How Sports and Politics Intertwine to Reflect and Shape Our Society

Sports and politics, seemingly disparate realms, have been intricately intertwined throughout both American and global history, creating a complex and often contentious relationship. The intersection of these two spheres is undeniable, although often unappreciated, as athletes, teams, and major sporting events become platforms for expressing political views, fostering social change, and reflecting the broader societal landscape. There are people who care about politics but not sports and vice versa who are going to see the premise of this article and scoff because they arent personally attached to sports or the political discourse of the day, but i wish to lay out here just how truly inseparable they are. Sports have a unique ability to bring people together and they evoke strong emotions as a result. Sports provide individuals with a sense of identity and belonging to their favorite teams or atheltes, and this affiliation becomes a part of their personal identity. Seeing your favorite team succeed can be the highlight of your week and seeing your favorite athlete achieve the unthinkable can make you swell with pride. Sports are full of these moments, some of them inherently political in nature. From iconic moments that challenged oppressive ideologies to the present-day debates surrounding gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial biases, the intersection of sports and politics remains a dynamic and often contentious arena. While athletes have consistently utilized their platforms to advocate for social change, the current landscape exposes systemic issues within the sports world that mirror broader societal challenges. In this exploration, we delve into the historical context, the reflection of society within sports, and the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address discrimination, inequality, and the commodification of athletes. The evolving relationship between sports and politics serves as a microcosm of societal dynamics, demanding a thoughtful and inclusive approach for a more equitable future.

Historical Context

The 20th century witnessed a significant evolution in the relationship between sports and politics. The ideological and political landscape played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of major sporting events. One of the most well-known instances occurred during the 1936 Berlin Olympics, hosted by Nazi Germany. Adolf Hitler intended to use the Games as a platform to showcase Aryan supremacy. However, American athlete Jesse Owens shattered this narrative by winning four gold medals, defying racial stereotypes and challenging the Nazi regime’s racial ideology. This story is not only crucial for the shining inspiration it provides to all of us but also because it had real effects on American foreign policy, souring relations with the United States and Germany. It also helped bring forth the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, a pivotal period in which many other athletes became prominent voices in the struggle for racial equality. Baseball legend Jackie Robinson famously broke the color barrier in 1947, becoming the first African American to play in Major League Baseball.

Robinson’s achievements not only transformed the sports landscape but also inspired social change beyond the ballpark. The 1960s and 1970s saw a surge in athlete activism as sports became a platform for protesting injustice and advocating for various causes. The most obvious example here is Muhammad Ali, one of the greatest boxers of all time, who refused to be drafted into the Vietnam War, citing his opposition to the racial inequality prevalent in America. Ali’s stand against the war became a symbol of resistance and fueled the anti-establishment sentiment of the era. The 1968 Olympics in Mexico City became a stage for political protest when American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists in a Black Power salute during the medal ceremony. The gesture was a powerful statement against racial discrimination and inequality, capturing global attention and sparking debates about the role of athletes in addressing social issues. These historical moments set the stage for the modern relationship between sports and politics. The activism and courage displayed by athletes in the face of societal challenges paved the way for future generations to use their platforms for positive change. The legacy of these historical events continues to resonate, shaping the way athletes approach and engage with political issues in the present day.

Sports as a Reflection of Society

For better or worse, sports, beyond their role as entertainment or physical competition, often serve as a microcosm of the broader societal dynamics, reflecting and influencing cultural norms, values, and social attitudes. The intersection of sports and society is complex, with the world of athletics acting as both a mirror and a catalyst for change. The struggle for gender equality has been a prominent theme in both sports and society. Historically, sports were dominated mainly by men, and women faced barriers to participation. Over the years, the push for gender equality in sports has gained momentum. Icons like Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova challenged stereotypes, contributing to the acceptance and celebration of women in sports. Today, female athletes command attention and recognition, challenging societal norms about women’s roles in physical competition.

