Edge of Sports

Before Colin Kaepernick, there was Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf. In 1996, the Denver Nuggets guard said that on principle he could not stand for the national anthem because the flag in many countries represents "oppression and tyranny." He was fined, suspended, attacked, and yet we will hear on this week's podcast why he has no regrets. We will also hear what advice Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf has for Kaepernick and why he holds the words of Arundhati Roy and Malcolm X close to his heart. Abdul-Rauf also answers listeners questions including what it felt like to drop 51 points on John Stockton. This is - in my humble opinion - the best interview we've done in the history of the show.We also have some Choice Words about Megan Rapinoe's decision to stand - or kneel - in solidarity with Kaepernick. We also answer a listener call from Patrick, who left a message on our hotline: 401-436-EDGE (3343.) Our question for next week is: what athlete do you want to hear from on the issues that Colin Kapernick has raised. Lastly we have our "just stand up" award for someone who has yet to become visible.The Nation: This Is What Solidarity Looks Like: Why Soccer-Star Megan Rapinoe Stands With Colin Kaepernick https://www.thenation.com/article/this-is-what-solidarity-looks-like-why-soccer-star-megan-rapinoe-stands-with-colin-kaepernick//?nc=1By The Dawn's Early Light: Chris Jackson's Journey to Islam https://youtu.be/-ISc8DJFOMgArundhati Roy’s new book, The End of Imagination http://www.haymarketbooks.org/pb/The-End-of-Imagination—http://edgeofsportspodcast.com | http://twitter.com/edgeofsports | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@slate.com—instrumentals: Kanye West: Saint Pablo, Wolves (http://kanyewest.com) remakes by JEHF SLAPS & XVBarbar Beats http://jehfslaps.net, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcp3LNlpt-At_jXhFiQ8Zcg | Missy Elliott: Sock It 2 Me (Timbaland production, Kaytranada remix) https://twitter.com/MissyElliott http://timbalandmusic.com http://kaytranada.com http://soundcloud.com/kaytranada | Drake: Hotline Bling, JDP remake http://www.drakeofficial.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrNo14wVl-WSVqZzGyyXRxA Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We speak to Olympic gold-medal swimmer Anthony Ervin about Colin Kaepernick's anthem protest against police violence, Ervin's book ‘Chasing Water,’ and life since winning gold in Rio. Then, choice words about, and then from, an athletic activist who walked in Kaepernick's path, Toni Smith–Thompson. The ‘Just Stand Up’ award goes to Khaled Beydoun for his look at how Kaepernick is being dealt with in the sewers of sports radio. Finally, we answer a phone message from listener Ronnie that asked the Edge of Sports hotline why we speak about athletic resistance at all.Speak your mind by calling (401) 236-3343 (EDGE.) Let us know what you think of Colin Kaepernick’s actions. Also, at this crucial moment, which sports talkers are doing it right, and who is making a fool of themselves? (401) 236-3343 (EDGE.)Anthony Ervin: https://twitter.com/AnthonyErvinhis book, ‘Chasing Water: Elegy of an Olympian’ http://akashicbooks.com/catalog/chasing-waterToni Smith-Thompson: https://twitter.com/mstonijDZ column, ‘Thoughts on Colin Kaepernick From an Athlete Who Walked That Path’https://www.thenation.com/article/thoughts-on-colin-kaepernick-from-an-athlete-who-walked-that-path/Khaled Beydoun: http://twitter.com/KhaledBeydounZirin: ‘America Needs to Listen to What Colin Kaepernick Is Actually Trying to Say’https://www.thenation.com/article/america-needs-to-listen-to-what-colin-kaepernick-is-actually-trying-to-say/—http://edgeofsportspodcast.com | http://twitter.com/edgeofsports | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@slate.com—instrumentals: Souls of Mischief (A-Plus production) http://hieroglyphics.com https://twitter.com/hieroaplus | Back Star - Definition (Hi-Tek production) https://twitter.com/HiTek | Gang Starr (DJ Premier production) http://premierwuzhere.com | Notorious BIG (DJ Premier production) | Missy Elliott (Timbaland production) https://twitter.com/MissyElliott http://timbalandmusic.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

