At the Heart of the Dispute: Sports and Politics

October 24, 2023

Over time, sports have become a stage from which to express political and social opinions.
Thus, there are many instances where sports and politics have gone hand in hand.

But where is the boundary drawn? And how should organizations navigate these waters?

Mexico City, 1968

During the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised a black-gloved fist on the podium in protest against racial discrimination in the U.S..

This bold gesture led to their suspension from the U.S. Olympic team, but it left an indelible mark in sports history as an example of political resistance.

Taking a Knee

Colin Kaepernick, an American football player, brought protest into the heart of the NFL by choosing to kneel during the national anthem to contest police brutality and oppose racial injustice.

This choice sparked a wave of solidarity from colleagues but also drew criticism and controversy, prompting the NFL to reconsider its stance on political demonstrations.

Black Lives Matter and the NBA

One of the most resonant examples of the impact of the Black Lives Matter movement occurred in the NBA.

Indeed, during the resumption of the 2019-2020 season, in the context of the so-called Covid-19 bubble in Orlando, many players, coaches, and staff members wore shirts in support of BLM and other civil rights causes.

Additionally, the movement’s logo was painted on the court where the games took place.

The decision was not without controversy: some argued that sports should not be a place to voice political stances, while others praised the NBA and its players for their stance.

Politics Beyond the Pitch

Beyond athletes, organizations often find themselves entangled in political issues.

The 1980 and 1984 Olympics, for instance, experienced significant boycotts due to Cold War tensions.

More recently, FIFA’s decision to host the 2022 World Cup in Qatar raised concerns and questions about human rights, especially considering the conditions of the workers involved in stadium construction.

Treading Carefully in Sports and Politics

Sports organizations must necessarily be cautious when it comes to politics.

While there’s a desire to respect athletes’ freedom of expression, there’s also the risk of alienating a portion of the audience.

History has shown that it’s nearly impossible to entirely separate sports from politics.

An Enduring Duality Between Sports and Politics

Often, athletes feel the responsibility to use their visibility to champion important causes.

However, sports organizations must strike a balance and preserve the unifying, not divisive, power of sports.

This topic, like many intertwining society, culture, and politics, is intricate and constantly evolving.

One thing is certain: sports, with their ability to capture global attention, will continue to be at the heart of significant social and political debates.

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