RealGM

http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/vid ... 8&n8pe6c=2


ESPN made it about one player, but let's not do that here. In general, should players take on a stand on this issue?


What's your take on this?


(This is a serious topic, I just hope everyone can discuss this is a cool manner and not single anyone out, let's just share thoughts amigos!! )

Here's my take. If the players want to speak out on it, fine. But they don't need to, nor should they feel obligated to. They are there to play a sport, not get into politics.

And why ESPN singled LeBron out like he's some type of civil rights activist, I don't know.

Most players who voice their opinions consistently are painted as bad seeds by the media. There's a reason athletes don't speak their minds.

Frankly, this is a classic case of actions speaking louder than words. I would be far more impressed if any professional athlete actually gets involved in these causes; spends some of their own precious time; and even donate some of their earnings to these matters instead of simply verbalizing their opinion.

And, I agree with the team's position that the Olympics, especially for Olympians, should be a time for uniting countries to compete. Let the protesters and government officials politik during the Olympics - it is why they were elected.

TrueRain wrote:Here's my take. If the players want to speak out on it, fine. But they don't need to, nor should they feel obligated to. They are there to play a sport, not get into politics.

+1

I've always had a certain view on these types of issues, famous people or sports personalities getting involved in political or humanitarian issues.

I am perfectly fine with those in the position to gain access to media, that is interviews like we saw in the above ESPN video, to help raise awareness, use their position in terms of money to help bring support and what not. However, I do not believe that just because they are famous that entitles them to give opinions on issues to the public neccasarily. They are not media reporters, and often not educated on the issue at all, an in alot of cases just told what to say. I do not feel that a football player, a pop singer or reality TV "star" should be the one's informing the world of issues.

This was one example I've seen of this with a English Pop star, she did a AD campaign leading up to the general election about "get the full view" "take part in finding out about politics" "make a educated decision on your vote". Then in a seperate interview she was asked who and why she voted for, she said the party then "because my mum does".

Dont get me wrong, sports stars and what not trying to raise awarness and appeals for world problems and diasasters is great, but when it comes down to politics, even the experts are pretty poor at reporting the issue, I dont need a guy that didnt go to college, or opt'd to leave higher education after 1 year [which completely devalues the idea of scholarships for me anyway] to give me his "opinion".

/end rant.

Yes, stfu. Don't care if they give money to a campaign though. I view that as diffrent then voicing your opinion. It's just another decigrande that he'll never known is gone.

No athlete should be forced to voice his/her political opinions on issues they know little about or don't care about. Everyone has their own choices and responsibilities. Some use their name to help others, for some it's only about money, and the rest just want to make a nice living doing what they love. But, when people like Muhammad Ali or Luol Deng (from the wiretap story) feel the need help out less fortunate people or protest against things that are unfair, it just shows that they are of a higher character.

If Lebron, or anyone else on the Olympic squad, doesn't feel the need to become politically, (environmentally, etc...) involved, that is their choice. But if a star is being pressured by corporate companies to not make statements that could potentially "hurt" business opportunities in other countries, then that is a problem.

And, I agree with the team's position that the Olympics, especially for Olympians, should be a time for uniting countries to compete. Let the protesters and government officials politik during the Olympics - it is why they were elected.[/quote]

I respect that, but in the past countries have used the Olympics for political purposes, and if we look closely, it happens more often that not. So why shouldn't Olympic participants be able to do the same, whether it is to choose not to participate at all or wear a "Stop Genocide" shirt at the ceremonies.

Bosanac wrote:If Lebron, or anyone else on the Olympic squad, doesn't feel the need to become politically, (environmentally, etc...) involved, that is their choice. But if a star is being pressured by corporate companies to not make statements that could potentially "hurt" business opportunities in other countries, then that is a problem.

I think that is exactly what is happening here. Athletes speak about political and global issues all year round, but then shut up during the Olympics. It's definitely because there are business opportunities for other countries and even the athletes themselves at stake. Personally I disagree with people who say athletes should just give their money and shut up about issues and leave everything to governments and politicians. I mean, why shouldn't the athletes - the people who are the true center of attention at the Olympics - use that influence to further the Olympic goal of uniting countries? Granted, the athletes would have to know what they're talking about, but if they do, then why pressure them to keep quiet?

Personally, I find it extremely hard to believe that Lebron James gives a second's thought to China's political landscape.

I have never liked the idea of the media pressuring celebrities to speak about their personal view whether it be on subjects concerning their specialty or something they may know nothing about. It either creates something for the media to write about or cause a s**tstorm(hello Charles Barkley). Stars are just as obligated as we are to help out those who are in need, it's nonsense for everything to be pinned on celebrites because they are famous and rich. Just because an average citizen is not recognized all over the world and spend a million on a shopping trip doesn't mean he is crippled from helping out, it's all about whether they choose to help out or not, no different from the celebrities.

I just wish they were more outspoken on social issues in general. Ball players are quick to take up the girls and perks that come with being famous, but they rarely want to do anything with it nowadays because everything is run through a publicist.

Malinhion wrote:I just wish they were more outspoken on social issues in general. Ball players are quick to take up the girls and perks that come with being famous, but they rarely want to do anything with it nowadays because everything is run through a publicist.

How do you know they rarely do anything with it? We don't know what high profile stars do 24/7. Just because for example Kevin Durant isn't in the papers or on TV donating money and time doesn't mean he doesn't do it.

The reason ESPN singled out Lebron is because he is supposed (or expected to be) the best player in the NBA, as well as someone who is supposedly going to transcend his own sport (like Tiger Woods, Mohammed Ali). The difference with Lebron is that he (so far) has taken little if any stances on any Political issues.

The disappointing part of this is that he is someone who could actually spur serious change within certain issues. I don't think there is any doubt that if it was Lebron, not Marbury, who launched the $9 shoe, it would have rocked the shoe industry and perhaps spur change within the conditions/locations that the majority of these shoes are made.

I highly doubt that any of the players on team america (f**k yeah) take any stance on any issue during the Olympics.

Its a little ironic that Lebron sees himself as the first billionaire athlete, and as someone who transcends his sport when he could very well be that person if he took a stand on some important issues. Ali is perhaps just as well remembered for his political views/stances (His protest to the Vietnam war as well as his involvement in the civil rights movement maybe ) as his ability to box.

I don't expect any athlete to speak out, but I respect those that do when it's done with intelligence and integrity. As has been said however, actions speak louder than words. Not entirely political, but look at a guy like Deke who has consistently given back to the community and gone so far as building a hospital in his own country. You have to respect that.

What irks me are all the athletes paying lip service, mostly about things they know little about. I mean, think about how bass ackwords that is - what should be some sort of public service is in fact completely self serving. Either that or they believe what they are saying, but then lack the courage to stand by it because their representatives and interests are in their pockets. You are better off not saying anything at all than pusillanimously hiding behind a facade of integrity.

If you are going to step up and say something then have the courage of your conviction and back it up. One of my all time favorite movie quotes is from The Contender; " Principles only mean something if you stick by them when they are inconvenient.".

Players should not be expected to speak out, but there may be reasons why a player would want to. If that is the case then they should be held to the same standards as any politician/political analyst.

Firstly, they should be informed of the topic. Athletes are not allowed to hide behind their own ignorance if they decide to voice an opinion.

Also, if an athletes opinion is influenced by a corporate sponsor, then they deserve to be given the same exposure that a politician would receive if they were influenced by lobbyists.

Basically, if you say something you should be responsible for your words

What I don't get it is why ESPN is pushing athletes like LeBron or Kobe to take a stand against China. USA is as guilty as China when things come down to violating human rights. If athletes should take a political stand against something they should be convincing. Iraq's situation is as worse as Darfur thanks to U.S's unfair invasion. So criticizing Chinese government while your own country is damaging the world more than China is just not convincing.

TrueRain wrote:Here's my take. If the players want to speak out on it, fine. But they don't need to, nor should they feel obligated to. They are there to play a sport, not get into politics.

And why ESPN singled LeBron out like he's some type of civil rights activist, I don't know.

q for truth

JoshB914 wrote:Most players who voice their opinions consistently are painted as bad seeds by the media. There's a reason athletes don't speak their minds.

Barkley discussed this in his second book; if a player makes a stand, he risks alienating part of his fan base. For example, if Carmelo Anthony, for example, speaks out against the way China handles their population control, then all of the Chinese who support it may reject him as a player because of his personal beliefs. That wouldn't be good for Melo, and it wouldn't be good for the NBA.