Bieber Balls Out, a Taylor Touchdown Celly, and College Football’s Firing Boom

It was a big week in basketball news. Justin Bieber played in a rec league designed for “CEOs, VIPs, and people from all walks of life” (you may raise your eyebrows) while the NBA faces two scandals of its own. One deals with illegal sports betting and rigged poker games. The other? Jaylen Brown’s hairline. Also: Blake and Caroline surprise each other with sporty Halloween costumes for the pod, so watching on YouTube or Spotify is a must this week. In this week’s episode, we also discuss:  The moment we became Justin Fields stans A World Series game so crazy, Blake and Caroline are even intrigued  U.S. Soccer’s work to support pregnant and post-partum players on the USWNT  Why getting fired as a college football coach is almost as lucrative as being an active one  How to watch the NWSL Decision Day games this coming Sunday Send Its:  The Lions fan who welcomed a new member into the fandom: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQPezPlgcIC/?img_index=2&igsh=NHU0NWI4ajRuYW14 Panthers players got us feeling old: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQKT1fSkRJC/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link  The A’ja Wilson effect on Bam Adebayo’s game: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQO_avMga6L/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==  Travis Kelce hits the “The Fate of Ophelia” touchdown celly: https://www.tiktok.com/@courtneymarycrain/video/7566093931478273335  Blake’s IG: @blaaakkkke Caroline’s IG: @cghendy theSkimm’s IG: @theskimm Want more sports? Sign up for theSkimm’s sports newsletter at theskimm.com/sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shohei Ohtani showed us why he’s Him while the uncs of the NFL faced off in Thursday Night Football. Vintage Joe Flacco and Aaron Rodgers game to play, which left fans with a 2010s sense of whimsy. Simpler times. Meanwhile, Simone Biles flipped for the first time since getting her new cherries (IYKYK) and NFL WAGs Kylie Kelce and Olivia Culpo got clear on two things: 1) men need to stop saying “we’re pregnant” when expecting a baby and 2) that becoming a mom will probably give you an identity crisis – and that’s OK.  In this episode of Well Played, we also cover:  Drake Maye putting up Tom Brady-esque numbers Which WNBA star is Dallas Cowboys’ CeeDee Lamb’s good luck charm Why Mike Vrabel always addresses women first in press conferences  Whether Joe Burrow is emo or dressing up as Conrad Fischer from “The Summer I Turned Pretty” for Halloween Thanks to our presenting sponsor, Beats! Visit beatsbydre.com to learn more. Send Its:  Bridget Condon of NFL Network shows us moms really can do it all: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPym4v0jlJj/?igsh=YmdkNzFkaW9yNjM4 Simone Biles debuts her first flip in a year: https://people.com/simone-biles-alludes-to-new-boob-job-11830995 80-year-old Natalie Grabow makes us feel like we can do anything: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/J-S3Hd9frrw  Maya Rudolph shares hot take on athletes on SNL: https://www.tiktok.com/@nglwithkylie/video/7561980555223436575  Blake’s IG: @blaaakkkke Caroline’s IG: @cghendy theSkimm’s IG: @theskimm Want more sports? Sign up for theSkimm’s sports newsletter at theskimm.com/sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thursday night was tough for the city of Brotherly love. The Eagles, Phillies, and Flyers fell to their foes. Giants rookies Cam Skattebo and Jaxson Dart – aka the frat bros running the Giants – showed Jalen Hurts and friends who’s boss. Meanwhile, we learned the solution to the so-called male loneliness epidemic: gather hundreds of male sports fans, let them take their shirts off, and swing in unison. Turns out camaraderie might just be the secret sauce. In this episode of Well Played, we also cover:  Which Olympian recognized us at ATHLOS, the women’s only track-and-field invitational (yes, this is a brag) Whether Baker Mayfield is Him, aka: MVP Why Phoenix Mercury fans actually stayed after the WNBA Finals (hint: it has nothing to do with good sportsmanship Our favorite Send Its of the week, including the Colts cheerleaders winning our hearts, the Parent Trap nostalgia on DWTS, and the star-studded Lakers pre-season hype video Send Its:  Lakers pre-season hype video: ⁠https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/46533657/los-angeles-lakers-natalia-bryant-preseason-hype-video⁠ Colts cheerleaders win us over: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/p/DPuHdh4ARBU/⁠ / ⁠https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPlw-b8jZje/⁠  Timmy takes Kylie to the ball game: ⁠https://people.com/timothee-chalamet-kylie-jenner-step-out-at-yankees-game-day-after-revealed-new-shaved-head-11827077⁠ Elaine Hendrix and Lisa Ann Walter reenact our favorite Parent Trap scene: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/p/DPrNR41ke8Q/⁠  Caroline’s IG: ⁠@cghendy⁠ Blake’s IG: ⁠@blaaakkkke⁠ theSkimm’s IG: ⁠@theskimm⁠ Want more sports? Sign up for theSkimm’s sports newsletter at ⁠theskimm.com/sports⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heads up — this episode may contain references to Taylor Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl.” Actually – it definitely will. You’re welcome, Swifties (Caroline). Sorry skeptics (Blake). The NFL’s week 5 delivered on upsets, which has some analysts saying that Drake Maye has arrived, Trevor Lawrence can’t fumble, and Jalen Hurts’ offense needs help. It’s us. We’re analysts.  In this episode of Well Played, we also cover:  A Caroline-approved haiku about week 5, written by Blake  AJ Brown not beating the wide-receiver diva allegations How Cathy Engelbert responded to Napheesa Collier’s scorched-Earth presser  Dissecting the hate Ayesha Curry received for her Call Her Daddy interview How Gisele Thompson really feels about playing without her sister + former teammate, Alyssa Thompson Send Its:  Reese Witherspoon gives advice to highdiver Molly Carlson: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPUGhmvDdKW/  CeeDee Lamb is…daddy?: https://www.tiktok.com/@flockcarter/video/7557773703849823518  Jerry Jones apparently flips the bird at Jets fans: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPcthGgjP_3/?img_index=1&igsh=d3N0amcyMTdnOGQ  Isaac Rochelle references (almost) every track from “The Life of a Show Girl”: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPckmk8kQL5/?igsh=Y3Zveng1d2ZpcDRo  Gisele’s IG: @giselethomp  Caroline’s IG: @cghendy Blake’s IG: @blaaakkkke theSkimm’s IG: @theskimm Want more sports? Sign up for theSkimm’s sports newsletter at theskimm.com/sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Napheesa Collier went scorched earth. In her season exit interview, she publicly called out Cathy Engelbert and WNBA leadership for their lack of accountability around some of the most pressing issues facing players. Blake and Caroline break down the WNBA drama from last week, starting with Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve’s $15,000 fine and suspension to Collier’s mic-drop moment. With the CBA deadline coming up at the end of the month, time will tell how her statement will affect negotiations – and the future of the league.  In this episode of Well Played, we also cover:  Why Odell Beckham Jr. called MetLife “DeathLife” after Malik Nabers’ ACL tear A passionate monologue from Caroline on why ties need to be banned in pro-sports Micah Parson’s feelings about his non-refundable field-level suite at Cowboys stadium Team Europe’s reaction to the harassment Rory McIlroy’s wife faced at the Ryder Cup Smelling salts: Y/N (Aaron Rodgers says yes) Send Its:  SMU volleyballer Natalia Newsome’s 40-inch vertical: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPEcz5DjTDz/?img_index=1&igsh=MTNlNTEzZHp2cXp3Ng== Detroit Lions endzone celly: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPJuV-WEU9G/  Angel City FC’s Claire Emslie proving women can do anything: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPJuV-WEU9G/?hl=en RIP to a real one, Roscoe Hamilton: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPMB7EUDGID/?hl=en  Caroline’s IG: @cghendy Blake’s IG: @blaaakkkke theSkimm’s IG: @theskimm Want more sports? Sign up for theSkimm’s sports newsletter at theskimm.com/sports.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anna Hall. Simone Biles. Olivia Culpo. The WAGs are defrosting – and we didn’t know how badly we needed it. Simone served sideline looks with her custom Jonathan Owens gear while Olivia got real on her post-baby bod. In other barely sports news, the cast of Bring It On brought it back with a reunion that might have you feeling old. Don’t worry, us too. In this episode of Well Played, we also cover: How much you’d have to pay to run like Harry Styles A’ja Wilson’s reaction to Bam Adebayo giving her the MVP trophy How UCF trolled UNC à la Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson Why Serena Williams, Chloe Kim, and Nelly Korda are influencing our next athleisure purchase Send Its:  Skims x Nike ad featuring our fave women athletes: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DO58Q6hDiW7/ Josh Hart’s unintentional NYFW walk: https://people.com/knicks-star-josh-hart-on-runway-help-2-year-old-twins-model-11813710  Devonta Smith is MVP in this Eagles’ fans life: https://6abc.com/post/eagles-wr-devonta-smith-fianc-surprise-fan-battling-cancer-autographed-jersey/17836647/ Bring It On reunion: https://www.instagram.com/p/DO6rbelEiLK/?img_index=1  Amanda’s IG: @balionis Caroline’s IG: @cghendy Blake’s IG: @blaaakkkke theSkimm’s IG: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re pouring one out for the Bengals’ Joey B, who’s out for the next three months recovering from turf toe. Blake begs the question: why couldn’t it be a sexier injury? Elsewhere in the midwest, the Colts are killing it for the first time in *checks watch* a long time. Some say it’s thanks to the new QB on the block, Daniel “Indiana” Jones. Our verdict? It’s thanks to Carlie Irsay-Gordon, who’s been prepping her whole life for this. Plus, we catch up with former USWNT member, Ali Krieger, about life post-retirement and what cross-sport solidarity means for the future of women’s sports. In this episode of Well Played, we also cover: One detail Travis shared about his proposal to Taylor Why fans think Shaun White and Nina Dobrev ended their engagement Where Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper watched the Eagles game this week  How Jennifer Hudson played a role in Paige Bueckers learning about her ROTY status  Send Its:  Josh Allen’s biggest fan only knows three words Naomi Osaka gathers Dawn Staley, Sue Bird, Juju Watkins and more for a TikTok Dan Campbell gifts game ball to former Lions owner for her 100th birthday Paige Bueckers learns she’s rookie of the year Ali Krieger’s IG: @alikrieger Caroline’s IG: @cghendy Blake’s IG: @blaaakkkke theSkimm’s IG: @theskimm PS: Did you know theSkimm has a sports newsletter? Sign up at theskimm.com/sports.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NFL Week 1 served up more drama than we could chew. Josh Allen & co. pulled off a comeback for the ages (yes, we know it’s only Week 1). Swifties mobilized to defend Taylor’s fiancé after a slap on the field. And a bright green dildo made its NFL debut – cue Caroline’s public apology for potentially playing a part. Plus, Golden State Valkyries star Kate Martin joins us to talk about making franchise history and reacting to Caitlin Clark’s season-ending injury. In this episode of Well Played, we also cover: A wild fun fact about winners of the US Open, Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz The iconic title given to Ben Shelton at Trinity Rodman’s recent match How Chelsea FC Women is destigmatizing playing while on their periods  The woman reminding us to stop stealing sports memorabilia from children Send Its:  Josh Allen’s collaboration with Oishei Hospital Chelsea FC Women’s period-stained shorts  Ben Shelton’s just a +1  The woman who stole from a kid at the Phillies game Thanks to our presenting sponsor Yes Way Rose! Visit yeswayrose.com to learn more.  Caroline’s IG: @cghendy Blake’s IG: @blaaakkkke theSkimm’s IG: @theskimm PS: Did you know theSkimm has a sports newsletter? Sign up at theskimm.com/sports.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you miss us? Cause we missed you. We’re inching closer to the end of Honey Deuce season, AKA: the end of the US Open. Coming out of the weekend, convos surrounding Naomi Osaka’s return to dominance flooded our feeds. Her talents brought her this far, but we’re convinced Billie Jean Bling and Althea Glitterson – her sparkly Labubu sidekicks – will bring her to the end. Plus, a recap on the first weekend in college football and a look ahead at week 1 of the NFL season. In this episode of Well Played, we also cover: How many Honey Deuces Blake spilled at the US Open Serena Williams' reaction to her sister's new doubles partner Who clipped another Dallas athlete’s wings How Chapel Bill dropped the ball during his UNC debut  Why some people are calling Caitlin Clark’s Nike logo “Temu Chanel”  Send Its:  Baby Stella at the US Open  Micah Parsons facetimes a fan The hairy and heavy-breathing ESPN analyst  Caitlin Clark’s logo design Caroline’s IG: @cghendy Blake’s IG: @blaaakkkke theSkimm’s IG: @theskimm PS: Did you know theSkimm has a sports newsletter? Sign up at theskimm.com/sports.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a love story, baby she said yes. Blake and Caroline hop on an emergency pod recording to chat about the engagement news and what it means for Travis’ 13th season in the NFL. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices