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.

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

Pelé Said What?

Pelé Said What? Pelé Said What?

Brazilian soccer legend Pelé has long loathed the political spotlight. He grabbed it this week to criticize the very World Cup he helped bring to his country.

May 20, 2014 / Dave Zirin

Donald Sterling May Be Going Nuclear

Donald Sterling May Be Going Nuclear Donald Sterling May Be Going Nuclear

LA Clippers deposed owner Donald Sterling will be taking the NBA to court. This could get very interesting. 

May 19, 2014 / Dave Zirin

‘There Will Be No World Cup’: Brazil on the Brink

‘There Will Be No World Cup’: Brazil on the Brink ‘There Will Be No World Cup’: Brazil on the Brink

The World Cup is rapidly coming to Brazil. The protests are already there.

May 15, 2014 / Dave Zirin

Donald Sterling and Anderson Cooper: Meet the Wolf of Crenshaw

Donald Sterling and Anderson Cooper: Meet the Wolf of Crenshaw Donald Sterling and Anderson Cooper: Meet the Wolf of Crenshaw

Donald Sterling’s cardinal error as a racist was not harming people on Crenshaw or in East LA. It is the fact that he is “an impolite racist.” Burying the poor is...

May 13, 2014 / Dave Zirin

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