Episode 4

Unpacking the Myth of Black Athletic Superiority with Reagan Griffin Jr.

Published on: 25th July, 2022

In this episode of the AT Last Podcast, we’re joined by Reagan Griffin Jr., sports journalist, commentator, and cultural critic, to examine one of the most enduring and harmful stereotypes in sports: the myth of Black athletic superiority.

Reagan unpacks the history of this narrative, how it has been perpetuated by media and institutions, and the ways it distorts both the perception of Black athletes and the opportunities available to them beyond the playing field. The discussion explores how these myths intersect with issues of race, representation, and equity, shaping not only who gets celebrated in sports, but also who gets overlooked in leadership and healthcare roles.

This is a bold and necessary conversation that asks us to confront uncomfortable truths and to imagine a future where athletes of color are recognized for more than just their physical performance.

-AT L.A.S.T.

Website: WeAreATLast.org

Email: adam.cady@weareatlast.org

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Artwork by Jason Eisenberg 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dots_and_squares/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoneisenberg00/

Music by Willie B the Ichiban Don

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-brown-25945b168/


Production / Engineering / Editing / Content Creation by Gerson Sandoval

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gersonsandovalengineer/


-Guest

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reagan-griffin-jr-7a679519a/

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About the Podcast

The AT Last Podcast
Sports medicine practitioners recognizing, addressing, and catalyzing change.
Sports medicine practitioners recognizing, addressing, and catalyzing change within their spheres of influence. Hosts Christopher Bates and Adam Cady focus on advancing health equity and DEIA in sports medicine, exploring how issues of race, representation, and systemic barriers shape the care and opportunities available to athletes and healthcare providers. Through candid conversations with leaders, practitioners, and changemakers, the podcast highlights both the challenges and the transformative possibilities of building a more just and inclusive future in sports medicine and beyond.
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About your hosts

Christopher Bates

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Christopher Bates is a proud family man and has passionately worked in sports medicine and human performance for over a decade. He is both a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC), as well as a Registered Strength & Conditioning Coach (RSCC). Bates' experiences and paradigms for excellence have led to the creation and establishment of several holistic sports medicine and athletic-performance skill development programs across all levels of athletics including Olympic, University, High School and youth.

Currently, Bates serves as the Sports Medicine Manager and Head Athletic Trainer for USA Water Polo’s Men’s Olympic team. Bates also directs the athletic-performance skill development for the team along with the team's dedicated strength and conditioning coach.

Adam Cady

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Adam C. Cady holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology/Athletic Training from California State University-Fullerton, and a Master of Health Science from Duke University. He is also a graduate of the sports medicine fellowship program at The Steadman Clinic, in Vail, Colorado. He currently works as a Physician Assistant at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles, where he specializes in sports medicine.

His current passions/research interests include improving health equity in underserved communities and Functional Medicine.