Doubletruck Stories: Recent Episodes
ESPN, Doubletruck
A showcase for the best of ESPN's features and investigations, now in audio form. Mike Philbrick interviews writers about their craft and how their stories are told.
In 2007, NBA ref Tim Donaghy pleaded guilty to betting on games he officiated. But it was never proved that he fixed them -- until now. Our two-year investigation reveals how he did it, whom he did it with and the millions that flowed from the conspiracy. By Scott Eden
How could someone born without arms or legs, who's never held a football, teach high school players how to throw, tackle or block? Rob Mendez is doing it as head coach of a California JV team. By Wayne Drehs
A can't-miss first-round pick with a million-dollar signing bonus until the yips derailed his major league dreams more than a decade ago, Luke Hagerty is proving it's never too late to make it big. By Jeff Passan
Boban Marjanovic is 7-foot-3 and -- no joke! -- the most efficient scorer in NBA history. He's also a career backup. Does that bother him? Less than you'd think. By Devin Gordon
In the wild, secretive world of Super Bowl ticket sales, brokers often sell tickets to fans before they actually acquire them. But if the market overheats, fans can get burned. By Tisha Thompson
Some sons bond with their dads over football games. Tom Junod bonded with him over betting them. By Tom Junod
The Bears head coach wouldn't be where he is today without the support of his old boss from his real estate days. By Wayne Drehs.
Supercross star Ken Roczen thought he might never race again after horrific back-to-back crashes. As he makes an improbable return, one question lingers: Does he have the speed to win? By Alyssa Roenigk
LeBron James, deep 3-point sniper? It's not the first image that comes to mind when thinking about The King. By Dave McMenamin
For two stormy decades, New York's most famous sports enigma has lorded over the Knicks, the Rangers and Madison Square Garden without apology. By Ian O'Connor.
An Outside the Lines analysis of 16,000 routine food-safety inspection reports covering 111 pro sports venues found that, at about 28 percent of the venues, half or more of their food service outlets incurred one or more high-level food-safety violations. By Paula Lavigne and Sandra Fish
To run the 135-mile Badwater Ultramarathon is to know the limits of endurance-and the triumph of failure. By Kelaine Conochan
Dallas Cowboys pass-rusher Randy Gregory bottomed out a year ago and sought help for depression, drugs and more. Today, he is playing football again, fighting to stay clean and help his team to the playoffs. It's December, and there's hope. By Elizabeth Merrill
The oral history of how Garry Shandling's hush-hush Sunday hoops game shaped a generation of comedy. By Anna Peele
He is the rarest of quarterbacks, capable of making the impossible look routine. So where did his gifts come from-and where do they lead from here? By Seth Wickersham.
In the midst of a wild three-year career arc that has taken him from rookie bust to MVP candidate, the Rams quarterback has learned to enjoy the ride. How far can his surge lift LA? By Tim Keown
The potent homemade whiskey is a hand-me-down through generations and a favorite of visiting fans. It's also illegal -- not that anyone cares. By Jake Trotter.
Why Florida voters could deal a fatal blow to greyhound racing this Election Day, by John Barr and Tonya Malinowski.
A man who once stared down Afghan warlords is now transforming NFL stars. This is the inside story of Tareq Azim, pro football's most revolutionary trainer by Paul Kix
Gordon Hayward talks about how his return has been slower and more challenging than expected. By Zach Lowe.
Jackie MacMullan talks to Basketball: A Love Story's creator Dan Klores about the making of the film, his love for the game of basketball, some of their favorite stories from the project and much more.
How did Ninja become gaming's first crossover star? The "Fortnite" legend is relentless about one thing: He's always on. By Elaine Teng.
In this exclusive excerpt from "Basketball: A Love Story," the icons who changed the game share the first moment the game changed them. By: Jackie MacMullan, Rafe Bartholomew and Dan Klores.
On Aug. 26, David Katz competed in a Madden tournament in the game room of a Florida pizza parlor. After he lost, he left the grounds, only to return armed with two guns. This is the story of what happened next. By David Fleming, with special reporting by Jacob Wolf.
Off the court, Naomi Osaka shies away from attention. On it, she thrives off a rowdy crowd. It's just one of the paradoxes that has so far worked for the US Open champ, and what will propel her to become one of tennis' biggest stars by Aishwarya Kumar.
Kansas City Chiefs running backs coach Deland McCullough went searching for his biological parents. He found them where he never would have expected. By Sarah Spain
Go inside Odell Beckham Jr.'s quest to recapture the magic that made him the NFL's most eye-catching talent. Written by Seth Wickersham.
We canvassed every level of football to find the 14 Nick Saban stories that reveal the legendary coach's humor, grace and obsessive devotion to domination. By Kevin Van Valkenberg.
The optics of inter-gender wrestling can be shocking. But those who participate say pitting women against men in the ring is a step toward equality. By Hallie Grossman
The incredible story of a high school star's recovery from a terrifying brain injury, and how it changed the way he and his family, friends and coaches see the sport. By Tim Keown.
