

Edge of Sports
Dave Zirin / The Nation
Where sports and politics collide, hosted by Nation magazine Sports Editor Dave Zirin
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 22, 2019 • 31min
The Fight to Save Coach Fofo From Deportation
Today we speak to Casa de Maryland Services Director George Escobar about the fight to save Agbegnigan Amouzou, also known as ‘Coach Fofo,’ from deportation. Coach Fofo, a native of Togo, has been a staple in both the Montgomery and Prince George County sports scene for decades and leading the fight is the aforementioned Casa de Maryland as well as clergy and community leaders.
We also have ‘Choice Words’ on Tiger’s historic victory at the Masters last weekend, and his friendship with Donald Trump. We also have ‘Just Stand Up’ and ‘Just Sit Down’ awards to supporters of the MLS Vancouver Whitecaps and Major League Baseball. All this and more on this week’s show!
George Escobar
Twitter: @CASAforall
https://www.thenation.com/article/agbegnigan-amouzou-soccer-coach-trump-deportation/
Zirin, Tiger Woods Can’t Be Apolitical in the Age of Trump and Kaepernick
https://www.thenation.com/article/tiger-woods-masters-trump-kaepernick/
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http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@gmail.com | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE)
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Music: Eye Examination - Del the Funky Homosapien | Passin’ Me By - The Pharcyde | Whoa - Black Rob | A Friend - Krs-One | Long Story Short - Black Milk | Flava In Ya Ear - Craig Mack | Comin’ For Ya - DMX | The Wire ThemeAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Apr 15, 2019 • 40min
The Preventable Death of Braeden Bradforth
Today we speak to Joanne Atkins-Ingram, the mother of Braeden Bradforth, who died of exertional heatstroke in a non-contact practice at Garden City Community College. We also speak to the family’s attorney, Jill Elaine Greene, and talk about the toxic culture of football as well as the communal support the family has received in the wake of the tragedy.
We also have "Choice Words" on racism and privilege in the NBA, brought to you by a Kyle Korver essay in the Players Tribune. We also have an obscure "Just Stand Up" award and a "Just Sit Down Award." All that and more on this week’s show!Joanne Atkins-Ingram
Twitter: @jjab824
https://twitter.com/hashtag/justice4braeden
https://www.thenation.com/article/searching-for-justice-after-the-death-of-football-player-braedon-bradforth/
Zirin, Kyle Korver Challenges Every White Athlete to Listen and Act
https://www.thenation.com/article/kyle-korver-white-privilege-racism-nba/
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http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@gmail.com | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE)
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Music: Eye Examination - Del the Funky Homosapien | Life - J. Dilla | It’s So Hard - Big Pun Feat. Donell Jones | U.N.I.T.Y. - Queen Latifah | Formula - The D.O.C. | Virginia - Clipse | Alphabet Aerobics - Blackalicious | The Wire ThemeAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Apr 8, 2019 • 1h 10min
The NBA Season That Was
This week we speak to the Athletic’s national NBA columnist about the 2018-2019 NBA season that has come and gone and whether anyone has a chance to upset the set up against the Warriors. We talk the Washington Wizards troubles, Lebron’s first year in Los Angeles, and MVP picks.
We also have ‘Choice Words’ on the plan to demolish the San Jose State track and put up a parking lot. Joni Mitchell never lied. We also have TWO Just Stand Up awards and an announcement of an extra interview for Patreon subscribers. All that and more!
Michael Lee
Twitter: @MrMichaelLee
https://theathletic.com/665972/2018/11/20/michael-lee-the-wizards-are-a-myth-that-isnt-working-out-and-all-there-is-hope-for-now-is-change/
Zirin, San Jose State Will Build a Parking Structure on Hallowed Ground
https://www.thenation.com/article/san-jose-state-track-john-carlos-tommie-smith-lee-evans/
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http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@gmail.com | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE)
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Music: Eye Examination - Del the Funky Homosapien | Luck of Lucien - A Tribe Called Quest | Hussle & Motivate - Nipsey Hussle | Plug Tunin’ - De La Soul | Recognize - The Lox | Moves - Big Sean | We Be Steady Mobbin’ - Lil Wayne Feat. Gucci Mane | The Wire ThemeAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Apr 1, 2019 • 40min
The Wild and Crazy USFL
This week we speak to NY Times bestselling author Jeff Pearlman about his book Football for a Buck: The Crazy Rise and Crazier Demise of the USFL. We go into the league’s history, why it went under, and lessons to be learned from its eventual demise.
We also have ‘Choice Words’ about proposed cuts to the Special Olympics and we have the same person getting the ‘Just Stand Up’ and Just ‘Sit Your Ass Down’ awards! A brand new ‘Kaepernick Watch’ and more!
Jeff Pearlman
Twitter: @jeffpearlman
Football For A Buck
Zirin, The Trump Administration’s Ableist Cuts to the Special Olympics
https://www.thenation.com/article/trump-devos-ableism-special-olympics/
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http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@gmail.com | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE)
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Music: Eye Examination - Del the Funky Homosapien | Nas Is Like - Nas | Electric Relaxation - A Tribe Called Quest | Why - Jadakiss Feat. Anthony Hamilton | The Ghetto - Too Short | This Way - Dilated Peoples Feat. Kanye West | The Light ‘08 - Common Feat. Marsha Ambrosius | Super Nova - Dug Infinite & No I.D. | Long Life - Dela Feat. Talib Kweli | The Wire ThemeAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mar 25, 2019 • 51min
NCAA Exploitation Word Association
This week we speak to DC-based sports journalist and editor Patrick Hruby about the rot that envelops the NCAA, more visible than ever this March. We do all this through the prism of word association, talking coaches, players, apparel companies, and the NCAA.
We also have ‘Choice Words’ about Mike Trout’s mega contract. We then got ‘Just Stand Up’ and ‘Just Sit Down’ awards to Braden Holtby and Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, a brand new ‘Kaepernick Watch’, and more!
Patrick Hruby
Twitter: @patrick_hruby
The NCAA says paying athletes hurts their education. That’s laughable.
Zirin, Mike Trout’s Mega Deal and Baseball’s Economic Rot
https://www.thenation.com/article/mike-trout-mlb-players-union-dave-zirin/
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http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@gmail.com | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE)
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Music: Eye Examination - Del the Funky Homosapien | Get Back - Ludacris | Only In My Dreas - Debbie Gibson | Introspective - Common | Coming of Age - Jay-Z Feat. Memphis Bleek | ’93 Til Infinity on - Souls of Mischief | Rhythm Roulette - Just Blaze | Westside Story - The Game | 2AM - Rasody Feat. Ab-Soul | The Wire ThemeAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mar 18, 2019 • 45min
The Attack on Trans Athletes
This week we speak to Katie Barnes of ESPNW about the right wing movement against trans athletes particularly trans women, recent comments by tennis legend Martina Navratilova, and we get their thoughts about the future of the struggle as well.
We also have ‘Choice Words’ about Russell Westbrook’s confrontation with a so-called fan in Utah. Also we’ve got ‘Just Stand Up’ and ‘Just Sit Down’ awards to Megan Rapinoe and Duke bandwagonnoers! All that and more on this week’s Edge of Sports Podcast!
Katie Barnes
Twitter: @katie_barnes3
They Are the Champions
Zirin, Could the Utah Jazz Be Turning a Corner?
https://www.thenation.com/article/russell-westbrook-utah-jazz-racist-fan/
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http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@gmail.com | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE)
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Music: Eye Examination - Del the Funky Homosapien | W.O.L.V.E.S. - M.O.P. | Fire - Sara Bareilles | Storm Warning - Latyrx | Who Shot Ya - Notorious B.I.G. | Keep on Keepin’ On - MC Lyte Feat. Xscape | Threat 2 Society - 2 Chainz | Wheelz of Steel - Outkast | The Wire ThemeAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mar 11, 2019 • 42min
Robert Kraft: A Different Perspective
This week we speak to Melissa Gira Grant, author of Playing the Whore: The Work of Sex Work about Robert Kraft’s arrest and the agendas that lurk behind charges of “human sex trafficking.”
We also have ‘Choice Words’ about mental health in the NBA and we got ‘Just Stand Up’ awards for the U.S. women’s soccer team union and Kareem Abdul Jabbar as well as a ‘Just Sit Down’ award to NBA referees. All that and more on this week’s Edge of Sports Podcast!
