Edge Of Sports

This week we talk to Eric Nusbaum, author of the new book, “Stealing Home: Los Angeles, the Dodgers, and the Lives Caught in Between.” We talk to him about his new book, the history of how Dodger Stadium came to be, and the displacement of people of color in the process of building it.  We also have some ‘Choice Words’ about the NCAA and the prospect of college football coming this fall as well as its decision to announce support for college athletes to sign endorsement deals. In addition, we have ‘Just Stand Up’ and ‘Just Sit Down’ awards to former Bulls sharpshooter Craig Hodges, who has been erased from the Last Dance documentary but remains an important part of the early Bulls championship teams and some ESPN announcers who are saying, “Gosh, I’m seeing a different side of Jordan” in the wake of the documentary. We also got a brand new Kaepernick Watch featuring an announcement from me! All that and more on this week’s Edge of Sports! Eric Nusbaum https://www.publicaffairsbooks.com/titles/eric-nusbaum

This week we talk to Jared Ball, professor of Communication Studies at Morgan State University in Baltimore. We talk to him about his new book, The Myth and Propaganda of Black Buying Power, the history of the concept, and its connection to black radical politics. We also have some ‘Choice Words’ about The Last Dance for its uncritical look at Michael Jordan, and it’s lopsided attack on Jerry Krause. In addition, we have ‘Just Stand Up’ and ‘Just Sit Down’ awards to the 1st draft pick of the 2020 draft, Joe Burrow, for using his platform to talk about poverty, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and the league for the way they presented the NFL Draft, particularly the self-serving celebration of first responders. All that and more on this week’s Edge of Sports! Jared Ball https://imixwhatilike.org/category/the-myth-of-black-buying-power/ Twitter: @IMIXWHATILIKE Zirin, The Unfortunate Ugliness of ‘The Last Dance’ https://www.thenation.com/article/society/michael-jordan-last-dance/ — http://www.edgeo

This week we talk to friend of the show Michael Lee to talk about Last Dance, a documentary on Michael Jordan and the ’98 Chicago Bulls. We talk about the NBA of the ‘90s, Michael Jordan’s drive to be great, and why people continue to be fascinated by MJ.  We also have some ‘Choice Words’ about WWE and its decision to resume live programming in the midst of the coronavirus. In addition, we have ‘Just Stand Up’ and ‘Just Sit Down’ awards to Megan Rapinoe for her fantastic livestream with W. Kamau Bell and Trump’s committee to reopen sports. All that and more on this week’s Edge of Sports! Michael Lee https://theathletic.com/1752209/2020/04/17/sports-take-a-back-seat-why-basketball-africa-league-was-first-to-cancel-games/ Twitter: @MrMichaelLee Zirin, Trump’s Sports Advisers Represent the Worst of the Sports World https://www.thenation.com/article/society/trump-sports-advisory-coronavirus/ — http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | em

This week we take a sidestep from sports and talk to Maurice Cook from the Ward 6 Mutual Aid Network. We talk about coronavirus’ impact on DC, how it’s affected people of color in the city, and what can be done about it.  We also have some ‘Choice Words’ about the dystopian plans to reopen the sports world that are floating around right now. In addition, we have ‘Just Stand Up’ and ‘Just Sit Down’ awards to Jalen Rose on the anniversary of his shellacking of Skip Bayless and Maven Media for their decision to fire friend of the show Grant Wahl and their pathetic decision to slander him on his way out. All that and more on this week’s Edge of Sports! Maurice Cook https://www.serveyourcitydc.org/ Twitter: @mcSYCdc Zirin, The Plans to Bring Sports Back Are Truly Dystopian https://www.thenation.com/article/society/ufc-baseball-arizona-coronavirus/ — http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@gmail.com | Edge of Sport

This week we speak to the preeminent soccer journalist in the United States, Grant Wahl, about the role of soccer amidst the coronavirus pandemic. We talk about coronavirus, an update on USA women’s soccer lawsuit for equal pay, and more. We also have some ‘Choice Words’ about the bribery scandal that should be rocking the IOC. In addition, we have ‘Just Stand Up’ and ‘Just Sit Down’ awards to members of the FC Barcelona team for taking pay cuts to help club employees, and people making racist attacks on sports journalist Jemele Hill. All that and more on this week’s Edge of Sports! Grant Wahl https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCae1JCaKGwUV_x6OAaP5blg/featured Twitter: @GrantWahl Zirin & Boykoff, A Bribery Scandal Hits the ‘2020’ Tokyo Olympics https://www.thenation.com/article/world/tokyo-olympics-bribery-scandal/ — http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@gmail.com | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDG

 This week we speak to Rod “Slasher” Breslau,  and Erin Ashley Simon, two experts on Esports. We speak to them about the impact of coronavirus on Esports, the political economy of the sport, and why traditional sports fans that aren’t on board yet should give them a look.  We also have some ‘Choice Words’ about the activist athlete in the time of coronavirus. In addition, we have ‘Just Stand Up’ and ‘Just Sit Down’ awards to Joel Embiid for both donating money to employees of Sixers while implicitly shaming team ownership to do the same, and Tilman Fertitta, Houston Rockets owner, for furloughing 40,000 employees and downplaying COVID-19 among other heinous actd. All that and more on this week’s Edge of Sports! Erin Ashley Simon https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCae1JCaKGwUV_x6OAaP5blg/featured Twitter: @erinasimon Rod Breslau https://www.facebook.com/Breslau Twitter: @Slasher Zirin, Athlete Activists Respond to the Coronavirus Pandemic https://www.thenation.com/article/society/coronavirus-athletes

This week we speak to NBA veteran Wilson Chandler about how he is maintaining amid the pandemic as well as his experience playing on basketball’s biggest stage, his stint in China, and the rhetoric of Donald Trump. We also have some ‘Choice Words’ about the Coronavirus and athletes. In addition, we have ‘Just Stand Up’ and ‘Just Sit Down’ awards to Jeremy Lin for calling out Trump for racist rhetoric and the IOC for dragging their feet on doing the right thing and cancelling the 2020 Olympic games. All that and more on this week’s Edge of Sports! Wilson Chandler https://www.theplayerstribune.com/en-us/articles/wilson-chandler-the-iso-brooklyn-nets Twitter: @wilsonchandler Zirin, Liverpool’s Jürgen Klopp Shines Amid the Coronavirus Crisis https://www.thenation.com/article/society/coronavirus-liverpool-jurgen-klopp/ — http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@gmail.com | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE

This week we talk to ace NBA journalist Ethan Sherwood Strauss about his new book The Victory Machine: The Making and Unmaking of the Warriors Dynasty. We talk to Ethan about that Warriors dynasty, Kevin Durant, and the price of success. We also have some ‘Choice Words’ about the Coronavirus and sports. In addition, we have ‘Just Stand Up’ and ‘Just Sit Down’ awards to the players of the NFL fighting for fair contracts and egomaniacal Knicks owner James Dolan. All that and more on this week’s Edge of Sports! Ethan Sherwood Strauss https://www.publicaffairsbooks.com/titles/ethan-sherwood-strauss/the-victory-machine/9781541736214/ Twitter: @SherwoodStrauss Zirin, The Coronavirus Is Coming for Professional Sports https://www.thenation.com/article/society/coronavirus-nba-sports/ — http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@gmail.com | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) — Advertising Inquiries: https://r

This week we are talking to Power Plays sports reporter Lindsay Gibbs about the promising albeit volatile state of women’s sports and then to Kevin Powell about his experience at Kobe Bryant’s memorial service at the Staples Center. We also have a Kaepernick watch about two volleyball players who took a knee for Palestine. And this week I read a poem! By Kevin Powell! Lindsay Gibbs https://www.powerplays.news/ Twitter: @linzsports Kevin Powell Kevin's Poem Instagram: KevinPowellBrooklyn Zirin, Athletes Take a Knee Against Israel’s Occupation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/dwyane-wade-trans-child/ — http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@gmail.com | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) — Subscribe to The Nation to support all of our podcasts: thenation.com/podcastsubscribe. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week we speak to retired NBA All Star David West about his life, politics, and support for the Bernie Sanders campaign. We also talk about his work to challenge the NCAA with the Professional College League.  We have ‘Choice Words’ about NBA legend Dwyane Wade and why his love and support for his trans daughter Zaya is an act of resistance. We got ‘Just Stand Up’ and “Just Sit Down” awards to Colin Kaepernick for launching a publishing house and the East Moline police. All that and more on this week’s episode of The Edge of Sports Podcast! David West Twitter: @D_West30 Zirin Dwyane Wade’s Love for His Daughter Is an Act of Resistance — http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@gmail.com | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) — Subscribe to The Nation to support all of our podcasts: thenation.com/podcastsubscribe Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcirc

This week we talk to sportswriter Howard Bryant about his new book, Full Dissidence: Notes From an Uneven Playing Field. It is a searing look at race, power, and the real world beyond the sports world. We have "Choice Words" about the Super Bowl and the spectacle that was. We got "Just Stand Up" and “Just Sit Down” awards to boxer Gary Russell Jr. for inspiring youth in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area, and Pete Rose, who’s still making a shameless play for Coopertown entry. All that and more on Edge of Sports! Howard Bryant Full Dissidence: Notes from an Uneven Playing Field Twitter: @hbryant42 Zirin This Year’s Super Bowl Was Blatantly Propagandistic Subscribe to The Nation to support all of our podcasts: thenation.com/podcastsubscribe Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week we talk to Vincent Schilling, associate editor from Indian Country Today about the origin and present ramifications of the Kansas City Chiefs name and mascot. We have ‘Choice Words’ about Kobe Bryant as we reflect on his history on and off the court. We also feature a conversation with The Athletic’s Michael Lee, who knew Kobe. We got ‘Just Stand Up’ and “Just Sit Down” awards to airport workers engaging in a hunger strike outside the Miami airport and Marcus Morris of the New York Knicks, as well as a special ‘Kaepernick Watch’ about a PETA ad. All that and more on Edge of Sports! Vincent Schilling http://www.vincentschilling.com/ Twitter: @VinceSchilling Zirin, Remembering Kobe Bryant https://www.thenation.com/article/society/kobe-bryant-helicopter-crash/ — http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@gmail.com | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) — Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle

This week we speak to Professor Kenneth Shropshire about a host of issues pervading sports and how today's students are taking them in. We have ‘Choice Words’ with Chuck Modiano on whether there is an ethical team to root for in this week's Super Bowl. We also have ‘Just Stand Up’ and “Just Sit Down” awards to Maya Moore and her incredible work on criminal justice and cross country skiing of all things. All that and more on Edge of Sports! Kenneth Shropshire https://globalsport.asu.edu/ Twitter: @kenshropshire Zirin, NFL Player Justin Jackson: ‘40 Years of Neoliberalism Has Brought Our Country to the Brink’ https://www.thenation.com/article/society/justin-jackson-bernie-sanders/ — http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@gmail.com | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) — Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week we chop it up with LA Chargers running back Justin Jackson, who has become a big of a lightning rod on social media in recent months. Jackson discusses media bias against progressive politics, militarism, the 2016 election, and why he supports Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders. We have ‘Choice Words’ about the Australian Open and the impact of Climate Change down under. We also have ‘Just Stand Up’ and “Just Sit Down” awards to freedom fighter and Olympian John Carlos and the security office that issued an arrest to wide receiver Odell Beckham. Enjoy! Zirin, The Australian Open Is the Tip of a Melting Iceberg https://www.thenation.com/article/australian-open-fires-climate-change/ — http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@gmail.com | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) — Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week we discuss the towering and complicated legacy of former NBA commissioner David Stern. We look at his success in guiding the league through some its best years as well as his support of notorious racist former Clippers owner Donald Sterling and the infamous dress code that was enacted during the aughts, as well as treatment of Craig Hodges and Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf.  We also got some ‘Choice Words’ about 2019, a remarkable year at the intersection of sports and politics. We have a ‘Just Stand Up’ Award and ‘Just Sit Down Award’ to everyone horrified by recent US attacks in the Middle East and the organizers of the upcoming college football national championship game. A brand new Kaepernick Watch as well. Stay Tuned!  Zirin, The Towering, Complicated Legacy of David Stern https://www.thenation.com/article/david-stern/ Zirin, The Athletes Who Fought Back in 2019 https://www.thenation.com/article/the-athletes-who-fought-back-in-2019/ — http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/

This week we talk with journalist Natalie Weiner from SB Nation about her recent longform piece on how gun violence has affected youth football around the country. Weiner’s piece is titled, “The Line of Fire: Gun violence, high school football and what coaches are doing to keep their players safe.” We have ‘Choice Words’ about the NFL’s circus of a Kaepernick tryout and the NFL’s attempt to bend Kaep to their will. We also have ‘Just Stand Up’ and ‘Just Sit Down’ awards to Carolina Panthers Safety Eric Reid for comments after Kaepernick’s workout, and WWE management for its anti-labor stance. All this and more on this week’s episode! Natalie Weiner Twitter: @natalieweiner https://www.sbnation.com/2019/11/13/20955539/gun-violence-statistics-prevention-facts-high-school-football-america Zirin, Colin Kaepernick Refused to Bend to Roger Goodell’s Will https://www.thenation.com/article/colin-kaepernick-tryout/ — http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/ed

This week we are honored to speak to gold medalist at the 1964 and 1968 Olympics and the first-ever back-to-back gold medalist in the 100 meters, athlete and lifelong activist Wyomia Tyus. Tyus talks about her experiences in the Olympics and the fight for freedom.  We have ‘Choice Words’ about the firing of Canadian hockey commentator and bigot Don Cherry. We also have ‘Just Stand Up’ and ‘Just Sit Down’ awards to Megan Rapinoe for an awesome speech, and the NFL, who are up to their shenanigans as it pertains to Colin Kaepernick. All this and more on this week’s episode! Wyomia Tyus http://www.akashicbooks.com/catalog/tigerbelle/ Zirin, The Firing of Don Cherry Marks the End of an Era https://www.thenation.com/article/don-cherry/ — http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@gmail.com | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) — Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https:/

This week we speak to author Andrew Maraniss about his new book Games of Deception about the 1936 US Olympic Basketball team’s foray into the Hitler hosted Berlin Olympics.  We have ‘Choice Words’ about the Nationals visit to the White House. We also have ‘Just Stand Up’ and ‘Just Sit Down’ awards to Mary Cain, the track athlete that came forward to speak in detail about her alleged abuse by a Nike coach, and Ryan Anderson and Kurt Suzuki, on the heels of their visit to the White House. All this and more on this week’s episode! Andrew Maraniss Twitter: @trublu24 https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/564456/games-of-deception/ Zirin, The Nationals’ Discordant White House Celebration https://www.thenation.com/article/world-series-trump-white-house/ — http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@gmail.com | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) — Subscribe to The Nation to support our podcasts: thenat

This week we speak to former Edge of Sports podcast producer Dan Bloom about his experience sitting in Nationals Park as the thousands rose up last Sunday to boo Donald Trump. A longtime Nationals fan, he also reflects on their historic World Series triumph. We have ‘Choice Words’ about the demise of Deadspin. We also have ‘Just Stand Up’ and ‘Just Sit Down’ awards to Sean Doolittle, the Washington National who has already turned down Trump, and Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys. All this and more on this week’s episode! Dan Bloom Twitter: @danbl00m https://theslot.jezebel.com/washington-nationals-fans-continue-their-hallowed-tradi-1839497434 Zirin, The Journalists of ‘Deadspin’ Refused to Bow Down https://www.thenation.com/article/deadspin/ — http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@gmail.com | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) — Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy &a

This week we speak to freelance author Rob Arthur about his theories about the Major League Baseball home run boom. Arthur turns science into home run theories. Fascinating subject. Also I have Just Stand Up and Just Sit Down awards and and more. We have ‘Choice Words’ about the firing of Brandon Taubman of the Houston Astros. We also have ‘Just Stand Up’ and ‘Just Sit Down’ awards to Charles Barkley and Vice-President Mike Pence fans. We also have a special read. All this and more! Rob Arthur Twitter: @No_Little_Plans https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/48260/moonshot-the-baseball-is-juiced-again/ Zirin, The Astros Fire Brandon Taubman, but the Real Problem Remains https://www.thenation.com/article/houston-astros-brandon-taubman/ — Subscribe to The Nation to support our podcasts: thenation.com/podcastsubscribe — http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@gmail.com | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-4