Is there room for politics in the sphere of professional athletics? Yes, says Nation sports editor Dave Zirin in his new documentary, Not Just a Game. "Politics has come to be considered not only inappropriate in the arena of sports, but actually antithetical to it," Zirin says. "We want so much to see sports solely as an arena of play, not seriousness."

"But here’s the thing," he continues, "This can cheapen not only the greatness and relevance of sports to us as a society, but also the courage of athletes." Check out Zirin’s crucial study of racism, gender inequality and social change within the athletic arena in Not Just a Game, which is now out on DVD through the Media Education Foundation, and learn more about the project here.

—Carrie Battan