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.

Dispatches From Brazil’s World Cup: ‘Don’t Tear Gas the Tourists!’

Dispatches From Brazil’s World Cup: ‘Don’t Tear Gas the Tourists!’ Dispatches From Brazil’s World Cup: ‘Don’t Tear Gas the Tourists!’

Police repression of a FIFA Go Home protest near Brazil’s legendary Maracanã stadum had unintended consequences.

Jun 16, 2014 / Dave Zirin

Dispatches From Brazil’s World Cup: ‘No One Lives Here Anymore’

Dispatches From Brazil’s World Cup: ‘No One Lives Here Anymore’ Dispatches From Brazil’s World Cup: ‘No One Lives Here Anymore’

At a favela five minutes from Brazil’s most famous stadium, every family has been removed by force.

Jun 15, 2014 / Dave Zirin

I’m Heading to Rio for the 2014 World Cup

I’m Heading to Rio for the 2014 World Cup I’m Heading to Rio for the 2014 World Cup

I’m on my way to the World Cup to take the temperature of Brazil’s historic passion for soccer, as well as its rekindled passion for struggle.

Jun 12, 2014 / Dave Zirin

Is a ‘Systematic Political Campaign’ Responsible for Brazil’s World Cup Protests?

Is a ‘Systematic Political Campaign’ Responsible for Brazil’s World Cup Protests? Is a ‘Systematic Political Campaign’ Responsible for Brazil’s World Cup Protests?

Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff, armed with historical revisionism, wants to blame Brazil’s turmoil on political agitators. That charge won’t stick.

Jun 8, 2014 / Dave Zirin

John Carlos Stands Up to an NFL Slur

John Carlos Stands Up to an NFL Slur John Carlos Stands Up to an NFL Slur

The NFL may say officially that “Redskins” “is not a slur,” but 1968 bronze medalist and medal-stand protester John Carlos, a man who has had more than a fe...

Jun 4, 2014 / Dave Zirin

‘And Still We Rise’: Palestinian Soccer Stands Tall

‘And Still We Rise’: Palestinian Soccer Stands Tall ‘And Still We Rise’: Palestinian Soccer Stands Tall

For the first time in its eighty-six-year existence, the Palestinian national team has qualified for a major international tournament. 

Jun 2, 2014 / Dave Zirin

Lance Stephenson’s Daring, Careless Whispers

Lance Stephenson’s Daring, Careless Whispers Lance Stephenson’s Daring, Careless Whispers

In an era of carbon copies, I’m beyond grateful that Lance Stephenson can still exist and remind us of what once was.

May 30, 2014 / Dave Zirin

Pure Poison: The UCSB Shooting, Ray Rice and a Culture of Violence Against Women

Pure Poison: The UCSB Shooting, Ray Rice and a Culture of Violence Against Women Pure Poison: The UCSB Shooting, Ray Rice and a Culture of Violence Against Women

Misogyny becomes weaponized when a culture excuses it and looks the other way.

May 27, 2014 / Dave Zirin

The Guy Who Gets Away: NBA Prayers for Sterling to Leave Quietly May Be Answered

The Guy Who Gets Away: NBA Prayers for Sterling to Leave Quietly May Be Answered The Guy Who Gets Away: NBA Prayers for Sterling to Leave Quietly May Be Answered

Sterling’s quiet exit is a great outcome for the NBA brass—but not for justice.

May 23, 2014 / Dave Zirin

Brazil’s Dance With the Devil on the Eve of the World Cup

Brazil’s Dance With the Devil on the Eve of the World Cup Brazil’s Dance With the Devil on the Eve of the World Cup

The Cup has become a tool for neoliberal plunder—but Brazilians are fighting back.

May 21, 2014 / Dave Zirin

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