San Francisco 49er Colin Kaepernick decided to sit during the national anthem because he is "not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses Black people and people of color." In a special edition of the podcast, we have DeMaurice Smith, Executive Director of the NFL Players Association who speaks on what the union can, and cannot do, to protect Kaepernick, and why the NFLPA - and not the NFL - is his "family" at this moment in time.We want to hear your opinion of Kaepernick’s actions and statements or what you thought of DeMaurice Smith’s interview. Call the Edge of Sports hotline at (401) 426-EDGE (3343.)DeSmith twitter: https://twitter.com/DeSmithNFLPA | https://twitter.com/NFLPAhttp://edgeofsportspodcast.com | http://twitter.com/edgeofsports | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@slate.com—music by: Nas (Chucky Thompson production), Mobb Deep (Havoc production) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

As Feyisa Lilesa of Ethiopia crossed the finish line to win silver in the olympic marathon in Rio, he raised his arms and crossed them above his head in protest against his own government. With this simple act, Lilesa brought the world’s attention to the plight of his Oromo people and the struggle to keep their land out of Ethiopia’s ruling party's hands. Feyisa Lilesa has etched himself into Olympic protest history and we salute him with the ‘Just Stand Up’ award. But first, I speak with scholar Katrina Karkazis about Caster Sememya. Not only did the South African blaze past all her competitors for gold in the women’s 800 meters, Semenya did so under the most intense media scrutiny, while guarded by an ever-present security detail, and with her sport’s governing bodies, the IOC and IAAF, still governing women’s bodies in invasive and illogical ways. ’Choice Words’ is about the real Olympic drama, which begins now that the games are over. And finally, we hear from listeners who called the Edge of Sports hotline at: (401) 236-3343 (EDGE). This week, we want to know: who was your most iconic athlete or performance of the Rio Games? And why?Katrina Karkazis: https://twitter.com/karkazis | http://katrinakarkazis.comThe Guardian: “The ignorance aimed at Caster Semenya flies in the face of the Olympic spirit”https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/23/caster-semenya-olympic-spirit-iaaf-athletes-womenNew African Magazine: “Feyisa Lilesa: the new symbol of Ethiopian resistance”http://newafricanmagazine.com/feyisa-lilesa-new-symbol-ethiopian-resistance/The Nation:  This Rio Olympic Medalist Risked His Life to Show Solidarity https://www.thenation.com/article/my-government-will-kill-me-one-runners-olympic-courage/Feyisa Lilesa crowdfunding: https://www.gofundme.com/2kykuuxsThe Nation:  Now That the Games Are Over, the Real Olympic Drama Begins in Rio https://www.thenation.com/article/now-that-the-games-are-over-the-real-olympic-drama-begins-in-rio/—http://edgeofsportspodcast.com | http://twitter.com/edgeofsports | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@slate.com—music by: Badsista & Tap https://soundcloud.com/badsista, https://soundcloud.com/t_a_p92, via Beatwise Recordings https://beatwiserecordings.bandcamp.cominstrumentals: Pharcyde - Runnin (J. Dilla production) Cam’Ron - Horse & Carriage (Trackmasters production) Jadakiss - We Gonna Make It (The Alchemist production)Sea'ad Awwal "Nama Nyaata" for Feyisa Lilesa By Raya Studio 2016 https://youtu.be/WBtj3aZamnc Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In the run-up to Brazil’s year of mega-events, Theresa Williamson made her website RioOnWatch.org into an essential independent news source. In our final Olympics podcast, Theresa Williamson joins me for a wide-ranging and insightful talk that you will not find on any other show. We’ll also stop by a party at the oft-discussed Vila Autódromo, site of a high-profile battle for over residents rights that is just a stone’s throw away from Olympic Park. My ‘Choice Words’ are about the stalwart Brazilian teachers who went on strike in Rio, and the ‘Just Stand Up’ award goes to Anthony Ervin, 35-year-old gold medalist and author of: “Chasing Water: Elegy of an Olympian.” Special thanks to our youngest guest, nine-year-old Kay, who summed up the Olympic effect on Rio so well: “It means so many things, and most of them aren’t good.”Edge of Sports Hotline: (401) 236-3343 (EDGE). This week, we want to know: What would you do if the Olympics came to your town? Buy tickets? Volunteer? Perhaps protest?Theresa Williamson: https://twitter.com/greencitiesRio On Watch: http://www.rioonwatch.org | https://twitter.com/RioOnWatchCatalytic Communities: http://catcomm.orgTheresa on The Today Show: http://www.today.com/news/santa-marta-matt-lauer-tours-one-rio-de-janeiro-s-t101782Anthony Ervin: https://twitter.com/AnthonyErvinErvin's book: http://www.akashicbooks.com/catalog/chasing-water/Ervin wins gold in the 50-freestyle: http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/underwater-cam-anthony-ervin-wins-50m-freestyle-gold-01Column:  