Kirk Cousins faces Super Bowl expectations, but in Holland, Michigan, family and friends keep him grounded -- and rib him for writing book reports, by Courtney Cronin.
Boxing trainer Ramon Sosa was marked for death by his wife. This is the story of how he survived thanks to a surprising savior. By Tisha Thompson and Kevin Shaw.
After the deaths of 17 of their own, the friends and teachers of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School attempt to honor the lives of those lost, By Liz Merrill and Steve Wulf
Inside the King's decision and how it instantly changed the Lakers, the Cavaliers and the entire NBA, by Ramona Shelburne.
The first question Czech tennis ace Petra Kvitova asked after he hand was slashed in a violent attack was: Will I play at Wimbledon again? Now, 18 months later, she's aiming for her third Grand Slam title, by Bonnie Ford.
In honor of the tenth anniversary of ESPN The Magazine's Body issue, we brought together a panel of editors to discuss the legacy of this project.
Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Disney's "Mulan" we are highlighting a piece that celebrates the power of Asian women athletes. An exploration of the competitive alter-ego of Olympic taekwondo medalist Paige McPherson. By Cynthia Oka.
Lionel Messi only seems like the least interesting man in the world. Listen closely and his silence speaks louder than most athletes' shouts. By Sam Borden
A look back at 13 amazing tales -- some you might not know and some you might've forgotten -- as LeBron James plays on during his 13th postseason. By Dave McMenamin and Brian Windhorst.
By the time opponents know what's hit them, it's already too late. This is how the Warriors crush -- and how the NBA fails to fight back. By Baxter Holmes.
For Chicago White Sox grounds crew member Nevest Coleman, the journey from prison to exoneration is a story of time lost, new beginnings and a murder that remains a mystery. By Wayne Drehs.
In search of the real Mike Tomlin, a coach who's been celebrated and derided - but rarely understood. By Tom Junod.
Boston's second-year swingman was once so broken up about basketball that he became physically ill. Now he's breaking out on the NBA's biggest stage. By Jackie MacMullan.
The NFL draft's top RB was a superstar long before Penn State in a tiny town still big enough to turn out a crowd almost double its size to honor him. By Ian O'Connor
"Wonder Boy" is heading to the NBA, and he's out to change how we think about European imports. By Mina Kimes.
So far, two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani is living up to Ruthian expectations. But how will he possibly keep this up? We trace his journey back to Japan in search of the surprising answer.
In an exclusive interview, the would-be franchise QB goes deep on the NCAA, contemplates the fate of the planet and answers the critics who think he's radioactive. By Sam Alipour
The death of his father set a battle raging inside the world's greatest golfer. How he waged that war -- through an obsession with the Navy SEALs -- is the tale of how Tiger lost his way. By Wright Thompson.
In 2010, the manager was a failed experiment. Now he's a World Series winner. What changed? Only the entire philosophy of MLB. By Tim Keown
The movement started by Colin Kaepernick endures, but its supporters are more fragmented than ever. This is the inside story of how infighting splintered a group of players once unified in its pursuit of a cause bigger than themselves. By Howard Bryant
From her humble beginnings playing streetball in Philadelphia playgrounds with make-shift hoops to winning an NCAA title Dawn Staley's story is a testament to hard work and dedication. By Allison Glock.
Greg Oden calls himself the biggest bust in NBA history, cursed by the body that once was his blessing. For his second act, he's seeing how far his mind can take him. By Seth Wickersham.
In 2016, a chosen few brought Muhammad Ali home for the last time. This is the story of how they carried out their sacred calling. By Tom Junod.
Mirai Nagasu was national champion at 14 and rejected the sport at 20. Now 24, can the figure skater transcend her past to claim a medal? By Bonnie Ford.
It's a combination of all that winning, Oakland's place in the black power movement and these unusual times. By Lonnae O'Neal and Marc J. Spears.
North and South Korea have agreed to march under a unified flag and combine their women's hockey teams at the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. But political divisions and fears still govern the region. By Sam Borden.
A confident Lindsey Vonn enters the Pyeongchang Olympics as the most decorated woman skier in history. Still, there's something more at play for her, and it definitely won't come easy. By Wayne Drehs.
For snowboard star Chloe Kim, dropping into the halfpipe is far less daunting than grasping how to be American and Korean in Pyeongchang. By Alyssa Roenigk.
Minnesota will have its own signature dishes for sale if you happen to have tickets to the Super Bowl, but if you aren't going we have the go-to stay at home foods and how you should behave when you're sitting couch-side. With Dave Wilson.
In excerpts from three stories, we chronicle the rise and demise of Carson Wentz, how the Philly faithful handles bad news and the all-in attitude of the Eagles defense as they head to the Super Bowl. By Hallie Grossman.
Three high schools, one year at Duke and the unconditional love of his family have freshman sensation Marvin Bagley III prepared for anything the world throws at him. By Liz Merrill.
The inside story of Irving's last year in Cleveland, from his relationship with LeBron James to his demand to leave to what he is hoping to find as a member of the Boston Celtics. By Jackie MacMullan.
Georgetown's favorite son now leads the program he put on the map, bringing a wealth of experience -- though none of it as a head coach -- and high hopes of restoring the Hoyas to prominence. By Ian O'Connor.
ESPN writers Sarah Spain, Jason Reid and David Fleming sit down to discuss the biggest stories of 2017 and what they mean for the future of sports.
The Lakers drafted Lonzo Ball to be the star of their post-Kobe era. There's just one (possibly insurmountable) problem: Dude can't score. By Kevin Arnovitz.
Joel Embiid has turned the Sixers' famed process into performance art, and everyone is feeling merry and bright-for now. By Ramona Shelburne.
They offer players a putrid punch in the nose but likely little actual performance boost. So how exactly did smelling salts become an essential part of NFL game days? By David Fleming.
With an eye toward building world football's biggest brand, Paris Saint-Germain spent $613 million to sign Neymar. But has the oil-fueled deal also changed the sport forever? By Bruce Schoenfeld.
Think we've put this, ahem, behind us? Think again! On its fifth anniversary, we proudly present the definitive oral history of the NFL's most celebrated blooper. By Dave Fleming.
It's more than just another breakfast joint. For years, college football fans of all stripes all across the South have made pregame and post-game pilgrimages to celebrate and commiserate over eggs, hash browns and, yes, waffles. By Dave Wilson
The Patriots legend thinks he can play until he's 45 without sacrificing mind, body or integrity. But his future is not just in his hands. By Tom Junod and Seth Wickersham.
Ten years ago, North Carolina Tar Heels mascot Jason Ray entered our lives in an unexpected and tragic way. But his story -- and his decision to become an organ and tissue donor -- lives on. This is the legacy of Jason Ray. And why, to so many people, he'll never be forgotten. By Wayne Drehs.
As last season ended, Chris Paul and James Harden had the same revelation: They could not beat the Warriors alone. In this ESPN the Magazine cover story, we ask: Can they beat them together? By Jackie MacMullan
In the past three years, the Warriors have won two NBA titles with the most explosive offense in history. This is the inside tale of how it all began --- on a plate of appetizers. By Baxter Holmes.
In a fading town in rural Texas, one girl took the field in the struggle to keep a high school football tradition alive. by Elizabeth Merrill
Justin Ellis hosts a roundtable discussion with Tim Keown (Dodgers), Wright Thompson (Indians) and David Fleming (Astros), who each spent time covering various MLB teams this season.
How the NFL and its team owners, famous for ironclad control, grappled with losing it after an attack by President Trump and a rise of player protests during the national anthem. By Don Van Natta Jr and Seth Wickersham
The rise and fall of former heavyweight boxing champion Tommy Morrison, whose career was cut short by HIV. The fighter faced jail time, drug problems and more in his final years, all while denying he had the virus. By Liz Merrill
How a teenage gamer in the hottest new esport, Overwatch, became a reluctant icon for South Korea's feminist movement. By Mina Kimes.
Good thing college football's top quarterback performs best under pressure, because Sam Darnold has returned USC to L.A.'s most glaring spotlight. By Molly Knight.
Winning isn't everything. But after Super Bowl XLV, Green Bay's hero QB has been on a journey to find out what is. By Mina Kimes.
Two decades into his legendary career, Roger Federer is playing with a newfound freedom-and having way too much fun to quit now. By Kurt Streeter.
Long after he escaped Dublin, Conor McGregor still rebels against its psychic barriers. Small wonder he's crazy enough to box Floyd Mayweather. By Wright Thompson.
Rihanna on the beach. Drake in the club. Kendall Jenner on his arm. Formula One's most dominant racer is crushing life and making no apologies. By Wayne Drehs.
The world is quick to label Darko Milicic an epic NBA bust, but here are 10 reasons he is an utter success. By Sam Borden.
The untold story of how a single rickety hoop in rural Virginia produced two generations of NBA greats, including the future-shaping golden boy.
Talented, joyful and Dominican-proud, Manny Machado is the face of MLB's new identity. By Tim Keown.
On draft night, Breanna Stewart was the toast of the sports world. But in a league that struggles for relevance, will she ever reach those heights again? By Elizabeth Merrill.
No one can resist nature's call, but for athletes, knowing when to let it flow can be the difference between victory and defeat. By David Fleming.
Seven months ago, Brazilian underdogs Chapecoense boarded a plane to play in the game of their lives. Instead, their biggest moment turned into a tragedy no one can forget.
No, LaVar Ball will not stop talking. Not until it gets him and his family everything they want, starting with oldest son Lonzo in a Lakers uniform. By Ramona Shelburne.
Each episode of Doubletruck Stories brings you the best features, investigations and character portraits from ESPN, now in podcast form. Host Justin Ellis then sits down with writers to get a behind the scenes look at how the story came to life.