United Shades of America Season 7 Episode 3 Athletes and the Cost of Winning

In United Shades of America season 7 episode 3, entitled "Athletes and the Cost of Winning," host W. Kamau Bell explores the various challenges and sacrifices that professional athletes face in order to achieve success in their respective sports.

Throughout the episode, Bell speaks with a diverse group of athletes from various backgrounds, including Michael Bennett of the NFL, Ibtihaj Muhammad of the US Fencing Team, and Novlene Williams-Mills of the Jamaica Track and Field Team. Each athlete offers insight into their own experiences with the physical, emotional, and financial toll that comes with pursuing a career in sports.

Bell also delves into the larger issues facing athletes, such as systemic racism and exploitation in the sports industry. He speaks with several experts, including journalist Jemele Hill and labor organizer Ramogi Huma, to gain a better understanding of the various ways that athletes are impacted by these issues.

Throughout the episode, Bell emphasizes the importance of understanding the human side of athletes, beyond the statistics and performance on the field. He also sheds light on the larger issues and conflicts that exist within the world of professional sports, and encourages viewers to think critically about the cost of winning at any cost.