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.

Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the New York Knicks reacts against the Indiana Pacers during the fourth quarter in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 25, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Thibs Fired!!! Thibs Fired!!!

What are the societal implications? Arya Shirazi joins an Edge of Sports emergency pod.

Jun 5, 2025 / Podcast / Dave Zirin

Secretary of Education Linda McMahon speaking during a press conference at Massapequa High School on May 30, 2025, discussing New York State’s ban on Native American mascots.

Trump Threatens to Withhold New York’s Education Funding Unless Racist Mascoting Returns Trump Threatens to Withhold New York’s Education Funding Unless Racist Mascoting Returns

After pocketing billions from minstrelsy, Linda McMahon wants to force New York schools to bring it back.

Jun 3, 2025 / Dave Zirin

Bobbito’s Hoop Dreams

Bobbito’s Hoop Dreams Bobbito’s Hoop Dreams

On this episode of Edge of Sports, the legendary Bobbito Garcia joins the show to talk about his new book.

Jun 2, 2025 / Podcast / Dave Zirin

President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with the White House Task Force for the 2026 World Cup on May 6, 2025, in Washington, DC.

Trump’s World Cup Will Endanger Foreign Guests. Boycott Now! Trump’s World Cup Will Endanger Foreign Guests. Boycott Now!

If you need to see the 2026 World Cup in person, stick to Canada and Mexico. The US isn’t safe for visitors.

May 20, 2025 / Jules Boykoff and Dave Zirin

Cincinnati Reds manager Pete Rose reacts to a reporter’s question on March 22, 1989, prior to the Reds’ against the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Late Pete Rose Is Finally Welcome in Baseball’s Moral Slophouse The Late Pete Rose Is Finally Welcome in Baseball’s Moral Slophouse

Joe Jackson and Pete Rose will no longer be banned from the Baseball Hall of Fame. The decision is likely rooted in the sport’s surrender to the gambling-addiction economy.

May 14, 2025 / Dave Zirin

The Book MLK Historians Are Learning From

The Book MLK Historians Are Learning From The Book MLK Historians Are Learning From

On this episode of Edge of Sports, noted historian Jeanne Theoharis joins the show, and Arya Shirazi talks Celtics.

May 7, 2025 / Podcast / Dave Zirin

Tom Morello and Zach de la Rocha of Rage Against the Machine perform as part of a free concert at Finsbury Park on June 6, 2010, in London, England.

MAGA Followers Think They’re Punk Rock—but Then Why Are They All Such Cowards? MAGA Followers Think They’re Punk Rock—but Then Why Are They All Such Cowards?

Trump supporters may think they’re hardcore, but they seem to be afraid of op-eds, books, and history they can’t even bear to read.

Apr 29, 2025 / Dave Zirin

Jalen Green, #4 of the Houston Rockets attempts a shot.

The End Times NBA Playoffs The End Times NBA Playoffs

On this episode of Edge of Sports, Arya Shirazi joins us again for an NBA Playoffs preview.

Apr 22, 2025 / Podcast / Dave Zirin

Head coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors smiling with hands on hips in front of game watchers at at the Moda Center.

Can Steve Kerr Light an Anti-Trump Fire in the Sports World? Can Steve Kerr Light an Anti-Trump Fire in the Sports World?

The coach of the Golden State Warriors stands up to bullies like Donald Trump. Let’s hope that others in the NBA will follow suit.

Apr 18, 2025 / Dave Zirin

The Rhythm of DC’s Resistance & What's The Deal With UFC?

The Rhythm of DC’s Resistance & What's The Deal With UFC? The Rhythm of DC’s Resistance & What's The Deal With UFC?

On this episode of Edge of Sports, author Maurice Jackson joins the show to discuss his new book, and Ari Drennen discusses an important study on UFC and politics.

Apr 14, 2025 / Podcast / Dave Zirin

x