I get it. I really do. From both sides. I understand. I see what everyone else is seeing, though I believe one side is not seeing the whole picture.
The immigration issue is a very hot button issue in society. Opinions are varied and angered. From both sides. Most people who have heard anything about what is going on in Arizona has something to say. Even if they aren't sure what to say.
I am not here to offer my opinion. I am not here to change anyone else opinion. I merely want to discuss should sports, leagues, their representatives, affiliates and anyone associated with sports have an opinion? Should the sporting world have an official response? Should sports and politics mix.
This is what I think; Not only should sports and politics mix but they always have. Many people including some sportswriters, sportscasters, people presently and formerly associated with sports say there is no reason to mix the two. To this I say; REALLY?
Sports and politics are mixed more now than ever before. This even before the immigration issue in Arizona began. Sports is business (BIG BUSINESS) and as every one knows big business and politics are bed buddies. I mean ML Baseball even has an anti-trust exemption. Can't get much more mixed than that.
There are so many other ways that sports and politics are mixed. When many cities and states needed to add money to their coffers, which was one of the first groups they looked toward? Athletes. When sports team owners want to build new playhouses who have they often looked to? Taxpayers. When politicians wanted to score points with voters they took on the steroid issue in Congress. When presidents want to show what good sports they are, who do they have visit the White House? Championship teams.
Money is business. Business is politics. Relationships are politics. Whether it be office politics or government politics, there is an connection between money and relationships. There are many rules and regulations regarding interview procedures for the average employer. There are some things you just can't legally ask a potential employee. I have to think asking if your mother is a prostitute would be one. In whatever the context the question was asked. But many people think that N.F.L. teams (and other professional leagues) should be able to ask any thing that comes to mind, because they are going to pay a potential athlete/employee MILLIONS Of DOLLARS. Reminds me of a scene in the movie Showgirls where the strip club manger was telling a new dancer that the customer was not allow to touch her. Then he added unless he paid a lot of money. Then it would be okay.
How could anyone making money through or because of sports have any thoughts that money and politics should not mix. Two reasons may be that they are afraid that anther's opinion might not agree with theirs, or that the other opinion or action (boycott) might cost them money.
Should sports and politics mix? That horse has long left the gate, those bases have long ago been touched, another play has already been run. Can't wave off that basket.
