Defector
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LIV Golf Given A Few More Days To Climb Out Of The Grave
The LIV Golf 2026 season ended abruptly in August with a low‑key tournament in Indianapolis, after which most staff were laid off and the league entered conference‑room and bankruptcy‑court battles. Founder Scott O'Neil still hopes to launch a “LIV 2.0,” backed by investor BC Partners, which set an Oct. 25 deadline to secure enough player commitments. The Financial Times reports only about 15 players have expressed interest, well below the 30‑40 needed, but BC Partners has extended the deadline to the end of the week, leaving the league’s future hanging in the balance.
Nobody Fails Like The New York Jets
The Miami Dolphins, plagued by mismanagement and a $167 million QB bust, entered their Week 1 matchup as the new NFL punchline—only to be out‑performed by the perennially losing New York Jets. The Jets, still winless in a decade and 5‑19 under coach Aaron Glenn, handed the Dolphins a humiliating defeat, underscoring that even the league’s “failure factory” can still out‑fail its rivals. The article highlights the Jets’ ongoing winless streak, the Dolphins’ early-season woes, and the ironic turn of events that left Miami looking even worse after the game.
The Crossword, Oct. 26: Putting Out Fires (Themeless)
It's time to wrap up the month with a challenging themeless. Keep an eye out for tricky clues and fun wordplay. You can always count on our Monday crossword. This week's puzzle was constructed by Elijah Acquah , and edited by Hoang-Kim Vu. 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 .
Is Less Bad Still Good Enough?
The Defector piece juxtaposes the 1957 drama *The Three Faces of Eve* with the 2003 comedy *Old School*, using the former’s split‑personality narrative to critique the latter’s dated humor. The author argues that *Old School*—centered on Mitch (Luke Wilson) and his frat‑house escapades—fails to hold up against modern sensibilities, especially after recent cultural shifts. By referencing the film’s “Goldilocks problem” of balancing extremes, the article asks whether an “less bad” comedy can still satisfy today’s audiences.
Leave It To The Browns To Ruin The Post-Win Locker Room Video
The Defector piece critiques the Cleveland Browns' post‑win locker‑room video after their 5‑2 start, calling it a dull spin on the usual celebratory footage. The author lambasts offensive coordinator Todd Monken for a mum‑minded speech, noting his vague comments about the rushing attack and uncertainty about Denzel Ward’s availability. By contrasting the typical enthusiastic player remarks with the Browns’ lackluster delivery, the article highlights how the team’s media moment feels “dispiriting and despicable,” underscoring broader frustrations with the franchise’s performance.
Real Madrid Isn’t Dead Just Yet
Real Madrid shatters doubts of decline with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Barcelona in Sunday’s first Clásico. Despite trailing Barcelona by six points in the league, a late Kylian Mbappé winner secured the win, highlighting Madrid’s depth of talent. Coach José Mourinho tactically neutralised Barcelona’s 62% possession and 18 shots, while Madrid’s 38% possession and ten shots proved efficient. The result serves as a blueprint for future encounters, reminding fans that Real remains a formidable force.
The Valkyries Believe In Second Chances
In Game 4 of the WNBA Finals, Golden State Valkyries MVP Kiah Stokes scores just four points but drives a critical 67‑62 win over the Atlanta Dream. Despite a zero‑point, zero‑shot start, Stokes' aggression—five first‑quarter attempts—creates eight offensive rebounds and fuels 13 total, sparking 18 Dream turnovers. The Valkyries snap two offensive lulls from Games 2 and 3, tying the series 2‑2. Game 5 heads to San Francisco on Monday, with Game 6 returning to Atlanta Thursday.
Scapegoat Season Has Arrived For College Football
Only three teams remain undefeated in college football’s top tier, turning the ‘elite’ label into a battle for ‘last one standing.’ The author argues that every fan base demands a scapegoat for unmet expectations, sparking a wave of coach dismissals that began with UCLA in Week 3 and continued into January. Those firings have forced athletic directors into a new era of financial conservatism, treating coach payouts with the same caution as player salaries and delaying further firings by about a month.
Aaron Ashby Has Put The Brewers In Control
Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy credits left‑hander Aaron Ashby with the team's dominance in the World Series, where the Brewers lead 2‑0 after back‑to‑back one‑run wins over the Tampa Bay Rays. Ashby has shouldered the bullpen, delivering uncanny, consistent outings that keep the opposition guessing. The article highlights his work ethic, the strategic “let‑them‑score‑first” approach, and how his performances have become the centerpiece of Milwaukee’s championship push.
