Let Sports Be Sports

This past Sunday, many of you watched the Philadelphia Eagles triumph over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, denying the back-to-back Super Bowl champions from winning a third straight championship. Traditionally, we watch the big game with family, friends, and loved ones. This is what makes sports great, it has long served as the great American unifier, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds who share a common love for the game or a team. Whether it’s football, basketball, baseball, or any other sport, the field of play has traditionally been where politics is left behind, and competition, teamwork, and skill take the center stage. 

However, in recent years, the lines between sports and politics have become increasingly blurred, leading to division and controversy. While political activism has its place in society, injecting it into sports is not a great idea as it risks undermining the very essence of what makes sports the powerful and unifying force in America.

One of the most compelling reasons to keep politics out of sports is their ability to unite people. Fans from different political ideologies, backgrounds, and walks of life sit side by side in stadiums, cheer for their favorite teams, and bond over the shared excitement of competition. This unity is becoming increasingly rare in a world that is increasingly polarized by political disagreements. Sports provide an escape from the constant barrage of political arguments and ideological clashes. When I worked on political campaigns, where the grind is non-stop, there was no better escape than tuning in to an exciting playoff matchup or a classic rivalry game. By keeping politics out, sports can continue to be a space where people come together, rather than creating another battleground for political disputes.

When politics are inserted into sports, teams and leagues risk alienating significant portions of their fan base. In recent years, we’ve seen numerous examples of political statements made by athletes, teams, and leagues that have sparked backlash from fans who simply want to enjoy the game without being confronted with political messaging. A more recent example of this is when Major League Baseball moved the all-star game out of Atlanta to Colorado to protest Georgia’s implementation of voter ID laws.

Many fans turn to sports as a form of entertainment and relief from the stress of everyday life, including politics. When sports become a platform for political agendas, fans who disagree feel unwelcome or even betrayed by the teams they once supported. For example, back in 2016, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick started kneeling for the national anthem. He faced intense backlash from all fans. His advocacy for his so-called “cause” started spreading around the league. More and more players started kneeling. The NFL has since cracked down on this by fining players who choose to kneel. Which is why we no longer see players disrespecting the red, white, and blue.

Another issue with mixing sports and politics is that it can create unnecessary distractions for athletes and teams. Political controversies can overshadow the game itself, shifting focus away from athletic performance and onto debates that have little to do with sports. During the 2024 election, political ads started popping up in downtown Philadelphia showcasing the Eagle’s support for former Vice President Kamala Harris. At the time, it would have made sense for them to support Harris since Eagles owner Jeffery Lurie has donated millions of dollars to members of the Democratic Party. The Birds then released a statement saying the ads were counterfeit and did not reflect the opinions of the organization. In the end, the ads were removed. 

An athlete’s primary focus should be on their training, teamwork, and competition without the added pressure of navigating politically charged situations. The integrity of the game suffers when political disputes take precedence over the sport itself.

Sports leagues and teams function best when they remain politically neutral. When leagues take political stances, they risk alienating fans, sponsors, and even athletes who may not agree with the position being taken. It is perfectly fine for athletes to advocate for causes they care about. For example, former Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy, former Patriots Tight End Benjamin Watson, and Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker have been outspokenly pro-life. By remaining neutral during the field of play, teams and players can ensure that their primary focus remains on promoting athletic excellence, fair competition, and an inclusive environment for all fans, regardless of political beliefs.

Politics have their place in society, and athletes, like all individuals, have the right to express their views as they see fit. However, sports should remain a neutral ground where people can come together and enjoy the game without being drawn into political debates. Keeping politics out of sports ensures the continuation of the great American unifier, fostering camaraderie and a shared passion rather than spreading division.