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.

Mike Pence’s NFL Walkout Was a Cheap, Transparent Stunt

Mike Pence’s NFL Walkout Was a Cheap, Transparent Stunt Mike Pence’s NFL Walkout Was a Cheap, Transparent Stunt

For which taxpayers picked up the tab.

Oct 8, 2017 / Dave Zirin

Malcolm Jenkins

Protesting NFL Players Aren’t Being Demonized Only by Trumpers Protesting NFL Players Aren’t Being Demonized Only by Trumpers

A column in USA Today repackages an old, ugly argument to attack protesting NFL players.

Oct 5, 2017 / Dave Zirin

Maurice Smith

There’s Been a Startling Shift in National Support for Protesting Players There’s Been a Startling Shift in National Support for Protesting Players

But we need to ask whether the original anti-racist message is getting lost in the shuffle.

Oct 3, 2017 / Dave Zirin

Bruce Maxwell Kneeling

Oakland Catcher Bruce Maxwell Breaks Baseball’s Politics Line Oakland Catcher Bruce Maxwell Breaks Baseball’s Politics Line

There is a wall in baseball between sports and politics. One player just put a crack in it.

Sep 29, 2017 / Dave Zirin

Dallas Cowboys

Taking a Knee Is Not About Abstract Unity but Racial Justice Taking a Knee Is Not About Abstract Unity but Racial Justice

As NFL owners join these protests, it’s critical to not let Colin Kaepernick’s message get lost. 

Sep 26, 2017 / Dave Zirin

Kaepernick Reid Anthem Kneel

For the NFL, It Was ‘Choose-Your-Side Sunday’ For the NFL, It Was ‘Choose-Your-Side Sunday’

Donald Trump thought targeting NFL players with his racialized venom would be smart politics. He was wrong.

Sep 24, 2017 / Dave Zirin

The Fragile, Toxic Masculinity of Donald Trump

The Fragile, Toxic Masculinity of Donald Trump The Fragile, Toxic Masculinity of Donald Trump

His comments about NFL players reveal just how divisive and narcissistic the president really is.

Sep 24, 2017 / Dave Zirin

Basketball

Is the NBA a ‘Safer Space’ for Political Athletes? Is the NBA a ‘Safer Space’ for Political Athletes?

The NBA wants to be seen as more friendly to player activism than the NFL. Let’s find out.

Sep 22, 2017 / Dave Zirin

Michael Bennett

How Sports Can Unlearn Toxic Masculinity How Sports Can Unlearn Toxic Masculinity

Cleaning up youth sports culture in America and standing alongside teammates of color.

Sep 19, 2017 / Podcast / Dave Zirin

Michael Bennett of the Seattle Seahawks

Seattle to Michael Bennett: We’ve Got Your Back Seattle to Michael Bennett: We’ve Got Your Back

At a time when other NFL teams are discouraging player protests, the Seahawks are welcoming it.

Sep 18, 2017 / Dave Zirin

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