Edge of Sports

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 '...

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/ — http://www.edgeofsport...

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-...

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 th...

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 erasur...

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...

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 p...

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 Bosto...

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...

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...

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 h...

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 Kaeperni...

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 j...

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...

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...

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 Ju...

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. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 agai...

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...

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 me...

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...

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...

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 Ste...

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 S...

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”...