Axios Sports: Stephen A. Smith interview — Wild Card preview — Drone Racing League

1 big thing: 🎙 Stephen A. Smith's next act | Friday, January 08, 2021

Open in app View in browser   Axios Sports By Kendall Baker ·Jan 08, 2021 🎉 Happy Friday! MLB could have another scandal on its hands. This time it's doctored baseballs. An ex-Angels staffer claims Gerrit Cole, Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer and others asked him for his specific blend of pine tar and rosin — and that several Angels use it. "Hey Bubba, it's Gerrit Cole," reads a text submitted as evidence in court. "I was wondering if you could help me out with this sticky situation [winky face emoji]." Today's word count: 2,009 words (8 minutes).     1 big thing: 🎙 Stephen A. Smith's next act Photo illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios. Photo: Jennifer Graylock/Getty Images   Stephen A. Smith is the face of ESPN. Can he be the face of ESPN+, too? Driving the news: Smith will debut a new weeknight series on ESPN+ starting Monday. Unlike the debate shows he's known for, this will have more of a late-night feel, with A-list guests and a variety of original segments. The big picture: As cable TV dies a slow death, ESPN is preparing to flip the switch to streaming. Right now, most ESPN+ content is live sports or docuseries, but a show like Smith's could help make the platform more of a daily destination for its 11.5 million subscribers. Show details: Name: "Stephen A's World" Times: New 30-minute episodes will be available every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday night and available anytime on demand. Behind-the-scenes: Smith will be the show's executive producer, and his production company, Mr. SAS Productions, will co-produce alongside ESPN. 🎙 Interview: I spoke with Smith about his exciting new chapter. Format: Stephen A. has become a master at the performative parts of opinion TV, delivering daily hot takes — and viral clips — on "First Take" and other ESPN programs. This new show is a step in a different direction. "I've always had an aspiration to do something with a late-night feel; something that brings levity to the situation," says Smith. "This show will allow me to be more lighthearted and show other facets of my personality." "It's going to be the world according to Stephen A., but also the world Stephen A. lives in," which isn't necessarily all sports, all the time. "You could see Snoop Dogg one day, Sean Hannity the next," he added. "You just never know because I'm friendly with so many people from all different elements of our society." Tone: While the topics he covers might be similar to what he debates on "First Take," Smith says he'll approach them from a different perspective — and with a different tone. "I want our guests to feel like they're coming here to be celebrated and have a good time; not to be challenged by me. I want to be more personable and fun loving and really invite the audience into my life." "People see me on TV, they see what positions I take, they see what my belief system is. Now, I want to encourage them to call or FaceTime in. Challenge me, applaud me, hate on me, whatever the case may be: bring it all." Stakes: "Stephen A's World" is essentially replacing Smith's radio show; a move he negotiated into his new contract because of how bullish he is on streaming. "Direct-to-consumer is the future. It's foolish to ignore that. I applaud Disney and ESPN for moving in this direction, and I'm proud to be a part of it." "Building the ESPN+ brand is a priority, and they've put the onus on my shoulders. 'The Boardroom' did exceptional work, but that wasn't daily. Neither was 'Detail' with Peyton Manning or Kobe Bryant, God rest his soul." "We have the UFC. We have Top Rank Boxing. But really, ESPN+ needs a signature show that folks know they can find when they [open the app]. I've accepted the challenge and now I have to go out there and make it happen."     2. 🏈 AFC Wild Card preview Graphic: Axios Visuals Super Wild Card Weekend is upon us, with six games across two days including the NFL's first ever No. 7 seeds, Axios' Jeff Tracy writes. Saturday No. 7 Colts at No. 2 Bills: At 11-5, the Colts are hardly party crashers. Still, they'll have their hands full with Josh Allen and the Bills' electric offense. Time: 1:05pm ET (CBS) Odds: BUF -6.5 | O/U 51 Stat: Buffalo (13-3) finished the season on a 6-0 run, destroying opponents by an average of 19.8 points per game while Allen cemented himself as a top-three MVP contender during that stretch (19 TD, 3 INT). Key matchup: The Colts need CB Xavier Rhodes to keep WR Stefon Diggs — the league's leading receiver (127 rec, 1,535 yds, 8 TD) — in check. Player to watch: Colts rookie RB Jonathan Taylor broke out in the season's second half, compiling 837 total yards and 8 TD over his final six games. Pregame reading: For Bills' 1995 team, playoff surge evokes memories (ESPN) Sunday No. 5 Ravens at No. 4 Titans: The lone rematch from last year's playoffs, Baltimore seeks revenge for its surprising blowout loss. Time: 1:05pm ET (ABC/ESPN) Odds: BAL -3.5 | O/U 54.5 Stat: Lamar Jackson is 0-2 in the postseason. Key matchup: The ground game. These are the NFL's two best rushing offenses, but while Baltimore has the eighth-best run defense, Tennessee ranks just 19th. Player to watch: Derrick Henry is coming off the eighth 2,000-yard rushing season ever and is the league's best bet to make an opponent look foolish. Pregame reading: Lamar Jackson's titanic hurdle (ESPN) No. 6 Browns at No. 3 Steelers: Cleveland's back in the playoffs for the first time in 18 years, but they'll be without their head coach due to a positive test. Time: 8:15pm ET (NBC) Odds: PIT -6 | O/U 47.5 Stat: The Browns' last playoff win came on New Year's Day 1995 — four months before Baker Mayfield was born. Key matchup: NFL sack leader T.J. Watt will try to pressure Mayfield (just one interception since Week 7) into some bad decisions. Player to watch: Does Big Ben have another playoff run in him? Pittsburgh ranks dead last in rushing offense, so they'll need the passing game to click. Pregame reading: The Browns' never-ending rebuild (SI)     3. 🏈 NFC Wild Card preview Graphic: Axios Visuals In the NFC, Washington is just the third sub-.500 playoff team in NFL history (2010 Seahawks, 2014 Panthers), and they didn't even need the expanded field to earn their berth, Jeff writes. Saturday No. 6 Rams at No. 3 Seahawks: Jared Goff's status (thumb surgery) remains uncertain, which could put rookie John Wolford in the spotlight for the biggest — and only second! — game of his career. Time: 4:40pm ET (Fox) Odds: SEA -3.5 | O/U 42 Stat: In Week 17, Wolford became the first player in NFL history with 200+ passing and 50+ rushing yards in his first career start. Key matchup: The NFL's best defender (Aaron Donald) and one of its premier passers and escape artists (Russell Wilson) have never met in the playoffs. Player to watch: Jalen Ramsey will likely shadow D.K. Metcalf, so it could be on the inconsistent but talented Tyler Lockett to put his stamp on the game. Pregame reading: Timeline of the Legion of Boom (The Ringer) No. 5 Buccaneers at No. 4 Washington: Will Washington's elite defense and inspirational stories (Ron Rivera, Alex Smith) be enough for the upset? Time: 8:15pm ET (NBC) Odds: TB -8 | O/U 44.5 Stat: Tom Brady has more playoff wins (30) than the Washington franchise (23), which has been around since 1932. Key matchup: Presumptive DROY Chase Young said "I want Tom Brady" after Washington clinched its playoff spot last week. Time to back up that talk. Player to watch: Mike Evans is questionable (knee), making Antonio Brown's resurgence (20 catches, 4 TD in his past three games) particularly important. Pregame reading: Terry McLaurin's best ability is his availability (The Athletic) Sunday No. 7 Bears at No. 2 Saints: Chicago went 3-7 after a 5-1 start, earning the final spot only after winning three of its final four games — all against non-playoff teams. Time: 4:40pm ET (CBS) Odds: NO -10 | O/U 47 Stat: Drew Brees is surprisingly low on the active list for QB playoff wins, sitting in sixth place (8-8 record). Key matchup: The Saints tied for the league lead in interceptions (18), while the Bears threw the fourth most (16). Player to watch: Alvin Kamara might miss the game (COVID-19 protocol), putting more pressure on Brees in what could be his final game. Pregame reading: Why Saints vs. Bears is on Nickelodeon (FanSided)     4. 🏁 Spotlight: Drone Racing League Courtesy: Drone Racing League   The Drone Racing League was born six years ago behind a Home Depot on Long Island, when founder Nicholas Horbaczewski saw his first drone race. Now, DRL is a full-fledged pro league, with $50 million in funding, four million social followers and media deals with NBC, Twitter and Facebook. The state of play: While the pandemic upended plans for the 2020 season, DRL has sustained momentum and kept fans engaged through virtual races and strategic partnerships. In April, DRL tapped former NBA senior VP of global partnerships, Rachel Jacobson, as its new president — a statement hire for a league with visions of a more mainstream future. In the last four months alone, DRL has signed on five league partners, including DraftKings in a deal announced this morning. Jacobson also recruited Chris Bosh to become Dean of the DRL Academy STEM Program. Partners: Betting: DraftKings Apparel: Champion Drink: BODYARMOR Data: Genius Sports Wireless: T-Mobile (will build the first 5G-powered racing drone) How it works: In normal years, DRL pilots race in-person through neon-bright courses inside stadiums, museums and other iconic locations. But this season, all races have been held virtually, with pilots competing from their homes using DRL SIM, a true-to-life racing simulator. 📺 Coming up: The final races of the 2020 DRL season kick off this Saturday at 4:30pm ET on NBC, Twitter and Facebook. I'll be checking in during commercial breaks in the Rams-Seahawks game. Join me? Race highlights     5. 😷 Seth Curry tests positive Illustration: Eniola Odetunde/Axios   Sixers guard Seth Curry tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday, which the team learned of near the start of their loss to the Nets in Brooklyn. Curry (out with injury) spent the first quarter on the bench before leaving the arena after the team was made aware of the test. He was wearing a mask and was seated next to assistant coach Sam Cassell and center Joel Embiid. What's next: The Sixers will remain in New York overnight to begin contact tracing. Their next scheduled game is Saturday at home against the Nuggets. In related news: An ambitious part of the NBA's contact tracing program, which requires players and many team staffers to wear sensor devices during all team-organized activities outside of games, went live yesterday. Source: @EvanFourmizz (Twitter)     6. 📸 Photos 'round the world Photo: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images KAPALUA, Hawaii — Harris English and Justin Thomas (-8) sit atop the leaderboard after Round 1 of the Sentry Tournament of Champions. Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images AUCKLAND, New Zealand — The Auckland Blues practice tackling and running through mud at low tide in Ngataringa Bay. Photo: Martin Schutt/Picture Alliance via Getty Images OBERHOF, Germany — Biathletes train on the track next to a promotional mascot ahead of this weekend's Biathlon World Cup. Reminder: Biathlon combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting.     7. ⚡️ Lightning round Francisco Lindor. Source: Giphy ⚾️ Mets get Lindor: The Mets have acquired SS Francisco Lindor and SP Carlos Carrasco from the Indians in the first blockbuster trade of the Steve Cohen era. As for Cleveland, the systematic dismantling of its roster continues. 🏀 NBA in Seattle: Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan has spoken with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and is "pretty optimistic" the city will land an expansion franchise to replace the SuperSonics. 🏈 Harbaugh's new deal: Michigan is nearing an agreement with Jim Harbaugh on a five-year contract with a base salary of $4 million, per The Athletic. 🏆 Roll Tide: Alabama dominated the College Football Awards, winning for best QB, best RB, best WR, best center and best lineman. See all winners. 🎉 Congrats, R.J.: Axios Sports reader R.J. Young has been hired as a full-time college football analyst by Fox Sports. Wanted to give him a shoutout and share some positive news at the end of an otherwise gloomy week. Best of luck, man!     8. Jan. 8, 2011: 🏈 The "Beast Quake" Photo: Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images   10 years ago today, Marshawn Lynch ran for his iconic, 67-yard TD to clinch Seattle's 41-36 Wild Card win over the favored Saints. Seattle's raucous fans got so out-of-control excited by Lynch's run they literally created a seismic event. 🎥 Watch the run so you don't get fined.     Bonus: ✍️ Shula's wins Don Shula. Photo: Rhona Wise/AFP via Getty Images   In yesterday's newsletter, we covered the NFL Playoff Bowl, a third-place game played from 1960 to 1969. A few hours later, I got this email: Hey Kendall, this is Harvey Greene, the former long-time PR director (1989–2013) of the Miami Dolphins. I enjoyed reading your article about the Playoff Bowl (also colloquially called the Runner-Up Bowl) and have a story to add to it. As you know, Don Shula's 347 victories as an NFL head coach is the most by any coach in league history. But he always thought his real total should have been 349 wins. He won two Playoff Bowls when he was head coach of the Colts, and asked me a few times why those wins didn't count in his overall win total. He said he prepared the team to win those games just as he would for any regular season or playoff game — full practices, meetings, film study, everything. He thought the game should have counted in the official statistics, just as the NCAA men's basketball tournament's third-place game (which was played in those days) counted in those team's official records. So I called the NFL to ask why those two wins didn't count in his total, and was told that the league considered those games as exhibitions, similar to the Pro Bowl. When I told that to Shula, as you can guess he was none too thrilled with the answer, and bellowed to me, "Then why the heck did they keep score for them?" He always thought that those two wins should have counted.     9. 🏀 NBA trivia Photo: Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images   Markelle Fultz (torn ACL), has played 113 games in his four NBA seasons, the second-fewest for a No. 1 pick in the modern draft era (1966–present). Question: Who is the only former No. 1 pick with fewer games played in his first four seasons? Hint: Big man. Answer at the bottom.     10. 🇯🇵 Chart du jour: Tokyo 2021 in danger Data: The Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins; Chart: Axios Visuals Coronavirus cases are surging in Japan, leading to uncertainty about whether the 2021 Tokyo Olympics will be held, AP reports. Driving the news: Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga ordered a state of emergency until February after 2,447 new cases were reported on Thursday. A public display of the Olympic and Paralympic torches has been put on hold as the country navigates new virus protocols. A poll last month by Japanese broadcaster NHK showed 63% of 1,200 Japanese surveyed think the Games should be postponed again — or canceled. What they're saying: Dick Pound, the International Olympic Committee's longest serving member, says he "can't be certain" the Olympics will go ahead. The state of play: The Tokyo Games were officially postponed on March 24 (291 days ago) and are slated to begin on July 23 (195 days from now).   Enjoy the weekend, Kendall "349 in my book" Baker Trivia answer: Greg Oden Invite friends to follow Axios Sports Use your personal link to track how many readers you bring into the community You currently have 00 referrals. Share with a friend or use your personal referral link https://www.axios.com/referral/sports?code=BbTjEdwGLRoN For questions email referralsupport@axios.com. Participation in the Axios Sports Referral Program constitutes your acceptance of the Axios Terms and Conditions of Use, which can be viewed here.   Axios thanks our partners for supporting our newsletters. Sponsorship has no influence on editorial content. 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