Now Is The Time For Hysteria
Defector’s College Football Watch Guide highlights a chaotic weekend that flipped the sport’s hierarchy. Israel Daramola rants about surprise rankings—Florida’s potential surge, Texas’s collapse, Miami’s rise to No. 1, and puzzling moves like Oregon benching Dylan Raiola. Ray Ratto reports Maryland’s reaction: firing head coach Mike Locksley after a string of 12 straight conference defeats, most recently a narrow loss to Rutgers. The guide points readers to the week’s biggest upsets and coaching shake‑ups, setting the stage for what to watch this weekend.
James Dolan Finds Innovative New Way To Be Cruel And Cheap
James Dolan is turning the Knicks' historic June 2026 championship into a PR nightmare. After the team's first title in 53 years, Dolby delivered a terse speech that insulted Mayor Zohran Mamdani and younger fans, reinstated Isiah Thomas to the board, scheduled a fundraiser for Republican gubernatorial hopeful Bruce Blakeman before a preseason game, and sued Wired over surveillance reporting. He’s also hard‑lining contract talks with the championship roster. Meanwhile, a pre‑game ceremony before the season opener revealed that no coaching staff had received championship rings yet, casting further doubt on the organization’s handling of the win. The article, cited by The Athletic’s Joe Vardon, details how Dolan’s actions are souring the Knicks’ post‑title momentum.
How Can I Hang On To My Digital Life?
The author reflects on the growing anxiety of digital storage limits and the cost of cloud services like Apple, Google, and Dropbox. With terabytes of audio, text, and image files, they consider personal archiving strategies to preserve their creative output beyond their lifetime, questioning reliance on big‑tech infrastructure after two decades of experience.
Catapult Elizabeth Koch Into The Sun
The Defector piece revisits Elizabeth Koch’s 2007 11‑part personal essay in Smith Magazine, where the billionaire’s daughter recounts a controversial Japan trip with boyfriend Todd. From vending‑machine candy raids to a heated argument over pricey headphones, Koch’s narrative exposes her wealth, casual remarks about homelessness, and a contentious photo of two Japanese people with albinism. The article highlights her self‑described “apolitical” stance, lingering guilt over privilege, and the criticism she faces for flaunting her last name.
The Not-So-Great Defector Bake Off Fails To Rise For Bread Week
In this episode of The Not‑So‑Great Defector Bake Off, Kelsey skips the Bread Week challenge due to a scheduling conflict, leaving Chris to tackle the technical bake‑off from the latest Great British Bake Off season. The hosts lament that the segment fails to honor the art of bread‑making, calling the attempt “baloney” despite bread’s historic significance. They stress how satisfying a perfect loaf can be and even joke that a good homemade loaf boosts your “Human Heritage” score.
The U.S.-Funded Plan To Kill Infants In Africa By Withholding Vaccines Has Been Thwarted
Police in Guinea‑Bissau this week raided Danish researchers’ offices, halting a CDC‑funded $1.6 million hepatitis B vaccine trial that critics say would have put thousands of African newborns at risk. The project, linked to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s anti‑vaccine campaign, attracted attention from The Guardian and Rolling Stone before being cancelled. The article warns that similar unethical trials could reappear and highlights concerns over U.S.‑funded research impacting vulnerable populations abroad.
Martin Mull Was A Good Painter And A Great Documentary Subject
Martin Mull’s multifaceted career—hit 1970 novelty song “A Girl Named Johnny Cash,” stand‑up tours, opening for Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel, a stint on Norman Lear’s mock talk show Fernwood 2 Night, and over 30 guest‑hosting spots on Johnny Carson—made him a familiar TV face. Yet the article argues his true passion was painting, exploring how this visual art pursuit shaped his legacy. The piece blends cultural commentary with Mull’s entertainment milestones, offering a fresh look at a celebrated performer’s lesser‑known creative drive.
The Connor Hellebuyck Showdown Is About To Get Expensive For The Jets
Connor Hellebuyck, the former U.S. Olympic gold‑medal goalie and long‑time Winnipeg Jets netminder, returns to the Jets payroll today, sparking questions about the financial hit the franchise will absorb. The article revisits Hellebuyck’s celebrated past, his recent performance dip, and the looming salary‑cap impact as the Jets brace for his costly comeback.
