Edge of Sports

Dallas Mavericks’ backcourt of Luka Doncic and Kyrie is the most thrilling guard combo in the league and perhaps ever. Yet very few thought their coming together would work. We explore why.

Zirin, “Coaching Great Dawn Staley Defends Trans Athletes”

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/dawn-staley-trans-athletes/

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Arya joins the pod again to talk about the rising of the international influence of the NBA, it’s early roots, and where the game may be headed. 

Zirin, “Online Gambling Has Swallowed Professional Sports”

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/online-gambling-sports-shohei-ohtani/

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Arya Shirazi joins the show to talk about the current state of the NBA, and we discuss what the implications of this game are moving forward and how we feel about the direction it’s heading aesthetically and as an entertainment product. 

Zirin, “Jonathan Glazer’s Brave Oscar Speech Represents the Best of Judaism”

https://www.thenation.com/article/world/jonathan-glazer-oscar-speech-gaza-israel-judaism/

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Rebecca O'Keeffe helped spark an international firestorm within the world of sports when she called on the Irish women’s basketball team to boycott its Feb. 8 match against Israel. While O'Keeffe's calls for a boycott ultimately went unheeded, her actions have provoked serious debate within Ireland and internationally on the responsibility of athletes to stand up against genocide. 

O'Keeffe joins Edge of Sports host Dave Zirin for an exclusive interview on why she took a stand, how the sports world responded, and why she refuses to back down.

Zirin, “The First Athletes to Speak Out Are the Bravest”

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/athletes-ceasefire-sports/

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In this episode, we talk about the truly forgotten players of the NBA, particularly during the 1980s, such a unique era in the history of the NBA, and theorize on why they are not remembered as intently as others. 

Zirin, “What the Super Bowl Parade Shooting Has to Do With the Empire of the Gun”

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/super-bowl-parade-shooting-guns-colonialism/

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The 1980s and 1990s were defined by basketball dynasties like the Lakers, Celtics, and Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls. Yet in the midst of this unprecedented stretch of dominance, the Detroit Pistons won two and could’ve very easily won four NBA titles. How did they do it? And why do we discount this incredible accomplishment?

Zirin, When Wearing a Sweater Is Antisemitic

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/naomi-klein-aaron-rodgers-colin-kaepernick/

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 New York is the Mecca of basketball. So what explains the city’s inability to score an NBA championship in the last half-century. Arya Shirazi joins the show to talk about this historical oddity.

Zirin, What Naomi Klein Taught Me About Aaron Rodgers

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/naomi-klein-aaron-rodgers-colin-kaepernick/

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Kobe Bryant and Lebron James are two of the most defining players of their generation and NBA history. While a considerable portion of their careers overlapped, the two never met in the NBA finals. Why? What would have happened? Arya and I discuss on this week’s episode. 

Zirin, “Will the IOC Do Anything About the Killing of Palestinian Athletes?”

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/ioc-israel-palestine-olympics/

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In Part 6 of our series, Basketball Butterfly Effect, Arya Shirazi joins the show again to discuss the 2009 NBA draft and the Knicks coming close to getting Davidson sharpshooter Steph Curry, the most revolutionary player of his generation. You don’t want to miss this episode!

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In Part 5 of our series, Basketball Butterfly Effect, Arya Shirazi joins the show again to discuss the 1993 NBA draft and a crucial trade that takes place that changes the course of 90s basketball. You don’t want to miss this episode!

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Inclusion for trans athletes in sports has become a flashpoint in the culture war that extends from schools to international competitions. Katie Barnes joins Edge of Sports to discuss their new book, Fair Play: How Sports Shape the Gender Debates, which offers one of the most comprehensive views yet on how the struggle for inclusion in the realm of sports has much wider social and political consequences. Dave Zirin also has Choice Words about why the public financing of stadiums is little more than corporate theft writ large. And on Ask a Sports Scholar we have Prof. Tracie Canada to speak about her cutting edge work about the racial economy of college football. Plus, we have a new segment called Ask Dave!

Katie Barnes

Twitter: katie_barnes3

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250276636/fairplay

Tracie Canada

Twitter: tracie_canada

https://www.traciecanada.com/

Zirin, Congressional Support for a Cease-Fire Isn’t Too Much to Ask

https://www.thenation.com/article/world/jamie-raskin-gaza-ceasefire/

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This week on the pod, we speak to Jean Jacques Taylor author of the new book Coach Prime. With near total access to Deion Sanders program at Jackson State and explains what makes Deion Deion. Also we speak to best selling author Adam Mansbach about his incredible book The Golem of Brooklyn. We also have some ‘Choice Words’ for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the NAIA.

Jean-Jacques Taylor

Twitter: JJT_Journalist

https://www.jjtmediagroup.com/?r_done=1

Adam Mansbach

Twitter: @adammansbach

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/737057/the-golem-of-brooklyn-by-adam-mansbach/

Zirin, How DeSantis Is Using Sports to Hijack a Florida College

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/new-college-sarasota-florida-desantis/

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This week on the pod, we welcome back Arya Shirazi to discuss another basketball butterfly effect: what if the NBA had handled the death of Len bias differently? How is that of affected that generation of 1980s players?

Zirin, How DeSantis Is Using Sports to Hijack a Florida College

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/new-college-sarasota-florida-desantis/

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In the early 90s, Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf had a promising career ahead of him in the NBA as an up-and-coming star. That all changed in 1996 when he refused to stand for the US National Anthem and called the US flag a symbol of oppression. The NBA retaliated by suspending him, and Abdul-Rauf spent the next two decades playing exclusively for international leagues. 

On this episode of Edge of Sports, Abdul-Rauf looks back on his protest and how engaging the literature of revolutionary icons like Malcolm X influenced his decision. Elsewhere in the episode, Dave Zirin takes aim at Ron DeSantis’s use of sports to stage a political takeover at the New College of Florida, and Dr. Ron Bishop joins the show to discuss how sports media covers mental health.

Zirin, Will the UAW Picket Trump’s Rally in Detroit?

https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/trump-rally-uaw-detroit/

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Officially, hazing is illegal and unwelcome just about everywhere you turn—but it continues as an open secret in far too many fraternities, sports teams, and other institutions. The latest revelations from Northwestern University's football team are a stark reminder that we have a long way to go to uproot the culture of hazing for good. Anti-gender violence activist and documentarian Byron Hurt joins Edge of Sports for a timely discussion on the harm hazing does and how we can stop it. Dr. Neftalie Williams joins us in our Ask A Sports Scholar segment to discuss the uniqueness and global influence of skateboarding.

Zirin, September 11, 1973, Was a Warning: Democracy Can Die in a Day

https://www.thenation.com/article/world/chile-september-11-coup-anniversary/

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Chamique Holdsclaw's legendary status was apparent from the moment she entered professional sports. After helping the US National Team win the Gold Medal in the 1998 Berlin Olympics, Holdsclaw was named Rookie of the Year in her first WNBA season. Her talent on the court and success in the WNBA projected an image of stability, but away from the cameras, Holdsclaw struggled with her mental health. 

On this episode of Edge of Sports, Holdsclaw speaks frankly about her struggles with depression, bipolar disorder, and fame. Elsewhere in the episode, Dave rails against the "anti-woke" Trumpist response to the US Women's National Soccer Team's loss at the FIFA World Cup, and Dr. Abdullah Al Arian joins "Ask a Sports Scholar" to talk about soccer in the Middle East.

Zirin, Bill Walton Was Once a Trailblazing Radical

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/bill-walton-activism/

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This week on the Edge of Sports Podcast, part three of our discussion with basketball savant Arya Shirazi about basketball butterfly effects. This time we're talking what would have happened if Michael Jordan, on draft night in 1984, had not been drafted by the Chicago Bulls and had instead been selected by the Portland Trail Blazers. Also we have words about the controversy surrounding Michael Oher and the Blind Side. 

Zirin, A Soccer Triumph—Despite the Toxic Men

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/spain-world-cup-hermoso/

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This week on the Edge of Sports Podcast, part two of our discussion with basketball savant Arya Shirazi about basketball butterfly effects. This time, we're talking about what would have happened if Kobe Bryant, on draft night 1996, had not been traded to the Los Angeles Lakers and had instead been kept by the Charlotte Hornets.

