Crime And Social Justice: Talking About Sports
the true crime that's worth your time
I’ve been genuinely moved this week (proof that it can still happen!) watching the leadership the NBA has shown with their protests against the injustices that cumulated with the police shooting of Jacob Blake, and it was Sarah who reminded me that ESPN documentary series 30 For 30 “has been highlighting racial injustice and racist coverage for a decade.” (Also, don’t forget Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who lost his dad to gun violence.)
And for every athlete like Colin Kaepernick who advocates against crimes committed by the police, there’s one who’s committed a crime of his own, from Oscar Pistorius (Pistorius, the four-part doc on his crimes, is streaming on Prime) to Netflix’s Aaron Hernandez. And even if you’re one of those people who calls it “sportsball” with a sneer, you’re missing out if you haven’t read Game Of Shadows, a book that shook up athletes from every discipline and almost sent its authors to jail.
Sports is a fertile ground for true crime, is what I’m saying, a potent combination of ambition, brawn, money, desperation, and sudden success that often sets its stars up to be victims and perpetrators. When you think about sports and crime, what comes first to your mind? Is it a field that seems more inclined toward shenanigans, or is that just a matter of perception? How did I get this far before I even thought of GYMNASTICS oh my god?
Anyway. We might not have much in the way of sports to watch these days, so let’s make up for it here. — EB