We may never know what truly happened to Paul Pierce when he came crumbling down in Game 1 of the 2008 NBA Finals but we can speculate. Here to discuss Paul's exit in a wheelchair, his return 10 minutes later, and the mystery of whether he actually pooped his pants is producer, writer, and director Osman Noor and multiple time guest and co-host Michael Torpey. ...
Hall of Fame Podcast
First Ballot is a weekly podcast that celebrates the moments in sports that really matter, and decides whether to induct them into the First Ballot Hall of Fame.
The most anticipated NBA prospect since Lebron James, Victor Wembanyama was drafted to the San Antonio Spurs. And against the KD led Phoenix Suns just 5 games into his young career, the french phenom lived up to the hype. To discuss Wemby's 38-point breakout game is writer, producer, and Twitter Legend Robert McRae. Rob also breaks down his NBA finals predictions, working on Desus & Mero, and ...
In 2017, NC State stole away their first win on Duke’s home court in 22 years when Dennis Smith Jr. stole the final possession, dribbled down the court, and dunked it… after the buzzer went off. Here to talk about the dunk is Senior Visual Designer at Google and two time First Ballot Executive Producer Matthew Hollister and First Ballot's first guest co-host Michael Torpey. Plus, incredible br...
The First Ballot Hall of Fame Podcast has a lot to be thankful for this year, and today we're incredibly thankful for Andrew Bernstein's return to the pod. The NBA's First Official photographer, LA Lakers photographer, and Legends of Sport podcast host, re-joins the pod to discuss the answers to Neil's burning questions, working with Kobe Bryant, and getting laid out by Shaq. ...
Precision beats power, and timing beats speed. In 2015 at UFC 194, Conor McGregor took on José Aldo and executed the fastest finish in UFC title fight history. CBS Sports Writer, Showtime Sports Analyst, and host of the Morning Combat Podcast, Brian Campbell joins the pod to determine if McGregor's 13 Second Knock Out is worthy of the First Ballot Hall of Fame. Along with breaking down the moment...
The Fab Five is arguably one of the greatest and most influential recruiting classes in college basketball history. Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King, and Ray Johnson led Michigan to consecutive NCAA Championship games in 1992 and 1993, with the 1993 title game against UNC being most remembered for Webber's infamous "timeout". Esteemed actor, comedian, and co-head writer of Saturd...
In 1993, Yankees' pitcher Jim Abbott became a baseball legend throwing a no-hitter with ONE HAND. Legendary comedy writer Alison Agosti re-joins the pod to talk about Abott's one-handed no-hitter, what she would do if she was rich, and her favorite item at Trader Joe's....
In the 1999 NBA Playoffs, Larry Johnson became a Knicks legend after completing a skillful 4-pt play against the Pacers. Here to discuss the moment is actor, writer, producer, and comedian Adam Pally, who talks about the vulnerability of trash talking, being a Knicks fan, and an underrated pizza combo....
Many people might not remember Rolando Blackman hitting the game winner for the Knicks but Drew Dixon does. The writer, producer, and activist joins the pod to discuss this nostalgic moment, working on some of the greatest musical hits, and the importance of fighting for survivors. ...
"I just saved my right hand for the Lakers." In 1986, bored of dominating opponents with his right hand, Larry Bird decided to shoot with his off-hand against the Portland Trailblazers. Legendary comedian and former host of Sportscenter, The Daily Show, and The Late Late Show, Craig Kilborn, joins the pod to discuss his basketball and comedy careers, balancing life between Minnesota and LA, and if...
Inside the NBA isn't just a show, it's an institution. In an extra special episode, long-time Inside the NBA producer Tim Kiely joins the pod to talk about his career, working with Shaq and Charles Barkley, and if any iconic Inside the NBA moments are First Ballot Hall of Fame worthy. ...
Normally retirements are celebrated with lots of fanfare, jerseys hanging in rafters, gold statues, and maybe even cake. But in August of 2023, NBA referee, Eric Lewis announced his abrupt retirement after NBA Twitter sleuths discovered the ref's burner account. @Mikeyy_Wyllin, NBA Twitter Detective and newly appointed second-best Laker fan, joins the pod to discuss how his investigation caused an...
On July 23rd, 2023 Shohei dominated in a double-header against the Detroit Tigers, throwing a one-hitter in the first game and hitting two home runs in the second. Hannah Keyser, National Baseball writer at Yahoo Sports and creator of the Bandwagon podcast, joins the pod to discuss if Shohei's double-header is worthy of the First Ballot Hall of Fame, her favorite tri-colored pasta, and her Basebal...
“I’m sorry son, but you must have me confused with someone else,” is a famous line from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s 1980 appearance in the movie Airplane! Deciding whether Abdul-Jabbar’s piloting of the skies is First Ballot worthy is none other than First Ballot MVP and SVP of Late Night West Coast at ViacomCBS, Nick Bernstein. Nick and Neil talk the strike, Nick's movie basketball player dre...
In 1967, some of the greatest athletes of all-time from Jim Brown to Bill Russell joined in solidarity to support Muhammad Ali's refusal to fight in the Vietnam War. Michael Harriot, writer and podcaster, joins the pod to discuss this historic sports moment, why Bill Russell is the GOAT, and how Twitter is the perfect place for an argument. ...
“Kobe, tell me how my ass taste" should have been the headline when TMZ broke Shaq's freestyle diss to his former teammate. Joining the pod, the legendary musical storytellers and hosts of of The Blog Era, Jeff and Eric Rosenthal from ItsTheReal break down the moment, talk about what makes a good roast, and if this was really a freestyle. ...
After bumping into Kevin Durant's chest, Carmelo Anthony completely crumbled. His bizarre decision to continue laying down splayed on the court as the game continued became a hilarious moment in the NBA. Writer for The Athletic, Zach Harper joins the pod to discuss if the collapse is First Ballot worthy and the one player that extraterrestrials should see play. Also, two new game segments!...
After bumping into Kevin Durant's chest, Carmelo Anthony completely crumbled. His bizarre decision to continue laying down splayed on the court as the game continued became a hilarious moment in the NBA. Writer for The Athletic, Zach Harper joins the pod to discuss if the collapse is First Ballot worthy and the one player that extraterrestrials should see play. Also, two new game segments!...
Kobe Bryant's 60-point farewell was one of the greatest salutes to a career. Here to discuss Kobe's finale and whether it's First Ballot worthy is none other than the incredible co-host of the Higher Learning podcast, Oscar-winner, Van Lathan Jr., who discusses Kobe's legacy, great sports nicknames, and the moment that changed everything in his career....
In June of 1998, Sammy Sosa hit 20 home runs, setting the record for the most home runs in a month. Emmy award winning director Oz Rodriguez joins the pod to talk about Sammy Sosa's historic month, the most intimidating actors to work with, and working on SNL....