Marissa Payne

Washington, D.C.

Reporter
Marissa Payne wrote for The Early Lead blog. She left The Washington Post in November 2017.
Latest from Marissa Payne

Danica Patrick tearfully announces her retirement from full-time NASCAR racing

Before stepping away completely, however, the 35-year-old said she plans to race in next year's Daytona 500 and Indianapolis 500.

November 17, 2017

Nigerian women become first African bobsled team to qualify for Olympics

The trio began with a makeshift wooden sled they built themselves. Today, they count Visa and Under Armour as sponsors.

November 17, 2017

Despite ‘killer’ air pollution, New Delhi half marathon to go on as planned

Medical professionals said the marathon should be canceled if the air-quality rate tops 100. On Friday, New Delhi's air rated 203.

November 17, 2017

Alabama fan reportedly shoots Auburn fan following argument over which team is better

The argument, which police say happened Monday, comes ahead of the two rivals meeting in the Iron Bowl later this month.

November 16, 2017

‘Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!’ Algeria soccer team coach loses it with reporter.

Rabah Madjer's reaction to a seemingly benign question was condemned by sports journalism groups.

November 16, 2017

Mexico wins appeal to get FIFA fines canceled after fans’ gay-slur chants

The Court of Arbitration for Sport issued a strong warning in the fines' place and insinuated next time it might not be so nice.

November 16, 2017

‘They used every trick in the book’: New Zealand complains about Peru fans’ antics in World Cup qualifier

Laser pointers, military jets and early-morning fireworks were apparently some of the ways Peru fans tried to get under the skin of New Zealand's players.

November 16, 2017

Growing gun violence leads New York college to change mascot’s name from ‘Shooter’

The Las Vegas massacre that saw a shooter kill 58 people proved the tipping point for staff at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

November 14, 2017

World Cup qualifier in Senegal briefly delayed due to stadium blackout

So far, it's the best thing about this likely meaningless game, as Senegal has already qualified, while South Africa has been eliminated.

November 14, 2017

Olympic weightlifter vows to auction gold medal to help Iran earthquake victims

Kianoush Rostami said it was his “duty” to do what he could for his hometown, which was one of the hardest-hit areas in Iran from the 7.3-magnitude quake.

November 14, 2017