Anthony Ervin Appears on CBS Sports’ “We Need to Talk”

Photo Courtesy: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

Less than a month after winning the second Olympic 50 freestyle gold medal of his career, Anthony Ervin made an appearance on “We Need to Talk” on CBS Sports Network Tuesday night, where he joined the all-female cast that included past U.S. Olympic gold medalists Dara Torres and Summer Sanders.

Torres and Sanders asked Ervin what distinguished this Olympic experience from his first, when he tied for gold in the 50 free with teammate Gary Hall Jr. as a 19-year-old.

“The biggest difference was I was prepared for what comes next,” Ervin said. “Back then I was not prepared for the consequences.”

Ervin went on to explain how the U.S. team’s incredible team chemistry helped produce 33 total medals, 16 of them gold, and what role superstar Michael Phelps had in the chemistry. Ervin explained that Phelps was not “on an island” as he had been during past trips, and Phelps actively reached out to his teammates and helped coordinate meetings.

Ervin also discussed his autobiography, Chasing Water: The Elegy of an Olympian. When Sanders asked why he was so honest about his personal struggles, Ervin responded that he felt obligated to chronicle his “very human journey.”

Ervin also joined the show’s full cast to discuss general sports storylines, including San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and his practice of kneeling during the national anthem. Kaepernick says he is protesting police brutality, especially when it comes to minorities, and Ervin argued that Kaepernick’s message is valid and definitely worth discussing.

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