A weekly sports discussion from Slate. Get more Hang Up and Listen with Slate Plus! Join for weekly bonus episodes of Hang Up and Listen and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the Hang Up and Listen show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or visit slate.com/hangupplus for access wherever you listen.


Hang Up and Listen

Hosts <a href="https://www.splitzoneduo.com/">Alex Kirshner</a>, <a href="https://lindsaygibbs.com/">Lindsay Gibbs</a>, and <a href="https://www.theringer.com/authors/ben-lindbergh">Ben Lindbergh</a> discuss last week’s bizarre and pandering World Cup draw with The Athletic’s Adam Crafton. Next, the team talks about the obviously controversial College Football playoff rankings, and finally the latest in an antitrust trial that involves NASCAR and Michael Jordan. 
On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate Plus members, the gang talks about the Oklahoma City Thunder’s potentially historic rise to the top 
Get more Hang Up and Listen with Slate Plus! Join for weekly bonus episodes of Hang Up and Listen and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the Hang Up and Listen show page on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hang-up-and-listen/id327595087">Apple Podcasts</a> or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/65uyYjdz34l1411uDzmKlA">Spotify</a>, or visit <a href="https://slate.com/podcast-plus?utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=plus_pod&utm_content=Hang_Up&utm_source=episode_summary">slate.com/hangupplus</a> for access wherever you listen.
Read <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6869725/2025/12/07/michael-jordan-nascar-trial-week-2-primer-jim-france/">Jordan Bianchi's explainer</a> for The Athletic on the upcoming week in the NASCAR antitrust trial.
<a href="https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-playoff-selection-notre-dame-mou-2026-schedule/">Why Notre Dame will probably be back</a> in the College Football Playoff next year.
<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6861806/2025/12/05/trump-fifa-soccer-president-world-cup-draw-infantino/">Adam Crafton in The Athletic</a> on FIFA's long courtship of Donald Trump:
You can email us at <a href="mailto:hangup@slate.com">hangup@slate.com</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

FIFA's Trumpy World Cup Draw

Hosts <a href="https://www.splitzoneduo.com/">Alex Kirshner</a>, <a href="https://lindsaygibbs.com/">Lindsay Gibbs</a>, and <a href="https://www.theringer.com/authors/ben-lindbergh">Ben Lindbergh</a> discuss Lane Kiffin’s latest dramatic exit, leaving Ole Miss for LSU right before a playoff run. Then, CBS Sports’ <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/writers/matt-norlander/">Matt Norlander</a> explains the big money behind the launch of the new in-season college basketball tournament, the Players Era. Finally, the panel looks at two NBA legends: Chris Paul (nearing retirement), and LeBron James (somehow finding another gear).
On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate Plus members, the panel discusses the ups and downs of Arch Manning’s first season.
Lane Kiffin (4:51): Won’t be Miss’d
College Basketball (22:25): A new mid-season tournament
LeBron (46:18): The undying career
(Note: time codes are only accurate for Slate Plus members, who listen ad-free.)
Get more Hang Up and Listen with Slate Plus! Join for weekly bonus episodes of Hang Up and Listen and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the Hang Up and Listen show page on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hang-up-and-listen/id327595087">Apple Podcasts</a> or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/65uyYjdz34l1411uDzmKlA">Spotify</a>, or visit <a href="https://slate.com/podcast-plus?utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=plus_pod&utm_content=Hang_Up&utm_source=episode_summary">slate.com/hangupplus</a> for access wherever you listen.
You can email us at <a href="mailto:hangup@slate.com">hangup@slate.com</a>.
Podcast production and editing by Kevin Bendis, with production assistance from Patrick Fort. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

The Ballad of Lane Kiffin

Hosts <a href="https://www.splitzoneduo.com/">Alex Kirshner</a>, <a href="https://lindsaygibbs.com/">Lindsay Gibbs</a>, and <a href="https://www.theringer.com/authors/ben-lindbergh">Ben Lindbergh</a> speak with the Athletic’s <a href="https://x.com/PaulTenorio">Paul Tenorio</a> on why Apple TV and MLS revised their deal and removed the paywall for viewers. They’re then joined by Massachusetts state senator <a href="https://senatorjohnkeenan.com/">John Keenan</a> about his proposal to regulate online sports betting and why he’s changed his views on the issue. Finally, they wrap with a discussion of Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini, the young hockey phenoms leading the NHL in scoring. Lindsay has an Afterball on the one New York team that is actually good: Gotham FC.
On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate Plus members, the panel discusses the abysmal football on display from both the New York Jets and Giants.
Apple and MLS (6:00): Tear down the wall
Regulating Big Gaming (25:41): Mass. state senator John Keenan wants to rein in sports betting
Hockey’s Young Guns (51:36): Shooting it out for the Art Ross trophy
Afterballs (1:07:04): The Bats win it
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Get more Hang Up and Listen with Slate Plus! Join for weekly bonus episodes of Hang Up and Listen and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the Hang Up and Listen show page on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hang-up-and-listen/id327595087">Apple Podcasts</a> or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/65uyYjdz34l1411uDzmKlA">Spotify</a>, or visit <a href="https://slate.com/podcast-plus?utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=plus_pod&utm_content=Hang_Up&utm_source=episode_summary">slate.com/hangupplus</a> for access wherever you listen.
You can email us at <a href="mailto:hangup@slate.com">hangup@slate.com</a>.
Podcast production and editing by Kevin Bendis, with production assistance from Patrick Fort. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Apple’s Soccer Shakeup

Hosts <a href="https://www.splitzoneduo.com/">Alex Kirshner</a>, <a href="https://lindsaygibbs.com/">Lindsay Gibbs</a>, and <a href="https://www.theringer.com/authors/ben-lindbergh">Ben Lindbergh</a> speak with Yahoo Sports writer <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/author/dan-devine/">Dan Devine</a> about the fallout from the Luka Dončić trade and the subsequent sacking of GM Nico Harrison in Dallas. Then Slate’s <a href="https://slate.com/author/nitish-pahwa">Nitish Pahwa</a> joins to unpack the latest dispute between Disney and YouTube TV and what it means for the future of sports streaming. Finally, the Ringer’s <a href="https://www.theringer.com/creator/danny-chau">Danny Chau</a> stops by to discuss Victor Wembanyama’s breakout season and whether this could be the year he carries the Spurs back to the playoffs.
On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate Plus members, the panel discusses Shedeur Sanders' far-from-stellar  NFL debut.
Nico Harrison gets the boot (3:02): The Dallas collapse is complete
Disney vs. YouTube (26:12): What was behind the recent clash of the streamers
Wemby (42:52): The rise of the unguardable?
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Get more Hang Up and Listen with Slate Plus! Join for weekly bonus episodes of Hang Up and Listen and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the Hang Up and Listen show page on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hang-up-and-listen/id327595087">Apple Podcasts</a> or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/65uyYjdz34l1411uDzmKlA">Spotify</a>, or visit <a href="https://slate.com/podcast-plus?utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=plus_pod&utm_content=Hang_Up&utm_source=episode_summary">slate.com/hangupplus</a> for access wherever you listen.
You can email us at <a href="mailto:hangup@slate.com">hangup@slate.com</a>.
Podcast production and editing by Kevin Bendis, with production assistance from Patrick Fort. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

The Mavericks' Meltdown

Hosts <a href="https://www.splitzoneduo.com/">Alex Kirshner</a>, <a href="https://lindsaygibbs.com/">Lindsay Gibbs</a>, and <a href="https://www.theringer.com/authors/ben-lindbergh">Ben Lindbergh</a> are joined by Knicks superfan and X-Ray Vision host <a href="https://x.com/netw3rk?lang=en">Jason Concepcion</a> for a discussion on Zohran Mamdani’s Knicks fandom and the team’s presence in the mayoral race. The panel turns to yet another major betting scandal – this time in Major League Baseball. Later, journalist <a href="https://x.com/nathanfenno?lang=en">Nathan Fenno</a> joins to explain the wave of high-profile burglaries targeting professional athletes.
On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate Plus members, the panel talks about Project B and the future for women’s basketball around the world.
Brunson for Mayor (4:27): The Knicks and New York politics
Guardians players indicted for gambling (23:27): Baseball stars face charges for prop bets.
Sports burglaries (45:52): The rash of robberies targeting pro athletes
(Note: time codes are only accurate for Slate Plus members, who listen ad-free.)
Get more Hang Up and Listen with Slate Plus! Join for weekly bonus episodes of Hang Up and Listen and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the Hang Up and Listen show page on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hang-up-and-listen/id327595087">Apple Podcasts</a> or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/65uyYjdz34l1411uDzmKlA">Spotify</a>, or visit <a href="https://slate.com/podcast-plus?utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=plus_pod&utm_content=Hang_Up&utm_source=episode_summary">slate.com/hangupplus</a> for access wherever you listen.
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Podcast production and editing by Kevin Bendis, with production assistance from Patrick Fort. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Mamdani and the Knicks

Hosts <a href="https://www.splitzoneduo.com/">Alex Kirshner</a>, <a href="https://lindsaygibbs.com/">Lindsay Gibbs</a>, and <a href="https://www.theringer.com/authors/ben-lindbergh">Ben Lindbergh</a> discuss what was possibly the greatest World Series of all time. Then they’re joined by <a href="https://www.extrapointsmb.com/">Matt Brown</a>, the publisher of Extra Points, to break down the competing Republican and Democratic proposals that could reshape the future of college sports. Finally, the Hang Up podfather <a href="https://josh-levin.com/">Josh Levin</a> returns to introduce his new sports history podcast, <a href="https://www.replaybooth.show/p/replay-booth-episode-1-wilbur-huckle">Replay Booth</a>, and shares an Afterball about a forgotten baseball hero.
On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate Plus members, the panel discusses how the National Women’s Soccer League continues to lose players to European teams.
The World Series (6:28): Yamamoto heroics
College Sports and Politics (27:28): Why Texas billionaire Cody Campbell might be interrupting your Saturday football viewing experience
Josh is back! (47:48): Levin returns to tell us about his new podcast, Replay Booth
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Get more Hang Up and Listen with Slate Plus! Join for weekly bonus episodes of Hang Up and Listen and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the Hang Up and Listen show page on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hang-up-and-listen/id327595087">Apple Podcasts</a> or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/65uyYjdz34l1411uDzmKlA">Spotify</a>, or visit <a href="https://slate.com/podcast-plus?utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=plus_pod&utm_content=Hang_Up&utm_source=episode_summary">slate.com/hangupplus</a> for access wherever you listen.
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Podcast production and editing by Kevin Bendis, with production assistance from Patrick Fort. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

A World Series for the Ages

Hosts <a href="https://www.splitzoneduo.com/">Alex Kirshner</a>, <a href="https://lindsaygibbs.com/">Lindsay Gibbs</a>, and <a href="https://www.theringer.com/authors/ben-lindbergh">Ben Lindbergh</a> discuss the federal indictments of NBA players and coaches for gambling incidents and how the ubiquity of online betting plays a role.. Then the panel is joined by the host of the Ringer’s F1 podcast, <a href="https://www.theringer.com/creator/megan-schuster">Megan Schuster</a>, to discuss the excitement and drama heading into the final stretch of the Formula 1 season. Finally, they finish with a mid-season NFL check-in.
On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate Plus members, the panel discusses the San Francisco Giants hiring a college baseball coach as their new manager, a first in MLB.
Gambling and the NBA (2:47): Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier have been indicted
F1 (21:56): Can Verstappen eke out another championship?
NFL (38:14): Could Daniel Jones really be an MVP
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Get more Hang Up and Listen with Slate Plus! Join for weekly bonus episodes of Hang Up and Listen and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the Hang Up and Listen show page on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hang-up-and-listen/id327595087">Apple Podcasts</a> or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/65uyYjdz34l1411uDzmKlA">Spotify</a>, or visit <a href="https://slate.com/podcast-plus?utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=plus_pod&utm_content=Hang_Up&utm_source=episode_summary">slate.com/hangupplus</a> for access wherever you listen.
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Podcast production and editing by Kevin Bendis, with production assistance from Patrick Fort.
 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

The NBA’s Growing Gambling Affair

Hosts <a href="https://www.splitzoneduo.com/">Alex Kirshner</a>, <a href="https://lindsaygibbs.com/">Lindsay Gibbs</a>, and <a href="https://www.theringer.com/authors/ben-lindbergh">Ben Lindbergh</a> are joined by <a href="https://www.natesilver.net/">Nate Silver</a>, founder of FiveThirtyEight and Silver Bulletin, to discuss his new NFL prediction model “ELWAY” and what it reveals about an unpredictable football league. Later in the show, OG Hang Up host <a href="https://www.bystefanfatsis.com/">Stefan Fatsis</a> returns to talk about his new book on the dictionary, “Unabridged: The Thrill of and Threat to the Modern Dictionary,” and to share some of his favorite sports word definitions. The panel also previews the upcoming NBA season. Stefan sticks around to give a throwback style introduction to Ben's Afterball on the goofy mule-kicker comedy “Gus”.
On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate Plus members, the panel has GOAT talk aboutShohei Ohtani.
NFL (3:54): The tricky world of football forcasting
NBA (26:33): Will Wemby be great?
Fatsis is back! (45:18): The prodigal host is unabridged
Afterballs (1:05:08: Hee-haw
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Get more Hang Up and Listen with Slate Plus! Join for weekly bonus episodes of Hang Up and Listen and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the Hang Up and Listen show page on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hang-up-and-listen/id327595087">Apple Podcasts</a> or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/65uyYjdz34l1411uDzmKlA">Spotify</a>, or visit <a href="https://slate.com/podcast-plus?utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=plus_pod&utm_content=Hang_Up&utm_source=episode_summary">slate.com/hangupplus</a> for access wherever you listen.
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Podcast production and editing by Kevin Bendis, with production assistance from Patrick Fort. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Nate Silver and the NFL's Year of Parity

Hosts <a href="https://www.splitzoneduo.com/">Alex Kirshner</a>, <a href="https://lindsaygibbs.com/">Lindsay Gibbs</a>, and <a href="https://www.theringer.com/authors/ben-lindbergh">Ben Lindbergh</a> are joined by the Times’s <a href="https://www.thetimes.com/profile/martyn-ziegler">Martyn Ziegler</a> to explain the ripple effects of the Gaza ceasefire on UEFA and Israeli soccer. Then, The New York Times sports reporter <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/by/ken-belson">Ken Belson</a> joins to unravel the continued drama surrounding Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show and the backdoor dealings of NFL owners. Finally, the hosts ask if the Seattle Mariners are this year’s team of destiny? Ben’s Afterball looks at NHL superstar Connor McDavid’s surprising “hometown discount” to stay in Edmonton.
On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate Plus members, the panel talks about Penn State’s $50 million coaching fumble
UEFA vs Israel (3:42): Trump makes nice with the European soccer
Bad Bunny (15:36): Ken Belson on the NFL’s MAGA gamble
MLB Playoffs (37:04): Big Dumper keeps dumping!
Afterballs (51:00): McDavid chases the Cup over big money.
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Get more Hang Up and Listen with Slate Plus! Join for weekly bonus episodes of Hang Up and Listen and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the Hang Up and Listen show page on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hang-up-and-listen/id327595087">Apple Podcasts</a> or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/65uyYjdz34l1411uDzmKlA">Spotify</a>, or visit <a href="https://slate.com/podcast-plus?utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=plus_pod&utm_content=Hang_Up&utm_source=episode_summary">slate.com/hangupplus</a> for access wherever you listen.

You can email us at <a href="mailto:hangup@slate.com">hangup@slate.com</a>.

Podcast production and editing by Kevin Bendis, with production assistance from Patrick Fort. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

How the Ceasefire Keeps Israel in European Soccer

Hosts <a href="https://www.splitzoneduo.com/">Alex Kirshner</a>, <a href="https://lindsaygibbs.com/">Lindsay Gibbs</a>, and <a href="https://www.theringer.com/authors/ben-lindbergh">Ben Lindbergh</a> speak to Slate’s <a href="https://slate.com/author/nitish-pahwa">Nitish Pahwa</a> about prediction markets and the legally gray future of gambling. Then they turn to college football and Bill Belichick’s messy start at UNC. The panel wraps with a discussion of Napheesa Collier’s recent criticism of WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert and the backlash it caused.
On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate Plus members, Bad Bunny hits the Super Bowl halftime stage!
Prediction Markets (3:35): Kalshi’s big bet
Belichick (25:12): The greatest coach keeps laying eggs
WNBA (41:06): Collier vs. Engelbert

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Get more Hang Up and Listen with Slate Plus! Join for weekly bonus episodes of Hang Up and Listen and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the Hang Up and Listen show page on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hang-up-and-listen/id327595087">Apple Podcasts</a> or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/65uyYjdz34l1411uDzmKlA">Spotify</a>, or visit <a href="https://slate.com/podcast-plus?utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=plus_pod&utm_content=Hang_Up&utm_source=episode_summary">slate.com/hangupplus</a> for access wherever you listen.

You can email us at <a href="mailto:hangup@slate.com">hangup@slate.com</a>.

Podcast production and editing by Kevin Bendis, with production assistance from Patrick Fort. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Everything Is Sports Betting

Hosts <a href="https://www.splitzoneduo.com/">Alex Kirshner</a>, <a href="https://www.theringer.com/authors/ben-lindbergh">Ben Lindbergh</a>, and <a href="https://lindsaygibbs.com/">Lindsay Gibbs</a> speak to Fried Egg Golf’s <a href="https://x.com/kvanvalkenburg?lang=en">Kevin Van Valkenburg</a> about the American crowds, President, and golf lapses at the Ryder Cup. Ben previews the MLB playoffs, and the hosts discuss the purchase of Electronic Arts by Jared Kushner and a Saudi investment fund. For Afterballs, Ben dusts off a copy of Robert Redford’s oft-forgotten and underrated ski film, Downhill Racer.
On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate Plus members, Lindsay recounts the drama of the WNBA semifinals.
Ryder Cup (6:18): American losers
MLB (26:19): Mets gonna Mets
E.A. Sports (42:33): It’s in the…sovereign wealth fund?
Afterballs (54:18): Remembering Downhill Racer

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Get more Hang Up and Listen with Slate Plus! Join for weekly bonus episodes of Hang Up and Listen and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the Hang Up and Listen show page on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hang-up-and-listen/id327595087">Apple Podcasts</a> or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/65uyYjdz34l1411uDzmKlA">Spotify</a>, or visit <a href="https://slate.com/podcast-plus?utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=plus_pod&utm_content=Hang_Up&utm_source=episode_summary">slate.com/hangupplus</a> for access wherever you listen.

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Podcast production and editing by Kevin Bendis, with production assistance from Patrick Fort.
 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

America's Trumpy Ryder Cup Flop

Hosts <a href="https://www.splitzoneduo.com/">Alex Kirshner</a>, <a href="https://www.theringer.com/authors/ben-lindbergh">Ben Lindbergh</a>, and <a href="https://lindsaygibbs.com/">Lindsay Gibbs</a> discuss the WNBA playoffs and the Indiana Fever's surprise success, despite an injured Caitlin Clark. They get into the uptick in long NFL field goals. Then they speak with managing editor of True Blue LA, <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/authors/eric-stephen">Eric Stephen</a>, about the career and retirement of Clayton Kershaw. For Afterballs, Ben recaps the final week of the MLB regular season and its nail-biting finishes.
On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate Plus members, the hosts discuss the ongoing gambling scandal in college basketball.
WNBA (3:18): Can Indiana continue to rise?
NFL field goals (17:32): Why are there so many 60-yarders?
Clayton Kershaw (31:26): The Dodgers ace hangs it up.
Afterballs (52:16): Will the Mets and Tigers continue to spiral?
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Get more Hang Up and Listen with Slate Plus! Join for weekly bonus episodes of Hang Up and Listen and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the Hang Up and Listen show page on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hang-up-and-listen/id327595087">Apple Podcasts</a> or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/65uyYjdz34l1411uDzmKlA">Spotify</a>, or visit <a href="https://slate.com/podcast-plus?utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=plus_pod&utm_content=Hang_Up&utm_source=episode_summary">slate.com/hangupplus</a> for access wherever you listen.

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Podcast production and editing by Kevin Bendis, with production assistance from Patrick Fort.


 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

The Year Without Caitlin Clark

Hosts <a href="https://www.splitzoneduo.com/">Alex Kirshner</a>, <a href="https://www.theringer.com/authors/ben-lindbergh">Ben Lindbergh</a>, and <a href="https://lindsaygibbs.com/">Lindsay Gibbs</a> discuss the beginning of the NFL season, and the Kansas City Chiefs’ 0-2 record; their worst start since 2014 when they last missed the playoffs. Has their aging lineup started to catch up to them? Plus, the return of tush-push discourse.
Next, the 38-year-old Sidney Crosby has played a whopping 20 seasons for the Penguins and is arguably the best player of his generation. But as the Penguins continue to flail, Crosby’s management is signaling he may not be long for the team. What do teams owe to their oldest, most storied players, and is it the end of the one-team legend? 
Then, Angel Reese publicly criticized her Chicago Sky teammates in the Chicago Sun Times, calling out weak recruiting and their reliance on injured players. Reese and the team have reconciled, but for how long? We also catch up on the WNBA playoffs: The Lynx may feel inevitable, but Lindsay argues there may be some meaningful challengers as the playoffs roll on. 
In afterballs, the Tyreek Hill’s domestic violence allegations are barely registering in conversations about his rumored trade to the Kansas City Chiefs. Lindsay looks back at the details of the claims against him, and why they’re important to remember. 
On the bonus episode available exclusively for Slate Plus members, the panel discusses Phillies Karen, the ball hawker who went viral after demanding the return of a ball from a child. After several false accusations and an ongoing campaign to unmask the ball-taker, have we taken bad ball park etiquette too far?
.
NFL Week 2 (3:52): A panic button for the Chiefs
Sidney Cosby and the Penguins (19:22): The end of an era?
The WNBA Playoffs (34:54): Angel Reese and Lynx domination
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Want more Hang Up and Listen? Subscribe to Slate Plus to immediately unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page, or visit<a href="https://slate.com/podcast-plus?utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=plus_pod&utm_content=Hang_Up&utm_source=show_notes"> slate.com/hangupplus</a> to get access wherever you listen.

You can email us at <a href="mailto:hangup@slate.com">hangup@slate.com</a>.

Podcast production and editing by Benjamin Frisch, with production assistance from Patrick Fort.
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#653

FIFA's Trumpy World Cup Draw

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