An incisive analysis of the complex interplay between sport media, cultural expectations, and the emotional labor demanded of Black athletes.

Shaun J. Fletcher draws on extensive research and candid interviews with industry professionals to highlight the often-invisible psychological burdens that Black athletes must bear as they navigate the high-pressure world of professional sports. Dissecting how media narratives and deep-seated cultural stereotypes shape public perception and compel these athletes to constantly manage their emotions under relentless scrutiny, Fletcher offers a critical examination of social media's role in amplifying these pressures and blurring boundaries between athletes' professional and personal lives.

Delving into the profound impacts of this emotional labor on mental health, personal relationships, and long-term career trajectories, Fletcher unpacks the exhausting demands of being a “role model,” the strain of code-switching, and the challenges of confronting systemic racism while maintaining elite athletic performance. Through compelling storytelling and rigorous academic analysis in equal part, this essential book encourages readers to reconsider their consumption of sports media and offers crucial insights into the true cost of fame and success for Black athletes.