Edge of Sports

This week we talk to CNN medical expert and NYU professor Dr. Celine Gounder about Covid-19. We talk to Dr. Gounder about the push to reopen sports, how that undertaking could work, and how the nation’s leadership is dealing with the pandemic. We also have some ‘Choice Words’ about the NFL’s steadfast plans to reopen this fall, as well as the Trump administration’s ineptitude. In addition, we have...

This week's show is a talk I did with educator and author Jesse Hagopian about the history of Black athletes and their intersection with the Civil Rights Movement. We go through the famous hidden stories of people like Jackie Robinson and Muhammad Ali as well as people you may never have heard of like Wyomia Tyus and Rose Robinson. The event was put on by the Zinn Education Project.  Jesse Hag...

This week we talk to Scoop Jackson, author of the new book, The Game is Not a Game: The Power, Protest and Politics of American Sports. We talk to Scoop about the book, Scoop’s native Chicago, and the Last Dance documentary. We also have some Choice Words about the NFL’s willingness to play a vital role in Trump’s reelection campaign by trying very hard to start the season back as fast as possible...

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...

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 Krau...

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 ‘J...

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’...

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 mem...

 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’ a...

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 rheto...

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 fight...

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.pow...

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...

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, Ma...

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...

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...

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...

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 ‘Choic...

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 K...

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 Si...

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 Nik...

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 Washingto...

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 Bark...

This week we speak to The Athletic's National Basketball Association correspondent Michael Lee about all things NBA, China, and LeBron. We also preview the forthcoming season and I give my mighty predictions for the year. We also have ‘Just Stand Up’ and ‘Just Sit Down’ awards to the NBA’s Harrison Barnes and New York Yankee fans. We also have a Kaepernick Watch. All this and more! Michael Lee...

This week we talk to former NFL player Ryan O'Callaghan about his book My Life on the Line, and what it was like to keep his sexuality hidden as an NFL player. It's a riveting story. We also Have ‘Choice Words’ about California's new law giving student-athletes some rights when under the thumb of the NCAA. We also have ‘Just Stand Up’ and ‘Just Sit Down’ awards to Minnesota Viking Rece...