Not Playing Around

Dr. Andrew M. Colombo-Dougovito is assistant professor of sport pedagogy and motor behavior at the University of North Texas.Dr. Tracy Everbach is professor of digital/print journalism at the Mayborn School of Journalism at the University of North Texas.Dr. Karen Weiller-Abels is associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology, Health Promotion and Recreation at the University of North Texas.

• ContentsAcknowledgmentsIntroduction: At the Confluence of Sport and Identity Andrew M. Colombo-Dougovito, Tracy Everbach, & Karen Weiller-AbelsSECTION I: Spaces that Define 1. “Keep it in the Locker Room”: How Athletic Departments Stifle Controversy and DissentFrank D. LoMonte & Dionne L. Koller Response: Restricting Athletes Speech Puts Athletic Programs at RiskPaula Lavigne2. On Balls, Players, Tackle Boxes, and Other Footballing Options: The Politics of Being in the NFL Rulebook Joshua D. Rubin Response: FootballLouis Jenkins3. Shattering the Glass Ceiling Twice: Sports Journalism Framing of Katie Sowers William P. CassidyResponse: Women Succeed in Coaching and Family LifeLisa Carlsen4. Queer Recreation: LGBTQ Sporting Spaces, Community, and Impact Austin R. Anderson & Eric Knee Response: Voices From the FieldWarren Perry5. A “Permissible Prejudice”: An Exploration of the Systemic Ableist Barriers to Sport and Leisure Activities for Disabled People

This collection of articles by authors from different disciplines and continents, including North America, South America, and Europe, focuses on identity politics of marginalized communities participating in sport and how it can impact the wider culture. Overall, the book argues that sport provides the space for the participation and showcasing of marginalized identities, and that because sport operates as a public arena, it can shape the public view of these identities, serving as a vehicle for social change. The editors do not claim to provide an exhaustive examination of the topic but express their goal of highlighting some examples of how sport influences the cultural construction of identity by creating spaces for athletes to build community and showcase how different groups can coexist. The book should appeal to a broad audience given the popularity of sport, but especially because the voices of stakeholders are included. Highly recommended for upper-division undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, and professionals, as well as, general readers.