Column Archive

Clock Almost Striking Midnight for Big Ben

In searching through all the historical and media data at my disposal, I can’t find one solitary example of a professional athlete suffering two entirely disconnected accusations of sexual assault over one eight month period. Enter Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, our very own Jackie Robinson of misogyny, arrogance and entitlement.

The Nike Ad: Tiger the Brand Finally Conquers Tiger the Man

I really believed that in the wake of his Odyssey of scandal and humiliation, there would be a showdown inside Tiger's soul between the brand and the man. I couldn't have been more wrong. There is no man, only brand. If he wants to dehumanize himself on his own time then more power to him. But this ad dehumanizes all of us.

The Hate Crime: A Question Tiger Woods must Answer

Tiger Woods has long maintained he was the victim of a Kindergarten hate crime. Now his teacher is saying that story is a lie. Here's one issue Tiger cannot ignore.

Let Caster Run!

Caster Semenya showed up to race in Stellenbosch, South Africa, this week and the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) wouldn't let her run. Before we get into the specifics, let's take a moment to appreciate the courage involved in her simple desire to compete. Imagine walking in the woods during hunting season dressed as a deer. Now you can understand what Caster Semenya has chosen to risk. She was inviting fire. The 19-year-old world record-holding runner arrived at Stellenbosch to announce her return to competitive running even though she was on suicide watch last fall. Even though she was the subject of heartless attacks. Even though she was a bull's-eye for every bigot in and out of the sports world.

Brittney Griner: Your March Madness MVP

A 6’ 8” freshman is changing the way we understand hoops in the NCAA tournament and you’d never know it. Maybe it’s because she's not a fresh-MAN at all.

The Gilbert Arenas Judgment: "Privilege" Personified?

When Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas escaped jail time, many started to howl at the moon. They should save their outrage.

Arne Duncan and the Madness of March

What to do about men’s college basketball teams that don't graduate their players? Educations Secretary Arne Duncan says "ban them from the tournament! Maryland coach Gary Williams says, "As long as they make the pros, who cares?" They're both off their respective rockers.

Root for Ed O'Bannon to upset the NCAA

There is nothing quite like March Madness - not for the sports fan's pulse, and not for the NCAA's financial ledger. Of course, the so-called amateur players - without whose labor not one dime would be raised - don't see a penny above and beyond the scholarships they may be getting to attend school. Until now.

Reclaiming a Legacy: The Death of Fatima Meer and the World Cup

When I attended the funeral services of a legend of the South African anti-apartheid struggle, I learned that the most political issue in the country is memory.

The South Africa World Cup: Invictus in Reverse

On a normal week here in South Africa, it's the dispossessed and the self-possessed fighting for elbow room. But the 2010 World Cup, which starts in 90 days, has taken these contrasts and propelled them into conflict.