Also, we have words about the controversy surrounding Michael Oher and the Blind Side. 

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This week we speak to basketball savant Arya Shirazi about what could have happened if the Detroit Pistons had drafted Carmelo Anthony instead of Darko Milicic in 2003. It would have been a profound basketball butterfly effect. I also speak about the USWNT getting bounced from the World Cup.

Zirin, Why the Right Wanted the USWNT to Lose

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/reactionary-defeatism-uswnt-world-cup-rapinoe/

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As two-time defending champions, the US is the team to beat in this year's FIFA Women's World Cup. Long considered one of the best soccer teams in the world, the US Women's National Team hasn't always been given its dues. Former captain Julie Foudy joins Edge of Sports for a look back on the evolution of women's soccer.

Zirin, Carli Lloyd’s Attacks on the USWNT Are Personal—and Political

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/carli-lloyds-attacks-on-the-uswnt-are-personal-and-political/

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The growth of the Black Lives Matter movement through the 2010s catalyzed a resurgence of Black activism in professional sports that had its climax in 2020 with the athletes' boycott following the shooting of Jacob Blake. Just a few years later, this energy seems to have dissipated. What happened, and how can we comprehend these recent events in the longer arc of Black activism in sports? Sports journalist and author Howard Bryant joins the Edge of Sports for a look at the build-up to 2020 and how many athletes' politics were co-opted in the aftermath.

Later in the show, we have Choice Words about the social cost of smartphone sports gambling becoming the economic lifeblood of sports.

And in our segment, Ask a Sports Scholar, we speak with Hofstra University Professor Brenda Elsey, whose research focuses on the development of women’s soccer internationally, as the FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament approaches.

Howard Bryant is the author of ten books, including the forthcoming Kings and Pawns: Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson in America. He has been a senior writer for ESPN since 2007 and has served as the sports correspondent for NPR’s Weekend Edition Saturday since 2006.

Dr. Brenda Elsey is a professor of history at Hofstra University, where she focuses on the history of popular culture and politics in twentieth century Latin America, in addition to gender, social theory, sports, and Pan-Americanism. She is the author of Futbolera: Women and Sport in Latin America.

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The central place of sports in American life lends immense influence to athletes to shift the culture of the country—and for more than 150 years, Black athletes have done just that. Few scholars are as attuned to the intricacies of this history as renowned sociologist Dr. Harry Edwards. From his role in shaping the events of the 1968 Olympics to the politics of Colin Kaepernick, Edwards is just as much a participant in this history as a student and teacher of it. Now 80 years old, Dr. Harry Edwards joins Edge of Sports as he embarks on his "Last Lectures," a final project to close his long career as a public intellectual.

Dr. Harry Edwards is a renowned sociologist whose work examines the relationship between race, sports, and politics. He is the author of The Revolt of the Black Athlete.

Zirin, The End of the New York Times Sports Page Is a Tragedy

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/new-york-times-sports-page/

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From 1979 to 1991, the Los Angeles Lakers would become a dominant force in the world of professional basketball and in American culture more broadly. Led by coach Pat Riley and star players Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the “Showtime” era of the Lakers is still, in many ways, the standard by which other sports dynasties are measured today. On the court, in the locker room, and beyond, the legendary Lakers franchise was both a reflection and a driver of a culture, a sport, and a country undergoing seismic changes, and the HBO dramatized series Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty tells the story of the larger-than-life personalities and politics that defined the Showtime era.

This week on Edge of Sports, host Dave Zirin speaks with actor Solomon Hughes about Winning Time, which is debuting its second season on August 6, and about stepping into the role of playing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar himself. Later in this episode, Zirin shares some choice words on the Oakland A’s and Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred; then, in “Ask a Sports Scholar,” we talk with Amira Rose Davis, assistant professor in the Department of African and African Diaspora Studies at the University of Texas-Austin, about her forthcoming book “Can’t Eat a Medal”: The Lives and Labors of Black Women Athletes in the Age of Jim Crow.

Michael Lee

Twitter:@MiraRose88

https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/michael-lee/

Zirin, The Megan Rapinoe Era Only Ends When We Stop Fighting Back

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/megan-rapinoe-retirement/

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Body: The year 1968 was a time of rebellion across the US and the wider world. Tremendous demonstrations and rebellions shook American cities in opposition to the Vietnam War, the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., and the arrest of Huey P. Newton, co-founder of the Black Panther Party. Amidst this tumult, two athletes, John Carlos and Tommie Smith, captured the spirit of the times by raising their fists at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics after placing first and third in the 200-meter dash. 45 years later, Dr. John Carlos is still with us—but many of his contemporaries have passed on. Dr. John Carlos joins Edge of Sports for a look back on the lives of Jimmy Hines, Ralph Boston, Herb Douglas, Harry Belafonte, Tina Turner, and Jim Brown.

Elsewhere in this episode of Edge of Sports, Dr. Maria Veri, co-author of Gridiron Gourmet: Gender and Food at the Football Tailgate, joins to discuss the gender politics of tailgating culture. Dave Zirin also dives into the recently leaked details of a Professional Golfers' Association merger with the Saudi Arabian LIV Golf tour.

Zirin, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” by Frederick Douglass

https://www.thenation.com/authors/dave-zirin/

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After four years as a professional linebacker for football teams in the U.S. and Canada, Aaron Maybin put down his helmet and picked up a range of new hats off the gridiron. As a public school teacher, artist, and activist, Maybin's best days are still yet to come. Aaron Maybin joins Edge of Sports for a wide-ranging conversation on the boxes athletes get placed in, racism within the NFL, and his life after football.

Zirin, “I Write Things I Cannot Play”: The Secret of Liz Phair

https://www.thenation.com/article/culture/liz-phair-interview/

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In this episode of Edge of Sports, host Dave Zirin highlights two takes on the gender politics of sports culture. Dr. Cheryl Cooky joins the Ask a Sports Scholar segment to discuss the history of sports and gender equality, as well as her book, No Slam Dunk: Gender, Sport, and the Unevenness of Social Change. Finally, W. Kamau Bell climbs aboard for a special interview looking back on his career as a media personality, from the early days of Totally Biased to United Shades of America.

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This week we look with the great Washington Post journalist Michael Lee at what makes the Denver Nuggets and their star player Nikola Jokic so special. Also, I have a lot of “Choice Words” about the passing of Jim Brown. 

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On this week's episode of the Edge of Sports podcast, we talk to Prof. Louis Moore, author of "We Will Win The Day,"about Lamar Jackson's new contract, the NFL Draft, and what both say about the state of the Black Q.B. in the NFL.

I have some Choice Words about France on the precipice of both the Olympics and social chaos. We've got a Just Stand Up award for Miami Heat legend, Dwyane Wade, for his courage in the face of the anti-trans bigotry his family has been facing, which caused them to leave the state of Florida. We also have and Just Sit Down awards for the cowardly silence from some of the biggest stars in the Florida sports community.

Subscribe toThe Nationto support all of our podcasts:thenation.com/podcastsubscribe. 

Lou Moore

Twitter: @loumoore12

https://www.profloumoore.com/

Zirin, The Protests in France Are About to Collide With the 2024 Paris Olympics

https://www.thenation.com/article/world/paris-france-olympics-protests/

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This week we speak to Washington media legend David Aldridge about the forthcoming sale of the Washington football team by its much-loathed owner Dan Snyder. 

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This week we speak to Theresa Runstedler, author of the book Black Ball: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Spencer Haywood, and the Generation that Saved the Soul of the NBA.

We'll have Choice Words about what Caitlin Clark has taught us throughout the fallout after the NCAA women’s championship game. We also have Jake’s Takes on the NBA finals and more. 

Subscribe toThe Nationto support all of our podcasts:thenation.com/podcastsubscribe. 

Theresa Runstedtler

Twitter: @DrTRunstedtler 

https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/theresa-runstedtler/black-ball/9781645036951/

Zirin, Caitlin Clark’s Lesson for White Athletes: Don’t Be a MAGA Pawn

https://www.thenation.com/article/culture/caitlin-clark-basketball-ncaa/

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On this episode of Edge of Sports, we speak to Michael Lee of the Washington Post about why this has been the most dispiriting NBA season in recent history. We don’t just catalog the moments, though. We also try to understand the underlying issues.

We have Choice Words about the late Willis Reed, and what his life meant for the New York Knicks as well as the city. We have a Just Stand Up awards for the Maryland Terrapins lady women’s team that went on a great tourney run. We also have a Just Sit Down award for Silver who has not done a great job of handling the flame ups that have occurred during the NBA season. All that and more on this episode of the Edge of Sports podcast! 

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Zirin, Willis Reed Was the Best of New York City

https://www.thenation.com/article/culture/willis-reed-obituary/

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On this episode of the Edge of Sports podcast, we speak to Daily Memphian columnist Chris Herrington about the personal troubles of Memphis Grizzlies point guard and budding icon Ja Morant. We talk about the Grizzlies, the city of Memphis, and what’s next for the superstar point guard.

We have Choice Words about the MVP debate going on between Embiid, Jokic, and Giannis. We also have a Just Stand Up award to Lamar Jackson for standing on his principle, and a Just Sit Down award for the NFL owners that are seemingly colluding against Lamar. All that and more on this episode of the Edge of Sports podcast!

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Zirin, Banning Trans Athletes Is Just the Beginning:

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/congress-sports-federal-ban-trans-athletes/

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On this episode of the Edge of Sports podcast, we speak to author and sports opinionist Kate Fagan about her new illustrated history of the women in basketball, Hoop Muses: An Insider’s Account to Pop Culture and the (Women’s Game). The book is illustrated by Sophia Chang and curated by the legendary hoopster Seimone Augustus. Fagan and I talk about her inspiration, creative process and what it was like working with Seimone Augustus.

We'll have Choice Words about the effort to ban trans athletes from youth sports. We give a Just Stand Up award to the New York Knicks for looking like a legitimate, joyous playoff contender down the home stretch of the season. We also have a Just Sit Down award for Texas Tech basketball coach, Mark Adams for the wild comments he made to members of his team.

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Kate Fagan

Twitter: @katefagan3

https://www.twelvebooks.com/titles/seimone-augustus/hoop-muses/9781538709146/

Zirin, Banning Trans Athletes Is Just the Beginning

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/congress-sports-federal-ban-trans-athletes/

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This week we speak to Program Manager for KGNU Community Radio, and founder of the decades strong Hip Hop group Council of Word, Dave Ashton about the legacy of David Jolicoeur aka Trugoy the Dove, who passed away last week, and his groundbreaking hip hop group De La Soul. 

We also have ‘Choice Words’ about this year’s Super Bowl.” We got ‘Just Stand Up’ and 'Just Sit Down’ awards to Ron DeSantis for banning books and being an awful governor and person and the U.S. alpine ski team for their climate change themed uniforms they put out, bringing awareness to such an important issue. 

David Ashton 

https://councilofword.bandcamp.com/album/indignorance

Zirin, Why People Don’t Even Trust the Super Bowl

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/super-bowl-rigged-trust/

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This week we speak to commentator and hoops legend Christy Winters Scott about the shockwaves that have roiled the worlds of hoop in both the WNBA and NBA. We talk about the Durant trade and the big moves in both the WNBA and NBA as well as why the DMV continues to produce incredible basketball talent. 

We also have ‘Choice Words’ about LeBron breaking Kareem’s all-time scoring record.” We got ‘Just Stand Up’ and 'Just Sit Down’ awards to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for being an incredible figure of political grace and the NFL media for the ways in which they didn’t question NFL commissioner Roger Goodell at the state of the league press conference.

Christy Winters-Scott

Twitter:@ChristyWScott51

Zirin, LeBron James’s Double Burden

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/lebron-james-scoring-record-king/

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This week we talk to Ian Kennedy author of the new book On Account of Darkness: Shining a Light on Race and Sport. We also speak to Michael Lee of the Washington Post about the reaction by the NBA to the police murder of Tyre Nichols. 

We also have ‘Just Stand Up’ and 'Just Sit Down’ award to everyone lifting up their voice to protest the police murder of Tyre Nichols, and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for her continuation of politics-as-usual in the City of Angels.

Ian Kennedy

Twitter: @IanKennedyCK

https://www.tidewaterpress.ca/on-account-of-darkness/

Michael Lee

Twitter: @MrMichaelLee

Zirin, The Enduring Stench of Jerry Jones’s Politics

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/dallas-cowboys-jerry-jones-americas-team/

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On this week's episode of Edge of Sports, we speak to 14-year NBA veteran and basketball analyst Kendrick Perkins about his new book, The Education of Kendrick Perkins, co-written with Seth Rogoff. We talk about Beaumont, his upbringing, and some NBA basketball. We also speak about Tony Dungy and his history of bigotry covered in “kindness.”

We have a Just Stand Up award for Cyd Ziegler, who uncovered Tony Dungy’s speech at the March For Life protest in DC, and we have a Just Sit Down award for the right-wing trolls who are attacking anyone who dares tell the truth about Dungy's bigotry.

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Kendrick Perkins

Twitter: @KendrickPerkins

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250280343/theeducationofkendrickperkins

Zirin, Tony Dungy Is a Right-Wing Zealot and the NFL and NBC Don’t Care

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/tony-dungy-march-life/

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This week we talk about the sports year that was 2022, in all its pain and promise. We also have ‘Choice Words’ about Damar Hamlin, the NFL’s response, and what all of this tells us about the game of football. We also have a special edition of Jake’s Takes, NFL Playoff Edition. 

Zirin, Damar Hamlin’s Pain Is Not a Feel-Good Story

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/damar-hamlin-nfl-football/

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On this week's episode of the Edge of Sports podcast, we interview radical educator Jesse Hagopian and how a crew of Seattle activists were able to get Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll to wear shoes with a bracing political message.

We also have Choice Words about Brittany Griner's release and some words about the lates sportswriting giant, Grant Wahl. We also have a Just Stand Up award for the person who ran on a World Cup field to protest the exploitation going on behind the games. We have a Just Sit Down award for Jerry Jones, not simply due to the leak of a 65-year old photo he’s in depicting classic American racism, but also because of his racist track record running “America’s team.”

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Jesse Hagopian

Twitter: @JessedHagopian

https://www.zinnedproject.org/news/t4bl-campaign-my-cause-my-cleats/

Zirin, A Vindication for Agitation: Brittney Griner Is Coming Home

https://www.thenation.com/article/world/brittney-griner-free/

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This week we speak to Tim Bella author of the new “definitive” biography of hoopster and hall of fame talker Charles Barkley. We talk to Bell about how Barkley’s upbringing and experiences shaped Chuck into the person that we see every week on our TV sets.

We also have Choice Words about I also have some choice words about the politics surrounding the push for Brittney Griner’s freedom. We have a Just Stand Up award to the person that ran on a World Cup field to protest the exploitation going on behind the games. We also have a Just Sit Down award for Jerry Jones, not simply due to the leak of a 65-year old photo he’s in which depicts classic American racism, but also because of his racist track record running “America’s team.”

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Tim Bella

Twitter: @TimBella

https://www.harpercollins.com/products/barkley-timothy-bella?variant=40128049512482

Zirin, The Response to Brittney Griner’s Capture Is an Indictment of the Right and the “Left”

https://www.thenation.com/article/world/brittney-griner-russia-putin-right-left/

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This week we speak to documentarian Isaac Solotaroff about his new project on Al Jazeera English, Bloodsport, a harrowing look at concussions and the NFL. We also talk about a new report that shows early CTE detection could be a scientific breakthrough very soon.

We also have ‘Choice Words’ about Kyrie Irving, anti-Semitism, and his frightening new allies. 

We also have a ‘Just Stand Up’ and 'Just Sit Down’ award to Jaylen Brown for rightfully pointing out the hypocrisies of many Kyrie critics and Jaylen Brown for not giving a stronger condemnation of the widely citied film’s antisemitism.

Isaac Solotaroff

Twitter:@Isaac_Solotarof

https://isaacsolotaroff.nyc/

Zirin, Will Players Help Raise Awareness About the Horrors Surrounding the World Cup?

https://www.thenation.com/article/world/human-rights-abuses-qatar-world-cup/

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This week we speak to New York City youth basketball coach - and one time NYC Marathoner - Arya Shirazi about the state of the NBA. We also have ‘Choice Words’ about Kyrie Irving, anti-Semitism, and his frightening new allies. 

Zirin, Kyrie Irving and the Fraught History of Our Collective Liberation

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/kyrie-irving-anti-semitism-film/

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This week we spoke to sportswriter Chuck Modiano about shock NFL MVP candidate Geno Smith, quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, Chuck predicted this for Smith when others did not. We talk about what he saw. Also I have a tribute to my favorite writer, the recently departed Mike Davis. 

Chuck Modiano

Twitter:@ChuckModi1

https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/insane-untapped-potential-giants-backup-qb-geno-smith-article-1.3653113

Zirin, Is Portland About to Have Two Supporter-Owned Soccer Teams?

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/portland-soccer-thorns-timbers-ownership/

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This week we talked to Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, former NBA player and legendary athlete-activist about his new book In The Blink of an Eye, his new memoir put out by Kaepernick Publishing. Mahmoud talks about his decision to write about his story, who his influences are, and his decision to team with Kaepernick Publishing.

We also have ‘Choice Words’ about Brittney Griner's prison conditions and the pressure we must apply to bring her home. We also have a ‘Just Stand Up’ and 'Just Sit Down’ award to Iranian rock climber Elnaz Rekabi for her brave protest and Draymond Green for an act of inexcusable violence and Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder whose time may be coming to an end. We also have Jake’s Takes NBA edition. All this and more on this week’s show!

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Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf

Twitter: @RaufMahmoud

https://www.kaepernickpublishing.com/in-the-blink-of-an-eye

Zirin, On Her Birthday, We Learned About Brittney Griner’s Suffering

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/brittney-griner-russia-prison/

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This week we talked to Derek Silva, co-author of an article in the Guardian about racial epithets, college athletics, and what occurred at BYU when Duke volleyball player Rachel Richardson faced racist taunts and was subsequently told by BYU officials that she did not in fact hear them.

We also have ‘Choice Words’ about the way that the media is covering Aaron Judge’s home run chase and the erasure of Barry Lamar Bonds. We also have a ‘Just Stand Up’ and 'Just Sit Down’ award to Cherelle Griner for courageously coming forward and talking about the plight of Brittney Griner in Russia and Draymond Green for an act of inexcusable violence. All this and more on this week’s show! 

Twitter:@derekcrim

https://www.ubcpress.ca/power-played

Zirin, Aaron Judge Is Great—but Don’t Erase Barry Bonds

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/aaron-judge-barry-bonds/

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Social movements tend to arise within the world of sports during periods of upsurge and upheaval. But what about times of authoritarianism, dictatorship, or even fascism? What is the social role of the athlete during periods of reaction?

I recently had the pleasure of giving a talk at the 2022 Socialism conference in Chicago, where I addressed all of these questions. This week's episode of the Edge of Sports podcast is a recording of that talk. 

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Zirin, Sue Bird Sets a Standard and Says Goodbye to the WNBA

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/sue-bird-retirement-wnba/

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This week we talk to Prof. Abdullah Al-Arian, editor of the new book Football in the Middle East about everything from the Qatari World Cup to Palestinian soccer and resistance.

We also have “Choice Words” about Serena Williams's retirement, incredible longevity, and unsurpassed dominance in her sport.We also have “Just Stand Up” and “Just Sit Down” awards to the NBA for taking a stand and providing calendar space for voting on the midterms this year and their attempt at controlling the tenor of politics coming out of the league. All that and more on this episode of The Edge of Sports Podcast! 

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This week we speak to David Maraniss, one of the great journalists of our time, who has written a new book on the extremely well-known but frankly little-known athletic superstar Jim Thorpe and what he faced as a trailblazing indigenous athlete. 

We also have Choice Words about the 100th birthday of the legendary Rachel Robinson. We also have a Just Stand Up award for South Carolina’s Aliyah Boston for calling out ESPN’s disrespect of women athletes and we have Just Sit Down awards for the Cleveland Browns, who have cast their loss with Deshaun Watson and seem to have no shame about it. All that and more on this episode of The Edge of Sports Podcast! 

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David Maraniss

Twitter: @davidmaraniss

https://davidmaraniss.com/library/path-lit-by-lightning-the-life-of-jim-thorpe/

Zirin, Aliyah Boston Makes ESPN Look Small

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/aliyah-boston-espn/

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This week we speak to author Howard Bryant about his recent column on the state of this country as well as his new book on the great Rickey Henderson. We talk about the Supreme Court, where the country is headed, and why Rickey Henderson continues to be a captivating figure, decades after his retirement.

We also have Choice Words about developments on the Brittney Griner case in Russia. We also have a Just Stand Up award to Megan Rapinoe, who seems to be a perennial winner of this award. All that and more on this episode of The Edge of Sports Podcast! 

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Howard Bryant

Twitter: @hbryant42

https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/34186311/baseball-barbecue-losing-freedom-fourth-july

Zirin, Brittney Griner’s Show Trial Begins

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/brittney-griner-russia-trial/

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This week we speak to Kim Turner, the Director of the Gender Equity Initiative at the national nonprofit Positive Coaching Alliance about the impact of Title IX and how much further we have to go. 

We also have “Choice Words” about the new Saudi golfing tour and the hypocrisy of guys like Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson who have jumped on. We also have an update on Brittney Griner's case and more. 

Kimberly Turner

https://positivecoach.org/team/turner-kim/

Zirin, Golfers Gonna Golf

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/golf-pga-saudi-arabia/

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This week we talk to Robert Elias, author of two books, Baseball Rebels and Major League Rebels. Both are about hidden histories of resistance athletes in the National Pastime. There is so much interesting and useful history that is so worth checking out.

We have “Choice Words” about the Tampa Bay Rays and Pride Night at the park and the players using religion as cover for their bigotry. We also have “Just Sit Down” awards to former PGA golfer Phil Mickelson, who is leaving the tour to join up with a new Saudi golf venture and appears to have no moral compunction about it. All this and more on this week’s show! 

Robert Elias

https://www.nebraskapress.unl.edu/nebraska/9781496217776/

Zirin, The Tampa Bay Rays, Pride, and the Perils of Corporate Branding

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/tampa-bay-rays-pride/

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This week we explore the significance or lack thereof, of Colin Kaepernick's tryout with the Las Vegas Raiders. We also talk about Gabe Kapler's decision to not stand for the anthem. We also have a special Jake's Takes where we discuss the politics of baseball and the lack of African American participation in the sport as well as whether the game is entertaining. 

Zirin, Colin Kaepernick Gets His Chance—and It’s Tough to Care

https://www.thenation.com/article/culture/colin-kaepernick-gets-his-chance-and-its-tough-to-care/

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In 2003, a Manhattanville College basketball player named Toni Smith caused a media frenzy when she turned her back on the National Anthem during President Bush’s wars in the Middle East. It was not received well. Now, two decades later, Toni Smith-Thompson was the commencement speaker at the Manhattanville graduation and received an honorary doctorate. We speak to Toni Smith-Thompson about that journey.

In this episode, we have Choice Words about the silence from male athletes when it comes to Brittney Griner’s unjust detainment in Russia. We also have Just Stand Up to the US women’s soccer team for being victorious in their landmark suit for equal pay. We have a Just Sit Down award for sports bloviator Doug Gottlieb, who seems unable to recognize what real racism looks like, let alone a history book. All this and more on this week’s show! 

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Toni-Smith Thompson

Twitter: @mstonij

https://www.nyclu.org/en/biographies/toni-smith-thompson

Zirin, The “Brutal Solidarity” Between Buffalo and Palestine

https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/solidarity-buffalo-palestine/

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The collapse of the Philadelphia 76ers has been one of the more curious dramas in sports. We speak to Michael Lee of the Washington Post about what the hell happened and what the ramifications are going forward. We also have Choice Words about athletes and the fight for abortion rights. 

We have Just Stand Up and Just Sit Down awards, an update on Brittney Griner’s case, and much more on this week's show!

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Michael Lee

Twitter: @MrMichaelLee

https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/michael-lee/

Zirin, On Abortion Rights, the Athletes Will Not Save Us

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/abortion-rights-athletes/

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This week we speak to Andscape’s David Dennis Jr. about his new book “The Movement Made Us: A Father, a Son, and the Legacy of a Freedom Ride.” We talk about his writing process, his father’s influence over both the book and his life as well as his upbringing in the home of a Civil Rights legend.

We have Choice Words about the overdue change in strategy in efforts to secure the release of jailed WNBA star Brittney Griner in Russia. We have Just Stand Up awards for folks speaking loudly about the current assault on reproductive rights in this country and for former NBA player and ESPN analyst, JJ Redick, who called out the racist remarks of a fellow host. We have Just Sit Down awards for Tennessee Titans coach, Mike Vrabel for his involvement in a Trump rally. All that and more on this week’s show! 

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David Dennis, Jr.

Twitter: @DavidDTSS

https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-movement-made-us-david-j-dennis-jrdavid-j-dennis-sr

Zirin, Finally a Change of Strategy in the Push for Brittney Griner’s Freedom

https://www.thenation.com/article/world/brittney-griner-russia-prisoner/

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On this week's show, we talk to Simon Rosenblum-Larson, a minor league baseball player with the Tampa Bay Rays about the ugly realities of playing Minor League Baseball. We discuss the intricacies of organizing workers in minor league clubhouses and what it takes to work with international baseball players.

We also got Choice Words about the latest news with Brittney Griner’s case. We have Just Stand Up awards for the people advocating loudly for Brittney Griner's release, and Just Sit Down awards for those who have decided to keep quiet on the matter. Also in this episode, we've got a Kaepernick Watch about how owners are trying to reinvent history as it relates to the blackballed quarterback. All this and more on this week’s show! 

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Simon Rosenblum-Larson

Twitter: @simonrl18

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/04/25/minor-league-baseball-should-pay-living-wage/

Zirin, Trevor Reed’s Freedom Should Spur Calls to Release Brittney Griner

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/trevor-reed-brittney-griner-russia/

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We got a special episode this week as Jake Zirin joins the show to talk about the NBA playoffs as well as who he thinks is going to win the regular season awards.

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Former NFL player, artist, and author Aaron Maybin has a new book about history, politics and his work doing mutual aid organizing and education in the communities of Baltimore. Aaron is always great to talk to and as usual, he doesn’t disappoint. 

On this week's show, we have Choice Words about the way that the North Carolina Tar Heels managed injuries in their national championship game against the Kansas Jayhawks. We have Just Stand Up awards for Brian Flores and the NFL coaches willing to tell the truth about the racist hiring practices employed by the league. For New York governor Kathy Hochul, who pushed for public welfare in the taxpayer funding of the Buffalo Bills new stadium, we have a Just Sit Down award. Additionally, I have special comment on the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color line. All this and more on this week’s show! 

Aaron Maybin

Twitter: AaronMMaybin

https://t.co/ZHfA0dfUpu

Zirin, The Bad Aftertaste of the NCAA Men’s Tournament

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/ncaa-march-madness/

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This week we speak to Purdue University’s Cheryl Cooky about her column defending trans swimmer Lia Thomas and the hellacious backlash that followed. It's a very fascinating discussion you don't want to miss.

We've also got Choice Words about Brittney Griner, who continues to be imprisoned in Russia with a chilling silence surrounding the situation. There are Just Stand Up awards for some brave souls at the NCAA Final Four calling attention toBrittney Griner. And we give a Just Sit Down award to Coach K, who’s career has thankfully come to an end. Plus: a brand new Kaepernick Watch! All this and more on this week’s show! 

Cheryl Cooky

Twitter: ProfCooky

https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/we-should-be-celebrating-lia-thomas-we-did-jackie-robinson-ncna1292521?fbclid=IwAR0J7WWxUgYC6rw5BqDmJ_Rx3ylPdvGQ8NQMiQtLPn1fNFbckveDWNlyQ34

Zirin, Portland Soccer Feels the Power of Protest

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/portland-timbers-merritt-paulson-rctid/

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This week we speak to Dan Grunfeld, author of the new book By the Grace of the Game: The Holocaust, a Basketball Legacy, and an Unprecedented American Dream. He talks about his family’s journey from Auschwitz to the NBA.

We have Choice Words about the GOP’s selective interest in women’s sports. We're giving Just Stand Up awards to the great Cinderella stories taking place during both the men and women’s tournament and Just Sit Down awards to the NCAA for being its awful, normal self. All this and more on this week’s show! 

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Dan Grunfeld

Twitter: dan_grunfeld

https://www.triumphbooks.com/by-the-grace-of-the-game-products-9781629379227.php

Zirin, A Tale of Two Women Athletes: Why the GOP Wants to Erase Brittney Griner and Lia Thomas

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/brittney-griner-lia-thomas/

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This week we speak to NBA legend Muggsy Bogues and his co-author Jake Uitti about their new book,Muggsy: My Life from a Kid in the Projects to the Godfather of Small Ball. We talk to Muggsy about his life growing up in Baltimore, his near-death experience as a child, and what it was like to play in the ACC and NBA, dealing with doubters along the way.

We also have Choice Words about the continued detention of basketball superstar Brittney Griner in Russia– a travesty on so many accounts. We also have a Just Stand Up and Just Sit Down award to baseball players forcing ownership to come back to the table during the lockout, and to the vicious and greedy owners, for whom nothing is ever enough. There's a new Kaepernick Watch, too. All this and more on this week’s show!

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Muggsy Bogues

Twitter: @muggsybogues

Jake Uitti

Twitter: @jakeuitti

https://www.elliottbaybook.com/book/9781629379470

Zirin, Baseball Is Back

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/baseball-lockout-mlb/

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In this week's episode, we speak to baseball commentator Ben Shapiro about the MLB lockout.

We also have ‘Choice Words’ about the move by organizations like the IOC and FIFA to isolate Russia, given their decision to stay silent when it comes to other conflicts. We also have a special “Keep Your Head Up” to WNBA star Brittney Griner who was locked up in Russia on absurd charges. And don’t miss a special NBA edition of Jake’s Takes as well. All this and more on this week’s show!

Ben Shapiro

Twitter: @benshapironyc1

Zirin, Listen to Bernie Sanders and End the Bosses’ Baseball Lockout

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/mlb-lockout-bernie-sanders-baseball/

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This week we speak to Peter Richardson, author of Savage Journey: Hunter S. Thompson and the Weird Road to Gonzo, a new book about Thompson’s life as a sports writer. We talk about Thompson’s heroes, including Muhammad Ali, and the writer's contributions to "Gonzo Journalism."

We also have Choice Words about Brian Flores’s new gig in the NFL as an assistant coach for the Pittsburg Steelers, plus Just Stand Up and Just Sit Down awards for the US Women’s soccer team on their victory in an important lawsuit and the people uncritically praising the ruling in that case. All this and more on this week’s show! 

 

Pete Richardson

Buy his book here. 

Dave Zirin

Twitter: @EdgeofSports

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This week we speak to legendary sportswriter Peter Golenbock about his new book, Whispers of the Gods: Tales from Baseball’s Golden Age, Told by the Men Who Played It. We talk about everything from Shoeless Joe Jackson’s Hall-of-Fame case to the integration of baseball and the Brooklyn Dodgers. 

We also have Choice Words about the NFL and its ongoing racism and attempt at gaslighting, plus Just Stand Up and Just Sit Down awards to the courageous activists in Los Angeles who are protesting the city’s refusal to address systemic issues plaguing the city and its people. Finally, we have our last NFL edition of Jake’s Takes. All this and more on this week’s show! 

Peter Golenbock

Buy his book here. 

Dave Zirin 

Twitter: @EdgeofSports

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This week we speak to Shireen Ahmed from the "Burn It All Down" podcast and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation about a prospective law in France that would ban the wearing of the hijab or any headscarves on the field of play.

We also have “Choice Words” about the Brian Flores lawsuit accusing the NFL of systemic racism in their hiring practices. Plus, “Just Stand Up and “Just Sit Down” awards to Brian Flores for his incredible courage into taking this course of action and his NFL coaching colleagues who would rather sit on the sideline than speak up on this issue. All this and more on this week’s show! 

Shireen Ahmed

Twitter: @_shireenahmed_

Dave Zirin

Twitter: @EdgeOfSports

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This week we are talking to Chris Herring, New York Times best-selling author of Blood in the Garden: the Flagrant History of the 1990s New York Knicks. We talk about the interesting personalities on the team, Pat Riley’s decision to stick with John Starks during a crucial postseason stretch, and pose some probing hypothetical questions. 

We also have “Choice Words” about Major League Baseball’s refusal to place Barry Bonds in the Hall-of-Fame—an incredibly shameful decision. Plus, another special playoff edition of Jake’s Takes, including Super Bowl picks. All this and more on this week’s show! 

 

 

Chris Herring

Twitter: @Herring_NBA

Dave Zirin

Twitter: @EdgeofSports

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This week we speak to Ben Carrington about USC’s new head coach Lincoln Riley and the bloated contract the university offered him. Carrington goes into detail about the big issues in college athletics including the transfer portal and the very structure of college sports. 

We also have "Choice Words" about a hedge fund investor who owns a sizable portion of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors and the comments he made about what’s happening to the Uighurs. Plus, the “Just Stand Up” and “Just Sit Down" awards, and another special playoff edition of Jake’s Takes as well. All this and more on this week’s show!

Ben Carrington

Twitter: @BenHCarrington

https://www.bencarrington.com/

Zirin

How to Change the NFL’s Racist Hiring Practices

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This week we speak to Eric Dickerson about his new book Watch My Smoke: The Eric Dickerson Story, cowritten with Greg Hanlon.

We also have Choice Words about Novak Djokovic and the ongoing saga taking place in Australia around the Australian Open. And don’t miss a special playoff edition of Jake’s Takes as well. All this and more on this week’s show!

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This week we talk to L. Jon Wertheim about his new book Glory Days: The Summer of 1984 and the 90 Days That Changed Sports and Culture Forever. We talk about 1984 sports, music, and what was taking place in the world that made that particular summer transformative. 

We also got “Choice Words” about Antonio Brown and his exit from last week’s Bucs-Jets game. We have “Just Stand Up” and “Sit Your Ass Down” awards to the incredible Sidney Poitier for an incredible life lived as an actor and activist and Aaron Rodgers who will likely win the NFL MVP and increasingly appears to be an avatar for the libertarian right. All this and more on this week’s show! 

Jon Wertheim

Twitter: @jon_wertheim

https://www.hmhbooks.com/shop/books/Glory-Days/9781328637901

Zirin, Antonio Brown Is a Damning Reflection of the NFL

https://www.thenation.com/article/culture/antonio-brown-nfl/

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This week we speak with Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Sympathizer and USC professor Viet Thanh Nguyen. It’s a great conversation and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did taking part in it.

We also have ‘Choice Words’ about Deion Sanders’s big splash and securing a massive victory against the college football powers that be in recruiting. Don’t miss another great edition of Jake’s Takes as well. All this and more on this week’s show! 

Zirin

Jackson State's Deion Sanders snagging top recruit makes HBCU football the big story

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This week we speak to former Pittsburgh Steeler Ryan Shazier about his new book: Walking Miracle: How Faith, Positive Thinking, and Passion for Football Brought Me Back from Paralysis...and Helped Me Find Purpose.

We also got “Just Stand Up” and “Sit Your Ass Down” awards to a courageous Formula 1 driver who is speaking out against racism in the sport, and Enes Freedom, who appears to be posturing as a right-wing NBA athlete that the Fox News crowd can support. Don’t miss another great edition of Jake’s Takes as well. All this and more on this week’s show! 

Ryan Shazier

Twitter: @RyanShazier

Walking Miracle

Zirin

Enes Kanter Freedom: The NBA Authoritarian Against Authoritarianism

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This week I give my take on the vaccine wars in the NBA. It’s a thorny subject and I break it down. Also we have Jake’s Takes as my kid will tell you who will win this week’s NFL games. All this and more on this week’s show!

Zirin, We Need Barcelona’s Hidden Radical History Now More Than Ever

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/barcelona-olympics/

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This week we speak to Rob Goldman, author of the new book,The Sisterhood: The 99ers and the Rise of U.S. Women's Soccer. This book looks at the US Women’s 1999 World Cup team, how they came together, personalities on the team, and their lasting impact on sport in the world.

We also have “Choice Words” about what’s happening in China with Peng Shuai, who has disappeared in the country after leveling an accusation against a powerful official in the country. We also got “Just Stand Up” and “Sit Your Ass Down” awards for the truly despicable people cheering on the Rittenhouse acquittal and the athletes that made it their mission to speak out about an Oklahoma death penalty case. Don’t miss another great edition of Jake’s Takes as well. All this and more on this week’s show! 

Rob Goldman

https://www.nebraskapress.unl.edu/nebraska/9781496228833/

Zirin, Where Is Peng Shuai? And What Is the IOC Going to Do About It?

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/peng-shuai-ioc/

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This week we speak to Britni de la Cretaz & Lyndsey D’Arcangelo, authors of the new book,Hail Mary: The Rise and Fall of the National Women's Football League. This book is incredible and unearths an entire history that most of us were never familiar with. 

We also have “Choice Words” about the new Netflix special, Colin in Black and White. We also got “Just Stand Up” and “Sit Your Ass Down” awards for the perpetually under-appreciated Dusty Baker and Roger Goodell/the Atlanta Anachronisms baseball team. Don’t miss another edition of Jake’s Takes as well. All this and more on this week’s show! 

Lyndsey D’Arcangelo

Twitter: @darcangel21

Britni de la Cretaz

Twitter: @britnidlc

https://www.boldtypebooks.com/titles/britni-de-la-cretaz/hail-mary/9781645036623/

Zirin, 100 Days to the Beijing Olympics

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/beijing-olympics/

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This week we are talking to Paul Knepper, author of the book “The Knicks of the Nineties: Ewing, Oakley, Starks and the Brawlers That Almost Won It All.” We talk the Knicks, Pat Riley, John Starks, Anthony Mason and whether this team was badder than the Bad Boys of the 80s. 

We also have “Choice Words” about the latest news in the efforts to wrest justice from the clutches of the Washington Football Team. Then we have Jake’s Takes as well as an NBA preview session! 

Paul Knepper

Twitter: @paulieknep

https://theknicksofthenineties.com/

Zirin, Congress Escalates Pressure on the NFL to Release the Washington Football Team Report

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/washington-football-team-report/

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This week we speak to long-time former Green Bay Packers executive Andrew Brandt about the leak of NFL emails and what they say about the league. Also, we have choice words about the latest attack on trans youth athletes coming out of Texas. In addition, I’ve got a few things to say about Kyrie Irving, and of course, we have Jake’s Takes.

Andrew Brandt

Twitter: @AndrewBrandt

https://www1.villanova.edu/villanova/law/academics/faculty/Facultyprofiles/AndrewBrandt.html

Zirin, Texas Slams the Door on Trans Kids’ Playing Sports

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/texas-trans-bill/

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This week, Bob Glauber joins the show to discuss the new book that he co-wrote with Keyshawn Johnson, The Forgotten First. Such an informative interview, you don’t want to miss it!

Bob Glauber

Twitter: @BobGlauber

https://www.powells.com/book/the-forgotten-first-9781538705483

Zirin, Crisis in the National Women’s Soccer League: A Story of Predation and Power

https://www.thenation.com/article/culture/nwsl-sexual-harassment-scandal/

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This week I give my take on the vaccine wars in the NBA. It’s a thorny subject and I break it down. Also we have Jake’s Takes as my kid will tell you who will win this week’s NFL games. All this and more on this week’s show!

Zirin, Being “Pro NBA Player” Means Being Pro-Vaccine

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/vaccine-mandate-lebron-nba/

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This week on the podcast we have “Choice Words” about whether, given the Delta variant, we should once again shut sports down for the public good. Eager to hear your responses to this. Also we’ve got another edition of Jake's Takes and more.
Zirin, How the Kaepernick Effect Reached Small-Town Iowa https://www.thenation.com/article/society/how-the-kaepernick-effect-reached-small-town-iowa/
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This week we have a special episode—Dave Zirin in conversation with Eddie Glaude about his new book Kaepernick Effect. You won’t want to miss it. We also have Just Stand Up and Just Sit Down Awards and another installment of Jacob Zirin’s NFL picks. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week we speak to journalist Dr. Chloe Angyal about her book on the ballet pipeline, Turning Pointe. The parallels to youth sports are uncanny you really have to check this interview out. Also we have “Choice Words” about Donald Trump and his choice to commemorate 911.
In addition, we have “Just Stand Up” and “Just Sit Down” awards to the amazing activists across the world who followed Colin Kaepernick’s lead and made courageous stands—many of whom are profiled in my new book, The Kaepernick Effect and athletes like quarterback Carson Wentz, who would rather display toxic masculinity and reject vaccination to seem tough than practice solidarity and the idea of social healthcare. All this and more on this week’s show!
Dr. Chloe Angyal Twitter: @ChloeAngyal https://www.triumphbooks.com/dave-bing--attacking-the-rim-products-9781629378473.php https://www.boldtypebooks.com/titles/chloe-angyal/turning-pointe/9781645036708/
Zirin, Unvaxxed Quarterback Carson Wentz Wants Your Trust https://www.thenation.com/article/society/carson-wentz-unvaccinated/
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This week we talk to NFL Network journalist Steve Wyche about the night he interviewed Colin Kaepernick after noticing that he was sitting during the national Anthem. Wyche talks about the mechanics of that fateful day, and what it all means five years later.
We also have “Choice Words” about the Tokyo Paralympics and Japan’s struggle with coronavirus surrounding all of this. In addition, we have “Just Stand Up” and “Just Sit Down” awards to the same person—She’carri Richardson, for both her willingness to stand up to the haters after her performance in Eugene and the shade she threw at US track and field legend Allyson Felix. All this and more on this week’s show!
Steve Wyche Twitter: @Wyche89 https://www.nfl.com/author/steve-wyche
Zirin, Tokyo Hosts a Dangerous Paralympics in the Shadow of Covid https://www.thenation.com/article/society/paralympics-covid-tokyo/ —
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This week we speak to Devon Ashby, author of the fascinating new book PG vs MoCo: A Memoir of High School Football in the Shadow of the Nation's Capital. Ashby goes into detail about the talent produced in the larger DMV area, why it is largely under discussed, and the important role that public schools have played in that development process.
We also have “Choice Words” about the fifth anniversary of the day Colin Kaepernick refused to stand for the anthem. In addition, we have “Just Stand Up” and “Just Sit Down” awards to CM Punk for his iconic return to wrestling in his native Chicago and all CM’s naysayers that don’t have any appreciation for fun and joy that professional wrestling brings to so many people. All this and more on this week’s show!
Devon Ashby Twitter: @JJaxyn https://www.amazon.com/PG-MoCo-Football-Nations-Capital/dp/B08L1L8LMK
Zirin, 5 Years After Colin Kaepernick Refused to Stand, We Still Get the Story Wrong https://www.thenation.com/article/society/kaepernick-effect-dave-zirin/ —
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On September 19, PBS will debut the new documentary “Muhammad Ali” by Ken Burns, Sarah Burns, and David McMahon. This week we speak to them about how to bring a larger than life figure back down to earth and what they learned from the project. 
We also have “Choice Words” about the IOC’s shocking and casual display of anti-Asian racism from Thomas Bach. In addition, we have “Just Stand Up” and “Just Sit Down” awards to ESPN personality Jay Williams and NFL Network's Rich Eisen for speaking out about the need to get vaccinated and ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith for his stupid and bigoted comments about baseball sensation Shohei Ohtani and the Nigerian olympic basketball team. We also have a tribute to Hip-Hop legend Biz Markie, who recently passed. All this and more on this week’s show!
Ken Burns Twitter: @KenBurns https://www.pbs.org/kenburns/unum/
Sarah Burns Twitter: @sarah_l_burns  https://www.pbs.org/kenburns/about-the-filmmakers/sarah-burns/
Dave McMahon Twitter: @DavidMMcMahon https://www.pbs.org/kenburns/about-the-filmmakers/david-mcmahon/
Zirin, Anti-Asian Racism and the 2020 Olympic Games https://www.thenation.com/article/society/thomas-bach-tokyo-olympics/
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We are BACK! This week we talk to the Coach Kevin McNutt about the suspension of track and field star Sha'Carri Richardson for smoking weed and some NBA Finals observations so far.
We also have “Choice Words” about Gwen Barry and the GOP’s pathetic attempt at demonizing her. In addition, we have “Just Stand Up” and “Just Sit Down” awards to New Orleans native and Scripps Spelling Bee champ Zaila Avant-garde who recently became the first Black American to win such an honor and several prominent football clubs like Barcelona and Atletico who have decided to play exhibition games in the settler state that is Israel. All this and more on this week’s show!
Coach Kevin McNutt
Zirin, Gwen Berry Is the Hero We Need https://www.thenation.com/article/society/gwen-berry/
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This week we speak to Dr. David Canton, the new head of the African-American studies department at the University of Florida about how he intends to teach about sports, racism and politics given the recent legislation against reaching any kind of antiracism by Florida governor Ron DeSantis.
We also have “Choice Words” about the NFL and it’s racist practice called race-norming. In addition, we have “Just Stand Up” and “Just Sit Down” awards to Australian swimmer Maddie Groves who has chosen to withdraw from the Olympics as a message to sexist perverts and everyone who added to the hype machine leading ip to the fight between Floyd Mayweather and  Logan Paul. All this and more on this week’s show!
David Canton https://news.clas.ufl.edu/dr-david-a-canton-named-director-of-african-american-studies-at-uf/
Zirin, The Tokyo Olympics Are In Peril https://www.thenation.com/article/society/tokyo-olympics-cancel/
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There is a new and groundbreaking film about trans youth athletes called Changing the Game. This week on the Edge of Sports podcast, we speak to director Michael Barnett, and Alex Schmider, the film's producer. Everyone should check out the movie, it’s fantastic and inspiring.
We also have “Choice Words” about the looming backlash in the world of sports against the political athlete. In addition, we have “Just Stand Up” and “Just Sit Down” awards to Naomi Osaka for her courageous stance in advocating for her mental health at the French Open and the NFL for their racist legal approach called race-norming, a practice they only recently decided to drop. All this and more on this week’s show!

Changing the Game Twitter: @ChangingGameDoc https://www.changinggamedoc.com/
Zirin, Naomi Osaka and the Growing Backlash Against Athletes Who Dare to Speak Out https://www.thenation.com/article/society/naomi-osaka/
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This week we speak to authors Maria J. Veri and Rita Liberti about their new book, Gridiron Gourmet, which explores tailgating culture and sports. The authors also go into detail on their experiences writing the book, their favorite foods they ate along the way, and how race intersects with this culture.

We also have “Choice Words” about Kyrie Irving, his comments about Boston sports fans, and the reactions. In addition, we also have a “Just Stand Up” award to Rob Benson, former NBA athlete for his great op-ed in the San Francisco Chronicle about mental health, and a "Just Sit Down" award to racist fans all over the country . All this and more on this week’s show!

