For many Americans, watching sports is an escape. Whether it be to avoid politics, a stressful situation at home or simply a way to relax after a long day at work, sports give many people a necessary break from the various stresses that consume their everyday lives.
That’s why President Trump’s comments and the subsequent reaction by various sports figures hit too close to home for many Americans that simply watch sports to avoid the political chaos.
On Saturday, Sept. 23, President Trump sent out the following tweet: “If a player wants the privilege of making millions of dollars in the NFL, or other leagues, he or she should not be allowed to disrespect our great American flag (or country) and should stand for the national anthem. If not, YOU’RE FIRED! Find something else to do!”
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that this tweet was inappropriate. Whether or not one agrees with the protests, the First Amendment grants every American the right to express themselves freely.
However, the response by numerous athletes, most notably LeBron James, has only made this situation worse.
James, the face of the NBA, sent out a tweet later that day in which he called President Trump a “bum.” This is disrespectful to the office of the presidency, no matter what one’s political views might be. Gregg Popovich, the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, said that the president is “an embarrassment to the world.”
They got their views out, which they have a right to do. But are they are not helping to bridge the deep divides in the country or set a good example for others to follow. And what is most troubling is not the amateurish back-and-forth between sports figures and the President of the United States itself, but the negative effect it is having on ordinary Americans that want sports to remain apolitical.
One avid NFL fan and veteran, Kevin Williams, wrote a heartfelt letter that appeared in Sports Illustrated: “I hate politics. It’s all over social media, television…I can’t even go out anymore without overhearing people having heated political discussion. Football used to provide me an escape from all that crap. Now politics has infiltrated something I used to love.”
The first Sunday after President Trump’s comments, in anticipation of more national anthem protests, Williams decided to turn off the television set. “I think I may have watched my last NFL game.”
Williams may not know it, but his powerful words resonate with many across the country, who are disgusted by the politicization of the game they love.
And this problem isn’t just happening on the football field. ESPN, for example, has had internal scandals in which sports analysts were either disciplined or condemned by the network for getting too political. Curt Schilling, the former Red Sox great, was fired by ESPN last year after posting a video that many saw as offensive toward the LGBTQ community. And this past month, the network condemned and subsequently suspended SportsCenter anchor Jemele Hill after she called President Trump a “white supremacist” on Twitter.
Some may blame President Trump for his immature tweeting. Others will criticize LeBron James for calling the President a “bum.” The bottom line is that both sides are complicit in the growing polarization throughout the country. And just like Williams, many are finding it harder and harder to turn to sports as an effective way to distract themselves from the hardships that life can bring.
