From the makers of THE SPORTS BUBBLE comes DRAFTED, a new podcast series hosted by Keegan-Michael Key that offers an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at eight college football players as they enter the NFL draft. We hear their hopes, dreams, and fears during the most exciting time in their young lives. DRAFTED premieres September 21st, and is a production of Treefort Media, Klutch Sports Agency, and iHeart Media. Listen now on iHeart , Apple , Spotify , or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn ...
Sep 17, 2020•2 min
In 2019, three-time Olympian swimmer Nathan Adrian was diagnosed and treated for testicular cancer - setting him up for a difficult road to recovery in time for Tokyo 2020, hopefully to be his fourth Olympic Games. Then the global pandemic rescheduled all of 2020. The five-time Olympic gold medalist talks about how the postponement may have helped him, the difficult task of finding Olympic-sized pools in a global crisis, and how his public health degree keeps him up at night these days. Jensen a...
Aug 12, 2020•31 min•Season 1Ep. 55
We're all in need of a little inspiration these days, which makes Sean Elliott the perfect athlete for The Sports Bubble. Not only is the Spurs legend an NBA champion and two-time All-Star, he's also one of the greatest college basketball players of his generation - and he did it all while battling a crippling kidney disease that resulted in a transplant. Now, as the long-time, and healthy, San Antonio Spurs broadcast analyst, Sean talks about his heightened health concerns during the pandemic, ...
Aug 05, 2020•37 min•Season 1Ep. 54
While the return of most sports leagues remains shaky at best, NASCAR has returned at full speed. Leading the way is driver Aric Almirola who found himself on a hot streak - whether as the only driver that has finished in the top 10 at every race since the stopdown or by crossing the finish line in third place at Geico 500… backwards. The driver of the No. 10 Smithfield Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing shares how he’s turned this strange season into the best of his career, why he sent a text...
Jul 29, 2020•32 min•Season 1Ep. 53
The first sports league in the United States to return to “normalcy” was the NWSL – no small feat accomplished without the brave women who first experienced it like Utah Royals FC star Kelley O’Hara. The two-time FIFA World Cup champion talks about the “summer camp” vibe of the Challenge Cup, the social landscape of America, and if the internet trolls she’s dealt with in her life and career still allow her to think this world can be saved. They also get into why there’s really no good soccer mov...
Jul 22, 2020•42 min•Season 1Ep. 52
Kenny "The Jet" Smith went from playing alongside Michael Jordan on a North Carolina NCAA team to ten seasons in the NBA where he helped lead the Houston Rockets to back-to-back championships. Since then, The Jet has brought his expertise on the court to the always entertaining & award-winning Inside the NBA on TNT, where he's delivered enough classic TV moments to rival his extensive on-court highlight reel. With the NBA Bubble ramping up, Kenny joins Jensen to talk about the Woj email, LeB...
Jul 15, 2020•34 min•Season 1Ep. 51
It’s official, the MLS is Back…in a bubble. For stars like midfielder Sebastian Lletget of the powerhouse LA Galaxy, the results of this tournament mean more than just a win, draw, or loss… it’s an attempt at playing for normalcy. In this episode, Jensen talks to Sebastian about the latest in the MLS quarantined version of “the happiest place on earth,” the racism he’s seen in the sport while playing for West Ham United, and whether anyone has heard from Zlatan Ibrahimović since he left LA. They...
Jul 10, 2020•51 min•Season 1Ep. 50
To be an elite striker, you have to be fearless. As the fastest player in Major League Soccer history to reach 100 goals, Bradley Wright-Phillips has shown he’s as fearless as they come. But the current world we’re living in even has him worried. In an open and raw conversation, recorded just before the MLS is Back Tournament in Orlando, the two-time Golden Boot winner reveals his deep concerns about the “tough ask” to leave his family behind, the long-standing racism in soccer, and whether acti...
Jul 08, 2020•31 min•Season 1Ep. 49
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Andrew McCutchen is not only one of baseball’s best all-around players, he’s also a fun guy off the field, which can’t be said about everyone in the league. The 2015 NL MVP and five-time All-Star talks to Jensen about his hilarious quarantine alter-ego “Uncle Larry,” how that epic Topps trading card came to be, and his recent viral “Fresh Prince” moment in an empty Philly rental. They also chat about Andrew’s return from injury, the game’s need for black communit...
Jul 06, 2020•23 min•Season 1Ep. 48
When your gamer handle is “MamaImDatMan,” you better mean business. As the reigning MVP of the NBA 2K League and its first individual player to sign an endorsement deal, Nidal “MamaImDatMan” Nasser has proven he deserves the moniker. Nidal joins Jensen to talk about the skills and training it takes to be WAY better than you at video games, how the 2K League travels just like their NBA counterparts, and why the community of eSports is growing in popularity. He also helps pick Jensen’s future onli...
