Sports Untold 166 Jeffrey Kessler

Sports Untold 166 Jeffrey Kessler

Paul and Olivia are joined on the 166th episode of the ‘Sports Untold’ podcast by Jeffrey Kessler, famed sports law attorney and current partner and Co-Executive Chairman of Winston Taylor. Jeffrey has had an incredible career in sports law, even arguing in front of the United States Supreme Court in NCAA v. Alston, in which he secured a victory on behalf of Division I athletes, striking down the NCAA’s restrictions on education-related compensation for college athletes. In this interview, Jeffrey shares how major events like the Civil Rights Movement inspired him to become a lawyer, and how he found himself in sports law.  Paul and Jeffrey discuss Marvin Miller’s impact on the rights of MLB players, how free agency came to be, and whether the pendulum has swung too far towards players' rights. The two also discussed pro drafts and the interesting legal history that explains why we still have them today.  Jeffrey is currently representing Brendan Sorsby, the former Texas Tech quarterback, in his lawsuit against the NCAA regarding a permanent ineligibility ruling and massive gambling violations. Listeners will get interesting and underreported insight into the issue that is currently unfolding in front of our eyes.  Olivia asks Jeffrey about his experience arguing in front of the United States Supreme Court, his thoughts on the possibility of a 2027 MLB season, and the 2021 MLB All-Star Game debacle.  This episode gives sports fans incredible insight into the legal processes behind their favorite leagues and interesting information about some of their favorite sports figures, including Michael Jordan.

Sports Untold 165 John Miller

Paul and Olivia are joined on the 165th episode of the ‘Sports Untold’ podcast by John Miller, author of “The Big Scrum: How Teddy Roosevelt Saved Football.” John is an academic, author, commentator, journalist, and pundit, who currently has a column in The Wall Street Journal. The two get into John’s book–covering the ways in which former President Teddy Roosevelt changed the sport of football, how he got to that point, and if Roosevelt has a shot at either the NFL or College Football Hall of Fame.  John has some interesting stories about other former presidents, Ford and Reagan, and their relationships to the sport we watch every Sunday.  As a University of Michigan graduate, John is also a wealth of information about the school’s former athletes–Paul and John discuss some of the U Mich greats, including Jalen Rose.

Sports Untold 164 Sean O'Donnell

Paul and Olivia are joined on the 164th edition of the 'Sports Untold' podcast by King County Superior Court Judge and current Washington Supreme Court Candidate, Sean O'Donnell. Sean was profiled in Doug Merlino's book 'The Hustle,' which details the ways in which crossing lines of class, race, and wealth affected the lives of the 10 boys on the basketball team. Sean shares with listeners the lessons he learned while being a part of this team. Paul and Sean also discuss the Green River murder case that Sean was involved in as a prosecutor. Sean gives incredible insight into the case, including details of the investigation. This is a great episode for anyone interested in Seattle Sports and King County politics as Sean explains to listeners (and voters) the role of state supreme courts.

Sports Untold 163 Dave Sims

Paul is joined on the 163rd episode of the ‘Sports Untold’ podcast, for the third time, by the legendary Dave Sims. Now the Yankees play-by-play broadcaster, Dave spent many years with Seattle’s broadcasting team calling some of the most infamous Mariners moments in recent history.   Dave shares some special moments from his time with the M’s–discussing Rizzs’ retirement and what it was like to work with Niehaus. He also tells listeners what it is like to be a voice of the people.  Olivia asks Dave about his scorekeeping must-haves and best techniques, and how playing the position of catcher has helped him in his broadcasting career.  The two discuss what it is like to cover Aaron Judge, recent Hall of Fame inductees, and big names in broadcasting.

Sports Untold 162 Aaron Levine

Paul is joined on the 162nd episode of the ‘Sports Untold’ podcast by the sports director of Fox 13 Seattle, Aaron Levine. Aaron is the principal host of Fox 13’s Seahawks coverage and has great insight into the success of Seattle’s teams this past year.   Aaron shares with the listeners how he got the sports media bug, as well as the many moments since then that have rewarded his initial interest. The two discuss many great names in the broadcasting world, including Rick Rizzs and his recently announced retirement.  Aaron analyzes the differences between the Seahawks Superbowl teams over the last couple decades, Marshawn Lynch’s Hall of Fame chances, and Bill Bellicheck not being a first ballot Hall of Famer. And, of course, Aaron tells listeners about his favorite 2026 Superbowl moments and what it was like to cover the event.