It should be the same standard for athletes. In a political culture constantly paying homage to the working-class creed, few would – or should – say that such blue collar laborers must simply “shut up and work.” Because really, if a baseball manager or a basketball player somehow has no right to speak out, why should a plumber or a factory worker have that right? That sentiment should be offensive not just to athletes, but to anyone not of the professional political class. They assume that only certain kinds of establishment-vetted individuals – specifically, professional political operatives, politicians, pundits and reporters – have standing to promote political causes. On the surface, the jeremiad may seem perfectly reasonable – but its deeper suppositions are abhorrently elitist and anti-democratic. Summing up that belief in the wake of Guillen’s impolitic comments, Politico’s Jonathan Allen declared that athletes should “just shut up” and play. Many criticize this transformation, insisting that athletes should play ball and keep quiet about anything else. Indeed, fans now expect their sports deities to embrace that new normal – and, as James shows, those deities are increasingly responding to the call.
Such moves exemplify both personal courage and, as important, an America that has suddenly become politically engaged. Now, though, even carefully managed figures like James are weighing in on national controversies. James’ move best highlights the veering undercurrents.Īs the Bleacher Report’s Ryne Hodkowski noted, the NBA star for years mimicked Jordan and other 1990s-molded “corporate athletes who don’t say anything political in fear of losing a big-time contract.” Miami Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen (clumsily) highlighted the hypocrisy of an American government that at once embraces various dictators but shuns Cuba’s autocratic regime.Īnd, of course, LeBron James organized Miami Heat players into a hoodie-themed photo in solidarity with those demanding an investigation into the shooting of Trayvon Martin. The NFL players association has proudly supported public workers’ high profile fights.
No matter the issue, sports are now involved.
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