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Make your picks for the Hang Up and Listen World Cup bracket challenge.

In this week’s episode of Slate’s sports podcast Hang Up and Listen, Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the media’s reactions to LeBron James’s cramps and the Spurs’ place in the NBA’s narrative. They look at California Chrome’s failed attempt to win the Triple Crown and his owner’s claim that the horse was defeated by cheaters and cowards. Finally, they talk to Slate’s David Haglund about his recent profile of Delonte West and whether the sports world’s stigma against mental illness is keeping him out of the NBA.

Here are links to some of the articles and other items mentioned on the show:

• LeBron James left Game 1 of the NBA Finals early due to cramps.
• James talked to ESPN’s Michael Wilbon about his critics.
• ESPN broke down the science of cramping and how one of James’ teammates overcame his problems with cramping.
• NPR’s Scott Simon opened this Weekend Edition segment with a cramp joke.
• The San Antonio Spurs got tired of the coverage of James’ cramps.
• James responded to the criticism with a huge Game 2.
• Even Variety thinks the Spurs are boring.
• Holden Caulfield wanted to clean up graffiti.
• TV ratings for the Belmont Stakes were among the best ever.
• Steve Coburn—California Chrome’s owner—ranted after his horse finished fourth at the Belmont Stakes.
• In Sports Illustrated, Tim Layden argued that California Chrome’s loss doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with horse racing.
• In the New York Times, Richard Sandomir looked at NBC’s coverage of Tonalist’s Belmont victory.
• In the Washington Post, Andrew Beyer examined who was at fault for California Chrome’s loss.
• Darren Rovell thought T-shirt sales at the Belmont were typical of horse racing.
• Read David Haglund’s Slate profile of Delonte West.
• Slate Plus members can hear Haglund read his story, listen to Haglund discuss the story with Josh, and read an account of how he scored an interview with West.
• The Daily Beast listed Metta World Peace’s “7 Craziest Moments.”
• In 2009, Free Darko discussed how to cover Delonte West’s mental-health problems.
• The Classical explored why West was not in the NBA, and whether he could come back successfully.

Hang Up and Listen’s weekly Eddie Mabos:

Mike’s Eddie Mabo: A vexillological analysis of the World Cup groups.

Stefan’s Eddie Mabo: Remembering Bob Millar, coach of the 1930 U.S World Cup team, the Shot-Putters.

Josh’s Eddie Mabo: What do Mike Tyson and the NFL have to do with one of the biggest upsets in tennis history?

On this week’s Slate Plus bonus segment, Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the Novak Djokovic–Rafael Nadal rivalry, clay courts, and the dearth of female coaches in sports. Slate Plus members get an ad-free version of this podcast with bonus segments. Visit slate.com/hangupplus and try it free for two weeks.

Podcast production and edit by Mike Vuolo. Links compiled by Chris Laskowski.

You can email us at hangup@slate.com.