What a pleasure this week to say it's time for sports. (SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC) SIMON: The head of the NFL players union steps down. NFL rookies hold out. And the second half of the baseball season begins ...

NPR's Scott Simon and sports reporter Michele Steele discuss the first round of the College Football Playoffs, Philip Rivers' return to the NFL and a potential move for the Chicago Bears.

And now it's time for sports. SIMON: Big NFL names seek trades, a big baseball trade and remembering Ryno. Sports journalist Michele Steele joins us. Michele, thanks for being with us. MICHELE STEELE: ...

SIMON: Remembering the holiest of soccer fans, the NFL draft, the NHL playoffs. And, for the first time live, Michele Steele... MICHELE STEELE: Yay. SIMON: ...Of ESPN joins us in our studios. Michele, ...

SIMON: The championship of women's soccer, LeBron James' year 23 in the bigs and a town in California takes after pickleball. Sports reporter Michele Steele joins us. Michele, thanks so much for being ...

Michele Steele and ESPN are parting ways. Steele has been a frequent face for the network since 2011, but she announced Thursday that she is in her final two weeks with ESPN. “I’m turning the page,” ...

SIMON: The head of the NFL players union steps down. NFL rookies hold out. And the second half of the baseball season begins. Michele Steele of ESPN joins us. Michele, thanks for being with us.