Jul 03, 2020•49 min•Season 1Ep. 47
The name Jerry Stackhouse is synonymous with basketball. One of the greatest players to ever wear the North Carolina Tar Heels jersey, he went on to play 18 seasons in the NBA - yes, 18! With a resume that’s parallel to none, it's easy to see why he was recently chosen to be the head coach of the Vanderbilt Men’s Basketball team. Coach Stackhouse talks to Jensen about leading an impressive young roster during these challenging times and what recruiting is like in a socially distanced world. They...
Jul 01, 2020•32 min•Season 1Ep. 46
As soon as we’re allowed to give hugs again, it’s hard to imagine not having WWE Superstar Big E at the top of your list. The teddy bear masquerading as the current WWE SmackDown! Tag Team Champion has proven himself in the ring for years now, but it’s his ability to see the larger picture that will make you a fan for life. Big E talks to Jensen about the racial divide dominating our culture, the history of the black performer in wrestling, and what the industry is facing in the form of sexual a...
Jun 29, 2020•40 min•Season 1Ep. 45
Amongst his numerous achievements, tennis legend Patrick McEnroe never intended to add being the first No-Sports Report guest to be diagnosed with Coronavirus to the list. The ESPN broadcaster shares his COVID-19 story - from the symptoms he experienced to what it was like to be quarantined in his basement for two weeks - and gets into the challenges ahead for the planned U.S. Open, amidst all the positive tests last week. Patrick and Jensen also talk about diversity in tennis and how the sport ...
Jun 26, 2020•30 min•Season 1Ep. 44
Julie Foudy is an absolute legend. The soccer icon and two-time World Cup champion has fought for human and civil rights her entire career – exemplifying what it means to be a captain on and off the field. In this chat, Foudy discusses the difficult decisions that athletes will make as they return to their sports, why athletes like Colin Kaepernick and Megan Rapinoe are the leaders we need, and her thoughts on racial bias, social injustice, and player protest. Julie and Jensen also get into who ...
Jun 24, 2020•32 min•Season 1Ep. 43
Coming off an impressive season in 2019, pitcher Keone Kela had even bigger plans for this season - set on proving he’s the Pittsburgh Pirates opening day closer while exhibiting his personal growth on, and off, the mound. Now, with the MLB season in limbo, Keone has all the time in the world to continue to mature… and reflect on how he was probably sick with the Coronavirus during Spring Training. Keone and Jensen talk about fatherhood, what his new walk-up song should be, and why you want to b...
Jun 22, 2020•42 min•Season 1Ep. 42
Sports have always been about breaking records and the athletes who make history. As a black woman on a NASCAR pit crew, everything Brehanna Daniels does smashes through a glass ceiling and sets a record - and she’s proud to be doing it. The NASCAR tire changer talks about the groundbreaking changes in her sport and how, seemingly overnight, she went from being a college basketball player to a rising star in the revolutionary Drive for Diversity program. Brehanna shares her experience with racis...
Jun 19, 2020•43 min•Season 1Ep. 41
Since 1896, the modern Olympics have only been canceled four times - thanks to World War and now the COVID-19 pandemic. And Molly Solomon, the executive producer and president of NBC Olympics and the Golf Channel, now has the difficult task of overseeing the world’s biggest competition’s broadcast move from 2020 to 2021. Add in the fact that she’s raising 16 year-old triplets in a pandemic and you can’t help but feel like Solomon should just get all the gold medals NOW. Molly talks with Jensen a...
Jun 17, 2020•39 min•Season 1Ep. 40
Last year, starting pitcher Zach Plesac had one of the most impressive debuts in Cleveland Indians history, taking the mound in a rainy Fenway Park against David Price. Now, instead of following up that fairytale start in what was to be his impressive rookie season, he’s moving from city to city as a young contract signee without his own house yet. Zach talks to Jensen about the eerie drive across the country during a pandemic, why he’s already got the best pickoff move in the majors, and how hi...
Jun 15, 2020•43 min•Season 1Ep. 39
Maybe it’s just the Hawaiian way, but nothing really rattles Jordan Yamamoto. Need proof? How about starting his major league career last season by setting a Miami Marlins franchise record of 14 scoreless innings over two starts. Oh, and a rotation best WHIP of 1.144 and 82 strikeouts in under 79 innings to finish the season. Now, that’s Aloha. The Marlins pitcher talks to Jensen about how he maintains a positive mindset during slumps, his growing relationship with Marlins CEO Derek Jeter and wh...
Jun 12, 2020•46 min•Season 1Ep. 38
“The Toddfather,” Todd Frazier, is the kind of Major Leaguer you can’t help but love, even when he’s not on your team. The beloved little league superstar turned All-Star third baseman talks to Jensen about fitting in with his new team, the Texas Rangers, during quarantine, the difficulties of MLB’s return, and how the pandemic is letting the Astros get away with cheating “scot-free.” Todd also talks about looking up to Charles Barkley, feeling blessed to live out his childhood dreams with TWO N...
Jun 10, 2020•27 min•Season 1Ep. 37
WNBA star Karima Christmas-Kelly has lived in Texas, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Indiana, and even South Korea - so it would be an understatement to say she’s developed a unique perspective on race relations. And right now, she’s in the heart of a city in real pain. The Minnesota Lynx forward talks about recovering from a season-ending injury and participating in recent Minneapolis protests against police brutality. Karima also discusses the uncertainties of when, and if, the WNBA season will happ...
Jun 08, 2020•24 min•Season 1Ep. 36
Michael Bennett may be soft-spoken, but make no mistake about it, his voice is powerful. As an NFL defensive end for 11 seasons and a Super Bowl Champion, there’s no question Michael’s a force to be reckoned with on the field, but that all seems secondary to who Michael really is - a man leading hard conversations against racial inequality, police brutality, and toxic masculinity in the NFL. Michael joins Jensen to talk about growing up scared of the police, what the murder of George Floyd means...
Jun 05, 2020•27 min•Season 1Ep. 35
It’s time America finally catches up to Craig Hodges. And now, more than ever, is the time to listen. The NBA legend and political activist shares his experience of growing up in the civil rights movement and protesting the tragic death of his friend due to police brutality during their time at Long Beach State. He looks back on the progressive ideas he suggested during his two championship seasons with the Chicago Bulls alongside Michael Jordan, that were labeled as “militant,” and the White Ho...
Jun 03, 2020•32 min•Season 1Ep. 34
The Thursday before the civil unrest seen around our nation in response to the murder of George Floyd, Jensen spoke with legendary broadcaster Bob Costas about his time in quarantine, but focused on Bob’s career-long tenancy to “not ignore the elephants in the room,” even when it hurt him professionally. The MLB Network host and announcer also talks about cancelling the 2020 Olympics when they did and the ongoing disputes between the league and Players Association in the delayed start of Major L...
Jun 01, 2020•25 min•Season 1Ep. 33
As a 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup winner, USWNT defender Meghan Klingenberg knows what it feels like to be on top of the world. Now, with the entire world shutdown, the highlight of her week is eating donuts on a Sunday. The Portland Thorns star talks about making homemade gnocchi with her family in Pittsburgh, the tough path ahead for sports post-quarantine, and why she loves the sound of players talking trash in empty arenas. Then, Meghan discusses the USWNT’s fight for equal rights and a new g...
May 29, 2020•35 min•Season 1Ep. 32
Enes Kanter is a fan favorite wherever he goes: whether it’s playing in the NBA or brawling in the wrestling ring, you can’t help but love this international superstar. The Boston Celtics center talks to Jensen about celebrating Ramadan in quarantine and touches on the NBA’s current proposal to start the playoffs in Vegas or Orlando. Jensen and Enes also share their undying love for commissioner Adam Silver, Boston teammate Tacko Fall and Enes’s eventual employer, the WWE. Plus, Enes declares wh...
May 28, 2020•30 min•Season 1Ep. 31
The Ottavino family has their fingerprints all over New York City...literally. They helped build the landmarks we all know as NYC from the ground up. So, after setting franchise records as the closer for the Colorado Rockies, when Adam Ottavino signed a three year deal with the Yankees in 2019, it wasn’t just a matter of playing for the team he grew up watching, it was about coming home to where he belongs. The pitcher talks about how his former "batcave" in Harlem prepared him for quarantine wo...
May 27, 2020•30 min•Season 1Ep. 30
For the past four decades, the sport of skateboarding has been synonymous with the name Tony Hawk. Plain and simple, Hawk = GOAT. Sorry, how many other riders do you know who can fly through the air on a skateboard and do a 900 - at 48 years old? We’ll save you the time - there aren’t any. The skateboarding legend shares with Jensen how he celebrated his birthday in quarantine on Zoom and what it’s like going from an “empty nest” to a full Birdhouse. Then, Tony talks about one of the biggest ann...
May 26, 2020•31 min•Season 1Ep. 29
If you’ve been watching the St. Louis Cardinals Kolten Wong over the past few years, you’ll notice it seems like he just plays the game with more heart than anyone else on the field. Whether it’s because of his Hawaiian pride or his strong baseball family, the second baseman’s steady improvement and always escalating stats are hard to ignore. The Gold Glove winning second baseman talks to Jensen about returning with that focus in 2020, no matter when the season starts, even if he can’t beat Milw...
May 25, 2020•30 min•Season 1Ep. 28
Many odd things have happened during the pandemic, but in the sports world nothing seems as strange as our nation becoming enthralled with 20 year old Michael Jordan highlights. The collective nation tuned into The Last Dance on ESPN, even knowing exactly how it ends. J.A. Adande, the beloved sportswriter and Director of Sports Journalism at Northwestern University, talks to Jensen about being featured in the docuseries and how he’s currently helping a new generation of sportswriters navigate in...
May 22, 2020•56 min•Season 1Ep. 27
