Why Sports And Politics Should Never Mix | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

Why Sports And Politics Should Never Mix

Sports and politics are not a good combination at all. Here's why.

13554
Why Sports And Politics Should Never Mix

In today’s world, it’s very hard to not hear about politics or sports wherever you are. Whether it’s controversy surrounding the upcoming election or Stephen Curry and the Warriors, chances are, you’ll hear about sports and politics more than you wish during the average day. And, very recently, the two have mixed.

 

And that’s a bad thing.

 

There are blatant examples, such as Colin Kaepernick’s National Anthem protests, and there are hidden instances, such as players endorsing certain candidates on social media. But whatever the topic is, the player receives criticism one way or the other.

 

And here’s why that happens.

 

Politics are a very serious issue for some people – a subject that gets people very heated at times, such as myself.

 

Sports, on the other hand, are supposed to be an escape from the everyday world for most people. Sure, some people (writers, gamblers, die-hard fans) are invested in the game on a different level, but even to those extends, it’s an escape from the normal life.

 

I consider myself a die-hard fan, and sports are a very big deal to me. That’s largely due to the fact that it’s an escape for me. For three hours, I can watch or attend a ball game and not worry about life. I also play a sport – baseball – and for the three hours when I’m on the pitcher’s mound, it’s therapeutic. Nothing else matters but the game.

 

Politics, on the other hand, are a serious issue – especially in the year 2017. There’s no denying it – the upcoming election will greatly impact our country’s history. To most people, it’s a subject that causes great stress and works them up.

 

Those people go to sports for an escape. And sports are sports, and politics are politics.

 

I’ve noticed that whenever an athlete voices their opinion on the election or social issues, they get destroyed for it. And that’s because people like them as athletes – not politicians – who take their minds away from politics.

 

And the controversy …

 

Athletes should realize that no matter what they say about a politician or political issue, no matter how innocently they do it, they will be heavily criticized by one side – they can’t win.

 

Just a few days ago, certain NFL players voiced their opinion on Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump. The article, published by BleacherReport, received hundreds of comments – most of them not positive. The crux of the comments’ messages: sports and politics don’t mix well.

 

So, to all athletes voicing their political opinions: Yes, you have freedom of speech. But please don’t bring politics into sports.

 

It won’t please anybody.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

154883
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

42807
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

38105
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments