Edge Of Sports

Legendary sports sociologist Dr. Harry Edwards has been working with Colin Kaepernick and speaking in locker rooms around the country. We speak with him about the recent elections and the challenges as well as the opportunities it creates for this new generation of athlete-activists. We also ask Dr. Edwards what inspiration can be drawn from the life of his old friend Muhammad Ali. In addition, I have some choice words about critics of Colin Kaepernick's decision not to vote, we have an extended just stand up award section for every athlete already standing up to Trump and we take calls about how folks are dealing with the altered political landscape.Full notes at http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com—http://twitter.com/edgeofsports | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@slate.com | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-428-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

ESPN The Magazine's Howard Bryant joins the podcast to talk about the only issue that matters. The election of Donald Trump was a slap in the face to anyone who believes that racism, sexual assault and anti-immigrant sentiment are are bad. But the election of Trump - with a minority of the vote remember - is far more complicated that just saying it's racism. It's the Democratic Party, it's the Clinton campaign, and it's the way working class people - white, black and brown - have been crushed in this country. We also have an inspiring Just Stand Up award to the only three-time winner Wisconsin's Nigel Hayes.Full notes at http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com—http://twitter.com/edgeofsports | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@slate.com | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-428-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We are honored to speak with Reverend Jesse Jackson about his trip to North Dakota to fight the Dakota access pipeline (DAPL,) giving Jackie Robinson's eulogy, and playing one-on-one against Marvin Gaye. We are equally honored to speak to native American journalist Jackie Keeler about her experiences in North Dakota, its connection to a Native American mascots in sports, and why the DAPL resistance has produced, in her mind, "the most unified native response since Little Big Horn." We also have Choice Words about what politics could look like in the NBA locker room after their greatest fan leaves the White House, the Just Stand Up goes to two Wisconsin players with their eyes on the prize: Bronson Koenig and - again - to Nigel Hayes.https://twitter.com/RevJJackson | http://rainbowpush.orghttps://twitter.com/jfkeeler—http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com | http://twitter.com/edgeofsports | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@slate.com | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-428-3343 (EDGE)—mu

In a week dominated by stories about former New York Giants place kicker Josh Brown and the NFL's continual coverup of domestic violence, we speak to Jessica Luther, author of the book “Unsportsmanlike Conduct: College Football and the Politics of Rape.” This week I also have some choice words of my own about the Giants’ shameful handling of the Josh Brown incident and why Roger Goodell should, in my opinion, no longer be employed. Lastly, the ‘Just Stand Up’ award goes to Denasia Lawrence, a National Anthem singer with a purpose.Jessica Luther: http://jessicawluther.com | https://twitter.com/scATX Unsportsmanlike Conduct: College Football and the Politics of Rape http://www.akashicbooks.com/catalog/unsportsmanlike-conduct/Zirin column, ‘Another Shocking Domestic Violence Case Is Rocking the NFL’ https://www.thenation.com/article/another-shocking-domestic-violence-case-is-rocking-the-nfl—http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com | http://twitter.com/edgeofsports | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeof

John Cusack is a renowned actor, best known for classics like Being John Malkovich, Better Off Dead, Say Anything, and for my money, the greatest sports movie of all time, Eight Men Out. Cusack is also a serious political thinker with a new book “Things That Can and Cannot Be Said: Essays and Conversations,” co-written with Indian author Arundhati Roy about a range of subjects from patriotism, war, resistance, and empire – most centrally a reflection on a trip Cusack took with Roy and famed whistleblower of the Pentagon Papers, Daniel Ellsberg to meet with NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden. We speak with Cusack on his book, his beloved Chicago Cubs, patriotism, the anthem protests of Colin Kaepernick and I slip in a couple of movie questions as well. I also have some "choice words" about Kaepernick's first start of the season in Buffalo and “Just Stand Up” awards go to Wisconsin Badger Nigel Hayes and LA Dodger Adrian Gonzalez.Things that Can and Cannot Be Said: Essays and Conversations by Arundhat

In an attempt to excuse his own repugnant behavior, Donald Trump unwittingly started a real conversation on what he dubbed “locker room talk” about sexual violence against women. Our guest, Detroit Lions linebacker DeAndre Levy, is the rare pro athlete who is awake to this issue. Levy writes, advocates, and fundraises to fight domestic and sexual abuse. We also speak to him about the Kaepernick protests. Then, we have ’Choice Words’ about my own experience with "locker room talk" and the ‘Just Stand Up’ award goes to Mets broadcaster Ron Darling for speaking out against the “rage of the inarticulate.”The Nation column, Not in My Locker Room https://www.thenation.com/article/not-in-my-locker-room‘Man Up,’ DeAndre Levy essay http://www.theplayerstribune.com/deandre-levy-sexual-assault-awareness/‘Our Issue’ T-Shirts, benefiting the Michigan Women’s Foundation and ‘Detroit Hustles Harder’ https://www.crowdrise.com/our-issueDetroit Hustles Harder https://fb.com/detroithustlesharderofficialTo purchase '

We speak to Dr. Walter Beach, starter on the Cleveland Browns 1964 Championship team and member of the famed Muhammad Ali Summit about the politics of sports and racism: what has changed and what remains the same from his days in the NFL. He is as deep a thinker as you will find and this will "wow" you. We also speak about Colin Kaepernick's comments about the Trump=Clinton elections, the gorilla taking the field with an All Lives Matter sign, and we have a Just Stand Up award for a player released from the NFL after taking a knee in London, and the East Carolina band.The Nation, Colin Kaepernick Has a Right to Hate Both Candidateshttps://www.thenation.com/article/colin-kaepernick-has-a-right-to-hate-both-candidates/—Please take our survey at http://panoply.fm/survey—http://edgeofsportspodcast.com | http://twitter.com/edgeofsports | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@slate.com—music: “Classic Man” - Jidenna http://jidenna.com (Jidenna, Nana Kwabena, Nate "Rocket" Wonder

We bring sports and politics icon John Carlos in-studio to talk about how it feels to see a new generation of athletes replicate his anthem protests of 1968. Dr. Carlos - who is having a wild week - also speaks to us about the opening of the new National Museum of African American History and Culture where he was part of the unveiling of a statue of himself, and two other two men on that iconic medal stand: Tommie Smith and Peter Norman. Carlos is also in town to visit the White House. He speaks about what it feels like to be re-embraced and who he still feels owes him a damn apology (spoiler: it's Brent Musburger.) We also have some choice words for Mike Ditka, we take listener calls and a Just Stand Up Award for the Castlemont Knights football team, showing some A plus solidarity with the protest of Colin Kaepernick.http://www.johncarlos68.com/ | https://twitter.com/DrJohnCarlos/ | https://www.instagram.com/drjohncarlos1968/The John Carlos Story: The Sports Moment That Changed the World by John Carlos a

Iconic NBC broadcaster Bob Costas speaks about balancing the real world and the sports world, when politics rip through the games we often turn to for escape. We also have some 'choice words' about white athletes and the movement for Black Lives and we take and respond to messages left on the Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE.) The ‘Just Stand Up’ award goes to the young people with the courage to kneel. This week's show is dedicated to Terence Crutcher and Keith Lamont Scott.The Nation: Bigots Beware: White Athletes Are Becoming Sympathetic to Anthem Protests https://www.thenation.com/article/bigots-beware-white-athletes-are-becoming-sympathetic-to-anthem-protests/—http://edgeofsportspodcast.com | http://twitter.com/edgeofsports | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@slate.com—music: “Nothin’” - N.O.R.E. (The Neptunes production) | “Get Down” - Nas (Salaam Remi production) | “Book of Rhymes” - Nas (The Alchemist production) | “Real Friends” - Kanye West (Boi-1da product

When Feyisa Lilesa crossed won silver at the 2016 Olympics, he raised his arms in an X formation, a symbol of solidarity with the Oromo Liberation struggle in his home of Ethiopia. We speak to Lilesa about why he fears for his life, who he holds dear as his athletic heroes and what message he has for Colin Kaepernick and USA athletes using their platform to speak out for social change. We also have choice words about the weekend of 9/11, national anthem protest in the NFL. We also have choice words about everyone who says that they support Colin Kaepernick but just "disapprove" of his methods. Finally a Just Stand Up award to Michael Oppong, a football player at Doherty Memorial High School in Worcester, Massachusetts who knelt during the national anthem despite the ire of his coach.Zirins ’Choice Words’ columns in The Nation: “Colin Kaepernick Is Winning” https://www.thenation.com/article/colin-kaepernick-is-winning/“Solidarity With Kaepernick Ripples Through the NFL on September 11” https://www.then

