Column Archive

Talkin' Sports with Ralph Nader

Ralph Nader is best known as a legendary consumer advocate, and thorn in the side of Democratic Party activists but he also knows his sports. This is an interview that should definitely be read by anyone concerned abou the power of David Stern and itching to have a Fans Bill of Rights.

"Well, There You Go": Imus the Bigot Is Back

Is Don Imus irredeemably stupid or just a run-of-the-mill racist? Perhaps the answer is both. His explanation for comments about Adam "Pac Man" Jones, suggest that the answer is both.

The Over-Exposure of Danica Patrick

Does sex – or sexism – sell women’s sports? A new study shows that Danica Patrick’s willingness to show skin is doing her sport a grave disservice.

Can Soccer Stop the Violence?

Horrific violence in South Africa continues against immigrants from Zimbabwe and Mozambique and some high profile soccer players are taking a stand to end the violence. But this issue gets more complicated when we consider how the World Cup is coming to South Africa in 2010, and the effect that’s having on the very communities where the violence runs the most hot.

'Like He Died Twice': Mary Tillman's Lonesome Road

Here is our interview with the late Pat Tillman’s mother, Mary. Please read. Hers is a voice that demands to be heard.

Tiger, Tiger, Burning Blight

Tiger Woods’ father had dreams that his son would transcend sports and change the world. But Tiger’s foundation has entered into a new partnership with Chevron which makes a mockery of these dreams. Woods’ foundation, which claims to “stand for children”, won’t confront or even comment, on the horrific nature of Chevron’s human rights record.

What I want to Ask Mary Tillman

This Friday, I will have the privilege to interview Mary Tillman, the mother of the late Pat Tillman: former NFL player turned Army Ranger, turned casualty of a criminal war. Mary Tillman has written a book along with Narda Zacchino called Boots on the Ground by Dusk: My Tribute to Pat Tillman. It's a heart-ripping account of one family's lonely search for justice, and how, even aided by public outcry and heavy hitters in Congress, the truth about what actually happened to Mary's son remains at arm's length.

Boss's Boycott: The Bonds Vanishes

Boss’s Boycott: The Bonds Vanishes: Can a man who led baseball in on base percentage, walks, and was third in home runs per at-bats, really be denied a job? He can if his name is Barry Bonds. The historical echoes would make a 20th century genocide artists very proud.

Blogged Down: The Seduction of Buzz Bissinger

When Buzz Bissinger went after Will Leitch on Costas Now, he revealed a darker insecurity lurking in the heart of the modern sports writer: irrelevancy.

There's No Place Like Home: Refocusing Olympic Protest

Olympic officials are trying to make sure that athletes are seen, but not heard, in Beijing. But, in the tradition of Olympics protest past, the focus of activist-athletes should hit a lot closer to home.