As with many aspects of society, even sports can be political. Whether or not this is the way they should be, the fact of the matter is, they are. In the midst of the holiday season, writing about this topic seems to be irrelevant, but with recent release of a video of Oklahoma running back Joe Mixon punching a woman in 2014, I think it’s time to address all of the politics that are really involved in the sports world.
Athletes are undoubtedly treated differently than the “Average Joes’.” They get out of civil matters like speeding tickets, and are sometimes even given the benefit of the doubt in more criminal matters like drug use and domestic violence. Now, the latter can be more controversial to discuss, as many times there are videos or other clear evidence that can put down the athlete. However, until recently, domestic violence cases were not nearly as popular (or just not published about as frequently). Drug use is a very common situation athletes put themselves in though, and can often get away with it to a certain extent compromised upon, if not entirely. While these are a majority of the political disputes between everyday civilians and athletes, and even between different athletes, there is a lot more to this political painting in sports.
Sports can even be political between teams, organizations, coaches and parents. For example, my brother is in middle school and is dealing with drama on his school basketball team. Part of the team plays for one competitive team outside of school, while other teammates play for a different competitive program. Unfortunately, this has added a level of drama to the school team that is causing players to not play well together, and preventing any kind of chemistry at all between players because they are only comfortable, and some only willing, to play with the teammates who also play on their competitive team. To think this is happening so early in their athletic careers is astonishing and unreasonable, as these are the years they are developing and training to become exceptionally skilled in a certain position or sport in hopes of letting the sport carry them through high school, and maybe even college. The politics don’t stop here though.
Gender is another political (and social) aspect that can cause controversy in sports. Whether it’s letting boys and girls play on the same teams growing up, or playing against each other for additional practice later in life, gender seems to be a prevailing form of judgment in the world of sports. Furthermore, gender can even become a stereotype in regards to coaches, reporters and sports journalists. This, I can personally relate to, as I am working toward my dream of being a sports journalist myself. These occupations are typically performed by men, though some women like Erin Andrews and Samantha Ponder have shone an incredible light on women in sports reporting. These women act as role models for me because of the perseverance, determination and confidence they demonstrate every day in the workforce.
Another source of controversy and political/ social injustice in sports is in regards to ability. For example, Special Olympics is a program that allows youth and young adults who have mental and physical disabilities to participate in individual and team sports. Having coached a Special Olympics cheer team myself, my eyes were completely opened to a new world of sports that should not be seen as such. This should be just as publicized, covered and promoted as much as any other collegiate or professional program, given that it provides and incredible opportunity for athletes with disabilities to have a program to represent. Wheelchair sports is another up-and-coming form of sports for individuals with physical disabilities to play in. I volunteered with a program in Tucson, Ariz. called Juniors Active in Wheelchair Sports (JAWS), which offered able-bodied athletes and athletes with disabilities alike to unite on the court, in wheelchairs, playing sports and games. This is the kind of example that needs to be set on a grander scale. Unifying athletes of all ages and abilities would give a healthier, kinder outlet in a world where drama, discrimination and judgment exists in many other aspects of society.
While there are many other examples of how political something as fun and entertaining as sports can be that I did not touch on, these are some major areas that I felt deserved attention. Professional and even collegiate athletes will always have different treatment than other citizens, so that is something we will have to try to limit, but also accept. However, in regards to the competition between teams and programs, it needs to remain healthy. Starting so much rivalry between programs in middle school is not justified, and needs to take place outside of the team players from each program are playing on. Rivalry is thrilling, exciting and motivating, don’t get me wrong (hell, that’s why sports is so exciting). But, there is a time and place and an appropriate way of competing against other programs, and it’s not when the different programs are represented on a third team together. Finally, the gender stereotypes need to be put to rest. I understand the origins and reasoning as to why the roles exist, but in today’s society, this is unacceptable. Eliminating discrimination in sports, whether this be in regards to race, ethnicity, gender or some other characteristic, will make the field (literally) so much friendlier and accepting, and focus can be put on the nature of competition in the game.
