Ep 19: The Politics of Athlete Activism

On this week’s opening filibuster, Jemele makes the case for why MLB legend Pete Rose shouldn’t be inducted into the Hall of Fame posthumously, despite pressure from Donald Trump. Jemele is then joined by Etan Thomas, a college star and former NBA veteran who has become one of the leading athlete-activists. Etan explains why speaking up always has been important to him, and how he navigated having strong opinions about race and politics during his playing career. Also, this week, a “spolitician” asks Jemele how she feels about so many former athletes getting into the sports media industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jemele is joined by ESPN women’s basketball analyst LaChina Robinson to discuss the incredible career of basketball legend Diana Taurasi, who recently announced her retirement from the sport. Jemele and LaChina discuss Taurasi’s place in history, including whether she is the greatest women’s player ever. They also discuss who should be the favorite to win the national championship in the women’s college basketball and LeBron James admitting that being the face of the league is no longer appealing because of intense media criticism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s opening filibuster, Jemele explains the historical significance of Howard University swimming and diving team recently winning their second Northeast Conference championship in three years. Jemele then has a wide-reaching conversation with filmmaker and former Georgetown basketball player RaMell Ross, whose movie, ‘Nickel Boys’ is nominated for two Oscars (Best Picture + Best Adapted Screenplay). RaMell shares his journey into photography and filmmaking, how he handled the end of his basketball career, and how his recent Oscar nominations compare to when he was nominated for Best Documentary Feature in 2019 for his work on 'Hale County This Morning, This Evening.’ And finally, Jemele gives her thought on MNBC firing political commentator and host Joy-Ann Reid.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s opening filibuster, Jemele shares the story of Bill Nunn, the longtime Pittsburgh Steelers scout who was the architect of the Steelers infamous “Steel Curtain” defense, which led to Pittsburgh’s four Super Bowls. Jemele also has a conversation with mega producer Will Packer, who talks about his new book, “Who Better Than You: The Art of Healthy Arrogance & Dreaming Big,” and how he became a minority owner in the Atlanta Falcons. Will discusses his relationship with star actor and comedian Kevin Hart, and the secret behind them making blockbuster films together. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's opening filibuster, Jemele shares the inspiring story of Rose Robinson, who is believed to be the first Black athlete to protest against racial injustice by kneeling during the national anthem. Jemele is joined by social media influencer Josiah Johnson, who also is host and executive producer of Gil’s Arena, the digital basketball show that stars former NBA player Gilbert Arenas. Josiah shares how he built his influential social media brand, and gives advice to other influencers and content creators seeking to follow in his footsteps. Josiah reveals what it was like being the son of L.A. hoops legend, Marques Johnson, who also is known for his comedic role in White Men Can’t Jump. Josiah also addresses some hot NBA topics, including Jimmy Butler’s beef with the Miami Heat and NBA commissioner Adam Silver floating the idea of 10-minute quarters. Finally, Jemele addresses a fan who asks what other content she’d like to see for women in the sports media space.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jemele is joined by journalist Carron J. Phillips to discuss the Eagles dominating win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl, the overall political themes, if the Eagles are on the verge of dynasty, and a breakdown of Kendrick Lamar’s performance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s filibuster, Jemele explains how the Super Bowl halftime show became so popular. Jemele is joined by Olympic gold medalist Marion Jones, who discuss her appearance this season on FOX's reality competition show, Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test. Jones explains the grueling physical and mental rigors she went through on the show, which chronicles 16 celebrities across sports, pop culture and social media as they try to survive a series of demanding training exercises led by a team of ex-Special Forces operatives. Jones shares what she learned about herself on the show, the reason she’s decided to compete in a triathlon in the late spring, and she reflects on the doping scandal that destroyed her Olympic career. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week in Jemele’s opening filibuster, Jemele addresses whether the NFL’s Rooney Rule — their version of DEI for coaches and front office personnel — should be abolished. Her guest this week is tennis pro Taylor Townsend, who recently won the Australian Open doubles championship. Taylor shares what prompted her to begin a tennis career, how she navigated some of the early obstacles in her career, which included being body shamed. Taylor also explains how she juggles motherhood and professional tennis, and the ups and down that come along with financing her tennis career. In the final segment, Jemele answers a question from social media about rappers Nelly and Snoop Dogg performing during Donald Trump’s inauguration festivities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Jemele answers some of her critics over an old tweet about Caitlin Clark in her opening filibuster. Jemele is joined by actor and comedian Ryan Davis, who is co-hosting a comedy series on Vice with Chris Spencer and Tiffany Haddish called “Black Comedy in America” that includes blockbuster interviews with Will Smith, Kevin Hart, and Steve Harvey. Ryan reveals his comedic inspirations, and his thoughts on Andrew Schulz-Kendrick Lamar beef. Ryan also tells the story of his own beef with NBA superstar Kevin Durant. Jemele finishes the episode by answering an audience question about whether we can expect to see more sports teams visit the White House after winning championships now that Donald Trump has returned to office.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Jemele’s opening filibuster focuses on the origin story on how the NCAA came to be one of the most powerful and lucrative organizations in sports. Jemele is joined by attorney Paul McDonald, co-lead counsel for college athletes plaintiffs in the Johnson vs NCAA lawsuit, which, if successful, would force college and universities to classify college players as employees. McDonald explains the core thesis behind the athletes’ case, and shares how the NCAA is using the controversial, so-called “slavery loophole” in the 13th Amendment of the Constitution as a defense. Jemele also closes out the episode with thoughts on the devastating fires in Los Angeles.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.