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.

WNBA star Sue Bird waves to fans after her last regular season home game of her career against the Las Vegas Aces at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington.

Sue Bird Sets a Standard and Says Goodbye to the WNBA Sue Bird Sets a Standard and Says Goodbye to the WNBA

The legendary basketball player accomplished much on the court and moved the political needle off the court.

Sep 8, 2022 / Dave Zirin

WNBA player Brittney Griner sits inside a defendants' cage after the Russian court's verdict during a hearing in Khimki outside Moscow, on August 4, 2022.

Brittney Griner Is Facing 9 Years in a Russian Penal Colony. Where Is the Campaign to Free Her? Brittney Griner Is Facing 9 Years in a Russian Penal Colony. Where Is the Campaign to Free Her?

We should be stepping up our efforts to bring the WNBA superstar home. Instead we’re getting “out of sight, out of mind”—and it’s a disgrace.

Sep 6, 2022 / Dave Zirin

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell answers questions during the closing press conference at the 2018 NFL Annual Meetings in Orlando.

The NFL Disrespects Women. What Else Is New? The NFL Disrespects Women. What Else Is New?

Anyone who finds sexual violence repugnant again finds themselves at odds with the league.

Aug 31, 2022 / Dave Zirin

Retired professional basketball player Dennis Rodman speaks to the press as he arrives at Changi International airport ahead of US-North Korea summit in Singapore

Can Dennis Rodman Secure Brittney Griner’s Freedom? Can Dennis Rodman Secure Brittney Griner’s Freedom?

The State Department failed the WNBA superstar, but maybe the cult of celebrity can succeed.

Aug 23, 2022 / Dave Zirin

Palestinian boys play soccer

Soccer’s Impact on the Middle East Soccer’s Impact on the Middle East

Author and professor Abdullah Al-Arian joins the Edge of Sports podcast to talk about his new book, Football in the Middle East.

Aug 23, 2022 / Podcast / Dave Zirin

Serena Williams carries a trophy and waves to the crowd after winning the Women's Singles Final at the 2017 Australian Open.

Why Serena Williams Has the Greatest Career in Sports History Why Serena Williams Has the Greatest Career in Sports History

The 37-time Grand Slam champion’s accomplishments dwarf those of Tom Brady and LeBron James because of what she had to overcome.

Aug 15, 2022 / Dave Zirin

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti speaks in front a sign that reads,

The Bloody Money Trail From the Qatar World Cup to the LA Olympics The Bloody Money Trail From the Qatar World Cup to the LA Olympics

Qatar is a human rights nightmare, but LA power brokers preparing for the 2028 Olympics don’t seem to care.

Aug 10, 2022 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

Brittney Griner holds a photo of her family behind bars

By Attacking Brittney Griner, Trump Signals to His Base: “I’m Still Racist” By Attacking Brittney Griner, Trump Signals to His Base: “I’m Still Racist”

The former president is reconnecting with his fans by using an old playbook: demonize a Black athlete, lie about who they are, and reap the benefits.

Aug 2, 2022 / Dave Zirin

Bill Russell smiles.

Bill Russell Was a Revolutionary Bill Russell Was a Revolutionary

The death of the basketball legend at 88 should remind us of his courage off the court.

Aug 1, 2022 / Dave Zirin

Emergency services near the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London

10 Years On, London’s Olympic Legacy Is in Shambles 10 Years On, London’s Olympic Legacy Is in Shambles

Much like the country’s politics, the aftermath of the 2012 Olympics has been a mess. 

Jul 27, 2022 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

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