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.

Wrestler Hulk Hogan poses in a cut-off T-shirt in support of Donald Trump's second presidential campaign.

Hulk Hogan Was a Racist, Liar, and Scab Hulk Hogan Was a Racist, Liar, and Scab

In the 1980s, the professional wrestler portrayed himself as an all-American hero—but he was really a “jabroni” the entire time.

Jul 25, 2025 / Obituary / Dave Zirin

The Washington Commanders logo displayed on a phone screen next to a photo of Donald Trump

Amid Epstein Chaos, Trump Turns to Football to Distract and Dehumanize Amid Epstein Chaos, Trump Turns to Football to Distract and Dehumanize

Trump is calling for the Washington Commanders to change their name back to a racial slur.

Jul 22, 2025 / Dave Zirin

A sign against the redevelopment of the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

The New DC Football Stadium Is a Bad Deal—Plus, Little League Magic The New DC Football Stadium Is a Bad Deal—Plus, Little League Magic

It’s an all-new Edge of Sports.

Jul 15, 2025 / Podcast / Dave Zirin

President Donald Trump flanked by Ferrari chair John Elkann (R) and FIFA president Gianni Infantino, holds a ball as he makes remarks in the Oval Office of the White House during a visit by members of Italian soccer club Juventus in Washington, DC, on June 18, 2025.

FIFA Is Abusing Its Players to Keep Authoritarians Happy FIFA Is Abusing Its Players to Keep Authoritarians Happy

While players are forced to endure extreme heat in this summer’s World Cup, FIFA president Gianni Infantino is cozying up to power.

Jul 11, 2025 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks alongside US President Donald Trump during a dinner at the White House on July 7, 2025, in Washington, DC.

It’s Not Antisemitic to Say That Israel Is Responsible for the Unfolding Genocide in Gaza It’s Not Antisemitic to Say That Israel Is Responsible for the Unfolding Genocide in Gaza

The contention that the US is in the driver’s seat with Israel the “cop on the beat” is an old and musty one from the 1990s that has not aged well.

Jul 8, 2025 / Dave Zirin

Jalen Williams (8) of Oklahoma City Thunder in action against Indiana Pacers during NBA Finals game 7 between Indiana Pacers and at Paycom Center on June 22, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States.

Emergency NBA Finals Pod! Why Achilles Tears Matter! Or Do They?  Emergency NBA Finals Pod! Why Achilles Tears Matter! Or Do They? 

On this BREAKING edition of Edge of Sports, Arya Shirazi joins the show to talk about the NBA Finals.

Jun 26, 2025 / Podcast / Dave Zirin

Disgraced former New York governor Andrew Cuomo addresses the media following a speech on June 22, 2025, in New York City.

The Defeat of Andrew Cuomo Would Be a Devastating Loss for Scumbag Centrism The Defeat of Andrew Cuomo Would Be a Devastating Loss for Scumbag Centrism

A vote for Zohran Mamdani is a vote against the Democratic Party’s reactionary center and for a more hopeful future.

Jun 24, 2025 / Dave Zirin

Palestine protesters wave flags and carry signs during the Oscars Awards in Hollywood, California, United States on March 10, 2024.

Hollywood's Palestine Blacklist Hollywood's Palestine Blacklist

On this episode of Edge of Sports, actor Sarah Alami joins the show to talk about speaking up for Palestine in Hollywood today.

Jun 23, 2025 / Podcast / Dave Zirin

A demonstrator holds up a sign during a protest in front of the main entrance of Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on June 19, 2025.

Why the LA Dodgers Stood Up to ICE Why the LA Dodgers Stood Up to ICE

The ownership turned ICE away at the stadium and pledged $1 million to families of immigrants because of all the people protesting Trump’s immigration actions in LA.

Jun 21, 2025 / Dave Zirin

Tommie Smith and John Carlos, gold and bronze US medalists, raise fists in a Black Power salute at the 1968 Olympic Games (left). John Carlos repeats salute at a conference on September 24, 2018 (right).

The Timely Example of Dr. John Carlos The Timely Example of Dr. John Carlos

As the 1968 Olympian turns 80, his life provides a lesson for our times: Don’t sell out.

Jun 5, 2025 / Dave Zirin

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