Column Archive

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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Invoking Dr. King, Charles Barkley Stands Strongly for LGBT Rights

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"I'm a Negro who speak up”: Remembering Football Great Cookie Gilchrist

With the passage of time, there are two establishment responses to the great political rebels in sports. You either see them commodified and defanged – think Muhammad Ali – or they are simply erased from history. Count Carlton Chester “Cookie” Gilchrist is among the erased. Gilchrist, a former Buffalo Bills running back, died of cancer on January 10th at the age of 75. His legacy as both a player and athletic rebel are well worth restoring.

Roger Goodell’s Message to NFL Players and Fans: Drop Dead

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell issued an ill-timed letter laying out the state of negotiations with the NFL Players Association. Both sides are striving to secure a new collective bargaining agreement and avoid labor armageddon, but based on Goodell's letter, that's where the similarities end.