Unfortunately, It is true that despite the wealth and recognition female athletes deserve, they rarely get it. Casual sexism in discussions around women’s sports by casual male audiences and the sports media they consume is rampant, especially around women’s basketball. The rise of Iowa Hawkeyes star Point Guard Caitlin Clark is a prime example. Despite her play being incomparable to anyone else in college hoops, man or woman, the consensus online is that “she can play, but she still isn’t as good as your average man.” It’s a completely insane thing to say when the average man trying to shoot 3’s at your YMCA is not a trained athlete; he’s a plumber. Contributions made by women are overlooked or come with the caveat that it was a woman who did it, not someone who is trained and at the top of their craft.

The comparison is worse when we bring up homophobia in sports. The sports world has gradually become a platform for LGBTQ+ visibility and advocacy. Athletes such as Billie Jean King, who came out as gay, and more recent figures like Jason Collins and Megan Rapinoe have played pivotal roles in challenging stereotypes and promoting inclusivity. However, LGBTQ+ athletes still face challenges, and the sports arena serves as a reflection of the ongoing societal dialogue about acceptance, representation, and rights. Notable examples in recent years include the rainbow tape ban in the NHL after several players refused to participate in pro LGBTQ+ events with similar events happening in the MLB. Other examples are more subtle, such as just how many of these organizations are “completely straight” while women’s sports have far more LGBTQ+ representation and with percentages comparable to the general public. Between MLB, NFL, NBA, and NHL, there are roughly 2,400 active male professional athletes, and none of the active players are openly LBGTQ+, with the first gay NHL player being demoted to the minor leagues and the first gay NFL player having retired in September of 2023. Having previously mentioned the problems women face, the trans athlete “debate” amplifies that problem 10 fold.

Opponents of trans athletes express concerns about maintaining fair competition, especially in sports where physical advantages might be perceived to differ between biologically male and female athletes. They argue that these biological differences, such as muscle mass, bone density, and testosterone levels developed during puberty, could potentially provide an advantage in certain sports. Numerous examples exist, however, of “unfair” genetics playing a pivotal role in sports, such as Micheal Phelps’s genetically abnormal wingspan and lactic acid levels, which made it easier for him to dominate swimming internationally. Many female athletes have naturally elevated testosterone levels as well, as has been shown in bans for athletes who test positive for hyperandrogenism (excess sex hormone levels), something that could be a symptom of artificially inflating your testosterone levels but is also something that occurs naturally in many women. Many advocates have asserted that barring cisgender women with elevated testosterone levels from participating in women-only sports events constitutes a discriminatory practice, as it imposes penalties on athletes for a natural characteristic of their bodies.

Public perception plays a significant role in the debate. Some individuals hold preconceived notions or stereotypes about transgender people, which has influenced their stance on whether transgender athletes should be allowed to compete according to their gender identity. This has created significant political pressure in support of those seeking to capitalize on societal ignorance for political gain, resulting in changes to the laws and regulations regarding sport. Various jurisdictions and sports organizations are now navigating legal frameworks to determine the rights and eligibility of transgender athletes under new and ever-changing legislation. This can lead to situations where biological females who look, talk, and pass as men have to compete with the sex they were born into rather than the gender they identify with, leading to even more public outcry. Legal challenges to these laws often center around discrimination, human rights, and the right to participate without undue barriers. As societal understanding of gender identity evolves, so too does the conversation around transgender athletes, and there is hope as society has become increasingly tolerant of minorities in recent years, but it is still an uphill battle as trans athletes and activists will be the first to tell you.

Furthermore, racism has been a pervasive and deeply rooted issue in society, and its influence frequently extends into the realm of modern sports dialogue. Racism often manifests in the behavior of sports fans, leading to incidents of racial abuse or discrimination in stadiums and arenas. These incidents should prompt discussions about the responsibility of sports organizations to address and prevent fan-related racism however, these conversations on fan behavior rarely happen. Executives and PR teams will point out that the problem of fan racism intersects with broader societal discussions on education, tolerance, and combating prejudiced attitudes but then do nothing to facilitate or lead these discussions with their billions of dollars and massive platforms. If anything is done at all, it is mere lip service. The NFL put “end racism” on the back of the end zones, but that obviously did nothing to end racism or promote these conversations.

The media plays a significant role in all of this, of course. Even as athletes have become increasingly vocal about issues related to racial injustice and inequality, with high-profile cases, including Colin Kaepernick in the NFL or LeBron James in the NBA, sports media has seemingly been more keen to turn their message into a spectacle, debating and monetizing discussions about time and place rather than examining the issue at hand. Casual racism is often good for TV shows like Pat Macafee, who spent days joking about who would win a Whites vs Blacks NFL Pro Bowl. Podcasts like Pardon My Take constructed rosters of who would compete and debated where biracial athletes like Patrick Mahomes would play. I doubt exploiting racial stereotypes for profit was a conscious decision by the people behind these shows, but to a certain extent, it is for some, and that is undeniable.

White athletes have long been given code words such as “hardworking,” “sneakily athletic,” “blue collar,” “smart,” and more to describe their skill sets in scouting reports presented by the media, while African American athletes get called things like “Genetic freaks,” “uber athletes,” or “naturally gifted.” This affects how teams are constructed and how/why kids play certain sports and positions. White cornerbacks have long been a running joke as being a mostly extinct type of NFL player as what few collegiate white corners have existed; they have frequently been moved to the safety position or been used as more of a utility player on special teams while in the NFL. Until recently, black Quarterbacks were also considered a bit of a novelty. Black Quarterbacks have long been subject to outrages over “forced diversity” by conservative media personalities like Rush Limbaugh, and they have been discriminated against in subtle and not-so-subtle ways.

Geno Smith, for example, was barely given a shot by the New York Jets, and he didn’t get a chance to seriously compete as a starter in the NFL until 7 years later, in 2022, when he became the starter of the Seattle Seahawks. White Quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, who had similar struggles as Geno early on, were given a far longer leash to shine and that has done wonders for Mayfield’s career as he has seemingly found a home in Tampa Bay. The Tenessee Titans drafted 2 developmental QBs in back-to-back years recently, one white and one black. Starting QB Ryan Tannehill said of black quarterback Malik Willis, “It’s not my job to mentor him.” After a few short games where he struggled, something expected of most rookies, he was written off as a bust by the media and sidelined by the team. White QB Will Levis on the other hand has been mentored by Tannehill, and despite similar struggles to Willis outside of a 238-yard 4 TD game against the Atlanta Falcons in week 8 he continues to get the starting job by head coach Mike Vrabel over Willis, who after a year of development, might be better suited to the job.

I highly doubt any of this is conscious racial bias, If it was, it would get out like the Gruden Emails did. However conscious or not, racial bias is racial bias and it is unfair for athletes to be advantaged based on stereotypes surrounding skin color and not their skill as a player. Furthermore, white athletes are far more likely to be forgiven by the media than black athletes. Mike Vick famously was arrested for dog fighting, something he has shown compassion and remorse for, he was abandoned by the franchise that once made him their face and was banished to bounce from team to team until his retirement in 2015. Ben Roethlisberger, however, was routinely rehabilitated by the media, fans, and the NFL despite the multiple accusations of sexual assault against him. This can, in part, be racial bias but is far more likely to be because he still made the league lots of money, unlike Vick. At the end of the day, that is truly all that matters and we accept a lot of abhorrent and obvious corporate immorality so long as we still get a good product at the end of the day.

The NHL is the perfect encapsulation of this in my eyes. Despite its popularity, hockey remains a distant 4th in popularity among North American sports and, despite strong international interest, is rapidly falling behind MLS/FIFA. Why is this? There are likely numerous, but the simplest one is the economic barriers to entry. Baseball, Football, Soccer, and Basketball are readily available sports for the bulk of people to be able to play in some capacity relatively easily. Hockey requires specialized conditions with highly specialized and expensive equipment. Hockey games are expensive as well when considering tickets, concessions, transportation, merchandise, etc. This is largely a sport that has a rough-and-tumble reputation and culture that warrants itself a lot closer to a blue-collar base that would appreciate the hardcore competitive culture of hockey far more than middle and upper-middle-class suburbia who can actually afford to be hockey fans. This problem is not unique to the NHL, however as access to NFL and NBA games has become something increasingly difficult to obtain without spending hundreds of dollars a year on streaming services or tickets. So sports YouTubers who have the money to watch and analyze all of these games have far more power to set the tone of a season as subscribing to them is always free. This has a real impact on the free agency market, the hiring and firing of coaches, roster construction, etc, because GM’s listen to the fans

Players are often also treated poorly by teams, and this is viewed casually at best if not encouraged by fans and the media. The prevailing attitude is that these men make millions of dollars, so why should I care about them being mistreated? The truth is that the vast majority of pro athletes have incredibly short careers due to circumstances largely outside of their control. As any NFL fan can tell you, the draft is fickle. Players who look like sure-fire all-pro talents never translate at the next level, while players who did well in college go overlooked for one reason or another and get drafted low, and after injuries or benching or a trade, they shine as stars at the professional level. Tom Brady, widely considered to be the greatest Quarterback in NFL history, was infamously a 6th-round draft pick while countless examples exist of QBs being drafted in the first round and flaming out. If not for Drew Bledsoe getting injured, we would not know the legend of Brady. Many players have been drafted into a bad situation and then shined at a later date. Trevor Lawrance is widely considered one of the top players in the NFL today, but going off his rookie season alone, you’d be forgiven for thinking he would end up a bust. However, after his head coach, Urban Myer, flamed out in historic fashion and was replaced by Super Bowl winning head coach Doug Peterson, Lawrance and the Jacksonville Jaguars made a complete turnaround.

There are countless players who, through random injury or by being forced into a bad playing situation if they wanted to go pro, have their careers artificially shortened. The money they make is largely not guaranteed as well, meaning out of a $25 million contract, they may only be owed $7 million of that when accounting for taxes, incentives, and other cap space shenanigans designed to save the team money at the expense of the player. Now, $7 million is life-changing money for the average American, but it should go without saying that the average professional athlete is not your average American. These are young people who have friends and family to support them, bad influences encouraging them to spend thousands at clubs and on cars, they have to pay agents, accountants, and more, and after taxes, they are still left with a decent chunk of change, but that money is supposed to last them the rest of their lives. That kind of work you can only do for so long before your body breaks down. Despite that, some do find careers in broadcasting or something else where they can capitalize on their fame and image, but that is rarely the case. Even big names like William “The Refrigerator” Perry, who was frequently on television well into his retirement, had to pick up work as a bricklayer to try and make ends meet while he struggled with his health. Many superbowl winners end up selling off their rings and other memorabilia to try and make money post-retirement as many professional athletes don’t finish college. Those who do rarely find work in those fields as they’ve spent the last 4 to 10+ years working in an entirely different industry, and they have no relevant work experience.

It is easy to want to scapegoat the owners for all of this. After all, there are several notable examples of owner greed impacting players and fans. The Washington Commanders of the NFL are perhaps the most infamous example of poor ownership under former owner Dan Snyder. From refusing to change the team’s racist name until an advertiser boycott to millions of dollars in payouts to female employees who were sexually assaulted and harassed by members of staff, profiting off the murder of Sean Taylor while showing little in the way of sympathy to his fans or his legacy on the team and in the community, and lastly having team offices raided by the FBI and DEA. It wasn’t until he was exposed for having stolen from other owners via the revenues sharing agreement that he was forced to sell the team. This means that so long as he kept making everyone else rich, no one cared how bad of a person he was, even with all the harmful and illicit behaviors going on under his supervision. We see this mindset in how owners handle players as well. As previously mentioned with Ben Roethlisberger and his alleged assaults, he was rehabilitated by the team and media. Deshaun Watson was given 230 million dollars guaranteed by the Cleveland Browns after criminal charges were dismissed and civil cases were settled for over 20 cases of sexual assault. His contract was even structured in a way to minimize the amount of money he would lose in a suspension by the NFL. Star Wide Receiver Tyreek Hill has a history of legal problems relating to assault and domestic violence that is rarely mentioned in the media. Cristiano Ronaldo paid $375,000 in hush money to a woman after he allegedly Raped her in Las Vegas, and after a civil case was brought up, this still had little material impact on his playing time and sponsorships. Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. was arrested and charged with assault. The victim, his girlfriend, former WNBA player Kysre Gondrezick, was left with a fractured neck vertebra and cut above her right eye. Prosecutors allege Porter didn’t stop attacking her until she ran out of the hallway covered in blood, screaming and begging for help. The NBA is full of notable players who have been accused of crimes against women. Jason Kidd, Jason Richardson, Matt Barnes, Kobe Bryant, Rajon Rondo, Chauncey Billups, and Kristaps Porzingis have all been accused of domestic or sexual violence, just to name a few notable examples. Despite this, the legacy of these players is hardly ever tarnished by these cases and is hardly discussed by fans or media past the lifetime of the accusation.

If sports are a reflection of society, then American society is one permeated by greed and unrealistic expectations for employees by employers. It is deeply misogynistic, racist, and homophobic, and attempts to address this will be met with laughs or disdain. It encourages participating in an unhealthy rat race where African Americans and women who show competence in their field will be overlooked and given far less room to succeed than their less capable white male counterparts. It is one where a good life is expensive to obtain, and once you have it, those at the top will continue to take from you. Hard work and talent are only rewarded if you make people money, and even then, your hard work and talent may be ignored or taken from you through no fault of your own. When that happens, you will have little to fall back on or show for everything you have done until you have to start all over again. Bad behavior and bad people are protected and rewarded so long as they are talented enough and so long as the heat never affects the bottom line for too long. This is not a positive sign for American society or American sports, so what can be done?

Addressing the Problem

The complex issues raised here require a multi-faceted approach, focusing on the sporting world. A good start would be to promote equality and diversity within sports. Sports organizations should actively develop and implement diversity and inclusion programs aimed at creating a more welcoming environment for individuals of all backgrounds. These programs could include educational workshops, seminars, and training sessions for athletes, coaches, and staff. The goal is to raise awareness about different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences, fostering a more inclusive atmosphere within the sports community. MLB’s Diversity and Inclusion Program has its problems, but it is one of the better programs in professional sports, given the diverse nature of MLB. The NCAA plays a pivotal role in ensuring that athletes, regardless of their gender, race, sexual orientation, or other characteristics, have equal opportunities in terms of recruitment, training, and advancement. This involves implementing reforms to guarantee fair and unbiased selection processes for athletes, providing equal access to resources, and addressing any systemic barriers that may hinder the progress of certain groups. Professional sports leagues should encourage diverse representation at all levels of sports organizations, including leadership roles, coaching staff, and administrative positions. When athletes see individuals from various backgrounds in influential positions, it sends a powerful message of inclusivity and helps break down stereotypes. The NBA is the best example of this with 15 African American head coaches in the 2022/23 season although they still lack diversity of gender and race in the majority of other front office positions.

Some practices are already in place, with clear protocols for addressing instances of discrimination within sports organizations. This includes procedures for reporting and investigating incidents, as well as zero-tolerance policies for discrimination, racism, sexism, and homophobia with consequences for those found responsible. The biggest problem is that these are not communicated and enforced consistently. Many of these languages have incorporated diversity in marketing and promotional materials to reflect the diverse fan base and athlete community. This has not only helped challenge stereotypes but also sent a positive message about the inclusivity of the sports organization. Celebrating diverse athletes and their achievements can have a significant impact on shaping public perceptions and society at large. Sports organizations actively engage with the underrepresented members of their communities, fostering partnerships with grassroots organizations, schools, and community groups. Most notably the NFL actively promotes philanthropy by players, teams, and even fans. This involves outreach programs, sports clinics, and initiatives that promote access to sports for individuals who may face barriers due to economic, social, or cultural reasons. Regularly assessing the effectiveness of diversity and inclusion initiatives through surveys, feedback mechanisms, and ongoing dialogue with athletes and stakeholders is key to shaping both sport and society. Using this information to make improvements, adjust policies as needed, and ensure that the organization remains committed to fostering an inclusive sports environment will continue to promote healthy attitudes within the sports we love.

Representation also matters. One of the critical aspects of promoting inclusivity in sports is ensuring diverse representation at all levels of leadership within sports organizations. This includes board members, executives, coaches, and other decision-makers. When people from diverse backgrounds are involved in decision-making processes, it contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of various perspectives and helps combat systemic biases. Ensuring transparency in hiring practices by providing clear criteria for leadership positions and making these criteria accessible to the public. This transparency helps hold organizations accountable for their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Additionally, organizations can more publicly share data on the demographic composition of their leadership teams to showcase their progress over time and help encourage other teams to do the same. Campaigns against racism, sexism, and discrimination can help create a more informed and empathetic fan base. Encouraging positive fan behavior and addressing incidents of discrimination in stadiums and arenas is crucial. Leveraging fan engagement on social media to disseminate educational content would be a crucial step in this. Creating engaging and shareable materials that can reach a wide audience to share stories, facts, and perspectives that promote understanding, representation, and challenge stereotypes. Forming partnerships with advocacy groups and organizations that focus on social issues can provide valuable insights, resources, and networks to enhance the impact of these educational campaigns. Collaborating with established advocacy groups also lends credibility to the sports organization’s commitment to positive social change. Making these educational resources easily accessible to the public further educate fans and contributes to a broader dissemination of knowledge beyond the immediate sports community.

By embracing player empowerment organizations can further play a pivotal role in fostering positive societal change as these efforts go beyond the realm of sports, contributing to a more just, inclusive, and responsible world. We should encourage athletes to use their platforms for social activism and positive change. Embrace the idea that athletes have the right to express their opinions on social and political issues. Empower them to be vocal advocates for causes they believe in, acknowledging that their influence extends beyond the field or court. Foster a supportive environment for athlete activism within sports organizations. Recognize that athletes may engage in activism as a means of addressing societal issues and promoting positive change. Offer resources, education, and organizational backing to athletes who wish to use their visibility to advocate for social justice. Provide legal support and resources for athletes facing discrimination, harassment, or other legal challenges. Establish partnerships with legal advocacy groups to ensure that athletes have access to the assistance they need when navigating legal issues related to their careers or personal lives long after they retire. Corporate responsibility and engaging in legislation and legal advocacy is arguabley the most important change that can be made. Prioritizing ethical sourcing and partnerships in all business operations, ensuring that sponsorships, endorsements, and business relationships align with the organization’s values, emphasizing social responsibility and inclusivity is important. Transparency in reporting corporate social responsibility efforts such as shareing progress, challenges, and outcomes of initiatives through regular reports and public communications builds trust and accountability, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to making a positive difference. Players, franchises, or even entire leagues advocating for inclusive policies at local, national, and international levels will have an important impact as has historically been shown. Utilize the organization’s influence to engage with lawmakers and impact legislative change. Whether it involves addressing issues within the sports industry or advocating for broader societal issues, sports organizations can contribute to legislative discussions and support initiatives that promote equality, diversity, and social justice within the sports industry and society as a whole.

Final Thoughts

The intricate relationship between sports and politics has shaped and reflected the societal landscape throughout history as athletes have consistently used their platforms to drive social change. However, the current state of sports mirrors a society grappling with deep-rooted issues of sexism, racism, and discrimination. The challenges faced by female athletes, the LGBTQ+ community, and the ongoing debate surrounding transgender athletes highlight the complex dynamics within sports. Instances of racism and the media’s role in perpetuating stereotypes further underscore the need for systemic change. The commercialization of sports often overlooks the well-being of athletes, contributing to a culture that prioritizes profit over the rights and dignity of individuals. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach. Initiatives promoting equality and diversity, transparency in leadership positions, and strong anti-discrimination policies within sports organizations are crucial. Fan education campaigns and partnerships with advocacy groups can foster a more informed and empathetic community. Empowering athletes to use their voices for social change and holding organizations accountable for their corporate responsibility are essential steps toward a more just and inclusive sports landscape. In the end, the issues within sports are reflections of broader societal problems. By acknowledging these challenges and actively working towards solutions, sports can become a positive force for change, influencing not only the games we watch but also the society we live in. The path ahead demands a commitment to inclusivity, justice, and the understanding that sports can play a pivotal role in shaping a more equitable world.