Eldon Ham
A faculty member at IIT/Chicago-Kent College of Law, teaching sports, law and justice. He is the author of five books on the role of sports history in America.
'Monkey trial' of 1925, brought to life in Goodman's 'Inherit the Wind,' echoes today's culture wars
Chicago lawyer Clarence Darrow put on quite a show in Tennessee as he defended teacher John Scopes, who had violated state law by teaching the theory of evolution.
In the 1980s, the original USFL touched Chicago in a number of ways. And when Donald Trump encouraged the league to take on the NFL, it led to the USFL’s demise.
Americans Tommie Smith and John Carlos were expelled from the 1968 Games for their silent protest, but their gesture is recognized as noble today.
Baseball has been hit hard this year by gambling scandals, but all professional athletes — and the integrity of sports — face risks.
Mays, who died at age 93 on June 18, saw decades of societal change, including the long-overdue decision by major league baseball to officially recognize Negro League players and stats.
The match, on May 25, 1965, was one of the more significant sporting events of the 20th century and resulted in what some call the greatest sports photo of all time. It happened in a town that last year was the scene of a horrific mass shooting.
Sports leagues benefit from two technical points that allow collusion.
Super-conferences, player marketing deals and lawsuits are forcing the NCAA to loosen its grip on college sports and amateurism rules.
Saperstein was the son of Polish Jews who moved to Chicago when he was a small boy. His Harlem Globetrotters played a key role in creating pro basketball as we know it today.