Edge of Sports

We bring sports and politics icon John Carlos in-studio to talk about how it feels to see a new generation of athletes replicate his anthem protests of 1968. Dr. Carlos - who is having a wild week - also speaks to us about the opening of the new National Museum of African American History and Culture where he was part of the unveiling of a statue of himself, and two other two men on that iconic medal stand: Tommie Smith and Peter Norman. Carlos is also in town to visit the White House. He speaks about what it feels like to be re-embraced and who he still feels owes him a damn apology (spoiler: it's Brent Musburger.) We also have some choice words for Mike Ditka, we take listener calls and a Just Stand Up Award for the Castlemont Knights football team, showing some A plus solidarity with the protest of Colin Kaepernick.http://www.johncarlos68.com/ | https://twitter.com/DrJohnCarlos/ | https://www.instagram.com/drjohncarlos1968/The John Carlos Story: The Sports Moment That Changed the World by John Carlos and Dave Zirin http://www.haymarketbooks.org/hc/The-John-Carlos-StoryThe Unbearable Bigotry of Mike Ditka: https://www.thenation.com/article/the-unbearable-bigotry-of-mike-ditka/On the Passing of HBCU and Olympic Coaching Legend Ed Temple: https://www.thenation.com/article/on-the-passing-of-hbcu-and-olympic-coaching-legend-ed-temple/After Forty-four Years, It’s Time Brent Musburger Apologized to John Carlos and Tommie Smith: https://www.thenation.com/article/after-forty-four-years-its-time-brent-musburger-apologized-john-carlos-and-tommie-smith/—http://edgeofsportspodcast.com | http://twitter.com/edgeofsports | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@slate.com—music: “Vision” - McCoy Tyner | Stevie Wonder - Live from NMAAHC opening https://youtu.be/M2wlGbNk8Sc |  “Touch the Sky” - Kanye West http://kanyewest.com (Just Blaze production https://twitter.com/justblaze) | “Simon Says” - Pharoahe Monch (Pharoahe Monch production http://pharoahe.com) | “D’Evils” - Jay Z http://lifeandtimes.com (DJ Premier production http://premierwuzhere.com, Crank Lucas remake https://twitter.com/crank_lucas) | “I Don't Know” - Slum Village http://slumvillage.com/ (J Dilla production http://j-dilla.com/) | “Used to Love U” - John Legend http://johnlegend.com (Kanye West production) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Iconic NBC broadcaster Bob Costas speaks about balancing the real world and the sports world, when politics rip through the games we often turn to for escape. We also have some 'choice words' about white athletes and the movement for Black Lives and we take and respond to messages left on the Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE.) The ‘Just Stand Up’ award goes to the young people with the courage to kneel. This week's show is dedicated to Terence Crutcher and Keith Lamont Scott.The Nation: Bigots Beware: White Athletes Are Becoming Sympathetic to Anthem Protests https://www.thenation.com/article/bigots-beware-white-athletes-are-becoming-sympathetic-to-anthem-protests/—http://edgeofsportspodcast.com | http://twitter.com/edgeofsports | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@slate.com—music: “Nothin’” - N.O.R.E. (The Neptunes production) | “Get Down” - Nas (Salaam Remi production) | “Book of Rhymes” - Nas (The Alchemist production) | “Real Friends” - Kanye West (Boi-1da production, JP Sounds remake) | “All the Way Up” - Fat Joe & Remy Ma (Edsclusive, Cool & Dre production, Diggz remake) | “Sky's the Limit” - The Notorious B.I.G. (Clark Kent production) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

When Feyisa Lilesa crossed won silver at the 2016 Olympics, he raised his arms in an X formation, a symbol of solidarity with the Oromo Liberation struggle in his home of Ethiopia. We speak to Lilesa about why he fears for his life, who he holds dear as his athletic heroes and what message he has for Colin Kaepernick and USA athletes using their platform to speak out for social change. We also have choice words about the weekend of 9/11, national anthem protest in the NFL. We also have choice words about everyone who says that they support Colin Kaepernick but just "disapprove" of his methods. Finally a Just Stand Up award to Michael Oppong, a football player at Doherty Memorial High School in Worcester, Massachusetts who knelt during the national anthem despite the ire of his coach.Zirins ’Choice Words’ columns in The Nation: “Colin Kaepernick Is Winning” https://www.thenation.com/article/colin-kaepernick-is-winning/“Solidarity With Kaepernick Ripples Through the NFL on September 11” https://www.thenation.com/article/the-nfl-protest-you-didnt-hear-about-on-sunday/Feyisa Lilesa GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/2kykuuxs—http://edgeofsportspodcast.com | http://twitter.com/edgeofsports | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsports@slate.com—music: “What’s My Name” DMX (Self Service production) | “Fayyisaa Leellisaa" by Ittiiqaa Tafarii | “Ruff Ryders Anthem” DMX (Swizz Beats production) | “Come Clean” by Jeru the Damaja (DJ Premier production) | Scarface “Guess Who’s Back?” (Kanye West production) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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/brandsPrivacy & 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/brandsPrivacy & 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/brandsPrivacy & 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/brandsPrivacy & 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/brandsPrivacy & 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/brandsPrivacy & 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/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy