Edge Of Sports

Lawrence Phillips was a phenomenal football talent, a back-to-back National Champion at the University of Nebraska and a top NFL draft pick in 1996. But a childhood marred by trauma and violence undercut Phillips’ promise of a fruitful life. Despite his obvious athletic gifts, a pattern of disturbing off-field behavior pushed Phillips out of the league and into legal trouble. In 2008, Lawrence Phillips entered Kern Valley State Prison. He would never get to see the outside again. In January of 2015, while awaiting trial for the alleged murder of his cell-mate, Phillips was found dead in his cell - a suspected suicide. Today, Dave Zirin seeks clarity and lessons from the tragic life of Lawrence Phillips. Our guests are Damon Benning, a Cornhusker teammate of Phillips and a current radio host in Lincoln, Howard University Professor Christian-Dotson Pierson, and Neil Irvin, Executive Director of ‘Men Can Stop Rape.’Zirin article: “Who Killed Lawrence Phillips?” http://www.thenation.com/article/who-killed-lawrenc

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the consummate renaissance man of basketball. The all-time leading scorer in NBA history is also an author, historian, and now, a cultural commentator on the most hot-button political topics of the day. Dave Zirin traveled across the country and spoke with Kareem for the full hour, discussing his deep history of activism, scholarship and steadfast self-discovery. We’ll be releasing video of this interview at TheNation.com in the coming weeks.3:28 article: “These Terrorist Attacks Are Not About Religion”5:52 Trump on Muslims6:50 Are you a Bernie Sanders supporter?8:03 Kareem in Brazil9:40 The Obama era10:30 article: “This is the difference between Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders”11:16 article: “The Coming Race War Won’t Be About Race“15:20 Ever been pulled over “driving while black?”16:24 Assassination of Malcolm X17:10 Choice of UCLA20:41 The Ali Summit23:12 1968 Olympics, reason for sitting?23:58 Sports in society24:18 Jackie Robinson25:28 John Lewis26:55 Missouri football29:17 Sports

This week, Edge of Sports is traveling to LA to interview Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Instead of taking the week off, Dave Zirin is dropping into your podcast feed to call for questions and give listeners a window into his thought process going into this once-in-a-lifetime interview. Dave also reads his current column from The Nation about Lebron James and the competing opinions about his lack of comment after Tamir Rice’s police killers scandalously avoided indictment. Finally, the ‘Just Stand Up’ award goes to Baltimore-based activist Tariq Touré who started this conversation by thinking up the hashtag #NoJusticeNoLeBron.--Column: “The Tactical Intelligence of #NoJusticeNoLeBron” http://www.thenation.com/article/the-tactical-intelligence-of-nojusticenolebron/Email Dave at edgeofsports@slate.com, tweet http://twitter.com/edgeofsports, and find all the previous episodes at http://edgeofsportspodcast.com including last week’s look back at our best interviews of 2015.Music: ‘Cadillac’ by Kayloo & Silo [ https://so

“Life moves pretty fast…if you don’t stop and look around once in a while…you could miss it.” Wise words from Ferris Bueller animate the year’s final episode, where we revisit our favorite Edge of Sports guests of 2015. You’ll hear from musicians Chuck D and John Legend, Orioles owner John Angelos, NFLPA head DeMaurice Smith, journalist Jeanne Marie Laskas and NBA Champion Samaki Walker, the first NBA player to ply his trade in Syria. Also, Dave delivers his film review of ‘Concussion’ and gives his inaugural “State of the Sports Union.” We have big plans for the new year, starting with a trip to LA and an interview with NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. --Please send your questions and interview topics to edgeofsports@slate.com or tweet Dave at http://twitter.com/edgeofsports. Thanks for listening, and have a safe & happy New Year.1:00 - Chuck D, 5:30 - John Legend, 13:40 - John Angelos, 19:30 - DeMaurice Smith, 22:30 - Jeanne Marie Laskas27:16 - Dave ‘Concussion’ review: http://www.thenation.com/article/w

Today, women’s basketball great Chamique Holdsclaw joins us to discuss the recent comments of Gilbert Arenas, and her own fascinating history in the game. For years, the #1 WNBA draft pick waged a silent battle for mental wellness, but she eventually chose to go public, becoming a powerful advocate and role model. Her journey is chronicled in the film ‘Mind Game.’ Then, we visit with Sporting News columnist David Steele, who found himself in the crosshairs of Trump-Nation and Patriot-Nation after criticizing Tom Brady for evading a political stance while displaying a “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN” hat in his locker. Finally, the ‘Just Stand Up Award’ goes to NBA referee Bill Kennedy, who came out as a gay man as a show of pride and defiance in the face of Rajon Rondo’s on-court slurs. Thanks for listening. The Edge of Sports team wishes all our listeners a safe and happy holiday.--Chamique Holdsclaw twitter: http://twitter.com/chold1Chamique Holdsclaw film: http://mindgamefilm.orgDavid Steele twitter: http://twit

“This is the conversation America keeps not having…” Today, we have that conversation on head injuries in football with Jeanne Marie Laskas, whose reporting on Dr. Bennet Omalu serves as the basis for the upcoming Will Smith film ‘Concussion.’ Laskas has strong words for the NFL and calls for all fans to re-examine their complicity in this $10 billion-a-year industry. Laskas is the author of the book ‘Concussion’ published by Random House. Then, Dave celebrates Serena Williams’ SI Sportsperson of the Year award by reading a column of praise from TheNation.com, and finally, the ‘Just Stand Up’ award goes to the Golden State Warriors and #DubNation who exemplify the American ideal of marrying teamwork and individuality…with a place for Steph Curry. Dave’s column) http://www.thenation.com/article/serena-williams-is-todays-muhammad-ali/ Jeanne Marie Laskas website: http://jeannemarielaskas.comJeanne Marie Laskas on twitter: http://twitter.com/jmlaskasNew Edge of Sports website: http://edgeofsportspodcast.comDave

Today, we learn what it’s like to be blackballed from your job for speaking your mind, and what it means to play pro ball…in Syria. Craig Hodges was a three-point specialist during the dawn of the Jordan-era Bulls, who won their first of six titles in 1991. As the team visited the White House for its obligatory photo-op, Hodges donned a Dashiki to highlight his African heritage and hand-delivered then-President Bush a letter about racism in America. The next time Hodges came up for a contract, Hodges found himself frozen out of the league by agents and teams alike. Hodges tells the inside story of that consequential time in his life, and gives his thoughts on present-day Chicago, which is reeling after the police murder of Laquan McDonald and the subsequent cover-up. We also hear from Samaki Walker, NBA Champion with the Lakers in 2002 who finished his playing career in Syria, of all places. Walker is the only NBA vet to suit up in Syria, and shares an incredibly unique perspective on their culture. Then, Dav

Orioles Owner John Angelos Gets Real, Son of Nun Raps In-Studio In April, protests in Baltimore over the police murder of Freddie Gray reached the gates of Camden Yards during a game. In response, Orioles front office chief John Angelos refused to vilify the protesters, instead offering a nuanced history of public policies that sapped cities like Baltimore of their well-paying jobs, tax base and working-class opportunities. As Baltimore braces for the accused officers' trials, we speak to John Angelos about his bold statement, the healing comments of O’s manager Buck Showalter and star outfielder Adam Jones, and the role of sports in shaping our society. We also hear Baltimore rapper, activist, educator, and former medic ‘Son of Nun’ spit a verse about awareness and social justice. Finally, a personal note about how global terror visited Dave’s own neighborhood. This show is dedicated to the memory of Anita Datar. Article text: http://thenation.com/article/on-the-death-of-takoma-parks-anita-datar-in-mali/

“Intellectual and material walls are not the way to progress.” The words of today’s guest, George Atallah from the NFLPA, in response to knee-jerk bigotry against refugees after attacks in Paris and Beirut. Atallah’s own family fled Lebanon’s civil war for the United States decades ago and he denounces passionately, as Aaron Rogers did on Sunday, the prejudicial ideologies which lead to hardened hearts and wrongheaded policies on all sides. Then our host, Dave Zirin, expounds on the conscientious sentiment so aptly expressed by French Forward for the Utah Jazz, Rudy Gobert, when he tweeted: “Ne Vous Laissez Pas Manipuler,” or as Dave translates, #staywoke. Finally, the ‘Just Stand Up’ award goes to the Northwestern women’s basketball team, who modified their warmup shirts to read: “We stand with Mizzou,” also issuing a strong statement of solidarity. Special thanks for all the music in this piece to Ibrahim Maalouf, the renowned Beirut-born, Paris-based jazz trumpeter, composer and educator. All songs used wi

Oscar and Grammy winner John Legend joins Edge of Sports to laud the Missouri Tigers football team, who made history by joining with protesting students and refusing to play until University president Tim Wolfe resigned. We’re also privileged to have an insider’s perspective from Paul Hewitt, who coached Georgia Tech to the NCAA finals in basketball a decade ago. Finally, we welcome back Howard University professor Christian Dotson-Pierson to discuss the publication of photos which document Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy’s deplorable domestic abuse. Tweet Dave at http://twitter.com/edgeofsports, John Legend at http://twitter.com/johnlegend, Christian Dotson-Pierson at http://twitter.com/profcdp and give producer Dan Bloom your feedback at http://twitter.com/danbloomsports. You can also write us at edgeofsports@slate.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The all-new Edge of Sports podcast is here, and our host Dave Zirin calls on the Hard Rhymer himself, the legendary Chuck D of Public Enemy, to bless the first show. As it turns out, this activist lion of hip-hop actually had boyhood dreams of becoming a sportscaster. Chuck tells the story of Public Enemy’s national breakthrough on Soul Train, revels in the greatness of Ali, praises LeBron James as a modern-day thought leader, and then…Chuck D bigs up his pilates instructor. Also in the studio is Christian Dotson-Pierson, a PhD candidate at Howard University. Her focus is media advocacy of concussion awareness, handy expertise for a reading of Dave’s latest column in The Nation magazine, entitled: “Why Does Anybody Play Football Anymore?” Finally, the ‘Just Stand Up’ award goes to Atlanta Hawks forward Thabo Sefolosha for defending himself in court against the NYPD, and winning. Tweet Dave at http://twitter.com/edgeofsports, our in-studio guest Christian Dotson-Pierson at http://twitter.com/profcdp and let pr

Episode 271: BOOM! Dave delves into his trip to San Antonio with Dr. John Carlos to speak to the Gregg Popovich and the Spurs about the 1968 Olympics. Dave was impressed by the intensity with which battle-tested champions practiced and how much the entire organization has bought into what the coaching staff is selling them. Dave and Coach discuss the recent media spat between Stephen A. Smith and Kevin Durant and what it can tell us about the relationship between players and the media. Dave talks to Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck, the director & writer duo of the new poker film, Mississippi Grind featuring Ben Mendelsohn and Ryan Reynolds. It’s also the last show for Daniel “D.C. Dan” Baker behind the board. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 270: BOOM! We have a fantastic show for you this week. Hear Coach Kevin McNutt and D.C. Dan Baker prepare Dave for his trip to San Antonio with Dr. John Carlos...to speak with Gregg Popovich and the San Antonio Spurs! Dave and Coach dissect the Jonathan Papelbon and Bryce Harper scuffle in a way you haven’t heard yet. Dr. Richard Lapchick, the great human rights activist and long-time friend of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, explains why he wrote his recent article about Kareem’s life. He tells us why we have been better served as a society by Kareem commenting on American society and the democratic promises we try and live up to, than we would have been if he were an NBA head coach. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 269: BOOM! We have one heck of a show for you this week! Coach looks back on what it was like to play against Moses Malone, who unfortunately passed away last week. Dave regales Coach and Mark of how how Malone “sent Kareem [Abdul-Jabbar] to summer camp.” Plus, it’s never too soon to go back on our NFL season predictions. Dr. Ben Carrington, Sociology Professor at the University of Texas-Austin, discusses how Steve Patterson was so quickly ousted as Athletic Director at UT. Patterson was the “epitome of the neo-liberal sports executive” who had no one to answer to. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 268: BOOM! It’s our NFL Season Preview, but first Dave discusses the great Williams’ sisters after their recent U.S. Open Quarterfinal matchup and the NYPD mistakenly handcuffing former #4-ranked player, James Blake. Dave goes through his “10 Things I Think I Think While I Drink” and Mark tells him if his predictions will come true or not. Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper preview without Dave and Mark making their Playoff picks -- the two only agree on three of the eight divisions -- and major award candidates. It could be a good year for quarterbacks who ply their trade in Pennsylvania. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 267: BOOM! We have a fantastic show for you this week as Dave, Coach, and Mark take a look at the dominance of Serena Williams and what she’s faced in becoming the best to ever play tennis. Amy K. Nelson of The Daily Beast checks in from New Orleans on the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and explains how the city has changed since then. “Mean” Mark previews the season for his beloved Chicago Bears. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 266: BOOM! Dave gets right into the nitty gritty this week as he discusses neoliberalism in sports. How Northwestern University football players were denied the right to organize while college football coaches can clear $5 or $7 million in salary and how in the heck the billionaire owners of the Milwaukee Bucks can use public funds instead of their own money to meet the $250 million needed for their new stadium. Dave, “Mean” Mark and Coach talk Fantasy Football. Special guest: Katie Klabusich who wrote a fantastic article about the recent Patrick Kane allegations titled: Patrick Kane and the Culture of Disbelief About Rape. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 265: BOOM! We have a great show this week. Coach Kevin McNutt has a new book out and we dive head first into the world of youth sports. Dave discusses Playing Time: Tough Truths about AAU Basketball, Youth Sports, Parents and Athletes. Coach details how The Big Three of Michael Jordan’s relationship with Nike - ESPN - and Tiger Woods have influenced and altered the landscape of youth sports. “Mean” Mark Barry predicts that a team other than the New England Patriots will win the AFC East. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 264: BOOM! We’ve got a fantastic show for you this week! Dave, Coach, Mark, and Dan weigh in on the NFL’s decision to uphold the 4-game suspension for Tom Brady in the wake of the Deflategate scandal. Bijan C. Bayne, author of Elgin Baylor: The Man Who Changed Basketball, joins the show to discuss his upcoming book about the all-time great. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 263: BOOM! Dave, “Mean” Mark Barry, D.C. Dan, and Samantha Barry weigh in on the DeAndre Jordan free agency fiasco. Mark gives you his All-Star snubs and favorites for the major MLB awards at the mid-season point. Shireen Ahmed recaps the Women’s World Cup. The crew really dissects the Jordan flip flop between the Dallas Mavericks and L.A. Clippers. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy