In this conversation, Robert Lipsyte, a renowned sports journalist, shares memorable moments from his career and discusses the evolution of sports and sports journalism. He highlights the importance of Billie Jean King in overthrowing amateurism in sports and the changing landscape of college sports. Lipsyte also reflects on his relationship with Cassius Clay/Muhammad Ali and the impact of Ali's transformation. He shares his journey as an accidental sports writer and recounts meeting Jackie Kennedy Onassis. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports. This conversation explores the influence of power and money in sports, the impact of performance-enhancing drugs, the changing landscape of sports media, the merger of sports and sports media, the authenticity of sports and the specter of gambling, the manipulation of sports outcomes, the entertainment value of sports, the thrill of NASCAR racing, balancing personal and professional life in sports journalism, the evolution of sports and society, the divisiveness and polarities in America, Donald Trump's role in sports ownership, the two Americas in NASCAR, the expression of hatred in sports, the rise and fall of the USFL, the future of streaming in sports, the complexity of athlete personalities, and the fulfillment of writing young adult novels. In this conversation, Robert Lipsyte discusses his passion for writing sports and the pleasure he derives from the friction and response it generates. He also highlights the unique and authentic response he receives from young adult fiction readers. Lipsyte shares his experience of using sports as a way to engage at-risk high school kids in reading and studies. He emphasizes that writing is not limited to a young man's function and that staying active and using one's mind is key to finding purpose and meaning. Watch the full episodeđź“ş https://youtu.be/s-rCejz7FKU
Legendary sportswriter Robert Lipsyte reflects on his 60+ year career covering icons from Muhammad Ali to Billie Jean King—and the evolution of American sports, journalism, and culture.
👤 Guest Bio: Robert Lipsyte is an award-winning journalist, author, and former New York Times sports columnist who began his career in 1957. Known for his incisive writing and social commentary, he covered landmark moments in sports history, wrote more than a dozen books—including An Accidental Sportswriter and the YA classic The Contender—and remains a sharp voice on the ethics, politics, and personalities of the sports world.
🧠Topics Discussed:
đź’¬ Top Quotes:
“Pressure is a privilege—you've gotten somewhere.”
— Billie Jean King, as quoted by Lipsyte, on the value of high-stakes moments
“The NFL is America’s soap opera—live, unscripted drama that still feels real.”
“Ali made my career—and I’ve loved him ever since, even when he told terrible jokes.”