Abstract
In this chapter, Madeleine M. Plasencia uses the concept of a “brown commons” to explore how athletes of color face a field of oppression as a result of intersectional systems of race, class, and dis/ability. She focuses on sickle cell trait (SCT) to make her case. College athletes whose ancestors came from certain parts of the world are more prone to this genetic disorder; hence, African Americans are more likely to die during vigorous practices. Even though coaches recommend testing, athletes might deny having SCT because they would not be able to compete. Plasencia suggests that in the absence of legal protections, the testing can be racialized and class driven. Therefore, she advocates that SCT be seen as a dis/ability that is subject to legal protection under the ADA and other civil rights statutes.