San Francisco 49er quarterback Colin Kaepernick made headlines earlier this year when he made a deafeningly silent statement — a decision to protest racial inequality by taking a knee during the national anthem.
And whether or not one thinks the cause is just or the action appropriate, it did show that an athlete can be the catalyst for a national discussion on issues that are bigger than sports.
Most athletes appear to shy away from political discussion, but with Election Day on Tuesday, it might interest some to know which sports figures are endorsing candidates and why.
Lebron James, arguably the most popular athlete in the United States, reportedly endorsed democratic nominee Hillary Clinton last month in an exclusive statement to Business Insider.
James said his support for Clinton stems from a mission to provide kids from low-income families and single-parent homes better opportunities and support.
“Only one person running truly understands the struggles of an Akron child born into poverty,” James said in an op-ed piece posted on businessinsider.com. “And when I think about the kinds of policies and idea the kids in my foundation need from our government, the choice is clear.”
The NBA superstar and fellow Cleveland Cavalier J.R. Smith joined Clinton on the campaign trail Sunday in his home state of Ohio, according to USA Today.
“This woman right here has the brightest future for our world,” James said in a video posted on the website.
Ohio’s 18 electoral votes could go a long way towards deciding the presidential race, as most believe the state is a “toss-up” due to tight polling numbers. i
Another high-profile athlete to support Clinton for president is United States women’s national soccer icon Abby Wambach.
According to herosports.com, Wambach said there was something magical about the idea of a female being elected to the nation’s highest office, and what an inspiration it would be to so many women.
Some athletes took issue with Republican nominee Donald Trump’s recent “locker room talk” characterization to explain some sexual comments he made about women on tape.
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However, several prominent figures firmly stand in Trump’s corner. Many supporters appear to laud Trump’s savvy business dealings and see his political inexperience as a positive attribute.
The Republican candidate has seemed to receive a vast amount of support from Boston sports legends at conventions, rallies and through social media.
Though no official endorsements were made by two of the biggest names in the NFL, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady have expressed admiration for Trump and support his foray into the political arena.
Former Red Sox greats Curt Schilling and Johnny Damon have been more vocal about their endorsement of the real estate tycoon and reality television star-turned-politician.
The New York Daily News reported that Damon supported Trump’s stance on border security and illegal immigration policies.
“I want (Trump) for president,” Damon said according to nydailynews.com. “Everything he does, he does first-class — his hotels, his businesses, his golf courses. The issues all the other politicians failed to discuss, (Trump) is bringing us up to speed.”
Other notable former athletes include boxing’s Mike Tyson, NBA player Dennis Rodman and professional golfers John Daly and Jack Nicklaus.
Former New Mexico governor and Libertarian Party nominee Gary Johnson appears to have a smattering of support from some lesser-known sports figures.
Johnsonweld.com cites New England Patriots defensive end Chris Long, sports commentator and comedian Joe Rogan and former WWE wrestlers John Bradshaw Layfield and Dustin Patrick Runnels (better known as “JBL” and “Goldust,” respectively) as some of the biggest names in sports entertainment supporting his run to the Oval Office.
Athletes may or may not have a major impact on the election, but the immediacy of news and social media have given them the platform to have their opinions heard.
Regardless of political affiliation, Tuesday will be the last opportunity for most American people to have their voice heard in the form of casting a ballot.
Robert Maler is the sports editor for the Daily Lobo. He primarily covers football and men’s and women’s tennis. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @robert_maler.
