Politics in sports
by the Fans leaving and viewership declinnumbers ing, politics and sports just do not mix COMMENTARY BY ADRIEL CORTES, STAFF WRITER
F
OR YEARS, SPORTS the way they feel politically about something, have been a source associations such as the NBA advertising social of unity between and political issues can have more negative families and friends. consequences than benefits. However, after seeing different For example, a game between the Milwaukee instances like the LGBTQ+ Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers in the 2020 discrimination because of Qatar’s political views playoffs saw a 41 percent decrease in viewership or anti-American sentiments before NBA games, compared to games in 2019 since the social justice it is hard to ignore the political tensions that take campaigns started according to a Newsweek away from the fun of the sport. Sports and politics article. Making the statement as important as the should remain completely separate to maintain event can lead to a decline in ratings and interest in the community aspect of sports that fans love so sports, which decreases viewership and can cause much. more disinterest in social dilemmas. According There has been a series of security forces to a Newsweek poll, 34.5% of people have been in Qatar that have been violating the rights of watching less sports in 2021 due to social justice LGBTQ+ soccer fans watching the World Cup. campaigns. According to an article published by the Human Yet, this does not mean that all political Rights Watch, stadium security officers have been statements should be removed from sports games. inflicting verbal and physical abuse, as well as For example, the national anthem is sung at the denying legal counsel and beginning of every sports medical care for LGBTQ+ game. The history behind DID YOU KNOW? soccer fans holding that goes back to World Only about 27% of all fans War II. The national rainbow flags throughout agree that they want to hear anthem would be sung the tournament. Additionally, about political opinions of only once in major events according to the people involved when they like the World Series in the Washington Post, any fan Major League Baseball tune into sports. wearing a rainbow symbol organization, but out of Source: Forbes or holding a rainbow respect for the lives lost in flag that represents the the war, the MLB decided LGBTQ+ community have been denied entry into to begin singing the national anthem at the the stadiums and confronted by public officials. beginning of every game as a sign of patriotism However, according to CNN, a Qatari government and unity in the country. official told them prior to the World Cup that Qatar Nowadays, there are people that refuse to would be inclusive and open to all fans, regardless stand up for the national anthem in sports games of their background. Qatari officials should not making the tradition more political than it has to take away the rights of visiting LGBTQ+ fans be, taking away from the fun of the game. Instead because of the country’s unjust politics, especially of using sports to unite fans behind a common if they promised to accept them beforehand. opinion or cause, people are trying to use every By breaking their promise to be inclusive and opportunity they have to showcase their political arresting those fans that were simply representing opinions and take away from the focus of the their identities, Qatar unneccesarily brought game. politics into the game of soccer and hindered the “The national anthem should not be taken ability of some to just enjoy the game they love. away as it is a representation of a nation. People “Qatar agreed to set aside their internal have the right to voice their opinions, however it politics to make an inclusive place for the World should not be the main focus in sports games,” Cup and I don’t think they fulfilled their side of JROTC student John Trueba said. the deal,” senior Thomas Cancino said. Sports are a way to form bonds with others Going beyond the 2022 World Cup, political and enjoy watching something together as simple statements like supporting the Black Lives Matter as a ball game. Political talk should not use movement have been promoted by the National sports as a platform to voice an opinion since it Basketball Association. Although players and almost always takes away from the fun of the commentators always have the right to express game. h
highlights surveyed 169 students in December 2022 regarding politics in sports
71% of students do not agree with Qatar’s policies in the World Cup.
59%
of students believe that players and their actions should be separated from their sport.
83% of students have noticed negative impacts politics have had on sports.
78% believe politics should not be brought up in sports.
Compiled by Alexander Brazda/highlights
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