Rev Left Radio Socializing Sports: Reclaiming The Beautiful Game from Capital & Empire
Sep 16, 2025
Robert E. Wilson, author of The Football Manifesto, dives into the urgent need to reclaim sports from corporate greed. He discusses how professional sports often perpetuate colonialism and racism while grassroots movements fight for equity and community ownership. Wilson advocates for supporter-led models that prioritize local engagement and social justice. The conversation highlights the necessity of redefining sports as platforms for solidarity and activism, challenging listeners to rethink their relationship with the game.
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Gambling As Capitalist Speculation
- Gambling in sports channels wealth from poorer bettors to corporate shareholders and functions like capitalist speculation.
- Wilson suggests redirecting betting revenues to communities or leagues as the only constructive alternative.
From Segregated St. Louis To Brazilian Football
- Wilson grew up in St. Louis during segregation and moved to Brazil where he fell in love with football.
- His legal and finance background plus philosophy study shaped his view on sport and society.
MLS As A Controlled Second‑Class Sport
- MLS was structured to limit football's growth in the U.S. and preserve the NFL's talent pipeline.
- Wilson argues NFL-linked owners intentionally made football a second-class sport to protect American rugby.
