Sports play a central role in many societies, perhaps nowhere more so than in the United States. From Michael Vick to T. O., to Barry Bonds and A-Rod, athletes are under the microscope. They are multi-millionaire gladiators. Their every dropped ball, at-bat, comment, and gesture are grist for the sports talk mill. There are hours of radio and TV devoted to their triumphs and failures. Every detail is carefully scrutinized. Fans are knowledgeable and are fearless in criticizing players and teams, coaches and managers. It is not unusual to hear indignant calls insisting that so and so is a bum and should be traded or fired for doing a lousy job. Fair enough. It's curious that politicians are rarely the targets of similar demands for performing poorly.

Dave Zirin
Dave Zirin, winner of Press Action's Sportswriter of the Year Award, has been called "an icon in the world of progressive sports." His articles appear in "The Nation" and "The Progressive" magazines. He is the host of Edge of Sports Radio. He's the author of "What's My Name, Fool?" and "Welcome to the Terrordome." His latest book is "A People's History of Sports in the United States."