Sports Illustrated: A Political Tribute and Political Memories

“Governor Bush, Atlanta Braves pitcher John Rocker gave a venomous interview to Sports Illustrated recently spewing hatred towards gays, blacks, single mothers and foreigners.” That was Suzanne Geha of WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids Michigan teeing up a question for Republican presidential candidate George W. Bush – January 10, 2000 – a debate at Calvin College in Grand Rapids Michigan. What was that citation of Sports Illustrated in a presidential debate all about? Do we hear Sports Illustrated mentioned often in politics? Actually, Sports Illustrated has a lengthy history with politics and political rhetoric. But now, sadly, it looks like it’s ending - They recently fired their whole staff … So let’s give the magazine -- and its reporters -- a loving send-off – and devote a whole episode of C-SPAN’s “The Weekly” in tribute to Sports Illustrated. In this week’s podcast, we remember some of the most prominent – and colorful -- times this legendary, iconic magazine has been part of the political scene. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices