The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Bakari Sellers and 44th president of the United States Barack Obama to discuss conferring with NBA players in the Orlando bubble during the wildcat strike, athletes pushing for social change, how different leagues, including the NBA, WNBA, MLB, NFL, and NCAA, responded to the coronavirus pandemic, whether college athletes should be paid, the Mount Rushmore of sports, being a dad in quarantine, his new book, ‘A Promised Land,’ the tumultuous first few months...
Dec 17, 2020•1 hr 33 min
The Ringer's Bill Simmons shares his thoughts on Giannis's signing the supermax contract to stay in Milwaukee, and all the winners (there's more than you'd think) that result (2:30). Then, he talks to Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban about the NBA season starting in just a week, lessons learned from the NBA bubble's success, changing NBA policy, taking over the Mavericks in 2000, adopting advanced metrics, Dirk Nowitzki's career as a lifelong Maverick, Luka Doncic, and more (21:00). Learn more ...
Dec 15, 2020•1 hr 36 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Cousin Sal to discuss the Bills' win over the Steelers that shook up the AFC playoffs standings, the Chiefs' win over the Dolphins, Cardinals-Giants, Saints-Eagles, Philadelphia's QB situation, Falcons-Chargers, Texans-Bears, cross-off teams, and more (2:00). Then they Guess the Lines for Week 15 (53:00) and close the show with Parent Corner (1:18:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Dec 14, 2020•1 hr 29 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons shares his thoughts on James Harden wanting out of Houston, as well as some history behind the unhappy NBA star era (2:30), before talking to John Jastremski from WFAN radio about the current state of New York pro sports (34:00). Finally Bill talks with his old pal David Jacoby about the new season of MTV’s 'The Challenge: Double Agents.' They break down the competitors into tiers as they gear up for the new season (1:24:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podc...
Dec 09, 2020•2 hr 11 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Cousin Sal to discuss the Browns’ decisive win over the Titans, the Broncos losing a close game to the Chiefs, Rams-Cardinals, the Jets barely keeping their 0-16 season intact vs. the Raiders, the Patriots' blowout win vs. the Chargers, cross-off teams, and more (4:00). Then they Guess the Lines for Week 14 (55:00) before closing the show with Parent Corner (1:24:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Dec 07, 2020•1 hr 39 min
The Ringer's Bill Simmons shares his thoughts on James Harden's next team, the only two serious contenders in the Harden sweepstakes, and how the deal can get done (3:00). Then Bill talks with Joe House about the Russell Westbrook–John Wall trade, how Westbrook upgrades the Wizards, what John Wall meant to the DMV area, and more (21:00). Finally, Bill is joined by Ryan Shazier to discuss the 11-0 Pittsburgh Steelers, linebacker Bud Dupree's season-ending injury, a behind-the-scenes look at head ...
Dec 04, 2020•2 hr 3 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by ESPN’s Tony Kornheiser to discuss the NFL’s approach to dealing with COVID-19, the evolution of sports coverage, 20 years of ‘Pardon the Interruption,’ Patrick Mahomes, baseball’s shrinking national interest, golf, and more (3:00). Then Bill talks with chef and media mogul Dave Chang, who just became the first celebrity to win ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.’ They discuss the million-dollar question; Dave's help from Mina Kimes and Alan Yang; the Southern S...
Dec 02, 2020•1 hr 44 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Cousin Sal to discuss the Saints' win over the QB-less Broncos, the Falcons' shellacking of the Raiders, the Rams' loss to the 49ers, plus Chiefs-Buccaneers, Chargers-Dolphins, Patriots-Cardinals, NFC East–watch, and more (3:00). They discuss the Mike Tyson–Roy Jones Jr. and Jake Paul–Nate Robinson boxing matches (38:00), before guessing the NFL lines for Week 13 (49:00). Then they close the show with Parent Corner (1:10:00). Learn more about your ad choice...
Nov 30, 2020•1 hr 22 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Tony Romo to discuss his post-NFL career, Tom Brady in Tampa Bay, how limited fan attendance can work to a defense’s advantage, Tua Tagovailoa, Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert, Patrick Mahomes, Super Bowl sleepers, Golf, and more (2:00). Then Bill gives out his Million Dollar NFL Picks (56:00); Before talking with author James Andrew Miller about the Showtime documentary ’Belushi’, the copious amount of never before seen photos, letters, and videos, John Belu...
