By TOM SHANAHAN The late Howard Cosell transformed sports broadcasting with an outspoken style defending 1960s black athletes, particularly with his manner of explaining their causes to audiences. He worked against the tide of the “times.” In 1963, Cosell supported Muhammad Ali’s right to change his name. Others continued to call him by his birth name, Cassius Clay. Cosell defended 1968 Olympic sprinters Tommy Smith and John Carlos for raising black-gloved fists on the medal stand; they protested racial…