Looking back at some of the important voices and conversations around systemic racism and social injustice.
Donnovan Bennett: Ujiri press conference incident highlights need for diverse voices
The intentions behind the question on gun violence posed to the Raptors president can be debated endlessly. That it was asked at all makes one thing clear: We need to reconsider the voices we elevate in Canadian sports media.
Read more.
Michael Grange: By boycotting games, NBA players are done asking for change, they demand it
NBA players, standing on the cusp of history and taking it upon themselves to rebalance 400 years of prejudice and injustice, have gone one step further. They have decided not to play.
Read more.
Tim and Sid react to NBA’s historic protest and boycott of playoff games
Tim and Sid give their initial reactions to the Orlando Magic and Milwaukee Bucks boycotting their Game 5, with other teams following suit, to bring attention to the shooting of Jacob Blake.
Donnovan Bennett: NBA players put owners, leagues and fellow athletes on notice
By refusing to take the court, NBA players sparked a historic moment in sports and sent a powerful message to the people who sign the cheques: Step up and become part of the solution.
Read more.
NBA players ‘demand justice’ after Bucks boycott Game 5 vs. Magic
NBA players and personalities were quick to offer support and praise of the actions taken by the Milwaukee Bucks and the other teams who chose to not play in protest of the Jacob Blake shooting.
Read more.
Luke Fox: NHL missed opportunity to stand up for social justice Wednesday night
Wednesday night sure felt like a chance for the NHL to take some action and show strong support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Instead, the league missed the tap-in.
Read more.
Donnovan Bennett: NFL’s pre-game ceremonies are more performative than productive
After years of dissuading and vilifying any player who took a knee, the NFL leaned into demonstrations of solidarity for social justice to open the 2020 season. Is it any surprise they ended up ringing a bit hollow?
Read more.
Evander Kane on the NHL’s response to social issues compared to other leagues
Evander Kane joined David Amber to talk about the response to social issues from the NHL, and what they can learn from other leagues like the NBA.
Luke Fox: Trotz, Vigneault give thoughts on NHL platform for protest
Given time to digest the player-driven protests that dominated the sports landscape, the head coaches of the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Islanders delivered two different responses Thursday.
Read more.
Kelly Hrudey disappointed that we’re talking about hockey right now
Sportsnet’s Kelly Hrudey made a strong statement about why he thinks the NHL missed out on Aug. 26, and should have followed suit and postponed the games in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Watch below.
Thomas Ketko: Nurse says Raptors seeking more action, answers after Jacob Blake shooting
In the wake of Jacob Blake’s shooting, the Toronto Raptors’ yearning for action and answers while in the NBA bubble has grown. Head coach Nick Nurse joined Tim and Sid to offer insight into their discussions, and their hopes for what can come next.
Read more.
Sonny Sachdeva: ‘This is a journey, not an event’: Why true change in hockey depends on listening to Black women
In the wake of George Floyd’s death, the hockey world is beginning to face its own failings around racial equality. But for this moment of reflection to spark real change, the voices of Black women — so long ignored and silenced — must be centred.
Read more.
Donnovan Bennett: The reality and the hope: Facing down sports media’s damaging lack of diversity
Donnovan Bennett is used to being the only Black journalist in the locker room. That needs to change. And with racial injustice dominating the public conversation in the wake of George Floyd’s death, maybe it finally will.
Read more.
David Singh: Will NBA’s return only distract from fight for racial justice?
The fight for racial justice has become a major priority for the NBA and its players. But will a return to play help the movement or distract from it?
Read more.
Matt Dumba using his voice to carry on his grandmother’s legacy
Matt Dumba’s inspiring speech and raising his fist during the anthems in Game 1 has helped him become the face of anti-racism in hockey. But, before all of this, it was his Grandmother Edna who truly taught his family the importance of inclusion.
Watch below.
Donnovan Bennett: If owners put profits before Black lives, protest with your pocketbook
Jerry Jones, owner of the most valuable franchise in the NFL, hasn’t spoken out against anti-Black racism — and he’s not alone. But even when teams refuse to listen to their players and fans, we have a tool to make our voices heard.
