Like if we were playing anywhere in the world and you take 10 guys and it's like we're just

playing pickup and you're not, let's say you don't even actually parse out the rotation.

Like, all right, you got next, you got next.

Carmelo Anthony's staying on the court.

Right.

And so we're creating a culture where it's not a meritocracy.

And what people want you to believe is that it's a meritocracy based on play.

And in the Carmelo situation, it's the perfect paragon that it's not even based on play anymore.

It's...

...and-a-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha. Welcome to the Edge of Sports podcast.

This week we talked to Ray Simboden, an Olympic foil fencer and medalist who took a knee on the podium at the recent Pan Am Games after

helping the U.S. men's fencing team win gold. At that same Pan Am games, hammer thrower

Gwen Berry raised a fist and bowed her head during the Star-Spangled banner as it neared its

end. They have both been placed on 12-month probation for breaking the rules on political expression.

We will talk to Racin Boden today about why he took the knee.

Also, in the news this week, if you were following it, a friend of the show and former NBA player, Royce White, was all over social media when he stated that it was a joke that Carmelo Anthony wasn't in the league and

Jared Dudley was.

This started a firestorm of a back and forth with other NBA players that included

references to Royce White's battles for mental health care and Malcolm X.

It was wild and I wanted to get Royce on the phone and talk to him today.

I also have choice words about Jay-Z and the NFL, just stand up and just sit-down awards,

but first, race and boat.

...