Why Are Some Fans Against Sports and Politics Playing Together?

BY: JENN MADISON | JULY 6, 2023

This article relates to our infographic “Sports and Politics: Should they play together?”

1,054 Americans were asked in a 2016 survey by Civis Analytics: “What do you think is good and/or bad about politics mixing with sports (for example, athletes endorsing candidates or talking about issues)?” Unlike the other questions in the survey, this opened-ended question allowed participants, of which almost three-fourths were self-identified avid sports fans, to write in their own words. From the answers, there were five commonly used reasons against sports and politics mixing.

Let’s dive into each of these reasons and think critically about what they imply or assume.

A dangerous influence: The fan blindside

The most common reason mentioned against sports and politics mixing – or playing together – was that athletes could have a dangerous influence on fans who idolize and blindly follow them. (Used by 16% of participants who were against politics and sports mixing.) Many participants mentioned concerns about athletes influencing people who can’t think for themselves, won’t make their own decisions, and won’t do enough research.

But let’s think about this reason – it assumes that many sports fans are stupid, naïve, gullible, and lazy. At least, enough fans for it to be a concern. But are that many fans really like that? And it’s a bit ironic that fans think this about other fans, don’t you think?

Athletes are unqualified: Where is the starting line?

The second most common reason mentioned (with 8%) was that athletes are unqualified to talk about politics. Many participants called athletes dumb, idiots, not experts, or not educated enough to talk about political subjects. They argued fame doesn’t equal intelligence.

So, let’s think about this reason critically. Well, for one, it plays into the “dumb jock” stereotype. Just because athletes play sports, doesn’t mean they aren’t smart. Many have college educations and/or are knowledgeable in politics. Which leads to the question – what counts as “qualified” enough? Who is considered an “expert”? A politician? Are non-politicians not allowed to talk about politics or share their views at all? And what level of experience and education do you need to be able to speak about politics? Even between politicians, education and experience levels vary. So where do we draw the line?

Keep political views private: Who’s allowed to take a swing?

The argument that athletes should keep their political views private was the third most common reason against sports and politics playing together (with 8%). Participants argued that athletes should express their opinion off the field and keep their politics to themselves.

Again, this argument makes you question – who is allowed to express their political views?

Escapism and community: Blindsided by patriotism

The fourth most common reason mentioned against sports and politics playing together (with 8%) was that sports are an escape from the real world and provide a sense of community that can be disrupted if politics become involved. Participants argued that sports act as a break from politics and a fun distraction, and the mixing of sports and politics ruin that experience.

But let’s think about this reason – politics are already deeply connected to sports (See our “Why Sports and Politics” blog). And aspects of politics like the national anthem and flag at the beginning of games are overlooked by survey participants as political. Since it’s so embedded in sports culture, this militaristic nationalism becomes white noise.

Stick to sports: The problem with seeing politics as out-of-bounds

Athletes should “stick to sports” was the fifth most common reason mentioned (with 7%). The argument included how athletes are being paid to play sports, and politics aren’t their job. Some participants mentioned political talk as distracting for the athletes, and that they should focus on what they’re good at.

This argument sees athletes as one-dimensional – only a player. Is playing sports the only thing athletes should be allowed to do? You could put this in the perspective of other occupations and people – artists should stick to drawing, students should stick to academics. It limits athletes to only being able to do one thing. And is playing sports the only thing an athlete can be good at?

Be sure to watch “Throwin’ Clichéd Episode #1: Shut Up and Dribble or Shut Up & [Insert Word Here]” in our video series for more on how to think critically about this argument!

Here at WYJS, we know that sports and politics have always been, and will continue to be connected. We encourage those who believe sports and politics shouldn’t mix to think critically about the history of sports and politics, political aspects of sports you may have overlooked, what your argument assumes about athletes and fans, and who your beliefs restrict from speaking out on political issues.