These WNBA Finals Are Made Of Steal
The Atlanta Dream’s defensive swagger is stealing the spotlight in the WNBA Finals. Guard Jordin Canada’s quick cuts, Angel Reese’s on‑ball poke‑aways, and Rhyne Howard’s interceptions have turned turnovers into a winning formula. Atlanta rattled Washington with 16 steals in the first round, added 10 in Game 2, then pulled off 26 against New York in the semifinals. After a modest five steals in Game 1 of the Finals, the Dream bounced back with 14 steals in Game 2 and nine in Game 3, helping them seize a 2‑1 series lead over the Golden State Valkyries. The team embraces the “thieves in the night” mantra, confident their steal‑heavy style will dictate the championship.
Here Comes The Fun Part
The World Series kicks off tonight between two unlikely contenders—the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and the Milwaukee Brewers—both first‑time champions with modest payrolls. Embracing old‑school tactics like bunting, aggressive base‑running and strategic opener use, they promise fast, skill‑driven baseball that contrasts sharply with the power‑heavy, big‑budget clubs. The author argues this showdown revitalizes the sport’s purest pleasures, offering fans movement, pitching duels and quirky moments over flashier, high‑payroll spectacles. Readers are invited to decide if this “crack‑jack” style baseball, featuring players most fans barely know, is the fresh excitement they crave.
Let Us Know If You’ve Seen Sponge’s Stolen Guitars
On Tuesday, the rock group Sponge had several guitars stolen, prompting publicist Leo Lavoro to launch an active search and outreach effort. The blog notes that the author, a former music critic, received a direct appeal from Lavoro requesting help locating the instruments. Details about the theft, potential leads, and how fans can assist are outlined, making it a must‑read for anyone following the band or interested in music‑scene investigations.
Brian Evenson Will Mess With Your Head
Brian Evenson’s debut short‑story collection Altmann’s Tongue (1994) sparked shock for its graphic violence—dismemberment, insects in corpses, defenestration—and provoked a scathing, unpublished review from a BYU student. The complaint reached Evenson’s employer, the Church‑affiliated Brigham Young University, prompting an inquiry that forced him to choose between abandoning his disturbing fiction or losing his job. The episode, which illustrates the clash between artistic freedom and religious institutional expectations, ultimately reshaped Evenson’s career and personal life.
A Cool Night
The author reflects on 17 years of shuttling his son to soccer practices, games, and team events, culminating in the senior year when the teen finally makes varsity. Daily practices and twice‑weekly matches—many extending into extra time and even rain—have turned the routine into a demanding parental obligation, with late evenings, road trips, and homework battles. Amid the humor of Defector’s Thursday NFL column, the piece captures the fatigue and pride of supporting a child’s sport at the high‑school level.
Defector’s Completely Decentralized NBA Season Preview Has Now Been Recentralized
Defector skips a traditional written preview for the 2026‑27 NBA season, opting instead for Harry Krinsky’s groundbreaking decentralized take: 30 short‑form videos—one per team—released across Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and TikTok. The post links to the videos and teases a discussion on the Nothing But Respect podcast with co‑host Patrick Redford about the creative process, while showcasing still images from the clips.
Basketball Game Interrupts Shit-Talk Session Between Luka Doncic And Yaxel Lendeborg
In his NBA debut, 24‑year‑old rookie Yaxel Lendeborg—Michigan’s 2026 championship star and No. 11 pick of the Golden State Warriors—sparks a heated exchange with Dallas’ trash‑talk king Luka Doncíč during a lopsided loss to the Los Angeles Lakers (127‑105). The article traces Lendeborg’s unlikely rise from a video‑game‑obsessed Dominican youth to a Summer League MVP, explains why the Warriors chose the seasoned power forward over a younger prospect, and highlights the team's early struggles with injuries to Jimmy Butler and Kristaps Porziņģis. The showdown between Lendeborg and Doncic adds drama to the Warriors’ rocky start.
It’s Hard To Be A Rich Radical
In this edition of Listening Habits, the author riff‑riffs on the obsession with marathon‑length media—four‑hour YouTube essays on Killer Mike, six‑hour Jay‑Z/Rick Rubin talks, and even a three‑hour Elizabeth Holmes documentary. He questions why anyone would produce such sprawling content, linking it to the work of FD Signifier, Jared A. Ball, and their book The Myth and Propaganda of Black Buying Power, while weaving in black leftist politics and anticapitalist critique. The piece uses humor to explore how cultural figures like Killer Mike become lightning rods for debate within activist circles.
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