Basketball

Becky Hammon assistant coaching the San Antonio Spurs against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on January 7, 2022.

Does the NBA Deserve Becky Hammon? Does the NBA Deserve Becky Hammon?

The WNBA championship coach has left the NBA with egg on its face.

Sep 20, 2022 / Dave Zirin

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

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

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

Aliyah Boston shoots a basket.

Aliyah Boston Makes ESPN Look Small Aliyah Boston Makes ESPN Look Small

Aliyah Boston showed that she doesn’t need the ESPYs—but the ESPYs desperately need her.

Jul 22, 2022 / Dave Zirin

A young girl holds up a sign that reads

Brittney Griner’s Show Trial Begins Brittney Griner’s Show Trial Begins

Russia is once again in the ugly business of “hostage diplomacy.”

Jul 5, 2022 / Dave Zirin

A protester holds up a poster of Brittney Griner, which reads Free Brittney Griner.

The Growing Grassroots Movement to Free Brittney Griner The Growing Grassroots Movement to Free Brittney Griner

Amid protests and calls for government action, the Biden administration remains silent.

Jun 28, 2022 / Sophie Hurwitz

Toni Smith-Thompson Comes Home Again

Toni Smith-Thompson Comes Home Again Toni Smith-Thompson Comes Home Again

Manhattanville College welcomed back the activist athlete who turned her back to the national anthem in 2003 thanks to students who saw themselves in her struggle.

May 31, 2022 / Dave Zirin

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