Teachers and Students Occupy Schools in the Shadow of Olympic Rio https://www.thenation.com/article/teachers-and-students-occupy-schools-in-shadow-of-olympic-rio—http://edgeofsportspodcast.com | http://twitter.com/edgeofsports | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@slate.com—music by: Badsista & Taphttps://soundcloud.com/badsista, https://soundcloud.com/t_a_p92, via Beatwise Recordingshttps://beatwiserecordings.bandcamp.cominstrumentals: Kanye West - Family Business & John Legend - Used To Love U Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We are in Olympic Rio shining light on the dark corners of these games. First up: Jules Boykoff, a razor-sharp critic of sports culture and the author of “Power Games: A Political History of the Olympics.” Then, Stephanie Reist, a PhD candidate from Duke, based in Rio and writing about the Rio suburbs for the essential site RioOnWatch.org. ’Choice Words’ is a column about the intoxicating nature of the Olympics - and resistance to them. The ‘Just Stand Up’ award goes to Gabby Douglas in response to utterly inane criticism of this great athlete. Finally, we share messages from you, our listeners, left on our our Edge of Sports hotline: 401-236-3343 (EDGE.) We asked: were you still going to watch the Olympics, or had the controversies dampened your excitement? Thank you to Sam, Toby, Jacob, Andy and Candace. This week, the question is: what during the Olympics has inspired you, and why?—Boykoff: http://julesboykoff.org | https://www.versobooks.com/books/2105-power-gamesReist: http://www.rioonwatch.org/?s=Stephanie+Reist | http://twitter.com/stephreistColumn: “Olympic Joy in the Face of Erasure” https://www.thenation.com/article/olympic-joy-in-the-face-of-erasure/Edge of Sports Hotline: (401) 236-3343 (EDGE)—http://edgeofsportspodcast.com | http://twitter.com/edgeofsports | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@slate.com—music by: Badsista & Tap https://soundcloud.com/badsista, https://soundcloud.com/t_a_p92, via Beatwise Recordings https://beatwiserecordings.bandcamp.comSwindle ft. Ricardo China https://swindleuk.bandcamp.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Olympics are here and as I head to Rio, Edge of Sports has David W. Larkin, an attorney who focuses on the corruption of sports organizations like the International Olympic Committee, about the decision to not suspend Russia from the Olympics. We ask him which is more corrupt: the IOC or FIFA? His analysis may surprise you. We also have some "choice words" about the Rio Olympics - of course - and why ten years ago, almost no one thought having Brazil as a host was a bad idea. But I start the show by speaking about the Khan family, and remember when a Gold Star Mother was attacked ten years ago because she stood up to the war that took her son's life. I speak about Cindy Sheehan. The Just Stand Up award goes to activist WNBA players who refused to bow to NBA and WNBA chiefs Adam Silver and Lisa Borders, and won.David W. Larkin, esq. https://twitter.com/SportCorruptionLarkin’s talk at the American Bar Association Meeting: “Corruption’s New Arena: International Sports in a Post-FIFA World” 3:30 PM Moscone Center West, 3rd Floor, Room 3014, San Francisco, CACourt of Arbitration for Sport http://www.tas-cas.org/en/index.htmlZirin columns:The Last Dance: On Heading to Olympic Rio https://www.thenation.com/article/the-last-dance-on-heading-to-olympic-rio/Budget Failures, Displacement, Zika—Welcome to Rio’s $11.9B Summer Olympics https://www.thenation.com/article/budget-failures-displacement-zika-welcome-to-rios-11-9b-summer-olympics/The Problem With the International Olympic Committee’s Decision on Russia https://www.thenation.com/article/the-problem-with-the-the-international-olympic-committees-decision-on-russia/—This week’s poll question: Are you watching the Olympics this year? Or are the stories about Rio overwhelming your ability to love the events themselves?  Call 401-426-EDGE (3343) and leave us a message.