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.

Why Hasn’t the NFL Threatened to Pull the Super Bowl From Arizona?

Why Hasn’t the NFL Threatened to Pull the Super Bowl From Arizona? Why Hasn’t the NFL Threatened to Pull the Super Bowl From Arizona?

Roger Goodell has been saying all the right things about the NFL being an open and inclusive environment. Now it’s time to act.

Feb 26, 2014 / Dave Zirin

50 Years Since the Fall of Sonny Liston and the Birth of Muhammad Ali

50 Years Since the Fall of Sonny Liston and the Birth of Muhammad Ali 50 Years Since the Fall of Sonny Liston and the Birth of Muhammad Ali

In Miami, no one gave much of a chance to young boxer Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. against the champ, Sonny Liston. It wouldn’t be the last time Clay would shock the world.

Feb 25, 2014 / Dave Zirin

At Long Last, Jason Collins Is the First

At Long Last, Jason Collins Is the First At Long Last, Jason Collins Is the First

After one game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets center Jason Collins has made history as the first openly gay player in one of the “big four” sports in the...

Feb 24, 2014 / Dave Zirin

After the Press Conference: Michael Sam and the ‘Man Box’

After the Press Conference: Michael Sam and the ‘Man Box’ After the Press Conference: Michael Sam and the ‘Man Box’

Michael Sam’s press conference showed a young man who isn’t looking to be a trailblazer. He just wants to play football. That may have to be enough.

Feb 22, 2014 / Dave Zirin

‘Men Aren’t Used to the Prospect of Being Objectified’: Wade Davis on Michael Sam and Homophobia in the NFL

‘Men Aren’t Used to the Prospect of Being Objectified’: Wade Davis on Michael Sam and Homophobia in the NFL ‘Men Aren’t Used to the Prospect of Being Objectified’: Wade Davis on Michael Sam and Homophobia in the NFL

Former NFL player Wade Davis talks to us about Michael Sam and the risks and rewards of being gay in the NFL in 2014.

Feb 21, 2014 / Dave Zirin

Sochi 2014: Where Pussy Riot Gets Whipped by Cossacks

Sochi 2014: Where Pussy Riot Gets Whipped by Cossacks Sochi 2014: Where Pussy Riot Gets Whipped by Cossacks

In a sickening display, Putin’s security forces unleash barbarism as a stark warning to others.

Feb 19, 2014 / Dave Zirin

The Sochi Games Are Being Held on the Land of Genocide

The Sochi Games Are Being Held on the Land of Genocide The Sochi Games Are Being Held on the Land of Genocide

“Sochi is the land of Circassians. They can’t hide this anymore.”

Feb 17, 2014 / Dave Zirin

The Miami Dolphins, Richie Incognito and the Rot in the National Football League

The Miami Dolphins, Richie Incognito and the Rot in the National Football League The Miami Dolphins, Richie Incognito and the Rot in the National Football League

The Ted Wells report about Miami Dolphins locker room bullying produces more questions than answers.

Feb 14, 2014 / Dave Zirin

Why the Curious Right-Wing Silence on Michael Sam?

Why the Curious Right-Wing Silence on Michael Sam? Why the Curious Right-Wing Silence on Michael Sam?

Why has the mainstream, right-wing response to NFL prospect and SEC defensive player of the year Michael Sam’s announcement that he is gay been a chorus of crickets? 

Feb 13, 2014 / Dave Zirin

Michael Sam Owns His Truth. Will NFL Owners Join Him?

Michael Sam Owns His Truth. Will NFL Owners Join Him? Michael Sam Owns His Truth. Will NFL Owners Join Him?

Will Michael Sam’s coming out force NFL owners to make the league more inclusive?

Feb 11, 2014 / Dave Zirin

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