The Politics of Sport - Our National Game

CONTENT NOTE: This piece will discuss rape, anti-semitism, and homophobia.

Much has already been written on the topic of footballer, Ched Evans attempting to restart his career after serving a prison sentence for rape. But my focus today isn't on Evans. Both Jessica Luther and Jude Wanga have done that better than I could.

Driven By Emotion

By Shane Thomas

High-profile sport may not have been at the forefront of George Orwell's mind when he wrote Nineteen Eighty-Four, but there's no doubt that his concept of 'Big Brother' is an aspect of the sports-industrial complex - some may say a positive one.

Being Human

By Shane Thomas

Trigger Warning for discussions of misogyny, homophobia, and rape.

I think we can agree that being a professional athlete requires a degree of diligence around one's physical conditioning. And despite this, is often a profession that has enervating effects on both body and mind.

The Politics of Sport - Waiting For Change

By Shane Thomas

"The whole recruitment process needs to be more professional, more diverse, and equality-wise, fairer. We've struggled to do that." - Gordon Taylor

"There is no racism in football... If you are good, you get the job... Football is not stupid to close doors to top people." - Jose Mourinho

Health and Safety Doesn't Matter Here

CONTENT NOTE: Some of the embedded links depict head collisions.

By Shane Thomas

In the aftermath of Chelsea's comfortable 2-0 win over Arsenal on Sunday, it would be easy for one to focus on Arsenal's propensity to be outmaneuvered by a direct rival yet again, or even the childish altercation on the touchline between Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho.

The Politics of Sport - Small Steps Are Not Enough

By Shane Thomas

CONTENT NOTE: Islamophobia and, Sexism

It was long overdue, but basketball's governing body, FIBA recently decreed that players will be permitted to wear religious head coverings during play. Further good news in the sporting world came as the R&A members announced that after 260 years, women now have the opportunity to be members of the club at St Andrews.

Hail Golf's New King. Respect Its Old One.

By Shane Thomas

By the time you probably read this[1], the 40th Ryder Cup will be imminent, with Europe and the United States competing for the trophy which Europe retained in dramatic fashion two years ago at Medinah.