Essay: Should Sports be Consumed by Politics?

Politics have had a growing position in sports, since Jackie Robinson first stepped foot onto a professional baseball field. The constant debate of whether politics should take place in sports torments family dinners every night. The day Colin Kaepernick sat during the national anthem (which progressed into kneeling) marked a turning point in this discussion, where the conversation became exasperated by his choice to “disrespect the flag.” This movement slowly seeped into other sports, including baseball and basketball. Some of the biggest athletes, including Lebron James, began to wear clothing that sported a political slogan or message. These athletes have been placed in a position, where they have the power to influence people around the nation, the world even. All athletes should advocate for what they believe in, even if people disagree with it.
Traditionalist and even politicians argue for a separation of “church” and state. The professional American leagues have also shown every sign of wanting to distance themselves from political friction. These traditionalist argue that “once they express a strong political opinion, they lessen something important entertainment provides: a break from the ardent and all‑encompassing politics” (Domenech 2). Watching the game with friends and family issues a safe haven from all the dividing factors found in daily life that make Americans feel angry and bitter. When an influential figure “sticks to sports” they present an environment in which people can communicate without worrying about legislative decisions and political tension. Jonah Goldberg, senior editor of the National Review, stated that “This country was founded on the notion that politics should not govern every important issue in our lives”(3). This easy conversation point helps to become closer with who we may have initially identified as our enemy. Sports help to create a world where people can feel free to share a moments with anyone. We can spend time with people “without catching ourselves wondering how they voted. That is the healthier way to live, particularly in the era of Donald Trump” (Domenech 2). This world without controversy and political squabbling may be far fetched but unifying in sports can definitely be the first step.
The founding belief that all people deserve the right to life, liberty, and property makes America, America. Anyone can parade the flag and call themselves a proud American, but until they champion the right to life, liberty, and property, they are no better than the same men who carry out the lynchings and murders of innocent men. The founding fathers fought for these ideologies, “allegiance to those Founding principles is what defines a patriotic American, not whether he or she stands or kneels while an anthem about the flag is performed” (Friedersdorf 2). Along with the belief stated previously, freedom of speech has been one of the founding ideals of America. To not exercise this freedom would be mindless. To prohibit players from exercising this freedom would be tyrannical. These players, idols, and influencers have been given the gift to spread their message through their prominent position in society. If a player wishes to take a knee or raise their fist during the national anthem, they should be able to do so without being shut down. Taking a knee has never been an offensive action; in actuality it represents the exact opposite. Taking a knee occurs at many sacred moments and places, whether it be at church or when a coach wants to talk to the team. Kneeling has been a sign of not only respect but also of reverence. Someone does not kneel for just anything, rather, this action “declared that there was something beyond me, greater than me, that needed to be honored in the most obvious and straightforward way possible: by kneeling down”(Bretherton 1). Kneeling during the national anthem is not meant to disrespect the flag or the country; it is meant solely to ask the question– why are innocent black men being killed?
Politics should be involved in sports, are involved in sports, and will forever take place in sports. These professional players are given an outlet where they can preach their message and be heard by millions. To say that kneeling during the national anthem disrespects the country is foolish and ignorant. People kneel for someone they love, care for, and most importantly trust. Kneeling signals reverence, not disdain. Our founding fathers fought for the right to life, liberty, and property. Our founding fathers fought for the freedom of speech. One should not fear the repercussions of speaking their mind; they should embrace the culture of today’s society, that has become politics.