Maria J. Veri
Twitter: @mjveri
Gridiron Gourmet

Rita Liberti
Twitter: @RitaLiberti5

Zirin
New York Needs Trae Young

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This week we speak to legendary goalkeeper Hope Solo about her 20 year career in USA Soccer and what she would do if she was in charge of the Federation. We get into issues concerning equal pay and the pushback Hope says she got when she attempted to bring these issues to light. 
We also have “Choice Words” about Kyrie Irving and his comments humanizing Palestinians. In addition, we also have a nice remembrance of all-time political athlete and Olympian Lee Evans after his recent passing. All this and more on this week’s show!
Hope Solo Twitter: @hopesolo https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/jan/12/hope-solo-uswnt-goalkeeper-carli-lloyd-equal-pay-soccer
Zirin, Kyrie Irving’s Comments on Palestine Are a Big Deal https://www.thenation.com/article/society/kyrie-irving-israel-palestine/
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This week we talk to Luke Epplin, author of the new book, Our Team: The Epic Story of Four Men and the World Series That Changed Baseball. Luke goes into detail on his research for the book, Satchel Paige, why Larry Doby is an important historical figure, and Bill Veeck’s complicated legacy.

We also have “Choice Words”about how more athletes are connecting Black Lives Matter issues domestically to Palestinian liberation. In addition, we also have “Just Stand Up” and “Just Sit Down” awards to the athletes that are going to defy the IOC’s rules around political expression, and everyone that wrote off Russell Westbrook at the beginning of the NBA season, respectively. All this and more on this week’s show!

Luke Epplin
Twitter: @LukeEpplin
Our Team: The Epic Story of Four Men and the World Series That Changed Baseball

Zirin
The IOC Is Now Daring Olympic Athletes to Protest


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This week we talk to Pamela Grundy and Susan Shackleford, authors of the groundbreaking book, “Shattering The Glass: The Remarkable History Of Women's Basketball.” You have to listen to this interview. 
We also have “Choice Words” about Caitlyn Jenner’s pathetic political power play. In addition, we also have “Just Stand Up” and “Just Sit Down” awards to the German women’s gymnastic team for their statement against sexualization in the sport and Knicks/Islanders owner James Dolan. All this and more on this week’s show!
Pamela Grundy & Susan Shackleford Twitter: @pamcgrundy  https://uncpress.org/book/9780807858295/shattering-the-glass/
Zirin, Sports Unions Come Together to Fight for the PRO Act https://www.thenation.com/article/society/pro-act-sport/ —
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This week we speak to free agent NFL player RK Russell about his oped in The Guardian in defense of transgender athletes as well as his process of writing. Russell has some great advice for up-and-coming athletes.

We also have “Choice Words” about the LAPD's efforts to ride LeBron James' coattails in a transparently disingenuous way. In addition, we have “Just Stand Up” and “Just Sit Down” awards to recent Baltimore Ravens draft pick Odafe Oweh for taking a stand on pronunciation of his African name, and the NFL analysts at the Draft that criticized players for sitting out a COVID filled season, respectively. All this and more on this week’s show!

RK Russell
Twitter: @RKRelentless
"Trans kids deserve the same opportunity that made my NFL career possible," The Guardian

Zirin
Voices Are Raised Against the NBA Launching Its New African League in Rwanda

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This week we talk to the owner of the social justice education firm JenFryTalks, former volleyball coach Jen Fry, to speak about how whiteness operates in sports. Jen Fry facilitated workshops in the sport’s world on issues of anti-racism and inclusion. 
We also have “Choice Words” about why Minneapolis cancelled their games following the police killing of Daunte Wright. In addition, we also have “Just Stand Up” and “Just Sit Down” awards to Britni De La Cretaz and Layshia Clarendon for a terrific feature in SI and Brett Favre, who continues to say stupid things. All this and more on this week’s show!
Jen Fry Twitter: @jenfrytalks https://www.jenfrytalks.com/
Zirin, MLB, NBA, and NHL Games Are Canceled in the Twin Cities https://www.thenation.com/article/society/daunte-wright-minnesota-twins/ —
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This week we talk to former baseball MVP, Dave “The Cobra” Parker about his new book “Cobra: A Life of Baseball and Brotherhood.” We talk to Parker about his career, Roberto Clemente, and even get a vocal performance. Also I’ve got some choice words. I also have Just Stand Up and Just Sit Down awards.
We also have “Choice Words” about the last time there was a movement to get MLB to move the All-Star Game over a decade ago. In addition, we also have “Just Stand Up” and “Just Sit Down” awards to everyone that helped push MLB to olympian Sakura Kokumai for bringing attention to anti-Asian bigotry in the United States and Georgia governor Brian Kemp, who continues to feed the public nonsense about the racist anti-voting bill in Georgia. All this and more on this week’s show!
Dave Parker Cobra: A Life of Baseball and Brotherhood
Zirin, The Last Time People Tried to Get Baseball to Move the All-Star Game https://www.thenation.com/article/society/all-star-game-arizona/
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This week we talk to Professor Cheryl Cooky, co-author of the new study One and Done: The Eclipse of Women’s Televised Sports, 1989–2019. Cooky talks about the study’s methodology, the origins of the study, and some surprising findings from the report.
We also have “Choice Words” about why Major League Baseball chose to move the All-Star Game from the state of Georgia. In addition, we also have “Just Stand Up” and “Just Sit Down” awards to everyone that helped push MLB to move the All-Star Game from Georgia/Dwyane Wade for his support of trans rights and the NCAA, who has somehow managed to find itself to the right of the most right wing judges in U.S. Supreme Court history. All this and more on this week’s show!
Cheryl Cooky Twitter: @ProfCooky One and Done: The Long Eclipse of Women’s Televised Sports, 1989–2019

Zirin, Will MLB Celebrate Jackie Robinson While Holding Its All-Star Game In Georgia? https://www.thenation.com/article/society/georgia-mlb-all-star-game/
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This week we talk to the author of the new book, “Sidelined: Sidelined: Sports, Culture, and Being a Woman in America,” by Julie DiCaro. Julie talks about her process of writing the book, personally dealing with misogyny in sports media and why it’s important to talk about.
We also have “Choice Words” about the most important story in sports media you are not hearing about. In addition, we also have “Just Stand Up” and “Just Sit Down” awards to Jeremy Lin for his bringing awareness to the spike of anti-Asian hate crimes in the United States and the NCAA, who continues to be one of the biggest villains in all of sports. All this and more on this week’s show!
Julie DiCaro Twitter: @JulieDiCaro Sidelined: Sports, Culture, and Being a Woman in America
Zirin, Will the NFL Survive the New Science of Brain Damage? https://www.thenation.com/article/society/cte-football-nfl/ —
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This week we talk to Chase Strangio, the Deputy Director for Transgender Justice at the ACLU, about countering the relentless state government attack on trans women and girls who want to play sports.
We also have “Choice Words” about the NFL and a practice called "race norming” that has come to light in the wake of a lawsuit against the league. In addition, we have “Just Stand Up” and “Just Sit Down” awards to Tao Geoghegan Hart who had some righteous words in response to Zlatan Ibrahimović and Peter Mather, for the second week in a row. We also have a special Kaepernick Watch looking at some women athletes in Norman, Oklahoma that decided to take a stand. All this and more on this week’s show!
Chase Strangio Twitter: @chasestrangio Instagram: @chasestrangio https://www.aclu.org/news/by/chase-strangio/
Zirin, So What the Hell Is Race Norming? https://www.thenation.com/article/society/race-norming-nfl-concussions/
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This week we speak to Leroy Moore, one of the founders of the hip hop organization, Krip Hop Nation about the Paralympics. We also talk to Moore about his love of Hip-Hop, his favorite artists, and growing up in New York City during the birth of the music genre. 
We also have “Choice Words” about Renee Montgomery, Kelly Loeffler and the retaking of the Atlanta Dream. In addition, we have “Just Stand Up” and “Just Sit Down” awards to an attempted rumble to remove another bigoted boss and the good ole boys of Texas. We also have a special Kaepernick Watch. All this and more on this week’s show!
Leroy Moore Twitter: @kriphopnation https://www.sfexaminer.com/news-columnists/krip-hop-nations-leroy-f-moore-jr-is-a-born-fighter/
Zirin, Kelly Loeffler Just Lost Her WNBA Team to a Player She Refused to Meet https://www.thenation.com/article/society/kelly-loeffler-wnba-montgomery/
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