Read more.
Donnovan Bennett: Why the NHL can still do more on social-justice issues
As most of our North American sports return at the same time, it provides the opportunity for a litmus test on where they and their players stand on social-justice issues. And if we’re grading on a curve, the NHL and the hockey community are falling behind the rest of the class.
Read more.
Michael Grange: Q&A: Charles Kissi’s fight against systemic racism as a cop and coach
Raptors 905 assistant coach Charles Kissi believes his leadership role can help combat system racism, but in some ways it was what he did before coaching and his life experiences leading up to it that resonate even more deeply, given our times.
Read more.
Donnovan Bennett: A movement not just a moment: Thoughts for my son on racism and sport
In the midst of a fight for racial justice unprecedented in his lifetime, Donnovan Bennett writes a letter to his son on race, sports and his hopes for the future.
Read more and watch below.
Sonny Sachdeva: NHL’s Kim Davis: ‘We’re at a point where there’s no turning back’
Kim Davis, the NHL’s executive vice president of social impact, growth initiatives and legislative affairs, shared some ways the league is looking to turn words into action.
Read more.
Shi Davidi: Blue Jays’ Atkins says ‘we just haven’t done enough’ in fight for equality
Beyond Tim Raines, a player development special assistant, and triple-A Buffalo position coach Devon White, the lack of Black leaders in the Toronto Blue Jays’ organization is representative of a wider problem in the game — and a larger issue in society.
Read more.
Arash Madani: ‘A Turning Point?’ Is the change Colin Kaepernick envisioned finally happening?
In the aftermath of George Floyd’s killing, Colin Kaepernick’s peaceful demonstration from four years ago couldn’t be more clear about systematic police racism. Arash Madani, Olympian John Carlos, and author Howard Bryant examine why it took so long.
Watch below, or on Sportsnet’s YouTube page.
Steven Loung: Raptors’ Hollis-Jefferson urges media to continue social justice conversation
Even as the NBA returns to play, the important ongoing conversation around social and racial justice and police brutality must not get lost. That’s what Rondae Hollis-Jefferson believes and made clear to the members of the media who took part in his availability early in the team’s return to play.
Read more.
Thomas Ketko: Bubba Wallace bears weight of leading NASCAR through this moment in history
As NASCAR attempts to move beyond its longstanding history with the Confederate flag, Bubba Wallace has emerged as the necessary hero to help steer them through this moment.
Read more.
In Conversation with Ron MacLean: Akim Aliu & Matt Dumba discuss The Hockey Diversity Alliance
Akim Aliu and Matt Dumba are In Conversation with Ron MacLean. They discuss the formation of the Hockey Diversity Alliance, the recent impactful moments with friends and what they are learning from Colin Kaepernick.
Watch below, or on Sportsnet’s YouTube page.
Hockey Central: Hockey Canada CEO sees stoppage as an opportunity for organisation to recalibrate itself
Tom Renney comments on the sports’ need to have greater diversity, when he sees youth hockey returning, the scope of his organisation, reducing costs for hockey parents, how much he keeps track of his former NHL clubs, if he has any interest in returning to coaching, what he wonders the most about when sports can fully return, and if he sees NHLers in the next Olympics.
Listen here.
Lead Off: David Amber on Canadian Stanley Cup predictions, and the Hockey Diversity Alliance
Hockey Central’s David Amber gives his thoughts on which Canadian team has the best chance to bring the Stanley Cup north of the border, whether players will be mentally ready to get back in action, and the formation of the Hockey Diversity Alliance and the important role it will play in keeping players safe and feeling heard.
Listen here.
Lead Off: Mark Fraser: People speaking out is huge, but follow-up needed
Former NHL defenceman Mark Fraser touches on the protests in the wake of George Floyd’s death, the decision to write about his experiences with racism in The Players’ Tribune, and the formation of the Hockey Diversity Alliance.
Listen here.
