Dave Zirin

Sports Editor

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.

President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with the White House Task Force for the 2026 World Cup on May 6, 2025, in Washington, DC.

Trump’s World Cup Will Endanger Foreign Guests. Boycott Now! Trump’s World Cup Will Endanger Foreign Guests. Boycott Now!

If you need to see the 2026 World Cup in person, stick to Canada and Mexico. The US isn’t safe for visitors.

May 20, 2025 / Jules Boykoff and Dave Zirin

Cincinnati Reds manager Pete Rose reacts to a reporter’s question on March 22, 1989, prior to the Reds’ against the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Late Pete Rose Is Finally Welcome in Baseball’s Moral Slophouse The Late Pete Rose Is Finally Welcome in Baseball’s Moral Slophouse

Joe Jackson and Pete Rose will no longer be banned from the Baseball Hall of Fame. The decision is likely rooted in the sport’s surrender to the gambling-addiction economy.

May 14, 2025 / Dave Zirin

The Book MLK Historians Are Learning From

The Book MLK Historians Are Learning From The Book MLK Historians Are Learning From

On this episode of Edge of Sports, noted historian Jeanne Theoharis joins the show, and Arya Shirazi talks Celtics.

May 7, 2025 / Podcast / Dave Zirin

Tom Morello and Zach de la Rocha of Rage Against the Machine perform as part of a free concert at Finsbury Park on June 6, 2010, in London, England.

MAGA Followers Think They’re Punk Rock—but Then Why Are They All Such Cowards? MAGA Followers Think They’re Punk Rock—but Then Why Are They All Such Cowards?

Trump supporters may think they’re hardcore, but they seem to be afraid of op-eds, books, and history they can’t even bear to read.

Apr 29, 2025 / Dave Zirin

Jalen Green, #4 of the Houston Rockets attempts a shot.

The End Times NBA Playoffs The End Times NBA Playoffs

On this episode of Edge of Sports, Arya Shirazi joins us again for an NBA Playoffs preview.

Apr 22, 2025 / Podcast / Dave Zirin

Head coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors smiling with hands on hips in front of game watchers at at the Moda Center.

Can Steve Kerr Light an Anti-Trump Fire in the Sports World? Can Steve Kerr Light an Anti-Trump Fire in the Sports World?

The coach of the Golden State Warriors stands up to bullies like Donald Trump. Let’s hope that others in the NBA will follow suit.

Apr 18, 2025 / Dave Zirin

The Rhythm of DC’s Resistance & What's The Deal With UFC?

The Rhythm of DC’s Resistance & What's The Deal With UFC? The Rhythm of DC’s Resistance & What's The Deal With UFC?

On this episode of Edge of Sports, author Maurice Jackson joins the show to discuss his new book, and Ari Drennen discusses an important study on UFC and politics.

Apr 14, 2025 / Podcast / Dave Zirin

A Jewish student wears a kippah given to him by Donald Trump’s campaign during a speech before prominent Jewish donors on September 19, 2024, in Washington, DC.

This Passover, We Must Examine the Indecent Betrayal by Our Own This Passover, We Must Examine the Indecent Betrayal by Our Own

I am livid over the Jewish Trump supporters who are upholding a set of values at odds with the principles that have sustained us.

Apr 11, 2025 / Dave Zirin

NCAA Final Four, Villanova team victorious over Georgetown, in Lexington, Kentucky, on April 1, 1985.

What to Learn From a Yearbook What to Learn From a Yearbook

On this episode of Edge of Sports, Author Michael Messner and friend of the pod Arya Shirazi join the show.

Apr 7, 2025 / Podcast / Dave Zirin

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts clasps the arm of a smiling Rachel Robinson while dressed in the team's colors. Robinson stands in front of the golf cart she rode in with her son as part of Jackie Robinson Day festivities.

The Dodgers Are Planning to Visit the White House. It’s a Disgrace. The Dodgers Are Planning to Visit the White House. It’s a Disgrace.

To meet with Trump now is to defile the memory of Dodgers great Jackie Robinson and to humiliate many of the team’s own players.

Apr 4, 2025 / Dave Zirin

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