Column Archive

NFL Lockout: Which Side Are You On?

As an NFL lockout and the possible cancellation of the 2011 season haunts the sports faithful across the country, reporters sought the opinion of a certain Chicago Bears fan living in Washington, DC: Barack Obama.As someone who has watched the president spend three years appearing annoyed over the concerns of organized labor, I was not surprised by his comments. But I was still upset.

Jocks 4 Justice: John Carlos, Billy Hunter and Keyon Dooling Stand with Wisconsin Workers

Unions and individuals across the country are standing with the workers of Wisconsin against the unprecedented attacks by Gov. Scott Walker. Count the National Basketball Association's Player's Association and Dr. John Carlos among their ranks.

Kazemi and Abdul-Qaadir: Recognizing the Courage of Muslim Athletes

We don’t need Sam Cooke to tell us that “a change is gonna come.” The US Basketball Writers Association just named men’s player Arsalan Kazemi of Rice and women’s player Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir of Memphis as the co-winners of their “most courageous award.” They are being recognized explicitly for challenging  Islamaphobia, bigotry, and ignorance. No one will ever confuse the USBWA with the Council on American-Islamic Relations. But their recognition of what these two players have faced is a smack-down to every Peter King (the US Congressman, not the sportswriter) and Fox News hack who thinks Arabs and Muslims exist only to be demonized.

Packers Captain Charles Woodson Stands with Wisconsin's Workers

Bay Packers have taken public stands against the frightening, dictatorial, anti-union rampage of Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker. These pro athletes have chosen to link arms with the tens of thousands of nurses, teachers, and firefighters standing as one against Governor Walker's efforts to destroy their unions and drive them into poverty. It's been remarkable to see a steady stream of players from the only non-profit, fan owned team in American sports, lend their voice to this fight. Yet none of the Packers who've spoken out, have had the profile, respect, or cultural currency of the latest member of the team to stand strong with Wisconsin's working families: Charles Woodson.

Aaron Rodgers: We Need Your Voice for Wisconsin's Working Families

I believe in athletes having the freedom and space to take political stands without having to worry about media and corporate backlash. I believe in athletes having the freedom and space to not take political stands if that’s their choice. But I also believe that there are moments in history when silence itself becomes a political stand, a luxury we cannot afford. For Aaron Rodgers, the Green Bay Packers Super Bowl MVP quarterback, this is one of those moments.

Green Bay Packers Sound Off Against Gov. Scott "Hosni" Walker

Less than two weeks ago, the Green Bay Packers -- the only fan-owned, non-profit franchise in major American sports -- won the Super Bowl, bringing the Lombardi trophy back to Wisconsin. But now, past and present members of the “People’s Team” are girding up for one more fight and this time, it’s against their own Governor, Scott Walker.

DeMaurice Smith: On an NFL Lockout and Inspiration From Egypt

NFL owners are banking on the fact that players, with their short window to make money, will cave to every demand. Players Association President DeMaurice Smith is banking on something bigger: a sense of history, sacrifice and community that’s greater than sports.

Fox Be Damned: Why a Packers Victory is the People’s Victory

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Washington Football Owner Dan Snyder Offends Everybody

A billionaire gets zinged by a local rag with a modest readership and proceeds to trivialize the Holocaust and blackmail the paper with financial Armageddon. All in a day’s work for Dan Snyder.

Soccer Clubs Central to Ending Egypt's "Dictatorship of Fear"

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