Good Show: June 10: Action movie draft with Anthony Stewart, Jordan Eberle on returning to action
Among other topics, Anaheim Ducks defenceman Erik Gudbranson checks in with Ben Ennis and JD Bunkis to chat about his personal essay on speaking out against racism.
Listen here.
31 Thoughts: “What It’s Like To Skate In Our Boots”
Cincinnati Cyclones assistant coach Jason Payne joins Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman to talk about his lengthy hockey journey, his thoughts on what can be done to see more diversity behind the bench, racism he experienced during his career and then shares a few stories from his time playing in the North American Hockey League.
Then, Lou Nanne — a legend in Minnesota, where he played college hockey and spent his entire NHL career with the Minnesota North Stars as a player, coach and GM — joins the podcast from Minneapolis to discuss the current social climate in the city and how he hopes to help the community.
Listen here.
David Singh: ‘Just wondering if I can get your thoughts’: Why do we ask Black athletes to speak for their whole race?
When sports and race collide in the headlines, Black athletes expect to be asked to step up and make a statement. So, how do players handle the pressure to be racial ambassadors?
Read more.
Mike Johnston: Anson Carter details how race played role in hockey career
Anson Carter on how the colour of his skin affected his playing career, how people can be an ally for social justice, the response from the NHL and its players to the protests.
Read more.
Erik Gudbranson: Fear kept me from speaking up. It won’t anymore
For a long time, fear of saying the wrong thing kept me from speaking out. But the fight for racial justice is too important for any of us to stay silent. (A personal essay, by Erik Gudbranson of the Anaheim Ducks.)
Read more.
Tim and Sid: June 9: Matt Dumba And The Hockey Diversity Alliance
Toronto Raptors reporter Blake Murphy of The Athletic discusses the initiatives the NBA is taking with the Black Lives Matter movement, and Minnesota Wild defenceman Matt Dumba joins the show to talk about the newly founded Hockey Diversity Alliance and his experience speaking with Kaepernick on how to promote change.
Listen here.
Sonny Sachdeva: GTHL director: ‘We know we need to be better. We know we need to do more’
In the wake of continued criticism over its refusal to disclose data related to in-game racial slurs, the Greater Toronto Hockey League reversed course and released a portion of its in-house data to the public. Sonny Sachdeva spoke to GTHL executive director Scott Oakman about the data and how the organization can be more welcoming for all players.
Read more.
Tim and Sid: Former NFL and CFL player Brendon Ayanbadejo on Civil Rights Activism
Brendon Ayanbadejo, a three-time Pro-Bowler, Super Bowl champion and CFL All-Star, joined Tim and Sid to have a conversation about the continued fight for equality in society and sport.
Watch below.
Good Show: Kendrick Perkins on players’ readiness to return to the court
ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins talks about the current fitness of NBAers while they wait for the season to resume, the desire players have to suit up again in the midst of the pandemic and protests, whether players will practice social activism during the game, the need for owners to support the call for social justice, and the conversation he’s having with his son about the current situation.
Listen here.
Tim and Sid: Matt Dumba On Forming Hockey Diversity Alliance
Minnesota Wild defenceman Matt Dumba is one of seven current and former NHL players who recently formed the Hockey Diversity Alliance and he joined Tim and Sid to talk about the initiative.
Watch below, or on Sportsnet’s YouTube page.
Thomas Ketko: Sarah Nurse urges fellow Canadians not to ‘suppress our Black history’
Canadian Olympian Sarah Nurse has unique lens through which she sees racism, and it’s helped her understand why Canadians must pay attention to the country’s own Black history.
Read more.
Mike Johnston: Joel Ward on what Hockey Diversity Alliance can accomplish
Retired NHL forward Joel Ward is on the executive committee of the newly-formed Hockey Diversity Alliance, and explained the new initiatives goals for how they can help change hockey culture for the better.
Read more.
Michael Grange: Chris Egi, No More Names pushing for progress through action, not statements
Canadian basketball player Chris Egi and some friends have started No More Names — a “youth-led fundraising and awareness building organization created to combat criminal injustice, police brutality, and to empower youth to vote” — at Harvard and brought together nearly 1,700 student athletes to rally behind the banner, among them several Canadians.
Read more.
Sportsnet Tonight: Being an Ally
Brent Gunning and Sam McKee chat with Lehigh Valley Phantoms forward Kurtis Gabriel on his active social media presence in favour of marginalized communities, former Team Canada goaltender Ben Scrivens on his international career, time with the Leafs, and social work studies, and more.
Listen here.
Good Show: Demario Davis: Instead of focusing on kneeling, focus on the issue
Saints linebacker Demario Davis discusses his current relationship with teammate Drew Brees, if he expects his quarterback to take a knee during the US anthem, actions he wants to see going forward regarding social justice outside his league, the NFL stating they made a mistake on how they handled players protesting social inequality, and the lack of results from the Rooney Rule.
Listen here.
Lead Off: Bryant: The NFL Made a Statement in the Opposite Direction
ESPN columnist Howard Bryant joined Jeff Blair and Stephen Brunt to discuss the omission of the name Colin Kaepernick from Roger Goodell and the NFL’s recent statements and how the league cannot truly make amends and move forward without acknowledging their past mistakes.
Listen here.
Lead Off: Ex-teammate of Drew Brees wants to see action to follow the apology
Free agent NFL linebacker Lamar Louis discusses his reaction to Drew Brees initially stating he didn’t support kneeling during the anthem, what he thought of the QB when he was a member of the Saints, if his view of Brees has changed despite the NFL star later walking back & apologizing for the statement, if Brees’ relationship with teammates may be significantly different going forward, the racism he experienced growing up in the South, and what the NFL can do to advance the cause for social justice.
Listen here.
Michael Grange: Raptors’ Siakam: ‘When you see injustice, it needs to be called out’
Pascal Siakam wasn’t a minority when he was growing up in Cameroon and he didn’t have to fear for his safety because of his skin or worry about being singled out by the police or wonder if race was a factor in anything, really. That changed when he moved to the United States.
Read more.
Donnovan Bennett: Slew of PR statements like Goodell’s need to be backed with action
Winning the official statement Olympics, getting yours out first or with the most sympathetic buzz words, doesn’t immediately put you on the right side of history.
Read more.
Lead Off: Stephen Brunt on the NFL’s statement, MLB, and Conor McGregor’s retirement announcement
Writers Bloc co-host Stephen Brunt weighs in on the NFL’s statement admitting the league was wrong in its handling of player protests, the likelihood of Roger Goodell taking a knee, and whether coaches may apply pressure to players to not take a knee during the anthem. He also touches on why he thinks we’ll see baseball this summer, and Conor McGregor’s latest retirement.
Listen here.
In Conversation with Ron MacLean: The Filmmakers: Kwame Mason and Charles Officer On Racism And Learning To Listen
Filmmakers Kwame Mason & Charles Officer join Ron MacLean on In Conversation. They discuss racism and learning to listen.
Watch below, or on Sportsnet’s YouTube Page.
Tim and Sid: June 5: Chris Cuthbert Joins Sportsnet!
National sports journalist Larry Fitzgerald Sr. joins Tim and Sid to discuss the racial injustice and inequality that is prevalent in society, and more.
Listen here.
Hockey Central: Joel Ward on the formation of the Hockey Diversity Alliance
Former NHL forward Joel Ward talks about his involvement in the creation of the Hockey Diversity Alliance, the relationship they would like to have with the NHL, the issue of affordability when it comes to getting into the sport, how decisions for the group will be made, white NHL players publicly stating their support for social justice, and the early feedback the new organisation is receiving.
Listen here.
Michael Grange: Remembering George Floyd means striving for justice after this storm passes
In a personal essay, Michael Grange writes about how the death of Geroge Floyd and the protests that followed is another reminder that his experiences and the experiences of many people he works with around the NBA are very different simply because of the colour of their skin.
Read more.
Hockey Central: Logan Couture: Sharks have the pieces, just need to put it together
The Sharks captain provides his perspectives on whether players are now more comfortable with expressing their opinions/showing their personality in public, and more.
Listen here.
Good Show: Metta World Peace on forgiving Drew Brees, attending protests, working for change
The former NBA small forward (who recently changed his name to Metta Sandiford-Artest) discusses Drew Brees’ apology, his experience protesting in Los Angeles, and the importance of promoting diversity.
Listen here.
Lead Off: Georges Laraque on fighting COVID-19 and the quest for social justice
Former NHLer Georges Laraque talks about his recovery after contracting COVID-19, what he believes helped expedite his return to health, his thoughts on the protests in the wake of George Floyd’s death, and steps he would like to see to improve social justice.
Listen here.
Thomas Ketko: Spurs’ Gregg Popovich: U.S. ‘is in trouble and the basic reason is race’
San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich continued the discussion on racial injustice in the United States, noting that the current moment is not happening in a vacuum, but is a part of a longer story of racism.
Read more.
Luke Fox: Quick Shifts: NHL community taking critical steps in fighting racism
Evander Kane challenged his white peers, and they began listening.
Read more.
Donnovan Bennett: Explaining what ‘All Lives Matter’ actually means when you say it
Why is “All Lives Matter” offensive? Donnovan Bennett explains using the recent news around former Sacramento Kings play-by-play annnouncer Grant Napear to help him answer.
Read more.
Shi Davidi: Blue Jays’ Alford seeks change, justice after George Floyd’s death
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Alford doesn’t consider himself a political person. But after the death of George Floyd, he felt compelled to protest and speak his mind.
Read more.
Steven Loung: ‘Inside the NBA’ discusses systemic racism amid George Floyd protests
Some of the most memorable moments from TNT’s Inside the NBA special on Thursday, which focused on the ongoing protests over police brutality and systemic racism in the wake of George Floyd’s death at the hands of Minneapolis police last week.
Read more.
In Conversation with Ron MacLean: The Honourable Anita Anand & Hockey Hall Of Famer Angela James: Overcoming Discrimination
Minister of Public Services and Procurement Anita Anand and hockey legend Angela James are In Conversation with Ron MacLean. They discuss racial discrimination, inclusion, hockey, and growing up in Canada.
Watch below, or on Sportsnet’s YouTube page.
Tim and Sid Toronto Argonauts GM Michael ‘Pinball’ Clemons On Social Injustice
Current General Manager of the Toronto Argonauts and Friend of the Show, Michael “Pinball” Clemons joined Tim and Sid to discuss the protests and movement against racism in the United States and the ongoing fight against injustice in society.
Watch on Sportsnet’s YouTube page.
Hockey Central: Akil Thomas on his golden moment at the World Juniors, following dad’s footsteps, Nick Robertson
LA Kings prospect Akil Thomas discusses being a visible minority in a mainly white sport, the impact trainer Derrell Levy had on his career and more.
Listen here.
Hockey Central: Tyler Seguin “ready to go” once NHL gets the green light
Tyler Seguin discusses his statement regarding the death of George Floyd, and more.
Listen here.
Good Show: David Fizdale: The worst thing to do is sit on the sidelines and be quiet
Former NBA coach David Fizdale discusses what he and his colleagues on the National Basketball Coaches Association are trying to accomplish with their committee on racial injustice and reform, the partnership needed with team owners and the league in order to promote social progress, if he expects players to display some form of protest during the games in Orlando, how he would approach a player who doesn’t understand why others would kneel during the US anthem, and the first steps to becoming an ally.
Listen here.
Lead off: Mike James: I’ve always looked at an officer as an overseer
Former NBA journeyman Mike James shares his thoughts regarding the protests in the wake of George Floyd’s death, and the conversations he’s been having with his young daughters about being black in America. James also weighs in on the NBA’s return-to-play format, the concern he has for the players’ conditioning, and the teams selected to participate in the summer tourney.
Listen here.
Lead Off: On Drew Brees, “stick to sports,” and whether we’re at a real turning point
Sports journalist and writer Morgan Campbell weighs in on Drew Brees’ comments regarding the anthem protests, whether this will impact the Saints on the fields, why some people aren’t willing to understand the Black experience, his thoughts on the phrase “stick to sports”, some NFL teams’ #BlackoutTuesday posts, and whether we’re at a real turning point in dismantling systemic racism or if things will go back to the way they have always been.
Listen here.
Donnovan Bennett: Like many others, Brees, Fangio must learn to listen before they speak
In order to solve a problem, you have to acknowledge there is a problem. But recent comments by Drew Brees and Vic Fangio show this lesson is still being learned in the NFL.
Read more.
Writers Bloc: June 4: A Step Closer To An NBA Return
Jeff Blair and Richard Deitsch discuss Drew Brees’ remarks (and subsequent apology) in regards to NFL players kneeling for the national anthem, and more.
Listen here.
Tim and Sid: Can Sports Help Bridge Our Racial divide?
Donnovan Bennett joins Tim and Sid to discuss if athletes speaking out against racism will lead to substantial change.
Watch below, or on Sportsnet’s YouTube page.
31 Thoughts: Jarome Iginla and Connor Brown
The future Hall-of-Famer joins Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman to discuss protests in the U.S. following the death of George Floyd, the types of conversations he and his wife are having with their kids, his experiences with injustice growing up, and his thoughts on NHL players using their voices to call out systemic racism.
They also talk about his WHL days with the dynastic Kamloops Blazers playing with Shane Doan and Darcy Tucker, lessons learned from coaches he’s incorporated into his own coaching style, teaching sportsmanship, learning to box when he was a teen, if he still hears Sidney Crosby screaming “Iggy” in 2010 and more.
Listen here.
Tape to Tape: The Hockey World Joins The Fight Against Racism And Injustice
Ryan Dixon and Rory Boylen turn much of the airtime over to their Afro-Canadian producer, Michael Mayers. A solutions-based thinker, Michael offers his passionate, personal views on what can be done by every citizen of the world to help those who are constant victims of racial injustice.
As part of the conversation, Ryan and Rory share their observations about NHL players taking a stand on social media and whether or not this signals a shift away from the “stay out of it” mentality we’ve witnessed so often in the past. Finally, Rory asks Michael what he would like to see from white people who want to become allies of the oppressed in this struggle.
Listen here.
Writers Bloc: Alvin Williams: It’s great for athletes to make a comment now, but what about in a couple of weeks?
Alvin Williams talks about the protests across the U.S. in the wake of George Floyd’s death, the amount of white athletes voicing their support for change regarding social justice, and the Knicks not putting out a statement.
Listen here.
Lead Off: Justin Renfrow on his own experiences with police, the need to change behaviour early on
Edmonton OT Justin Renfrow discusses how the murder of Ahmaud Arbery hit close to home, his own experiences with racism including a moment when he was pulled over by a police officer for no reason, why he feels safer in Canada, how racism has to be combated at a young age, and why it’s time for good police officers to start stepping up.
Listen here.
Good Show: Lloyd Pierce: No one wants to be out protesting and fighting, but we have to
Lloyd Pierce, head coach of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, talks about how the NBA Coaches Association’s committee on racial injustice and reform came into being, what makes for a strong ally, the need for people to get more involved in elections, how the league and owners can help the committee, signs of progress he wants to see, and what he’s saying to his players and staff about the protests.
Listen here.
Lead Off: Donnovan Bennett: Individual athletes have the power to help effect change
Donnovan Bennett shares what has gone through his mind in light of the events over the past several days, what he says to white people who ask “What can I do?,” the power athletes have in advancing the call for social justice, and if he’s optimistic or pessimistic the protests will lead to change.
Listen here.
Good Show: Morris Peterson: Injustice is starting to hit home with people a lot more
Morris Peterson, former member of the Toronto Raptors, weighs in on the scene in Flint, Michigan in the wake of George Floyd’s death, and the next step by the sporting community to help in the fight against racial injustice.
Listen here.
Donnovan Bennett: James Dolan’s lost opportunity shows divide between Knicks, Raptors
The stark contrast between the Toronto Raptors and New York Knicks has been laid bare once again in the way the two teams responded to the death of George Floyd.
Read more.
Lead Off: Stephen Brunt: The rock has been turned over and we now see what’s really there
Writers Bloc co-host Stephen Brunt discusses the George Floyd protests taking place across North America,the breaking point we’ve reached, how this will shake people out of their complacency, the NFL’s statement and how the league twisted Colin Kaepernick’s peaceful protest.
Listen here.
Lead Off: Jon Morosi touches on the recent unrest in the United States, sparked by George Floyd’s death
MLB Network reporter Jon Morosi touches on the recent unrest in the United States in the wake of George Floyd’s death.
Listen here.
Lead Off: Dave Zirin: Athletes speaking out have the power to puncture privilege
Dave Zirin, sports editor for The Nation and host of the “Edge of Sports” podcast, comments on whether he believes the protests across the United States in response to the death of George Floyd will lead to any lasting changes, athletes using their platform to express opinions regarding social & political issues, the importance of industry leaders to voice their support for change, and why he’s optimistic for his country’s future.
Listen here.
Good Show: Alvin Williams: If you have the platform to support a cause, please step forward
Sportsnet NBA analyst Alvin Williams talks about the scene in Philadelphia in the wake of George Floyd’s death, if he’s optimistic the protests will lead to change, and how the NBA may respond when its season resumes.
Listen here.
In Conversation with Ron Maclean: Two GM’s: Kyle Dubas and Brad Treliving on Listening and Learning
Toronto Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas and Calgary Flames GM Brad Treliving are In Conversation with Ron MacLean. They discuss listening, learning, and how both their teams plan to return to play.
Watch below, or on Sportsnet’s YouTube page.
Tim and Sid: Dwane Casey Discusses Race And Protests Across United States
Detroit Pistons Head Coach Dwane Casey joins the show to discuss the protests taking place across the United States and how it relates to his own personal experiences growing up.
Watch on Sportsnet’s YouTube page.
Writers Bloc: Jemele Hill: There’s no fence to sit on with George Floyd’s death
Jemele Hill, host of the “Jemele Hill is Unbothered” podcast, shares her thoughts on the amount of professional white athletes speaking out about George Floyd’s death, her experience of being profiled, being an ally, the NFL’s statement about racial injustice, and if players may exert more pressure on their leagues to press for changes once games resume.
Listen here.
31 Thoughts: “A Long Way To Go With Uncomfortable Conversations”
“This moment has to lead to action,” says Kim Davis, the NHL’s executive vice president for social impact, growth initiatives and legislative affairs. She joins Jeff and Elliotte for a wide-ranging discussion that couldn’t be more timely.
They discuss player activism and the role of social media, what it means to leverage your privilege as an ally, how the league can be more culturally and socially diverse, and more.
Listen here.
Thomas Ketko: Gregg Popovich: U.S. needs a president to say ‘simply that Black lives matter’
As demonstrators across the United States continue to protest racial injustice and acts of police brutality committed against Black people, Gregg Popovich looked to the White House and the nation’s president. And what he saw were not answers, but a failure of leadership.
Read more.
Arash Madani: How two CFLers turned Constables react to death of George Floyd, protests
Former CFL players Arjei Franklin and Shawn Gallant both became Constables after hanging up their cleats. Now they’re both struggling with the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd.
Read more.
Donnovan Bennett: Black people are dying. White athletes need to speak out.
With the power to win over minds closed to their black counterparts, white sports figures must get past their discomfort and do more in the fight for racial justice.
Read more.
Tim and Sid: Kenny Smith On The Role Athletes Can Play In Addressing Racial Tensions
NBA on TNT Analyst Kenny Smith joins the show to talk about the role athletes can play in addressing the racial tensions not only in the United States, but around the world.
Watch below, or on Sportsnet’s YouTube page.
Free Association: Bigger Than Basketball
Donnovan Bennett and JD Bunkis focus on something much more important than sports — social justice. They discuss marginalized communities being mistreated in the U.S. and Canada, and protests that have erupted in cities across North America in recent days.
They then offer their perspectives on what it truly means to be an ally during a time screaming for change and what they believe society can do to make true equality a reality.
Listen here.
Writers Bloc: Dr. Harry Edwards on athletes’ social injustice impact
Dr. Harry Edwards, Professor Emeritus of Sociology, University of California Berkeley joined Writers Bloc to discuss whether there is a right way for athletes to respond to social injustice, problems in our society, how people of other races, in other jobs should react and help and touched on current athletes who have already and continued to use their voices.
Listen here.
Writers Bloc: Taylor Twellman on white athletes using their voice to support social justice
Taylor Twellman discusses prominent white athletes voicing their support for social justice, and more.
Listen here.
Lead Off: David Amber: People need to see what led to this amount of anger and frustration
David Amber, host on Hockey Central, provides his thoughts on the amount of white athletes who have added their voices to promote social justice, the protests across the continent over the past several days, what he would like from allies, his response to those who say “stick to sports,” and if he’s optimistic or pessimistic the protests will lead to changes.
Lead Off: Sheriff Chris Swanson on his “act of the heart” with protesters in Michigan
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson talks about his decision to join the protests in Flint Township, the atmosphere leading up to his force’s interaction with the crowd, how involved he is in the hiring of his officers, and his response to the call for police reform across the country.
Listen here.
Good Show: Will the protests have an impact on NBA owners?
ESPN’s Amin Elhassan comments on the messages some teams are releasing in support of the protests calling for social justice, if the owners will act to support changes, the possibility of the NBA factoring social responsibility when awarding events to cities, and how the league may respond to the protests.
Listen here.
Hockey Central: John Chayka on social activism, Coyotes’ ownership, Taylor Hall’s future
John Chayka talks about the guidance he’s given to his team regarding expressing their opinions about the protests that broke out after George Floyd’s death, the background of team owner Alex Meruelo, the pressure that comes with being one of the youngest GMs in the NHL, and more.
Sportsnet Tonight: Anthony Stewart on hockey culture
Hockey Central co-host Anthony Stewart discusses the current landscape in the United States, how players are trying to effect change and his thoughts on hockey culture, and more.
Listen here.
Tim and Sid: Donnovan Bennett Discusses Racism, George Floyd And Civil Unrest In Minneapolis
Friend of the show Donnovan Bennett joins Tim and Sid to discuss the social unrest going on this week in Minnesota and the impact felt in Canada.
Watch below, or on Sportsnet’s YouTube page.
Tim and Sid: Nate Burleson Offers His Perspective On Social Unrest In America
Friend of the show Nate Burleson joined Tim and Sid to discuss how he’s been dealing with the racial tensions in America this week.
Watch on Sportsnet’s YouTube page.
Writers Bloc: Evander Kane on advocating against social injustice and the importance of hearing athletes’ voices
Evander Kane, NHL Forward with the San Jose Sharks joined Writers Bloc to elaborate on his remarks about the need for prominent athletes to use their platforms to advocate against social injustice, how important it is to hear their voices, how much more we need to create a dialogue to bring it to the forefront in the sport of hockey and in the NHL, and touched on the problems within hockey culture.
Listen here.
Sonny Sachdeva: Evander Kane speaks out on how hockey world can address racial injustice
In the wake of yet another abhorrent incident of racial injustice, Evander Kane has joined those calling on more voices in prominent positions to speak out, to show their outrage, and to use their platforms to move us all towards meaningful change.
Read more.
Donnovan Bennett: Tom Brady backing justice for Ahmaud Arbery sends powerful message
A single signature may not seem like much, but football’s greatest player using his fame in the name of Ahmaud Arbery is a massive stride for social justice.
Read more.