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Game Over: How Politics Has Turned the Sports World Upside Down
Sportscaster Howard Cosell dubbed it “rule number one of the jockocracy”: sports and politics just don’t mix. But in Game Over, celebrated alt-sportswriter Dave Zirin proves once and for all that politics has breached the modern sports arena with a vengeance. From the NFL lockout and the role of soccer in the Arab Spring to the Penn State sexual abuse scandals and Tim Tebow’s on-field genuflections, this timely and hard-hitting new book from the “conscience of American sportswriting” (The Washington Post) reveals how our most important debates about class, race, religion, sex, and the raw quest for political power are played out both on and off the field.
Game Over offers new insights and analysis of headline-grabbing sports controversies, exploring the shady side of the NCAA, the explosive 2011 MLB All-Star Game, and why the Dodgers crashed and burned. It covers the fascinating struggles of gay and lesbian athletes to gain acceptance, female athletes to be more than sex symbols, and athletes everywhere to assert their collective bargaining rights as union members. Zirin also illustrates the ways in which athletes are once again using their exalted platforms to speak out and reclaim sports from the corporate interests that have taken it hostage. In Game Over, he cheers the victories but also reflects on how far we have yet to go. Combining brilliant set pieces with a sobering overview of today’s sports scene in Zirin’s take-no-prisoners style, Game Over is a must read for anyone, sports fan or not, interested in understanding how sports reflect and shape society—and why the stakes have never been higher.
Game Over offers new insights and analysis of headline-grabbing sports controversies, exploring the shady side of the NCAA, the explosive 2011 MLB All-Star Game, and why the Dodgers crashed and burned. It covers the fascinating struggles of gay and lesbian athletes to gain acceptance, female athletes to be more than sex symbols, and athletes everywhere to assert their collective bargaining rights as union members. Zirin also illustrates the ways in which athletes are once again using their exalted platforms to speak out and reclaim sports from the corporate interests that have taken it hostage. In Game Over, he cheers the victories but also reflects on how far we have yet to go. Combining brilliant set pieces with a sobering overview of today’s sports scene in Zirin’s take-no-prisoners style, Game Over is a must read for anyone, sports fan or not, interested in understanding how sports reflect and shape society—and why the stakes have never been higher.
225 pages, Paperback
First published January 29, 2013
About the author
Dave Zirin
32 books150 followersNamed of the UTNE Reader’s “50 Visionaries Who Are Changing Our World”, Dave Zirin writes about the politics of sports for the Nation Magazine. He is their first sports writer in 150 years of existence. Zirin is also the host of Sirius XM Radio’s popular weekly show, Edge of Sports Radio. He has been called “the best sportswriter in the United States,” by Robert Lipsyte. Dave Zirin is, in addition, a columnist for SLAM Magazine and the Progressive.
[from http://www.edgeofsports.com/bio.html]
[from http://www.edgeofsports.com/bio.html]
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 2, 2013
If you don't think that sports and politics are intertwined, then you DEFINITELY need to read this book and get your head right. Sports ARE politics, and this book shows you why. This is a whirlwind world tour, literally, of how politics are informed by sports, and sports are informed by politics. Zirin is firing on all cylinders, tackling the biggest social currents of the day and how they interplay with the sports world, and he does it with equal parts humor and passion. But you never lose sight of the people and problems that we are facing today.
I had previously read 'A People's History of Sports' and while it is an impressive and complete piece of work, I found this to have more of the trademark Zirin style. Maybe this didn't have the weight of history, and he could write more freely and with more verve, as the topics are extremely relevant to today. I definitely learned a lot, and really like the linkages that Zirin paints from yesterday, to today, to tomorrow. I would recommend this to anyone with a passion for sports and what they mean to our life and society.
I had previously read 'A People's History of Sports' and while it is an impressive and complete piece of work, I found this to have more of the trademark Zirin style. Maybe this didn't have the weight of history, and he could write more freely and with more verve, as the topics are extremely relevant to today. I definitely learned a lot, and really like the linkages that Zirin paints from yesterday, to today, to tomorrow. I would recommend this to anyone with a passion for sports and what they mean to our life and society.
February 8, 2013
http://www.themaineedge.com/sports/mo...
