Five years after coming out publicly, former football player Michael Sam recently spoke at Arizona State University on "Masculinity, identity and moving forward: I am Michael Sam."

Sam spoke with Global Sports Institute director of research Dr. Scott Brooks, who was at Missouri as a professor at the same time Sam played football for the school. Missouri is a conservative atmosphere on campus and in the town, yet Sam said he felt comfortable coming out there because of head coach Gary Pinkel. "He was a huge, huge factor in that," Sam said.

Why aren’t star college athletes paid? Why does the NCAA have such restrictive rules? How long have these rules existed? One cannot understand much of what occurs in sport without understanding amateurism. To make informed policy decisions understanding the history of amateurism and why the rules, particularly NCAA rules, have evolved to where the are, a grasp of the history of amateurism is essential. This conversation with Dr. Victoria Jackson on Why Sport Matters with Kenneth Shropshire is the first in a series seeking to help us all be better informed on this important issue.

For former athletes or former military members, the transition from the extreme fitness they had when they were active or after an injury can feel like taking steps back health-wise. At Sparta Sports, CEO Dr. Phil Wagner says the company focuses on data to help them determine optimal movement for former athletes wanting to stay healthy.

Using force plates, Sparta uses software with data from nearly a million other people with similar injuries to help determine the proper recovery plan for injured athletes or military members.

As fans and family mourn the loss of Frank Robinson Kenneth Shropshire gives a personal reflection on the behind the scenes work of Robinson to make a difference in the diversity in baseball. It’s a reflection on the short lived affinity group The Baseball Network and Frank Robinson’s leadership.

Even professional athletes get nervous. One way for them to cope with the mental stress of sports is through superstitions and pre-game rituals. Recently, Washington State football coach Mike Leach said he didn't want his players watching sad or scary movies before a game. Why Sport Matters with Kenneth Shropshire is joined by reporter Ross Andrews who examines the impact of superstition, pregame ritual and coping with stress in athletics. Andrews spoke with former NFL punter Chris Kluwe and three-time Olympic gold medalist Wyomia Tyus about their personal experiences with rituals and Kristin Hoffner, professor of kinesiology and sports psychology at Arizona State University.

Join Kenneth Shropshire for a very special podcast as he is joined by Olympic legends John Carlos and Wyomia Tyus and former Minnesota Vikings punter and social advocate Chris Kluwe from Mexico City. The Olympic legends were in Mexico City to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the athletes seminal protest from the medal podium for human rights.

When we think of diversity in sport we need to expand the concept and consider the transformational aspects rather than focus on just race issues. This week, Kenneth Shropshire is joined by Dr. Scott Brooks of Global Sport Institute and Stellenbosch University's Dr. Gustav Venter, Research Coordinator, Center for Human Performance Sciences; Jerry Laka, Deputy Director, Support Services, Maties Sport; Sean Suron, Head of High Performance, Maties Sport; and Ilhaam Groenewald, Chief Director of Maties Sport.

On this week's Why Sport Matters with Kenneth Shropshire, Kenneth is joined by Dr. Scott Brooks from Global Sport Institute and Ilhaam Groenewald, chief director of Maties Sport, Stellenbosch University, South Africa and Sean Suron, head of high performance, Maties Sport, Stellenbosch University, South Africa. They stopped by the Global Sport Institute offices to explain the differences between collegiate sport in South Africa and the United States.

When an athlete seeks breakthrough medical treatment to extend or resume a career, should that be considered performance enhancing? What about the use of medical marijuana?

This week, Kenneth Shropshire is joined by Dr. Victoria Jackson to discuss what could happen if science fiction becomes reality for athletes.

Athletes' social media use can sometimes put them in hot water. Recent cases in point - Josh Hader and Ryan Lochte. This week, Kenneth Shropshire is joined by Social Victories founder Whitney Holtzman to discuss best practices for athletes.