Basketball

black and white photo of bill walton at 1975 press conference

Bill Walton Was Once a Trailblazing Radical Bill Walton Was Once a Trailblazing Radical

The basketball great is now better known for his tie-dyed shirts and enthusiastic sports commentary, but in the 1970s, he was a polarizing anti-government activist.

Sep 6, 2023 / Dave Zirin and Frank Guridy

Marcus Smart, a Celtics player, lies on the hardwood, frustrated—hands up.

Boston Tears: Why the Sports World Rejoiced at the Celtics’ Loss Boston Tears: Why the Sports World Rejoiced at the Celtics’ Loss

The sense that Boston possesses a special sporting sparkle is grating. It’s also, at least in recent history, true.

Jun 1, 2023 / Dave Zirin

Ron DeSantis’s Anti-Trans Agenda Exiles Dwyane Wade, NBA Superstar and Loving Father

Ron DeSantis’s Anti-Trans Agenda Exiles Dwyane Wade, NBA Superstar and Loving Father Ron DeSantis’s Anti-Trans Agenda Exiles Dwyane Wade, NBA Superstar and Loving Father

The Wade family, which includes their trans daughter, is fleeing Florida for their safety.

May 8, 2023 / Dave Zirin

Caitlin Clark’s Lesson for White Athletes: Don’t Be a MAGA Pawn

Caitlin Clark’s Lesson for White Athletes: Don’t Be a MAGA Pawn Caitlin Clark’s Lesson for White Athletes: Don’t Be a MAGA Pawn

When given the lucrative chance to demonize a rival player, Clark chose a different path.

Apr 7, 2023 / Highlights / Dave Zirin

Willis Reed

Willis Reed Was the Best of New York City Willis Reed Was the Best of New York City

The death of the basketball great should remind the city of what it was, what it is, and what it should resist becoming.

Mar 23, 2023 / Dave Zirin

members of the Connecticut Sun team kneel during the playing of the national anthe

The New Era of Backlash in Sports and Politics The New Era of Backlash in Sports and Politics

Trump opened up the world of sports to the hard right.

Mar 1, 2023 / Dave Zirin

LeBron James stands in front of a monitor that shows the American flag.

LeBron James’s Double Burden LeBron James’s Double Burden

LeBron had to climb the heights of basketball while also navigating the pressures of a movement, which makes his ascension all the more remarkable.

Feb 7, 2023 / Dave Zirin

Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury kisses her wife, Cherelle Griner.

Grim Until Griner: The Year in Sports and Politics Grim Until Griner: The Year in Sports and Politics

In 2022, silence and fear ruled the day. But Brittney Griner’s freedom provides a road map for all of us.

Dec 29, 2022 / Dave Zirin

Cherelle Griner speaking after Biden announced

A Vindication for Agitation: Brittney Griner Is Coming Home A Vindication for Agitation: Brittney Griner Is Coming Home

Many of the obstacles to freeing Brittney Griner were domestic, not foreign.

Dec 8, 2022 / Dave Zirin

United States women's basketball star Brittney Griner looks down during the national anthem before a game against Canada at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

The Response to Brittney Griner’s Capture Is an Indictment of the Right and the “Left” The Response to Brittney Griner’s Capture Is an Indictment of the Right and the “Left”

Why is commonsense solidarity so difficult?

Nov 29, 2022 / Dave Zirin

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