In a time with many controversial topics in society, many people choose to voice their own opinions. People hold demonstrations, strikes, and fundraisers in order to raise awareness or gain public support. Although many ordinary citizens love to take stands on certain issues, professional athletes and other prominent figures refuse to step into the spotlight. Kelly Candaele and Peter Dreier discuss this phenomenon in their article, Where Are the Jocks for Justice?.
Athletes are increasingly taking a stance on controversial issues
They claim that endorsements from sponsor’s and greater economic compensation having rendered political and social activism from star athletes obsolete. Their argument makes complete sense. Players would rather protect their multimillion dollar contract then speak out on an issue that may or may not make a difference. Can we blame them? The authors reveal a downward trend over the last couple of decades in terms of player’s activism, but there is some cause for hope in the future.
Some players have ignored the trends and contracts, and have taken a stand on controversial issues in the public eye. Homosexuality and gay marriage has always been a controversial topic. Star athletes have come forward in recent times to publicly support gay rights and marriage equality. Last year, NBA player Jason Collins came out as the first openly gay athlete playing in a major US team sport. He has been very successful athlete and enjoyed a long 12-season career in the NBA. Collins was the first player to take this leap despite any repercussions it may have had. This was more important to him than any sponsorships or endorsements. Since then, many other athletes have come out to support gay marriage.
Jason Collins, the first openly gay athlete in a major American team sport.
Many notable players with big time contracts and endorsements like MLB pitcher Justin Verlander, NHL goalie Henrik Lundqvist and NBA legend Charles Barkley. NFL hall of famer Michael Irvin spoke out for marriage equality and LGBT rights, saying he would support any athlete who comes out to the public. Floyd Mayweather Jr. publicly backed Barack Obama in endorsing gay marriage. Many athletes are realizing that some issues are more important than sports or endorsement deals, and are willing to take a stance.
I think the trend is promising and more athletes will become figureheads for controversial advocacies. After the death of Michael Brown, members of the St. Louis Rams team walked onto the football field with their hands up in protest of the jury’s decision not to indict the police officer responsible. In an article in Newsday, Barbara Barker discusses the hopeful trend in regards to this phenomenon. It seems that more and more star athletes today are openly taking stands on issues that many would shy away from in years prior. Lets hope this trend continues.
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