Are Sports too Political ?

when talking about sports with friends or family, it seems that many feel that sports have become too political. From popular news hosts to past players like Brett Farve, many seem to think that athletes should be talking less, not more. In this edition of athletic anthropology, I am exited to talk about the role of politics in sports and athletes in activism.

Many people feel that sports have become too political, urging athletes to return to the corporate athlete model in which they avoid controversy for marketing. However, many people who make these claims pick and choose whether political statements in sports are acceptable or not. For example, even simple events like flyovers from fighter jets and the playing of the national anthem are political events. The problem is that one's social and normative beliefs lead to a subjective definition of a political event. For example, some feel that the Covid-19 pandemic and the death of people at the hands of police officers are political issues, while others argue that they are human rights issues. The actions of Colin Kaepernick reflect the tension between the predominantly black population of players and the majority white population of fans. This tension often leads to conflict around social issues as these diverse groups' social norms and expectations are often different. Lebron James was famously told by Laura Ingraham to “shut up and dribble,” highlighting the perceived role of black athletes by some Americans. James then made social media posts highlighting his commitment to creating change and spoke on the importance of using his position to try and help people. 

The role of modern and past athletes in activism can be career suicide due to the role of media outlets. These networks market the actions and ideals surrounding players to fanbases. They often rely on narratives to capitalize on the journeys of players and their demonstration of a particularly appealing characteristic. These narratives can help win back public support of a team or player as campaigns can show how they have redeemed themselves. For example, Micheal Vick was convicted of dogfighting in 2007 and spent over a year and a half in prison. The former Falcons quarterback was still able to make a return to the league. He signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2009, exposing how despite his cruel actions, he was able to reestablish his credibility and convince a team to sign. Although his actions were inhumane and ruined his reputation, systematic media coverage allowed Vick to redeem himself and make his way back to the league. However, when athletes speak out against social issues and protest inequality, these players cannot redeem themselves. No story or narrative can undo the transgressions made by Kaepernick on the social norms of many fans. Although his statements created change and peacefully raised awareness, he is irredeemable in the eyes of many fans because his faults did not lie in moral or ethical concerns. There was no way for Kaepernick to rise from the ashes because his actions were not because of an ethical deficit. The potential career suicide that protesting inequality brings is a significant deterrent for many athletes. The limited statement made through their actions is often not comparable to the potential impact that could be made through their position as professional athletes. 

Athletes must walk a thin line when talking about sports because of the intense political polarization in the US. Understanding how unconscious and established biases are created and manifested in sports, we, as a society, and ensure unity through the promotion of common beliefs and goals. It is through this action that we can ensure a more equitable society.