Even United has a history of doing that But it will be interesting to follow how City handle their burgeoning new role of top-dog club. They know how to win on the field. Next comes winning off of it. Tags Premier League , Chris Ryan , Winners ,... Full Article at ESPN

Andy Greenwald and Chris Ryan on May 15, 2012 3:15 PM ET NBC It’s upfronts season in New York City, when all the networks are spinning their new fall shows as fast as they can. To celebrate, Chris Ryan and I took a first pass at a bunch of them (1:10),... Full Article at ESPN

He brought this upon himself, an embarrassment that eventually led to this (courtesy of Instagram and Respect magazine editor-in-chief Elliott Wilson ): Upon seeing this picture, I immediately contacted Grantland editor and proud Philadelphia native... Full Article at ESPN

The issue of same-sex marriage will long continue to fascinate and infuriate politics watchers everywhere, but this past week was especially impossible to ignore, starting last Sunday, with Vice President Biden's candid statement on NBC's "Meet the... Full Article at WNYC | New York Public Radio

Livesey/Getty Images Manchester City wins the Premier League title in the most dramatic fashion possible By Chris Ryan on May 14, 2012 I n the first-ever edition of this column , I wrote — by way of introducing the Premier League season and discussing... Full Article at ESPN

1, host an NCAA semifinal Saturday with the chance to win an unprecedented second straight national championship. This hasn't been easy work, defending a title amid heavy graduation losses and with a brand-new goalie who didn't win the job outright... Full Article at GoErie.com

This should make Chelsea seem all the more onerous, but oddly enough, I almost find their single-mindedness about the Champions League trophy — something long-coveted by Abramovich — to be romantic. I suppose it's a romance Chelsea have the means to... Full Article at ESPN

Enjoy! Listen to Thursday's podcast here. Subscribe to the Grantland Network on iTunes, and check out our podcasts page. Previously on the Grantland Network: Men in Blazers The Jalen Rose Show The Basketball Jones Tags Grantland Network , Chris Ryan ,... Full Article at ESPN

Or perhaps purring happily in Jim Thome’s lap. The important thing is that he’s well-rested. Because honestly the last thing you’d ever want to do with such an important investment is actually use the damn thing." 8. Fernando Llorente: The Lion King... Full Article at ESPN