—http://edgeofsportspodcast.com | http://twitter.com/edgeofsports | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@slate.com—music: No TV No Radio - Peace https://soundcloud.com/notvnoradio, The Captain - The Bossa Fella's Funk http://thecaptain.it, The Kount - Jupiter https://soundcloud.com/the-kount Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In response to North Carolina’s discriminatory HB-2 'bathroom bill,' NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stood up for LGBTQ rights and pulled the 2017 All-Star game from Charlotte. Yet in the very same week, Silver and WNBA President Lisa Borders levied fines on female players who donned black t-shirts in pregame warmups to support the Black Lives Matter movement. To understand this tricky political moment, we have Howard Bryant, a friend of the show, author, commentator and columnist for ESPN. Then, in ’Choice Words’ we have a column about this new era of player power in basketball, and the ‘Just Stand Up’ award goes to WNBA players Tina Charles, Tanisha Wright and Swin Cash for standing up and speaking out.Howard Bryant twitter: http://twitter.com/hbryant42Zirin Column: The NBA Moves the All-Star Game, but Also Punishes Players for Political T-shirts?: http://bit.ly/2ajI699The Olympics and the Battle for Rio’s Future: http://bit.ly/1WsiXdK—http://edgeofsportspodcast.com | http://twitter.com/edgeofsports | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@slate.com—music: 'Raise Up' by Petey Pablo (instrumental) produced by Timbaland | http://timbalandmusic.com'0 to 100' by Drake (instrumental) produced by Boi-1da | http://boi-1da.net/'Bring It On' by Jay-Z (instrumental) produced by DJ Premier | http://premierwuzhere.com'Descend' by Emil Rottmayer | https://soundcloud.com/emil-rottmayer Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today there is largely universal praise for the ESPY statements of Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Dwayne Wade and LeBron James. But what about athletes who stood up in much more difficult environment? Today we take a critical look at the ESPY statement with 2012 NBA first round draft pick Royce White. This is an NBA-level talent who has been pushed out of the league for standing up. We talk to Royce about the ESPYS and his future. I also have some "Choice words" about the way this discussion of athlete activism is being framed in the #BlackLivesMatter era.Royce White twitter: http://twitter.com/highway_30Royce White & Dave Zirin have an event together on September 21 in St. Paul at East Side Freedom Library: http://eastsidefreedomlibrary.org/Dave Zirin article on Royce White from 2013: https://www.thenation.com/article/sports-interview-non-sports-fans-have-read-my-talk-nba-player-royce-whiteESPYs opening: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=17061524Carmelo Anthony's statement: https://instagram.com/p/BHmtRkehDV8Royce White's open letter to Carmelo Anthony: https://twitter.com/Highway_30/status/751962281462730752--Music by Dr. Dre & Mat Beard (http://soundcloud.com/mtbrd, http://mtbrd.bandcamp.com, http://twitter.com/mtbrrrd)--http://edgeofsportspodcast.com | http://twitter.com/edgeofsports | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@slate.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The police killings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, followed by the sniper attack on police in Dallas, unleashed a wave of protests throughout the country. It also produced numerous responses by athletes who spoke out strongly in support of the black lives matter movement. Why is this happening now and why does it matter? Our guest is Scoop Jackson of ESPN, former editor of SLAM magazine.Scoop Jackson twitter:https://twitter.com/iamscoopjackson—http://edgeofsportspodcast.com | http://twitter.com/edgeofsports | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@slate.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Sports World is buzzing about NBA star's Kevin Durant's move from Oklahoma City to the Golden State Warriors. We break it down - the basketball and the political sides of this deal - with NBA.com's own Sekou Smith. Then, in front of a live audience, I do a talk about the political lessons of the Mizzou football strike against racism. Finally, the Just Stand Up award to Olympic swimmer Anthony Ervin.Sekou Smith: http://twitter.com/SekouSmithNBA/Hang Time blog: http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/tag/sekou-smith/Hang Time podcast: http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/category/podcast/Socialism 2016 conference: http://wearemany.org/Anthony Ervin: http://twitter.com/anthonyervin/Anthony Ervin’s book, “Chasing Water: Elegy of an Olympian” http://akashicbooks.com/catalog/chasing-water/—http://edgeofsportspodcast.com | http://twitter.com/edgeofsports | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@slate.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Our final tribute to Muhammad Ali features Bill Siegel, director of ‘The Trials of Muhammad Ali,’ as well as cultural commentator and author Bijan C. Bayne, and finally, one icon says goodbye to another as 1968 Olympic hero, Dr. John Carlos honors Ali.Hear our entire series of Ali tributes at http://EdgeOfSportsPodcast.com. Thank you to all the guests who participated and to the city of Louisville for hosting such a touching tribute.Bill Siegel film: https://twitter.com/MuhammadAliDoc | http://kartemquin.com/films/the-trials-of-muhammad-ali | http://hulu.com/watch/617383Bijan C. Bayne: http://twitter.com/bijancbayneDr. John Carlos: http://johncarlos68.com | The John Carlos StoryThe Sports Moment That Changed the World http://haymarketbooks.org/hc/The-John-Carlos-StoryMusic by Yusef Lateef “Like It Is” & “Love Theme from Spartacus" http://yuseflateef.com—http://edgeofsportspodcast.com | http://twitter.com/edgeofsports | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@slate.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The ascendancy of the Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James to the top of the mountain has captivated hoop fans everywhere, including us. First, Dave Zirin sings the praises of LeBron and the Cavs, and then speaks with Cyd Zeigler, founder of the website Outsports and author of the new book ‘Fair Play: How LGBT Athletes Are Claiming Their Rightful Place in Sports’ about how the sports world responded to the massacre of LGBT people in Orlando. Finally, we take it to church…seriously…with a recording of Dave’s Father’s Day sermon, as delivered to Plymouth Congregational Church in DC on "Muhammad Ali, Orlando, and the Light of Understanding."Cyd Zeigler: https://twitter.com/CydZeiglerFair Play: How LGBT Athletes Are Claiming Their Rightful Place in Sportshttp://www.akashicbooks.com/catalog/fair-play/Outsportshttp://www.outsports.com/ | https://twitter.com/outsportsPlymouth Congregational United Church of Christ. Rev. Graylan Scott Hagler http://www.plymouth-ucc.org/ | Zirin Sermon: https://www.spreaker.com/user/plymouthucc-washingtondc/dave-zirin-m-ali-orlando-the-light-of-unMusic & LeBron mix by Jason St. Clair https://fb.com/jason.stclair.58Intro Music: ‘The Ruler’s Back’ (Instrumental) produced by Bink https://twitter.com/sommeave—http://edgeofsportspodcast.com | http://twitter.com/edgeofsports | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@slate.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we bring you the emotions, sounds, and voices of Muhammad Ali's funeral in Louisville. This was a day that will go down in history as the last act of resistance by the 20th century’s most iconic fighter. People came to pay respects from near and far, both young and old, in every shade of color, media professionals and everyday folks alike; all bound together by a love for Muhammad Ali. This show is dedicated to our LBGT - and specifically Latino LGBT - brothers and sisters who were killed in Orlando the very day after Ali's funeral. We address this horrific juxtaposition with a statement against anti-LGBT and anti-Muslim bigotry.Column: ‘Sleep Easy, My Brother’ http://thenation.com/article/sleep-easy-my-brotherColumn: ‘The Orlando Killings and the Message of Muhammad Ali’s Funeral’ http://thenation.com/article/the-orlando-killings-and-the-message-of-muhammad-alis-funeralThe Ali Center: http://alicenter.orgAli’s entire interfaith memorial: https://youtu.be/NBX59J-ltuAAli’s Muslim Janazah memorial: https://youtu.be/_xMTGnHoHS8Ali’s entire memorial procession: https://youtu.be/G5ZDZMLfgqYSpecial thanks: The Ali Center, The Nation, Panoply, Andy Bowers, Democracy Now, Amy Goodman, Dalia Mogahed and her family, Howard Bryant, the staff of Broadway Digital, WBAI, Mike Pesca, Mary Wilson, the MSNBC crew in Louisville, Craig Melvin, Brian Williams, Dr. Harry Edwards, Jim Embry, Dedrick Rashad Hough, and Julius Denson II.Music: (Louisville’s own) Jerry Tolson — March Of The Contradi http://jerrytolson.com | Yusef Lateef - Love Theme From Spartacus http://yuseflateef.com—http://edgeofsportspodcast.com | http://twitter.com/edgeofsports | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@slate.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

All week we are releasing interviews about the remarkable and singular legacy of The Champ, Muhammad Ali. Today we have Canadian sports journalist and social justice activist Shireen Ahmed, then Baltimore poet and founder of #NoJusticeNoLeBron, Tariq Toure. They speak about the Ali's support of the Palestinian liberation and what it has meant to them to share the faith of the King of the World. Shireen Ahmed: https://twitter.com/_shireenahmed_|  http://shireenahmed.comTariq Toure: http://twitter.com/tariqtoure | http://tariqtoure.comMusic: McCoy Tyner - Search For Peace http://mccoytyner.com | Faithless - Muhammad Ali http://faithless.co.uk—http://edgeofsportspodcast.com | http://twitter.com/edgeofsports | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@slate.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy