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The Lives and Legacies of America's Most Controversial
Sports Icons
In this feature, I highlight the lives and careers of Colin Kaepernick and Muhammad Ali. My point of interest in comparing the two figures is their diverging legacies: Ali, even though arguably more radical than Kaepernick in his political beliefs, is widely admired; Kaepernick, on the other hand, has been denounced by various political figures and remains undrafted, despite an impressive 2016 season. I dive deep into an exploration of these different but similar figures through analysis of their protests, the political and cultural context of the period within which each operated, and how these two factors interact to form public reception of both icons of American sport.
Staff
Ryan Clemmons
Editor-in-Chief
I am a junior at the University of Michigan studying Political Science and Sociology, with a minor in writing. I am involved in Kappa Omega Alpha, a pre-law and public policy professional fraternity, and I play club volleyball. Additionally, I work at the Law Library, and most days you can either find me studying here, or at the Ugli (I am my best self at the Ugli). My favorite things include but are not limited to: brussel sprouts, pens, Frank Bruni, college football, lists, coffee, and the Modern Love section of The New York Times. I relax by bullet journaling, exercising, and watching anything on Bravo - specifically the Real Housewives of absolutely anything.
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