Dave Zirin

Sports Editor

@EdgeofSports

Dave Zirin is the sports editor at The Nation. He is the author of 11 books on the politics of sports. He is also the coproducer and writer of the new documentary Behind the Shield: The Power and Politics of the NFL.

The Cesspool: Why Youth Sports Stink

The Cesspool: Why Youth Sports Stink The Cesspool: Why Youth Sports Stink

Big business and the explosion in college tuition are robbing kids of a positive youth sports experience.

May 9, 2013 / Dave Zirin

1968 Olympian John Carlos on the ‘Coming Out’ of Jason Collins

1968 Olympian John Carlos on the ‘Coming Out’ of Jason Collins 1968 Olympian John Carlos on the ‘Coming Out’ of Jason Collins

The athlete-activist icon has nothing but support.

May 7, 2013 / Dave Zirin

What Did RGIII Learn at the Muhammad Ali Center?

What Did RGIII Learn at the Muhammad Ali Center? What Did RGIII Learn at the Muhammad Ali Center?

When Washington’s superstar quarterback visited the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, every tweet was a chapter.

May 6, 2013 / Dave Zirin

Why Jason Collins Is More Roger Bannister Than Jackie Robinson

Why Jason Collins Is More Roger Bannister Than Jackie Robinson Why Jason Collins Is More Roger Bannister Than Jackie Robinson

By coming out of the closet as an active, male pro athlete, Jason Collins has redefined the possible.

May 1, 2013 / Dave Zirin

Jason Collins: The Substance of Change

Jason Collins: The Substance of Change Jason Collins: The Substance of Change

We can no longer say that no active male athlete has ever come out of closet. Meet the NBA’s Jason Collins.

Apr 30, 2013 / Dave Zirin

A Fighter by His Trade: Tamerlan Tsarnaev, Sports and the American Dream

A Fighter by His Trade: Tamerlan Tsarnaev, Sports and the American Dream A Fighter by His Trade: Tamerlan Tsarnaev, Sports and the American Dream

Sports have been a historic avenue for immigrant acceptance in the US, but Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s story shows just how much that’s changed.

Apr 29, 2013 / Dave Zirin

Did Shaquille O’Neal Just Box Out Mumia?

Did Shaquille O’Neal Just Box Out Mumia? Did Shaquille O’Neal Just Box Out Mumia?

The big man—a cultural tycoon and a friend of the Fraternal Order of Police—just went big-bully on a widely acclaimed film about political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jahmal.

Apr 25, 2013 / Dave Zirin

An Interview With ESPN’s New Ombudsman, Robert Lipsyte

An Interview With ESPN’s New Ombudsman, Robert Lipsyte An Interview With ESPN’s New Ombudsman, Robert Lipsyte

The world’s largest sports network just hired a noted critic as its watchdog. What’s next for sports media?

Apr 24, 2013 / Dave Zirin

‘What the Hell!’: Steubenville High School Football Coach Gets a Two-Year Contract Extension

‘What the Hell!’: Steubenville High School Football Coach Gets a Two-Year Contract Extension ‘What the Hell!’: Steubenville High School Football Coach Gets a Two-Year Contract Extension

The Steubenville school board extended the contract of football coach Reno Saccoccia despite his behavior during his players' recent rape trial.

Apr 22, 2013 / Dave Zirin

Why We Must Protect Next Year’s Boston Marathon From Ourselves

Why We Must Protect Next Year’s Boston Marathon From Ourselves Why We Must Protect Next Year’s Boston Marathon From Ourselves

The fight starts now to make sure the 2014 Boston Marathon isn’t a nightmare for civil liberties.

Apr 20, 2013 / Dave Zirin

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