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Sports and Competition
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Sports and Competition
Source : (remove) : The Arizona Republic
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W&W: Keep politics out of sports? Maybe Trump should keep sports out of politics

Why Politics and Sports Are Inextricably Linked – And Why That's a Good Thing

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern athletics, the intersection of politics and sports has become a flashpoint for heated debate. From national anthems to athlete activism, the notion that sports should remain a neutral ground, free from the taint of political discourse, is a sentiment echoed by many fans who yearn for escapism. Yet, as history and contemporary events demonstrate, attempting to divorce politics from sports is not only futile but also ignores the profound ways in which athletic platforms have driven social change. This piece delves into the reasons why politics has always been woven into the fabric of sports, why efforts to "keep it out" often stem from discomfort rather than principle, and why embracing this reality can lead to a more just and engaged society.

To understand this dynamic, we must first look back at the historical precedents that illustrate how sports have long served as a mirror to societal tensions. Consider the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where Jesse Owens, an African American track and field star, shattered records and, more importantly, Adolf Hitler's myth of Aryan supremacy. Owens' victories were not just athletic triumphs; they were potent political statements against fascism and racism, broadcast on a global stage. Similarly, the 1968 Mexico City Olympics saw American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos raise black-gloved fists during the medal ceremony, a silent protest against racial injustice in the United States. These acts were met with backlash—Smith and Carlos were expelled from the Olympic Village—but they ignited conversations about civil rights that reverberated far beyond the track. These moments underscore a key truth: sports arenas are public forums where athletes, as citizens, inevitably bring their lived experiences and beliefs into play.

Fast-forward to today, and the examples multiply. Colin Kaepernick's decision to kneel during the national anthem in 2016 to protest police brutality against Black Americans sparked a nationwide controversy. Critics argued that he was disrespecting the flag and injecting politics into a sacred space of unity. However, Kaepernick's protest highlighted systemic issues that many fans preferred to ignore, forcing a reckoning within the NFL and beyond. The league's initial resistance, followed by a gradual shift toward supporting player activism—especially after the murder of George Floyd in 2020—shows how sports organizations are not immune to political pressures. Teams like the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks boycotted playoff games in response to the shooting of Jacob Blake, demonstrating that athletes wield significant influence when they choose to engage politically. These actions aren't mere distractions; they amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard, using the massive platform of sports to advocate for change.

Opponents of political involvement in sports often invoke the idea that games should be an apolitical escape, a place where people from all walks of life can come together without division. This perspective is understandable in an era of polarized media and constant news cycles, where sports offer a brief respite. Figures like former President Donald Trump have amplified this view, famously criticizing athletes for "disrespecting" national symbols and urging boycotts of leagues that allow such expressions. Yet, this stance overlooks the inherent politics already embedded in sports. National anthems played before games are themselves political rituals, symbolizing patriotism and unity under a flag that represents a nation's values—and its flaws. Sponsorships from corporations with political agendas, or the very funding of stadiums through taxpayer dollars, further entangle sports with governance and policy. To demand that athletes remain silent on issues like racial inequality or gender rights while participating in these politically charged environments is hypocritical at best.

Moreover, the call to "keep politics out" often reveals underlying biases. When white athletes like Tim Tebow kneel in prayer on the field, it's celebrated as a personal expression of faith. But when Black athletes like Kaepernick kneel to protest injustice, it's deemed divisive and inappropriate. This double standard points to a deeper discomfort with the specific politics being expressed rather than the act itself. Sports have always reflected societal power structures; for marginalized groups, using athletic fame to challenge those structures is a form of empowerment. Take Megan Rapinoe, the U.S. women's soccer star who has been vocal about equal pay, LGBTQ+ rights, and kneeling during the anthem. Her activism has not only elevated her sport but also pressured institutions like FIFA and the U.S. Soccer Federation to address gender disparities. Without such political engagement, progress in areas like pay equity might stagnate.

Beyond individual athletes, entire leagues and events are shaped by global politics. The boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics by the United States in protest of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, or the more recent diplomatic tensions surrounding the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics amid concerns over human rights abuses in China, show that sports cannot exist in a vacuum. Even domestic issues, such as the relocation of the MLB All-Star Game from Atlanta in 2021 due to Georgia's restrictive voting laws, illustrate how sports entities make political stands that affect their bottom line and public image. These decisions aren't aberrations; they're acknowledgments that sports are big business intertwined with cultural and political narratives.

Embracing politics in sports also fosters greater civic engagement among fans. When athletes speak out, it encourages audiences to educate themselves on issues like voting rights, climate change, or mental health—topics that transcend the game. LeBron James, for instance, has used his platform to launch initiatives like "More Than a Vote," aimed at combating voter suppression. This not only humanizes athletes but also inspires young people to see sports stars as role models in activism, not just on the court. Critics worry that this politicization alienates fans, leading to declining viewership, but data suggests otherwise: the NBA's embrace of social justice messaging during the 2020 bubble season didn't deter audiences; if anything, it deepened loyalty among progressive demographics.

Of course, there are valid concerns about how politics can be mishandled in sports. When activism devolves into performative gestures without substance, or when leagues exploit social issues for marketing, it undermines genuine progress. The NFL's handling of Kaepernick, where he was effectively blackballed despite his talent, highlights the risks athletes face when they step into the political arena. Balancing free expression with the commercial interests of sports is a delicate dance, but silencing voices isn't the solution. Instead, fostering open dialogue and protecting athletes' rights to speak can lead to more authentic and impactful change.

In conclusion, the plea to "keep politics out of sports" is a misguided attempt to preserve an illusion of purity that never existed. Sports have always been political, serving as battlegrounds for ideas, identities, and injustices. By allowing athletes to express their views, we enrich the cultural significance of sports and harness their power for societal good. Rather than resisting this reality, we should celebrate it—recognizing that the true spirit of competition extends beyond the field, into the fight for a better world. As long as sports reflect humanity in all its complexity, politics will remain an integral part, driving us toward progress one protest, one statement, and one game at a time.

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Read the Full The Enquirer Article at:
[ https://sports.yahoo.com/article/w-w-keep-politics-sports-041017950.html ]