Before Colin Kaepernick, there was Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf. In 1996, the Denver Nuggets guard said that on principle he could not stand for the national anthem because the flag in many countries represents "oppression and tyranny." He was fined, suspended, attacked, and yet we will hear on this week's podcast why he has no regrets. We will also hear what advice Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf has for Kaepernick and why he holds the words of Arundhati Roy and Malcolm X close to his heart. Abdul-Rauf also answers listeners questions including what it felt like to drop 51 points on John Stockton. This is - in my humble opinion - the best interview we've done in the history of the show.We also have some Choice Words about Megan Rapinoe's decision to stand - or kneel - in solidarity with Kaepernick. We also answer a listener call from Patrick, who left a message on our hotline: 401-436-EDGE (3343.) Our question for next week is: what athlete do you want to hear from on the issues that Colin Kapernick has raised.

We speak to Olympic gold-medal swimmer Anthony Ervin about Colin Kaepernick's anthem protest against police violence, Ervin's book ‘Chasing Water,’ and life since winning gold in Rio. Then, choice words about, and then from, an athletic activist who walked in Kaepernick's path, Toni Smith–Thompson. The ‘Just Stand Up’ award goes to Khaled Beydoun for his look at how Kaepernick is being dealt with in the sewers of sports radio. Finally, we answer a phone message from listener Ronnie that asked the Edge of Sports hotline why we speak about athletic resistance at all.Speak your mind by calling (401) 236-3343 (EDGE.) Let us know what you think of Colin Kaepernick’s actions. Also, at this crucial moment, which sports talkers are doing it right, and who is making a fool of themselves? (401) 236-3343 (EDGE.)Anthony Ervin: https://twitter.com/AnthonyErvinhis book, ‘Chasing Water: Elegy of an Olympian’ http://akashicbooks.com/catalog/chasing-waterToni Smith-Thompson: https://twitter.com/mstonijDZ column, ‘

San Francisco 49er Colin Kaepernick decided to sit during the national anthem because he is "not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses Black people and people of color." In a special edition of the podcast, we have DeMaurice Smith, Executive Director of the NFL Players Association who speaks on what the union can, and cannot do, to protect Kaepernick, and why the NFLPA - and not the NFL - is his "family" at this moment in time.We want to hear your opinion of Kaepernick’s actions and statements or what you thought of DeMaurice Smith’s interview. Call the Edge of Sports hotline at (401) 426-EDGE (3343.)DeSmith twitter: https://twitter.com/DeSmithNFLPA | https://twitter.com/NFLPAhttp://edgeofsportspodcast.com | http://twitter.com/edgeofsports | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@slate.com—music by: Nas (Chucky Thompson production), Mobb Deep (Havoc production) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://red

As Feyisa Lilesa of Ethiopia crossed the finish line to win silver in the olympic marathon in Rio, he raised his arms and crossed them above his head in protest against his own government. With this simple act, Lilesa brought the world’s attention to the plight of his Oromo people and the struggle to keep their land out of Ethiopia’s ruling party's hands. Feyisa Lilesa has etched himself into Olympic protest history and we salute him with the ‘Just Stand Up’ award. But first, I speak with scholar Katrina Karkazis about Caster Sememya. Not only did the South African blaze past all her competitors for gold in the women’s 800 meters, Semenya did so under the most intense media scrutiny, while guarded by an ever-present security detail, and with her sport’s governing bodies, the IOC and IAAF, still governing women’s bodies in invasive and illogical ways. ’Choice Words’ is about the real Olympic drama, which begins now that the games are over. And finally, we hear from listeners who called the Edge of Sports h

In the run-up to Brazil’s year of mega-events, Theresa Williamson made her website RioOnWatch.org into an essential independent news source. In our final Olympics podcast, Theresa Williamson joins me for a wide-ranging and insightful talk that you will not find on any other show. We’ll also stop by a party at the oft-discussed Vila Autódromo, site of a high-profile battle for over residents rights that is just a stone’s throw away from Olympic Park. My ‘Choice Words’ are about the stalwart Brazilian teachers who went on strike in Rio, and the ‘Just Stand Up’ award goes to Anthony Ervin, 35-year-old gold medalist and author of: “Chasing Water: Elegy of an Olympian.” Special thanks to our youngest guest, nine-year-old Kay, who summed up the Olympic effect on Rio so well: “It means so many things, and most of them aren’t good.”Edge of Sports Hotline: (401) 236-3343 (EDGE). This week, we want to know: What would you do if the Olympics came to your town? Buy tickets? Volunteer? Perhaps protest?Theresa Williamson:

We are in Olympic Rio shining light on the dark corners of these games. First up: Jules Boykoff, a razor-sharp critic of sports culture and the author of “Power Games: A Political History of the Olympics.” Then, Stephanie Reist, a PhD candidate from Duke, based in Rio and writing about the Rio suburbs for the essential site RioOnWatch.org. ’Choice Words’ is a column about the intoxicating nature of the Olympics - and resistance to them. The ‘Just Stand Up’ award goes to Gabby Douglas in response to utterly inane criticism of this great athlete. Finally, we share messages from you, our listeners, left on our our Edge of Sports hotline: 401-236-3343 (EDGE.) We asked: were you still going to watch the Olympics, or had the controversies dampened your excitement? Thank you to Sam, Toby, Jacob, Andy and Candace. This week, the question is: what during the Olympics has inspired you, and why?—Boykoff: http://julesboykoff.org | https://www.versobooks.com/books/2105-power-gamesReist: http://www.rioonwatch.org/?s=Stepha

The Olympics are here and as I head to Rio, Edge of Sports has David W. Larkin, an attorney who focuses on the corruption of sports organizations like the International Olympic Committee, about the decision to not suspend Russia from the Olympics. We ask him which is more corrupt: the IOC or FIFA? His analysis may surprise you. We also have some "choice words" about the Rio Olympics - of course - and why ten years ago, almost no one thought having Brazil as a host was a bad idea. But I start the show by speaking about the Khan family, and remember when a Gold Star Mother was attacked ten years ago because she stood up to the war that took her son's life. I speak about Cindy Sheehan. The Just Stand Up award goes to activist WNBA players who refused to bow to NBA and WNBA chiefs Adam Silver and Lisa Borders, and won.David W. Larkin, esq. https://twitter.com/SportCorruptionLarkin’s talk at the American Bar Association Meeting: “Corruption’s New Arena: International Sports in a Post-FIFA World” 3:30 P

In response to North Carolina’s discriminatory HB-2 'bathroom bill,' NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stood up for LGBTQ rights and pulled the 2017 All-Star game from Charlotte. Yet in the very same week, Silver and WNBA President Lisa Borders levied fines on female players who donned black t-shirts in pregame warmups to support the Black Lives Matter movement. To understand this tricky political moment, we have Howard Bryant, a friend of the show, author, commentator and columnist for ESPN. Then, in ’Choice Words’ we have a column about this new era of player power in basketball, and the ‘Just Stand Up’ award goes to WNBA players Tina Charles, Tanisha Wright and Swin Cash for standing up and speaking out.Howard Bryant twitter: http://twitter.com/hbryant42Zirin Column: The NBA Moves the All-Star Game, but Also Punishes Players for Political T-shirts?: http://bit.ly/2ajI699The Olympics and the Battle for Rio’s Future: http://bit.ly/1WsiXdK—http://edgeofsportspodcast.com | http://twitter.com/edgeofsports |

Today there is largely universal praise for the ESPY statements of Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Dwayne Wade and LeBron James. But what about athletes who stood up in much more difficult environment? Today we take a critical look at the ESPY statement with 2012 NBA first round draft pick Royce White. This is an NBA-level talent who has been pushed out of the league for standing up. We talk to Royce about the ESPYS and his future. I also have some "Choice words" about the way this discussion of athlete activism is being framed in the #BlackLivesMatter era.Royce White twitter: http://twitter.com/highway_30Royce White & Dave Zirin have an event together on September 21 in St. Paul at East Side Freedom Library: http://eastsidefreedomlibrary.org/Dave Zirin article on Royce White from 2013: https://www.thenation.com/article/sports-interview-non-sports-fans-have-read-my-talk-nba-player-royce-whiteESPYs opening: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=17061524Carmelo Anthony's statement: https://instagram.com

The police killings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, followed by the sniper attack on police in Dallas, unleashed a wave of protests throughout the country. It also produced numerous responses by athletes who spoke out strongly in support of the black lives matter movement. Why is this happening now and why does it matter? Our guest is Scoop Jackson of ESPN, former editor of SLAM magazine.Scoop Jackson twitter:https://twitter.com/iamscoopjackson—http://edgeofsportspodcast.com | http://twitter.com/edgeofsports | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@slate.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy