To call Bill Laimbeer polarizing would be an understatement. While playing for the Detroit Pistons in the 1980s and ’90s, Laimbeer was known as an enforcer — a player who was willing to go the extra mile for victory, even if it sometimes meant crossing the line of dirty play. And while some fans loved his tactics, there were others who seemed barely able to stand the mere mention of his name. On this episode of The Rematch, the NBA veteran turned WNBA coach shares his perspective on team identity, rough play and the evolution of the game of basketball.

The Rematch takes a look at the thin line between love and hate in sports; a show that examines the nature of media and popular opinion by giving athletes an open forum to reclaim their identities from labels like polarizing, mercurial, and immature. 

Hosted by NBA Veteran Etan Thomas, this unique athlete-first podcast will explore the differences between how we see professional athletes and who they really are.

The Rematch

Bill Laimbeer

The 1968 Olympics are known today as one of the most overtly political sporting events in history. This is in part due to the actions of Dr. John Carlos. His Black Power salute was at once a gesture of defiance, frustration and solidarity. The silver-medal winner sits down with The Rematch’s Etan Thomas to talk activism, fake news and how he truly believes that his moment on the Olympic podium was his reason for living.

Dr. John Carlos

John Wallace is an undisputed Syracuse legend. After a stellar high school career, the Rochester, N.Y., native stayed close to home for college. As a senior in 1996 he helped lead the Orange on a memorable upset run to a runner-up finish in the NCAA tournament. He went on to enjoy a seven-year NBA career, playing for five different teams. Wallace joins this episode of The Rematch to discuss the stereotyping of Syracuse players, his struggles to make it in professional basketball and his undying love for the Orange. The ’Cuse is definitely in the house.

John Wallace

Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf was known as a sharpshooter during his NBA career. His accuracy from behind both the free throw and three-point lines was legendary. But his career was suddenly derailed when his refusal to stand for the national anthem became headline news. Many fans viewed his form of protest as anti-American — Abdul Rauf was fined and suspended, and received arson and death threats. In the wake of a similar protest staged last season by NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, Abdul-Rauf joins The Rematch to clear the air about what he was doing, and discusses the various forms of athlete activism.

Bill Laimbeer

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