Nov 27, 2020•1 hr 46 min
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Jackie MacMullan to discuss a whirlwind of NBA free-agency moves and trades as they look ahead to the rapidly approaching NBA season (3:00). Then Bill gives out his Million-Dollar NFL Picks for the Thanksgiving games (1:30:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 24, 2020•1 hr 40 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons shares his thoughts on Gordon Hayward turning down his $34 million player option to become a free agent, ultimately ending up on the Charlotte Hornets (2:00). Then Bill is joined by Cousin Sal to discuss the Chiefs' comeback win over the Raiders and Patrick Mahomes’s ironclad case for MVP. They also cover the Dolphins’ flop against the Broncos, Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury, an ugly Browns win over the Eagles, plus Packers-Colts, Saints-Falcons, Vikings-Cowboys, the...
Nov 23, 2020•1 hr 42 min
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Kevin O'Connor to discuss Klay Thompson's season-ending injury, an open NBA investigation involving the Bucks-Kings trade, Gordon Hayward opting out of his contract with the Celtics, post–NBA draft thoughts, Harden trade rumors, and more. (2:00). Then Bill talks with Nora Princiotti about salvaging this Patriots season, Tua Tagovailoa, the superb coaching of Miami head coach Brian Flores, Coach of the Year candidates, and more (56:00) before Bill gives out ...
Nov 20, 2020•2 hr 6 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo and Raja Bell to discuss James Harden’s desire to be traded to the Brooklyn Nets (2:00). Then, Bill and Ryen talk about the Bucks acquiring Jrue Holiday and Bogdan Bogdanovic, the Suns trading for Chris Paul, the Warriors' path to continued success, Boston's Gordon Hayward dilemma, and more (30:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 17, 2020•1 hr 20 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Cousin Sal to briefly discuss rumors of James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets before talking about the Patriots' win over the Ravens during a downpour in Foxborough. They also discuss the Browns win vs. the Texans and the return of Nick Chubb; the Cardinals' Hail Mary win over the Bills and Kyler Murray’s case for MVP; as well as Dolphins-Chargers, Rams-Seahawks, and more (3:00). They end with Guess the Lines for NFL Week 11 (50:00) and Parent Corner (1:29:00)....
Nov 16, 2020•1 hr 42 min
The Ringer's Bill Simmons shares his NBA predictions (3:00). Then he is joined by Kevin Clark to discuss the NFC and NFL playoff odds before giving out his Million-Dollar Picks for NFL Week 10 (26:00). Finally Bill talks with Claire McNear about the recent death of legendary 'Jeopardy!' host Alex Trebek, her new book, 'Answers in the Form of Questions: A Definitive History and Insider's Guide to Jeopardy!,' researching for the book, and more (1:32:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit pod...
Nov 13, 2020•1 hr 56 min
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by his dad to remember the late Tommy Heinsohn (3:00) before he is joined by ESPN's Matthew Berry to take a look at the fantasy football season including boom and busts, fantasy MVP candidates, fantasy playoff waiver pickups, and more (38:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 11, 2020•1 hr 53 min
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Cousin Sal and Joe House to discuss NFL Week 9, including an electrifying battle between Tua Tagovailoa and Kyler Murray in the Dolphins' win over the Cardinals, Colts-Ravens, the Buccaneers getting steamrolled by the Saints, another gritty Chargers loss against the Raiders, Panthers-Chiefs, and more (3:00). Then Bill and Sal guess the NFL lines for Week 10 (44:00), which is followed by Parent Corner (1:17:00). Then House rejoins the group to discuss the ga...
Nov 09, 2020•1 hr 43 min
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by ESPN's Mina Kimes to discuss rookie QBs Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, and Tua Tagovailoa; run through Bill's NFL QB tiers; and make some Million-Dollar NFL Picks (2:30) before talking with JackO about the 2020 presidential election and the turbulent vote-counting process following Election Day (1:03:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 06, 2020•1 hr 49 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the looming start date for the 2020-21 NBA season, the possibility of rewriting the CBA, the upcoming NBA draft, and more (3:00). Then Bill talks with Wesley Morris of The New York Times about some new TV shows and movies, including Netflix’s ‘The Queen’s Gambit’; HBO’s ‘The Undoing,’ ‘On the Rocks’ starring Rashida Jones and Bill Murray, Aaron Sorkin’s ‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’; and Hulu’s horror-comedy ‘Bad Hair’ (1:10:00). Lea...
Nov 04, 2020•2 hr 12 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Cousin Sal to discuss NFL Week 8, including the Steelers winning another intense showdown with the Ravens, Dalvin Cook and the Vikings running over the Packers, Bengals-Titans, Cam Newton’s crunch-time fumble in the Patriots' loss to the Bills, Eagles-Cowboys, Rams-Dolphins, another crushing Chargers loss, mid-season MVPs, and more (2:00), before guessing the NFL lines for Week 9 (57:00). They close out the show with Parent Corner (1:23:00). Learn more abou...
Nov 02, 2020•1 hr 40 min
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Joe House to discuss Daryl Morey becoming the new president of basketball operations for the 76ers, how he'll pair with new head coach Doc Rivers, and trade speculations (2:00) before talking gambling odds for the upcoming Masters Tournament and Bill's Million Dollar Picks for NFL Week 8 (28:00). Then Bill talks with CNN's Bakari Sellers and Harry Enten about the upcoming elections (1:13:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoi...
Oct 30, 2020•1 hr 59 min
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by CC Sabathia to talk about the Dodgers winning the World Series. They discuss Kevin Cash's controversial decision to pull Blake Snell, the electric energy Mookie Betts brought to the Dodgers, Kershaw finally getting to relax, the success of the shortened MLB playoff schedule, and more (2:00). Then Bill talks with Kevin O'Connor about the upcoming NBA draft, the short offseason, teams that may be inclined to trade up, the lack of consensus for the top prospec...
Oct 28, 2020•1 hr 46 min
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Cousin Sal to discuss what's shaping up to be an exciting World Series, before recapping some NFL Week 7 games, including the Cardinals' overtime win against the Seahawks, Browns-Bengals, another painful Falcons loss, another Patriots flop, AFC/NFC power rankings, the sad state of the Cowboys, Titans-Steelers, Tom Brady hanging four TDs on the Raiders, and more (2:00). They finish by guessing the NFL lines for Week 8 (48:00). Learn more about your ad choice...
Oct 26, 2020•1 hr 26 min
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Super Bowl champion and longtime NFL analyst Howie Long to discuss Tom Brady's Buccaneers finding their equilibrium, Dak Prescott's injury, top NFL defenses, the perplexing Packers, a competitive AFC East, various football GOATs, old-school NFL stories, the chemistry of the Fox NFL Sunday crew, his post-football movie career, and more (1:00). Then Bill talks with Peter Schrager of Fox Sports and NFL Network about some NFL predictions, including LeVeon Bell'...
Oct 23, 2020•1 hr 57 min
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Jackie MacMullan to discuss the looming start date of the 2020-21 NBA season, the value of lottery draft picks in this year's NBA draft, offseason player movement, how teams should look to combat the Lakers' size, and more. Then Bill talks with Rembert Browne about yet another Atlanta sports heartbreak after the Braves' loss to the Dodgers in the NLCS, and Rembert shares his theory on why Atlanta may have a sports curse. Finally Bill talks with his buddy Ja...
Oct 21, 2020•2 hr 5 min
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Cousin Sal to talk about the L.A. Dodgers winning the NLCS vs. the Atlanta Braves, a Dodgers-Rays World Series, and more. Then they discuss NFL Week 6 games, including the Buccaneers rolling over the Packers, the Patriots losing to the Broncos despite Cam Newton's return, the Titans' overtime win vs. the Texans, the Falcons getting their first win of the season vs. the Vikings, Giants-Washington, and more, before guessing the NFL lines for Week 7. They then...
Oct 19, 2020•1 hr 37 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons shares some thoughts on Daryl Morey's resignation from the Rockets, before he is joined by Super Bowl champion and Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson to discuss the nail-biter Seahawks-Patriots games in recent years, his rookie season, ‘The Legion of Boom,’ the importance of mental performance, the immense potential of DK Metcalf, joining the “Madden 99 Club,” Seattle sports legends, Russell’s new podcast, ‘DangerTalk With Russell Wilson,’ and more. Then Bill gives out ...
Oct 16, 2020•2 hr 4 min
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo and 2020 NBA champion Jared Dudley to discuss the Lakers' title win, how it felt to leave the NBA bubble, LeBron stories, appreciating Rajon Rondo, the anticlimactic Battle for L.A., young NBA talent, and more. Then Bill and Ryen speculate about 2021 NBA free agency, what teams will have to do to combat the defending NBA champions, Finals media coverage, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Oct 14, 2020•2 hr 27 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Cousin Sal and Joe House to discuss the Lakers' 2020 NBA Finals victory, another boost to the LeBron James legacy, NBA 2021 title odds, the official success of the NBA playoff bubble, and more. Next they react to the Week 5 slate of NFL games, including the Cowboys' win over the Giants and Dak Prescott's serious injury, the Chiefs' first loss of the season to the Raiders, Eagles-Steelers, Colts-Browns, the Atlanta Falcons firing head coach Dan Quinn, COVID-...
Oct 12, 2020•1 hr 45 min
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by ESPN's Zach Lowe to talk about the Heat-Lakers NBA Finals series and the upcoming Game 5, speculate about Finals MVP, perhaps end the NBA GOAT debate once and for all, and play out an eight-seed "21st-Century NBA Championship Team" tournament. Finally, Bill shares some thoughts on the Buccaneers' loss to the Bears in which Tom Brady forgot what down it was during the final drive and gives his Million Dollar Picks for NFL Week 5. Learn more about your ad cho...
Oct 09, 2020•1 hr 48 min