In today’s cultural landscape, sports are much more than what takes place on the field.
With “Game Over,” author Dave Zirin has laid out his case for a perhaps-unexpected truth: sports and politics are irrevocably intertwined. The political theater and the athletic arena share an undeniable overlap, and the sporting world can and does have a real effect on the realm of the political.
Whether he’s looking at the connection between pro athletes and the Occupy movement or the ramifications of the Penn State scandal that go beyond football, the voice of insight and reason is a constant. Much of what Zirin shows us seems obvious … but only in hindsight. So many of these complex relationships between institutions are right there in front of us, but Zirin is the one who looks longest.
Any fan interested in a look beyond the box score would do well to read “Game Over.” Dave Zirin has gone above and beyond in showing us that sports have become more than just a game.
In today’s cultural landscape, sports are much more than what takes place on the field.
With “Game Over,” author Dave Zirin has laid out his case for a perhaps-unexpected truth: sports and politics are irrevocably intertwined. The political theater and the athletic arena share an undeniable overlap, and the sporting world can and does have a real effect on the realm of the political.
Whether he’s looking at the connection between pro athletes and the Occupy movement or the ramifications of the Penn State scandal that go beyond football, the voice of insight and reason is a constant. Much of what Zirin shows us seems obvious … but only in hindsight. So many of these complex relationships between institutions are right there in front of us, but Zirin is the one who looks longest.
Any fan interested in a look beyond the box score would do well to read “Game Over.” Dave Zirin has gone above and beyond in showing us that sports have become more than just a game.
June 11, 2023
Some good sections, but overall not very interesting, is very dated, and doesn't continue much of it's own value to the discussion.
March 13, 2013
I really wanted to like this book a lot more than I did. Dave Zirin is doing really groundbreaking work in sports journalism, bringing progressive issues into a genre in which these are normally taboo. This extremely well-sourced book makes the case that there is a revolution going on in sports with a mixing of athletics and progressive movements but I'm not sure he convinced me or if it wasn't something that I just kind of knew already.
There are a lot of interesting and disturbing facts in the book. But maybe it's because I saw him speak before I read the book that I felt like I'd heard them all before. Maybe this is just a matter like a decent movie that you loved the trailer and then later found out that the trailer had most of the movie content in it.
There are a lot of interesting and disturbing facts in the book. But maybe it's because I saw him speak before I read the book that I felt like I'd heard them all before. Maybe this is just a matter like a decent movie that you loved the trailer and then later found out that the trailer had most of the movie content in it.
January 22, 2014
I would not have predicted I could read a whole book about sports and politics. But I did, and I liked it. I like that he talks about race. Here's a good segment:
page 176:
"Then there's the fact--not to shock anyone--that Jeremy Lin is Asian American. . . . There are . . . sportswriters who say primly that they don't notice color and just like Lin's game. . . . Hogwash. If they don't acknowledge it, then the discussion is ceded to those with a racist ax to grind. We then get to only talk about it in the context of one of Jason Whitlock's racist jokes . . . . "
page 192: As evidence of progress, nice long quote from Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe in defense of LGBT equality. Cool.
page 176:
"Then there's the fact--not to shock anyone--that Jeremy Lin is Asian American. . . . There are . . . sportswriters who say primly that they don't notice color and just like Lin's game. . . . Hogwash. If they don't acknowledge it, then the discussion is ceded to those with a racist ax to grind. We then get to only talk about it in the context of one of Jason Whitlock's racist jokes . . . . "
page 192: As evidence of progress, nice long quote from Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe in defense of LGBT equality. Cool.
January 2, 2017
This is a well written book that suffers only from being out of date. Being a regular sports reader, I know of developments that have occurred (with Castor Semenya and Chris Kluwe) that would have definitely enhanced or even altered the argument Zirin makes. But it's still somehow a timely book, given the Kaepernick situation this NFL season, and how people think that politics and sports don't mix. It should be abundantly clear to anyone after reading this book that the two are inseparable. Unfortunately, Zirin's opinions will probably alienate those that need to hear this argument, but such is the world we live in.
March 14, 2013
A VERY worthwhile read. At times, Zirin lets cheesy jokes and/or liberal reactionism get in the way of his excellent arguments. For a thinking sports fan, this book will bring up really important issues. A great book for asking questions, but not necessarily as good at answering them.
July 13, 2017
I follow Zirin on twitter and always read his articles in the Nation. Thus, I had fairly high expectations for this book. Unfortunately, they were mostly unmet. The book seems more like a series of articles attached together by the common theme of sports and politics. Chronology also plays a role as Zirin focuses on fairly recent events and argues that important changes are apparent in the world of sports. Maybe so, but he acknowledges that sports activism was strong in the 1960s, but did not endure.
Some chapters are very good standalone essays. There is a section in the middle with several good essays back-to-back. Other chapters, especially towards the front of the book, seem cobbled together from multiple short pieces and they don't really flow together. In a case or two, even the individual chapters seems stilted.
The chapter on the NCAA plantation is ok, but not as strong as the Taylor Branch Atlantic essay referenced by Zirin. I did learn some interesting material about the Phoenix Suns and immigration policy and many of the anecdotes mentioned in the book are worth reading.
Some chapters are very good standalone essays. There is a section in the middle with several good essays back-to-back. Other chapters, especially towards the front of the book, seem cobbled together from multiple short pieces and they don't really flow together. In a case or two, even the individual chapters seems stilted.
The chapter on the NCAA plantation is ok, but not as strong as the Taylor Branch Atlantic essay referenced by Zirin. I did learn some interesting material about the Phoenix Suns and immigration policy and many of the anecdotes mentioned in the book are worth reading.
November 13, 2017
Both out dated and yet timely given the wide spread taking a knee in this year's football season.
Basically, I enjoyed this although it was uneven. Very interesting section on the role of soccer clubs in Arab Spring especially in Egypt.
Basically, I enjoyed this although it was uneven. Very interesting section on the role of soccer clubs in Arab Spring especially in Egypt.
July 19, 2018
This book was published in 2013 and it's honestly sad how much has not changed. Overall a good read.
January 30, 2013
For sports fan people, this is more like four stars. This is going to be one of those books that I enjoyed a lot, however my comments are going to sound like a long list of complaints. It's not so much complaining as it is a recognition of the fact that the book raises a lot of issues that make interesting conversational topics.
Each chapter of this book deals with a different aspect of the intersection of sports and society, with (as the title says) an emphasis on politics. A few quibbles on that later. However, most were previously published as articles, and that shows. They don't feel like they were written with a unified purpose, because they weren't. You can also pick up on some subtle changes in tone -- I like Zirin's sports writing a lot, and when he writes for a sporty audience, he includes a lot of witty little sports asides. He dials this way down when writing for a more general audience, understandably.
I wish this book had been a little more coherent. It's not clear to me what Zirin thinks people -- either fans, or players or other people directly involved, should do. I kept waiting for the call to action.
One thing I thought was hilarious is that he describes the Green Bay Packers ownership model and strongly advocates for it to be re-introduced into professional sports (he probably could have better explained the rules that would need to change to enable that). He sets out some good arguments ... but he also doesn't seem to realize that this model is already every fan's fantasy. We're familiar with the concept.
I like that he hates the NCAA, and most specifically, it's refusal to entertain the idea of compensating student-athletes. This is one of those issues where over the years, I went from being very against compensation, to feeling neutral about it, to really strongly supporting it and being appalled that they're not.
I can understand why publishers wanted to include it, but I thought the chapter on the Penn State scandal doesn't quite belong here. That's not about politics, that's about crime. That should be in a book that also looks at why Ben Roethlisberger is still playing football.
And this is a real nitpick, but social justice and politics are used very interchangeably throughout, and that's really not right. Obviously, it's easy to do because there's so much overlap, but there are some nuances about social justice movements and activism that are important to understand.
And in closing, I don't love the book's title. The game isn't over, that's the whole point. It's not as if politics shut down athletics. I'm sure there's a sports phrase that would work just as well and be more appropriate to the subject matter.
Each chapter of this book deals with a different aspect of the intersection of sports and society, with (as the title says) an emphasis on politics. A few quibbles on that later. However, most were previously published as articles, and that shows. They don't feel like they were written with a unified purpose, because they weren't. You can also pick up on some subtle changes in tone -- I like Zirin's sports writing a lot, and when he writes for a sporty audience, he includes a lot of witty little sports asides. He dials this way down when writing for a more general audience, understandably.
I wish this book had been a little more coherent. It's not clear to me what Zirin thinks people -- either fans, or players or other people directly involved, should do. I kept waiting for the call to action.
One thing I thought was hilarious is that he describes the Green Bay Packers ownership model and strongly advocates for it to be re-introduced into professional sports (he probably could have better explained the rules that would need to change to enable that). He sets out some good arguments ... but he also doesn't seem to realize that this model is already every fan's fantasy. We're familiar with the concept.
I like that he hates the NCAA, and most specifically, it's refusal to entertain the idea of compensating student-athletes. This is one of those issues where over the years, I went from being very against compensation, to feeling neutral about it, to really strongly supporting it and being appalled that they're not.
I can understand why publishers wanted to include it, but I thought the chapter on the Penn State scandal doesn't quite belong here. That's not about politics, that's about crime. That should be in a book that also looks at why Ben Roethlisberger is still playing football.
And this is a real nitpick, but social justice and politics are used very interchangeably throughout, and that's really not right. Obviously, it's easy to do because there's so much overlap, but there are some nuances about social justice movements and activism that are important to understand.
And in closing, I don't love the book's title. The game isn't over, that's the whole point. It's not as if politics shut down athletics. I'm sure there's a sports phrase that would work just as well and be more appropriate to the subject matter.
September 28, 2013
This is between a 3.5 and a 4 but I am choosing 4 as I think I learned a fair amount from this book. It is definitely written from a "leftist" perspective. Not extreme, though, as the writer uses factual information and then takes his spin on it. Fascinating chapter on the role of Egyptian soccer fans - the "ultras" - on the Arab spring, and the fate of athletes in other Arab countries who dared to speak out. The politics of the Olympics and World Cup, and the destruction of poor neighborhoods, the financial burden on host countries etc. to fund these spectaculars. We saw Londoners complain that it was impossible for locals to get tickets. Last summer, Brazil erupted in protests in many cities about the World Cup preparations that were emptying local coffers. This story is not included as the book was published in Jan. 2013. The Brazilian protests got very little coverage in the US but were massive. I followed the news online as 2 cities where I have close friends were seriously impacted. Lots of info that is critical of the economics of big sports including one of my complaints that taxpayers pay for stadiums for there gazillionaire franchises. Also shows that though some athletes are millionaires, this really disguises the exploitation of so many athletes. Also great chapters on gender bias and homophobia in sports.
March 16, 2014
3.5
Overall, I love Zirin's analysis and the perspective he brings to sports. Fair warning though, he errors on the side of hyperbolic, and will occasionally make leaps in logic that aren't totally sound. For example, Zirin uses Michael Vick as a platform to discuss the link between sports and racism. However, while Zirin excellently describes the racism inherent in the prison system, the link between Vick, racism, and sports is pretty tenuous. I would have preferred an analysis of the public's outrage over dog-fighting versus the near silence that surrounds domestic violence cases committed by athletes -and another story entirely to discuss racism in sports. But, maybe that just means I need to write my own book.
Otherwise, a good and informative read.
Overall, I love Zirin's analysis and the perspective he brings to sports. Fair warning though, he errors on the side of hyperbolic, and will occasionally make leaps in logic that aren't totally sound. For example, Zirin uses Michael Vick as a platform to discuss the link between sports and racism. However, while Zirin excellently describes the racism inherent in the prison system, the link between Vick, racism, and sports is pretty tenuous. I would have preferred an analysis of the public's outrage over dog-fighting versus the near silence that surrounds domestic violence cases committed by athletes -and another story entirely to discuss racism in sports. But, maybe that just means I need to write my own book.
Otherwise, a good and informative read.
January 27, 2016
There's a lot of opinion in this book. But that's okay, I like my sports how I like my politics, with a lot of opinion. The main focus of the book is on America (from the NFL to baseball and the NBA and NCAA) but it also touches on the Olympics/World Cup, the Arab Spring, gender and racism too.
At times, I thought the book could have been written better, and certainly it could have had a better closing, or maybe even an overall narrative structure. There aren't that many books out there about politics and sports though, and for that alone I would recommend this book. But really, despite my minor criticism, you should read this book because Zirin will connect some dots that you didn't even realise could be connected.
At times, I thought the book could have been written better, and certainly it could have had a better closing, or maybe even an overall narrative structure. There aren't that many books out there about politics and sports though, and for that alone I would recommend this book. But really, despite my minor criticism, you should read this book because Zirin will connect some dots that you didn't even realise could be connected.
October 25, 2016
I have read a number of Zirin articles and heard him interviewed many times, so finally reading one of this books was great. He combines two of my favorite things, sports and politics, into a very readable package. i love his connections between the occupy movement and the NBA/NFL lockouts. he has a great piece on South Africa and Brazil and international competitions. Optimistically, he wrote about homophobia right before the first NBA player came out, so it felt like he was right on the edge of something big. And his take down of the NCAA for all their hypocrisies is beautifully argued.
June 13, 2013
Sports and politics are right in my wheelhouse as far as subjects I should like to read. However, I had a hard time getting into this book, particularly because there were some topics that I had no interest. How the NCAA treats their players is not a new story and I am not a fan of NCAA sports in general, so that section was glossed over. I could care less about Joe Paterno too. Zirin does make excellent points about how sports and politics still collide. I wish he would have spent more time on race and sports. I would have also appreciate a little less snark.
August 15, 2013
I absolutely loved this book. I'm by no means a hardcore sports fan, but Zirin presents his viewpoints in a way that I feel are accessible to almost everyone. Did I miss a reference here or there? Sure. But that was overshadowed by clear and concise writing that was able to remain entertaining while keeping a very serious focus on the issues. Or maybe I'm just biased because I'm from Wisconsin and a huge Packers fan.
August 17, 2013
A book of essays on how sports and politics come together in the modern world. I had to read this book one essay at a time because I got so riled up at the injustices done to athletes (and sometimes fans) in the name of the big business sport has become. But I wouldn't have missed reading it for the world. This is a book that made me (a lover of lots of different sports) think. Sports and finance, sports and racism, sports and sexism, sports and gender issues -- the book has it all.
May 6, 2015
Absolutely loved this book! Extremely eye-opening to many of the sporting events that realistically damage societies such as the Olympics and World Cup, while also mentioning how sports represent many common sentiments and divides in society today. The author has a very liberal view of political values, which creates a bias throughout the book, however I see it as a necessary bias to realizing the current issues in Sports. Very informative and keeps the reader entertained!
March 1, 2013
This is a great book. It combines two of my preoccupations, sports and politics. I try to read everything by Dave Zirin because his politics are so good. He is also the author of The People's History of Sports in the United States. None of the essays in the book are discussed in the entertainment media.
January 6, 2013
This is Zirin at his best. It is hard hitting, honest, and really addresses some of the major social-political sports issues of the day. If I was a highschool teacher I would assign this to students, especially student atheletes, so they know being a jock is more than just the field.
January 19, 2013
Read advanced readers' copy. Exceptional coverage of elements of sport and society. Sports fans should read this to gain an appreciation of the aspects of sport that are more important than mere games
January 26, 2013
It's always great to read Dave Zirin and be reminded that the world of sports is more than just a game. For all of the bad, head shaking decisions by some athletes and owners, its nice to read about those who speak out and stand up for human rights.
September 19, 2014
Normally I really enjoy Zirin's take on this sort of thing but the writing here was exceptionally weak and filled the type of heavy-handed invective normally reserved for Internet comment sections. Pass on this, read "People's History of Sports" instead.
January 13, 2015
A very interesting read that makes you think about some of the political issues facing sports although it would be good if the author also wrote about other sports around the world as well (i.e. football / tennis). Definitely makes you reflect after reading this book.
January 31, 2013
Excellent, everyone should read at least some Dave Zirin. The chapter on gender in this book is especially great.
June 2, 2013
I enjoyed this book, but was a little disappointed that he didn't make any connections with money in politics and money in sports.
June 21, 2013
A series of essays analyzing sports people and events from a progressive perspective. Worth a read for some interesting observations.
August 8, 2013
Great book! It's important to be aware how sports and politics influence our lives and our society.
April 30, 2014
eye-opening!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews