Big week. Let's get into it.
LeBron James is a Philadelphia 76er. I'll be transparent: I'm a Sixers fan going back to Sam Hinkie and the Process, and my son works for the Cleveland Cavaliers. So I had real stakes in this decision. When you cut through everything, LeBron did exactly what he said — found the best chance at a fifth title. And I don't think he makes this choice without the Jaylen Brown trade.
ESPN went through another round of layoffs. I was part of the April 2017 purge. I remember the HR call. I remember being told "this isn't about quality." I have thoughts on what that means — and what it should tell everyone in sports media.
The World Cup final drew 66 million viewers. Fox averaged nearly 8 million per game. The rights deal for 2030 starts at a billion dollars. I'll tell you who I think wins that bidding war.
Tom Brady slapped Logan Paul onstage at Fanatics Fest. I have one question for Brady: why?
And Caitlin Clark is somehow the one being criticized. I've tried to stay out of the lanes that come with this topic — but something is clearly wrong.
This week's Sunday 7:
LeBron to the Sixers — and why Jaylen Brown made it happen
ESPN layoffs — and what "this isn't about quality" really means
The World Cup business — 66 million viewers and a billion-dollar rights fight coming
Tom Brady, Logan Paul, and a question I keep asking
Caitlin Clark and what's really going on in the WNBA
Tweet of the Week
Quote that I Wish I Said
Settle in.
Smarter About Sports is out now. If you've read it, an Amazon review would mean a great deal. smarteraboutsports.com
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