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The Wish of an NFL Wife

Cleveland Browns linebacker Scott Fujita, is about as courageous and outspoken an athlete on the contemporary sport's landscape. His wife Jaclyn Fujita is at least as sharp and strong-willed as her husband, but has made the choice to not be as outspoken as Scott. Until now.

NFL Labor Pains and the Press Release that Redefined Chutzpah

Beyond all the self-pity and spin coming from the offices of National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell, here is the naked truth. We face the prospect of no football in 2011 because the players made a three word demand that would not have cost the owners a dime: open your books.

Say it Loud on Opening Day: Baseball Must MOVE THE GAME

If the off-season proved nothing else, it’s that Arizona's political culture has only grown more toxic. On Opening Day, activists will ask the question yet again to Major League Baseball Comissioner Bud Selig: Will you or will you not move the 2011 All-Star Game out of Arizona?

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.