Samer Kalaf

2 weeks ago | defector.com | Samer Kalaf

When we previously checked in with Liora Rez, who runs the nuisance group StopAntisemitism, she was trying to get some flight attendants fired over a Palestinian flag pin. Between then and now, she has doubtless complained about many inanimate objects associated with Palestine, but this week she is pleading with the government to take down what she sees as a clear and present threat to national security: Ms. Rachel, the lady who sings songs for children on YouTube.

1 month ago | defector.com | Samer Kalaf

The sports media industry is an aviary filled with odd birds, especially when it comes to food. Al Michaels claims he's never had a vegetable in his life. Mel Kiper supposedly eats a slice of pumpkin pie each morning, and prefers pizza with mashed potatoes in lieu of cheese. At this point, Skip Bayless is more chicken and broccoli than man.

1 month ago | defector.com | Samer Kalaf

Campus safety is a priority for a lot of people who haven't actually stepped foot on a campus in decades, or possibly ever. Is a campus actually safer after police are permitted to toss around protestors and arrest students? Of course not. But by finding the right face and name to agitate enough racists, it can be presented as a severe issue. Any breach of rights can be justified in service of that goal. In that way, what has happened to Mahmoud Khalil is an expansion of a long-existing logic.

1 month ago | defector.com | Samer Kalaf

After spending the week before the Super Bowl issuing a trade request and saying that he was more interested in contending than money, defensive end Myles Garrett has agreed to stay with the Cleveland Browns for more money. That's great for him, but no fun for the rest of us. The Browns and Garrett agreed to a four-year extension that runs through the 2030 season, paying the All-Pro pass rusher $123 million in guaranteed money and giving him a no-trade clause.

1 month ago | defector.com | Samer Kalaf

Expectations this season for the Los Angeles Lakers have skyrocketed, which tends to happen after acquiring a franchise player from a team that appears to be practicing self-sabotage. Since the trade for Luka Doncic, the Lakers have looked more formidable than they have since their conference finals run in 2023, compiling an eight-game win streak that included a convincing 23-point victory over the Denver Nuggets, who swept them out of those conference finals.