women, both named Carolina—one nicknamed North, the other South—who navigate Chicago’s gritty nightlife. The reviewer likens Murphy’s vivid, humor‑laden portraits to the chaotic energy of a Hold Steady album, noting that the trans experience heightens the stakes. Edited by Emily Zhou, the book captures a specific moment for Trans Chicago, offering sharply observed dialogue and a willingness to confront dark realities amid a politically charged climate.
Now Begins The Wait For News About Jack Campbell
The Detroit Lions edged the Minnesota Vikings 19-15 on Sunday, but the game’s headline is Lions linebacker Jack Campbell’s alarming injury. Campbell left the field on a board after a fourth‑quarter tackle that left him limp following a collision with Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson. He received no visible response and was carted off, prompting players and coaches from both sides to kneel in concern. The incident has dominated post‑game discussion, leaving fans awaiting updates on Campbell’s condition.
The Buccaneers Played Prehistoric Football And Won
In a rain‑soaked showdown, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers stunned the Falcons 16‑0 by abandoning the pass and rushing for 324 yards. Quarterbacks Baker Mayfield (0‑3, 0 yards) and Michael Penix Jr. threw only three incomplete passes, while backs Bucky Irving (170 yards, TD) and Kenny Gainwell (140 yards) carried the load on 56 rushes. The bizarre, mud‑filled game—highlighted by Mayfield’s fumble‑turnover at the goal line—marks one of the season’s weirdest NFC South victories.
Pathetic Crybaby Haley Stevens Endorses Mike Rogers
Former Democratic Senate candidate Haley Stevens, who lost her primary to Abdul El‑Sayed, surprises voters by endorsing his Republican rival Mike Rogers just days before the November 5 general election. Stevens appeared at a Detroit church service alongside Rogers, declaring support for his pledge to invest in Black‑owned businesses. The endorsement marks a rare crossover in the tightly contested Michigan Senate race.
Gabby Williams And The Valks Are Golden
The Golden State Valkyries clinch their first WNBA title in franchise year two, edging Atlanta 68-63 in Game 7. After trailing by six at halftime, Gabby Williams ignites a 28‑point second‑half surge, finishing with 30 points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals and four blocks to earn Finals MVP. The "egoless" squad, without any All‑WNBA or MVP veterans, relied on team grit and a mid‑series lineup shake‑up, but Williams' breakout performance proves decisive in the championship run.
Three More Women Say Josh Jacobs Physically Abused Them
The Hobart/Lawrence Police Department released records on Friday showing that, alongside a May domestic‑violence arrest of Packers running back Josh Jacobs, three additional women reported past abuse by the athlete. One account details a phone interview in which a woman says Jacobs slapped her, hair‑pulled, pinned her to his bed, spat on her, choked her and threatened to kill her after she arrived at his house from an Instagram meet‑up in 2023. She delayed reporting because she remained friends with Jacobs and feared disbelief. The disclosures expand the investigation beyond the May incident, adding serious new allegations.
Our Favorite Patrick Stewart Performances
Following this week's news of Patrick Stewart's death, the Defector staff convened to remember some of our favorite performances by him. The Simpsons Patrick Stewart is one of our most recognizable forces in pop culture: the kind of star who could be identified just by his profile, a rare feat of notoriety in any era. Every bit of him is iconic, but it’s his voice that truly makes him the performer he was. It's only right, then, that he became a memorable voice actor in animated work.
Manchester United And Michael Carrick Are Breaking New Ground In Organizational Dysfunction
Manchester United faces Chelsea on October 30, 2026, in a match that spotlights the Red Devils' mounting crisis. Manager Michael Carrick endures intense criticism after back‑to‑back three‑goal defeats—4-1 to Como in the Champions League and 3-0 to Bournemouth in the Premier League—extending United's winless streak since a narrow win over Sabah. The upcoming game, kicking off at 8:30 a.m. ET, pits two under‑achieving giants against each other, offering a rare glimpse into how United’s organizational dysfunction could unfold on the field.
Displaying items 26-50 of 940 in total