Author Archives: Neil Parthun

Indiana, Right to Work and Super Bowl

Posted on 03/22/2012 by Neil Parthun

Indiana was the site of two well-publicized worker struggles in February. One was between union workers of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), as the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI. The other was unionized … Continue reading →

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Interview with ‘The Snowman’

Posted on 02/15/2012 by Neil Parthun

I recently had an opportunity to interview veteran mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter, Jeff ‘The Snowman’ Monson over email. Monson attended the University of Illinois and was part of the wrestling team. While some see just another athlete, he is … Continue reading →

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NFL Labor Lessons

Posted on 08/23/2011 by Neil Parthun

The NFL lockout is over! At the outset, things did not look good for the players. There were worries about DeMaurice Smith, the new executive director of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), having to learn the ropes during first labor … Continue reading →

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Jimmy Johns Under Fire for Health Risks

Posted on 06/17/2011 by Neil Parthun

While some have expressed displeasure with the recent photos of Jimmy John Liautaud’s hunting of leopards and other exotic animals, another much more damaging story has fallen under the radar. In April, a Minneapolis-St. Paul Jimmy John’s franchise fired six … Continue reading →

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Jackie Robinson Day

Posted on 04/02/2011 by Neil Parthun

April 15 marks the 64th anniversary of baseball’s desegregation. Many see Robinson as a pioneer who did things the ‘right way.’Others derided Robinson as an “establishment hero.” In 2009, Robinson was claimed as a ‘GOP Hero’ due to his being … Continue reading →

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Student Fees Make UI Sports Profitable

Posted on 09/05/2010 by Neil Parthun

HIKES IN TUITION, LARGER CLASS sizes, staff furloughs, pay freezes and acrimonious labor negotiations are common knowledge for UI students, graduate employees and staff. While many look at the exorbitant pay raise of President Hogan, the $150,000 rug and other … Continue reading →

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The Battle of Mahomet

Posted on 07/05/2010 by Neil Parthun

STUDENTS AND EDUCATORS in Mahomet were back in class on Monday, Aug. 23 after the Mahomet Seymour Education Association (MSEA) and the school board were able to settle on a new contract on Aug. 20. The settlement marked an end … Continue reading →

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Alleged Torturer and Ex-Cop, Jon Burge, Convicted of Perjury and Obstruction of Justice

Posted on 07/05/2010 by Neil Parthun

Former Chicago Police Sargeant Jon Burge was convicted on June 28 on federal perjury and obstruction of justice charges. US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald had charged Burge with lying in court papers during a civil lawsuit that had alleged Burge had … Continue reading →

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Judi Bari, the IWW and Environmentalism

Posted on 04/05/2010 by Neil Parthun

As we celebrate Earth Day and enjoy the flush of spring, it is important to reflect on those who have made invaluable contributions to the continuing efforts at protecting our environment and our rights. Judi Bari is one such individual … Continue reading →

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Howard Zinn (1922–2010)

Posted on 02/04/2010 by Neil Parthun

HISTORIAN, AUTHOR AND ACTIVIST Howard Zinn died on January 27, 2010. He was 87. He was involved in social justice movements and the author of over twenty books including A People’s History of the United States. Reading A People’s History … Continue reading →

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Unforgivable Blackness: The Lingering Legacy of Jack Johnson

Posted on 11/04/2009 by Neil Parthun

”The reason Jack Johnson was so beset by his own country, a country ironically which had only recently reaffirmed that all men were created equal, was because of his Unforgivable Blackness.” —W.E.B. DuBois Jack Johnson was an African American boxer … Continue reading →

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You Got Imperialism In My Sports vs You Got Sports In My Imperialism!

Posted on 09/04/2009 by Neil Parthun

IN THE PAST MONTHS, the American print media stories and the talking head punditocracy have discussed the status of sports in Iraq. The Iraqi National Soccer Team played their first home games since prior to the United States invasion. Iraq … Continue reading →

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Mahomet Seymour Teacher Union Struggle

Posted on 06/02/2009 by Neil Parthun

On June 11, the Mahomet Seymour Education Association (MSEA) held a press conference to gain public support for their opposition to Mahomet Seymour teaching staff being asked to perform medical and health services as a condition of their employment, instead … Continue reading →

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Autumn Glen: A Teacher’s Perspective

Posted on 05/02/2009 by Neil Parthun

The families who lived at the Autumn Glen apartment complex in Rantoul had their lives totally upended after being forcibly removed from their homes. The residents of Autumn Glen paid an extra fee in their rent to pay for the … Continue reading →

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Five Ring Circus: Olympics and Resistance

Posted on 05/02/2009 by Neil Parthun

The Olympics have been mythologized as a venue where athletes from all over the world can be unified in a contest of the world‘s greatest athletes despite political and social differences. However, the reality is that the Olympics have been … Continue reading →

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They’re Human, Too: Healthcare and Athletes

Posted on 04/02/2009 by Neil Parthun

MOST FANS VIEW PROFESSIONAL athletes as superhuman. While these athletes showcase a level of skill that makes most people gasp in amazement, it is important to remember that they are flesh and bone human beings. When the stadium lights shut … Continue reading →

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Alex Rodriguez: Steroids and Sexism

Posted on 03/02/2009 by Neil Parthun

THERE ARE MANY REASONS to be disappointed in Alex ‘ARod’ Rodriguez. While many sportswriters and pundits at ESPN have spilled gallons of ink and use hours of airtime flagellating Rodriguez for his alleged lies and steroid use, they have missed … Continue reading →

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The History and Significance of Women’s Achievements In Sports

Posted on 03/02/2009 by Neil Parthun

WHEN DISCUSSING THE HISTORY of the women’s movement and its achievements, people often forget the contributions of sports and women athletes to the social and political emancipation of women. Sport was and remains a way for women to achieve positive … Continue reading →

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NASCAR Lawsuit Settled

Posted on 02/02/2009 by Neil Parthun

Former Busch Series official Mauricia Grant has settled her lawsuit against NASCAR for $225 million, with neither side admitting liability or wrongdoing according to reports. During her two year employment from 2005 to 2007, she alleged that she was referred … Continue reading →

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Disparities in Media Treatment of Black Atheletes

Posted on 02/02/2009 by Neil Parthun

7 Most Valuable Player awards. 8 Gold Glove awards for outfield defense. He is the only player to reach the ‘600-600 club’ – hitting 600 home run and also stealing 600 bases. Yet, Barry Bonds has received torrents of negative … Continue reading →

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