381. The Passing of Grant Wahl & The Release of Britney Griner

Two major off-the-field sports stories broke, and this episode focuses on both. In Qatar, noted US Soccer Journalist Grant Wahl died in the press box of a World Cup Quarterfinal match. Days prior, 2-time US Gold Medalist and WNBA Superstar Britney Griner was released into US Custody by Russian authorities in a prisoner swap between the US and Russia.

This episode is divided into two halves. First, Sports Media reporter Richard Deitsch from the Athletic joins the show to discuss the passing of Wahl. Deitsch and Wahl were colleagues at Sports Illustrated for years. Deitsch addresses questions surrounding Wahl’s shocking death and eloquently discusses Wahl’s incredible journalism career.

Then, T.J. Quinn, an investigative reporter for ESPN, joins the show for his fourth appearance. Quinn has been at the forefront of the coverage of Griner in Russia from her arrest to her recent release. Quinn talked extensively about Griner’s case in Episode 359 of the podcast. He discussed his career in Episode 244 and his bout with Long Covid in Episode 319.

In this episode, Quinn details the terms of the swap of Griner for a Russian arms dealer. He also talks extensively about US Marine Paul Whelan, who is still in a Russian prison. T.J. addresses many controversies that have surrounded the political ramifications of her release.