Melissa Gira Grant
Twitter: @melissagira
Playing the Whore: The Work of Sex Work
Zirin, Does the NBA Have a Mental-Health Crisis on Its Hands?
https://www.thenation.com/article/nba-mental-health-adam-silver-charles-barkley/
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http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@gmail.com | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE)
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Music: Eye Examination - Del the Funky Homosapien | Money Trees - Kendrick Lamar Feat. Jay Rock | Come on Feel the Noise - Slade | Funky Enough - D.O.C. | Mind Playin’ Tricks - Geto Boys | I’m Different - 2 Chainz | Rosa Parks - Outkast | Devil in a New Dress - Kanye West Feat. Rick Ross | The Wire ThemeAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mar 1, 2019 • 41min
Will The Caps on Major League Heads Be Union Made?
This week we speak to Washington Nationals pitcher Sean Dolittle and activist Eireann Dolan about their push to keep the caps union made after a relocation was announced from Derby, NY to non-union Florida. We also talk about the MLB players association and the shift in perception with respect to labor.
We also got ‘Choice Words’ about Colin Kaepernick’s settlement with the NFL. We also have Just Stand Up and Just Sit Down awards and more to some basketball players at Ole Miss and Patriots owner and coverage of the Robert Kraft news in recent days. All that and more!
https://thinkprogress.org/baseball-couple-union-campaign-003ec8963027/
Eirann Dolan
Twitter: @EireannDolan
Sean Dolittle
Twitter: @whatwouldDOOdo
Zirin, Colin Kaepernick Settles His Collusion Case With the NFL
https://www.thenation.com/article/colin-kaepernick-nfl-settlement-collusion/
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http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@gmail.com | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE)
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Music: Eye Examination - Del the Funky Homosapien | Gangsta Shit - G-Unit | 24 Frames - Jason Isbell | Lean Back - Terror Squad Feat. Fat Joe & Remy Ma | Live in the Sky - T.I. Feat. Jamie Foxx | Why We Thugs - Ice Cube | Hurt Me Soul - Lupe Fiasco | Run - Ghostface Killah | The Wire ThemeAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Feb 11, 2019 • 45min
Cubs Ownership Has a Racism Problem
This week we talk to AM670’s Julie DiCaro about Joe Ricketts, whose family owns the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field was found to have sent racist and Islamophobic emails to his family. What will be the fallout if any?
We also speak to author Bijan Bayne about the legacy of Frank Robinson and the sports anniversaries ahead in 2019\. Damn we feel old. We also got ‘Choice Words’ about the legacy of Frank Robinson and ‘Just Stand Up’ and ‘Just Sit Down’ awards for the Maryland legislature and Justin Fairfax, and much more!
Julie DiCaro
https://670thescore.radio.com/hosts/julie-dicaro
Twitter: @JulieDiCaro
Bijan Bayne
https://rowman.com/ISBN/9780810895782/Elgin-Baylor-The-Man-Who-Changed-Basketball
Twitter: bijancbayne
Zirin, Frank Robinson Was a Fearless Speaker of Truth
https://www.thenation.com/article/frank-robinson-was-a-fearless-speaker-of-truth/
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http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@gmail.com | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE)
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Music: Eye Examination - Del the Funky Homosapien | We Gonna Make It - Jadakiss Feat. Styles P | Ovadose - Twista | It’s So Hard - Big Pun Feat. Donell Jones | Drip - Cardi B Feat. Migos | Life - J. Dilla | My Love - The Diplomats | Big Pimpin’ - Jay- Z Feat. UGK | Grammy Family - DJ Khaled Feat. Kanye West & Consequence | The Wire ThemeAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Feb 6, 2019 • 36min
The Worst Super Bowl Ever
This week we talk to “The Football Girl” Melissa Jacobs about the worst Super Bowl ever. We also have ‘Choice Words’ about the political drama taking place off the field, ‘Just Stand Up’ and ‘Just Sit Down’ awards to the Washington Post union and Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine. We also got Kaepernick Watch, and more!
Melissa Jacobs
https://thefootballgirl.com/
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-football-girl-podcast/id1319547241?mt=2
Twitter: @thefootballgirl
Zirin, The Only Super Bowl Tension Was Off the Field
https://www.thenation.com/article/super-bowl-liii-2019-kaepernick-boring/
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http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@gmail.com | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE)
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Music: Eye Examination - Del the Funky Homosapien | Checkmate - Jadakiss | Feel So Good - Mase | Candy Paint - E-40 Feat Slim Thug & Bun B | Understandable Smooth - Ras Kass | Rhythm Roulette - Just Blaze | Story of OJ - Jay-Z | Drugs - Lil’ Kim | The Wire ThemeAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy