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.

Edge of Sports: Shooting Hoops in Syria

Edge of Sports: Shooting Hoops in Syria Edge of Sports: Shooting Hoops in Syria

On this week’s podcast, Dave Zirin speaks with two former NBA champions, praises the US Women’s National Soccer Team, and explains why Donald Trump wants to erase Muslim ...

Dec 15, 2015 / Dave Zirin

Missouri Tigers

‘Plantation Politics’: Racist Legislation Stalks the Mizzou Football Team ‘Plantation Politics’: Racist Legislation Stalks the Mizzou Football Team

A Missouri lawmaker is attempting to ensure that football players are seen but not heard.

Dec 15, 2015 / Dave Zirin

A representative holds an “impact-absorbing” helmet at NFL Headquarters in New York.

There Is No ‘War on Football’ There Is No ‘War on Football’

The idea that concussion research is a liberal conspiracy is toxic and will hurt kids. It has to stop.

Dec 10, 2015 / Dave Zirin

Rahm Emanuel

Laquan McDonald and the Politics of Black Athletes Laquan McDonald and the Politics of Black Athletes

Former Chicago Bull and two-time NBA champion Craig Hodges reflects on the killing of Laquan McDonald and the role of black athletes today.

Dec 7, 2015 / Dave Zirin

Why Donald Trump Wants to Render Muslim Athletes Invisible

Why Donald Trump Wants to Render Muslim Athletes Invisible Why Donald Trump Wants to Render Muslim Athletes Invisible

What in the name of Muhammad Ali is Donald Trump inhaling, other than the fumes of his own gaseous ego?

Dec 7, 2015 / Dave Zirin

The Fraternal Order of Police Wants Off-Duty Cops to Be Armed Inside a Stadium Near You

The Fraternal Order of Police Wants Off-Duty Cops to Be Armed Inside a Stadium Near You The Fraternal Order of Police Wants Off-Duty Cops to Be Armed Inside a Stadium Near You

Using Paris as a pretext and sports as backdrop, the FOP wants to be armed on NFL Sunday, which will make all of us less safe.

Dec 3, 2015 / Dave Zirin

How ‘Creed’ Saves Rocky From Himself

How ‘Creed’ Saves Rocky From Himself How ‘Creed’ Saves Rocky From Himself

Ryan Coogler revives an otherwise moribund franchise by showing the importance of black voices behind and in front of the camera.

Nov 30, 2015 / Dave Zirin

Ezekiel Elliott and the Overdue Thaw of College Football Politics

Ezekiel Elliott and the Overdue Thaw of College Football Politics Ezekiel Elliott and the Overdue Thaw of College Football Politics

Meet the new normal in college football.

Nov 25, 2015 / Dave Zirin

On the Death of Takoma Park’s Anita Datar in Mali

On the Death of Takoma Park’s Anita Datar in Mali On the Death of Takoma Park’s Anita Datar in Mali

My neighbor was killed by terrorists in Mali. The values she lived tell us a great deal about how to respond.

Nov 21, 2015 / Dave Zirin

When Stadiums Become Potential Killing Fields

When Stadiums Become Potential Killing Fields When Stadiums Become Potential Killing Fields

To attack a stadium is to attack not just people but the ideas of magic and escape in a difficult world.

Nov 18, 2015 / Dave Zirin

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