Politics in Football, Sports in General

[SDS]

3 minutes ago, DrDawkinstein said:

 

Hey, if I was wrong, I'm wrong. I just read the stats on the main page. I default to Scott.

 

With that said, the optics are bad and that will be fixed. Thanks for the head's up about a potential misinterpretation. 

[LeviF]

5 minutes ago, DrDawkinstein said:

 

Hey, if I was wrong, I'm wrong. I just read the stats on the main page. I default to Scott.

 

I was gonna say before SDS jumped in, no PPP archive throws all that way off.  Scroll down a little more on the home page and you'll see millions of archived posts from the main board.

[K-9]

40 minutes ago, Billl said:

They should at least be up front about the fact that these displays are advertisements.  They intentionally do it on the sly in order to make people think these are organic displays and not paid sponsorships.  Pretty manipulative, IMO.

How about, “Ladies and gentlemen, please rise in honor of the playing of the Tostitos Queso Chip national anthem.” 

[Don Otreply]

1 hour ago, OutOfBubbleGum said:

What is everyone's opinion? Should politics be kept out of the NFL? My opinion is yes, keep it out. For starters, after a long week of working and seeing the news, I personally want to escape from all of that outside influence and relax watching football. I do not care who is sitting next to me at a football game, from any walk of life, I just want to watch the game and high five. Yet when things become political, the game isn't as enjoyable. My opinion is sports and sports teams should be like Switzerland and be neutral.

 

Switzerland was not even remotely neutral, they were Hitlers bankers, they hid stolen cash, Art, etc etc. for Germany,  laundered money so Germany could still purchase what they needed during the war. They were guilty as hell during and after the war years purposefully hiding the ill gotten gains of a multitude of German officials. Thought you might want to know...
 

It is impossible to keep social justice issues out of any part of our lives, football players and team employees are not robots, they are humans with all that comes with that, 

 

Go Bills!!!

[billsfan89]

I go back and forth on things. On one hand literally almost everything in life is political and black people in America have very few large platforms outside of sports and entertainment to get their message across. On the other hand it is nice to have something that is just there for pure entertainment value and is relatively apolitical. I think in the end I am fine with political statements in various areas of entertainment as it doesn't hamper my enjoyment at all. But I get why people just want somethings to say politically neutral. 

[Penfield45]

1 hour ago, Jauronimo said:

Shut up and dribble!

 

I don't think anyone should be commenting on things outside of their sphere.  Athletes and sportswriters should stick to sports.  Drs should stick to medicine.  Scientists should stick to whatever it is they do or "science".  The only people who should voice opinions on politics and participate in our democracy are politicians.

our president was a reality tv show host 

 

Anyone can talk about politics anywhere. If you don’t like it don’t support the team anymore since you clearly don’t support the player speaking up. 
 

The NFL glorifies the military to no end, when they remove that garbage then we can talk 

[Kirby Jackson]

1 hour ago, OutOfBubbleGum said:

What is everyone's opinion? Should politics be kept out of the NFL? My opinion is yes, keep it out. For starters, after a long week of working and seeing the news, I personally want to escape from all of that outside influence and relax watching football. I do not care who is sitting next to me at a football game, from any walk of life, I just want to watch the game and high five. Yet when things become political, the game isn't as enjoyable. My opinion is sports and sports teams should be like Switzerland and be neutral.

 

I’m not going to go too far down the rabbit hole but “should” and “will” aren’t the same. Athletes are some of the most recognizable people in this country. They are some of the most recognizable black people in this country. When we are in the situation that we are in it is unreasonable to expect the loudest voices to remain quiet. It just isn’t going to happen now or in the future. That ship has sailed. This is something that people are going to have to get comfortable with and accept or find something else to occupy their time. In the social media era they have a megaphone and advertisers haven’t shunned the socially active. We won’t see politics and sports split in my lifetime. This is the new norm.

Edited June 9, 2020 by Kirby Jackson

[Jauronimo]

6 minutes ago, Penfield45 said:

our president was a reality tv show host 

 

Anyone can talk about politics anywhere. If you don’t like it don’t support the team anymore since you clearly don’t support the player speaking up. 
 

The NFL glorifies the military to no end, when they remove that garbage then we can talk 

What do you do for a living?

[BillsFan17]

7 minutes ago, Penfield45 said:

our president was a reality tv show host 

 

Anyone can talk about politics anywhere. If you don’t like it don’t support the team anymore since you clearly don’t support the player speaking up. 
 

The NFL glorifies the military to no end, when they remove that garbage then we can talk 

Glorifying the military is no considered garbage? Good to know.

[Jauronimo]

Right on Scott!  Politics has no place in music!

 

 

 

[DrDawkinstein]

Just now, Jauronimo said:

What do you do for a living?

 

And are there high-level meetings involved?

[Penfield45]

1 minute ago, BillsFan17 said:

Glorifying the military is no considered garbage? Good to know.

I’m trying to watch football I don’t wanna hear nor care for the US military. It has no relevance to my daily life or what’s going on in America right now. 

Edited June 9, 2020 by Penfield45

[purple haze]

8 minutes ago, Jauronimo said:

Right on Scott!  Politics has no place in music!

 

 

 

Tom is right.  Scott doesn't listen well if he's thinking Tom's music is apolitical. ?

[Billl]

13 minutes ago, Jauronimo said:

Right on Scott!  Politics has no place in music!

 

 

 

Tom has a political science degree from Harvard.  Rush Limbaugh dropped out of college after two semesters at Southeast Missouri State.

[Jauronimo]

1 minute ago, purple haze said:

Tom is right.  Scott doesn't listen well if he's thinking Tom's music is apolitical. ?

 

Name ONE political Rage Against the Machine song.  Just one.  

[RiotAct]

3 minutes ago, Jauronimo said:

 

Name ONE political Rage Against the Machine song.  Just one.  

They made fun of defense contractors in that one song.  I can’t remember the name, but it sounded really angry.

[BillsFan17]

23 minutes ago, Penfield45 said:

I’m trying to watch football I don’t wanna hear nor care for the US military. It has no relevance to my daily life or what’s going on in America right now. 

You don't have the life you have without the armed forced. So, as a matter of fact, they are extremely relevant, each and everyday. Ignoring that is pretty ***** up.

[GunnerBill]

1 hour ago, Limeaid said:

 

What is going to happen when wacky weed become multi million dollar industry and wants name on stadium or advertise in NFL?  Tobacco already can't advertise for essentially politics.

 

 

Agree all of those decisions are to some degree political. You can't have big money involved and it not be. Same with the NFL's back and forth on gambling and draft kings etc.

[GunnerBill]

34 minutes ago, BillsFan17 said:

Glorifying the military is no considered garbage? Good to know.

 

It might not be garbage (though I don't care for it myself) but it is overtly political. Once you go there hard to say social justice issues have no place in the NFL. 

 

Personally I am relatively laissez faire. Big business (which is what the NFL is afterall) and politics are inextricably linked. Once you start deciding what sort of politics you are going to allow in you are very consciously pushing an agenda. I think the NFL knew that when it banned kneeling for the anthem. It was trying to play to the politics of what it perceives as its core support. 

[BillsFan17]

3 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

It might not be garbage (though I don't care for it myself) but it is overtly political. Once you go there hard to say social justice issues have no place in the NFL. 

 

Personally I am relatively laissez faire. Big business (which is what the NFL is afterall) and politics are inextricably linked. Once you start deciding what sort of politics you are going to allow in you are very consciously pushing an agenda. I think the NFL knew that when it banned kneeling for the anthem. It was trying to play to the politics of what it perceives as its core support. 

Sports, any form of it, are entertainment, pure and simple. I don't hold these athletes to any sort of standard. They are human beings, i don't expect them to totally check everything at the door.

[buffalobillswin]

No considering "keep politics out of sports" is just code for shut up black man and stand up.

 

The people who want politics out of sports have no problem with Drew Brees making love to the flag.

[LABILLBACKER]

Last I checked sports are played by human beings, not robots. Every person on this planet has a right to his or her opinion on anything. Especially events that involve humanity, police brutality and racism. This whole idea of "shut up and dribble" is dripping in ignorance. Systemic Racism has been handed down from generation to generation for 400 years. If we don't all have a voice then what's the point of sports. What's the point of living. We need to keep talking, evolving in the fight against racism. 

[H2o]

Everyone is allowed their own opinions and everyone surely has them. I don't care about their opinions as I sure as heck know that they really don't care about mine. My world and theirs are completely different. At the same time, when all of the sports programming becomes no better than CNN, MSNBC, or Fox News, which I avoid at all costs, it gets ridiculous. Sports is meant to be an escape. It is where we have always united together in fandom regardless of race, gender, or orientation. We are all like an extended family. I see people wearing Bills gear and we immediately have a connection. When all of the outside mess is brought into it then things just lose their luster. It's part of the reason that my love of sports has definitely declined over the last few years. They keep up with the propaganda then there will be MANY who walk away without looking back and then it will hit these people where it hurts most, in the pocket. 

[GunnerBill]

18 minutes ago, BillsFan17 said:

Sports, any form of it, are entertainment, pure and simple. I don't hold these athletes to any sort of standard. They are human beings, i don't expect them to totally check everything at the door.

 

Completely agree. 

[BillsFan17]

1 minute ago, H2o said:

Everyone is allowed their own opinions and everyone surely has them. I don't care about their opinions as I sure as heck know that they really don't care about mine. My world and theirs are completely different. At the same time, when all of the sports programming becomes no better than CNN, MSNBC, or Fox News, which I avoid at all costs, it gets ridiculous. Sports is meant to be an escape. It is where we have always united together in fandom regardless of race, gender, or orientation. We are all like an extended family. I see people wearing Bills gear and we immediately have a connection. When all of the outside mess is brought into it then things just lose their luster. It's part of the reason that my love of sports has definitely declined over the last few years. They keep up with the propaganda then there will be MANY who walk away without looking back and then it will hit these people where it hurts most, in the pocket. 

Mainly because 99.9% of people don't carry themselves anywhere near the way they do online, as they do in public.

[GunnerBill]

2 minutes ago, H2o said:

They keep up with the propaganda then there will be MANY who walk away without looking back and then it will hit these people where it hurts most, in the pocket. 

 

Of course. The thing that changes the political calculations of multi billion dollar industries is money. So far though there is no evidence that it has driven people away from the NFL. 

[78thealltimegreat]

If you don’t like their politics you do have the ultimate power of the checkbook just spend your money elsewhere and watch something else...sports is driven like anything else by the almighty dollar...see the NBA during the Hong Kong protests last year they couldn’t be more terrified of President Xi and the Communists over there if they tried I mean the look of terror

on Lebrons face when he was asked about the Chinese Governments tactics said it all 

Edited June 9, 2020 by 78thealltimegreat

[Orlando Tim]

Players being political off the field is fine- I have never thought they agreed with me. But do not be political on the field, I use sports as my refuge from the world. In other words go to any rallies and protest you want but allow me to be politic free during game time. I also do not see why support of the military is political, we all should support them overall even if the current commander is not to our liking.

[Rc2catch]

Politics everywhere is toxic. 

I avoid politics and religion in all aspects of my social and tv life. 
I don’t personally care what the players do/say because I can turn the channel or not read it. Those rare times I do look at a quote or see them on camera I don’t hold it against them. I can’t have all this hate in my heart sooooooo many are harboring and show during political debates online and in person. 
The internet and social media have created a nasty nasty disrespectful society. I would have to guess 80% of the stuff people say online they would never say to someone’s face. That has created a very hateful online community 

[NoSaint]

3 hours ago, OutOfBubbleGum said:

What is everyone's opinion? Should politics be kept out of the NFL? My opinion is yes, keep it out. For starters, after a long week of working and seeing the news, I personally want to escape from all of that outside influence and relax watching football. I do not care who is sitting next to me at a football game, from any walk of life, I just want to watch the game and high five. Yet when things become political, the game isn't as enjoyable. My opinion is sports and sports teams should be like Switzerland and be neutral.

 

does a player standing or kneeling actually effect that though, as the current example 

 

I’m assuming you are fine with the anthem and flyovers etc... which are inherently political... unless I’ve misread you and you want it all removed

31 minutes ago, Buffalo Timmy said:

Players being political off the field is fine- I have never thought they agreed with me. But do not be political on the field, I use sports as my refuge from the world. In other words go to any rallies and protest you want but allow me to be politic free during game time. I also do not see why support of the military is political, we all should support them overall even if the current commander is not to our liking.

that’s a hugely political statement. It’s just one you support. 

Edited June 9, 2020 by NoSaint

[notwoz]

3 hours ago, Jauronimo said:

Shut up and dribble!

 

I don't think anyone should be commenting on things outside of their sphere.  Athletes and sportswriters should stick to sports.  Drs should stick to medicine.  Scientists should stick to whatever it is they do or "science".  The only people who should voice opinions on politics and participate in our democracy are politicians.

 

What about voters?

 

[wppete]

I suspect the NFL revenue will be down this year by a lot. And at the end of the day it will effect the pockets of the players.

[Orlando Tim]

4 minutes ago, NoSaint said:

does a player standing or kneeling actually effect that though, as the current example 

 

I’m assuming you are fine with the anthem and flyovers etc... which are inherently political... unless I’ve misread you and you want it all removed

that’s a hugely political statement. It’s just one you support. 

I look at the military similar to the supreme court, I might not like it always but overall it is a good and necessary thing. I truly ask how is the military a political thing? So many Dems serve proudly, no one I have discussed it with is embarrassed they were in it, I don't get the politics 

[H2o]

50 minutes ago, BillsFan17 said:

Mainly because 99.9% of people don't carry themselves anywhere near the way they do online, as they do in public.

I treat everyone the same online and in person. I treat everyone the same regardless of race, gender, or orientation. I can't speak for everyone else on that, only myself. I, myself, am over things being shoved in my face by people who have no idea about what it's like to live as the average person in this world. Hollywood, athletes, musicians, politicians, reporters in any field, all of them. I could care less what they want, or about the propaganda they push, or what "side" they are on. I don't need their guidance in any aspect of my life. Their opinions are useless to me personally. They don't pay my bills, they don't raise my kids, and they don't live my life. The only influence they have is with those whom give them that authority and I am not one who holds them in that regard. 

[GunnerBill]

10 minutes ago, NoSaint said:

 

that’s a hugely political statement. It’s just one you support. 

 

Yep. It is "I don't agree with politics in sport if it is not my politics." 

4 minutes ago, Buffalo Timmy said:

I look at the military similar to the supreme court, I might not like it always but overall it is a good and necessary thing. I truly ask how is the military a political thing? So many Dems serve proudly, no one I have discussed it with is embarrassed they were in it, I don't get the politics 

 

The military are delivery agents of foreign policy. To think that is not political is madness. It isn't about whether you think the military is a good thing or not. The military is overtly political.

[LABILLBACKER]

9 minutes ago, wppete said:

I suspect the NFL revenue will be down this year by a lot. And at the end of the day it will effect the pockets of the players.

Empty stadiums will do that.

[wppete]

1 minute ago, LABILLBACKER said:

Empty stadiums will do that.

 

Yes thats for sure, bad TV ratings and merchandise sales will do the same. Out of curiosity I went on Twitter and searched #BoycottNFL and others similar. A lot of talk. Not going to be good for the NFL.

[OutOfBubbleGum]

The biggest point of this came from kneeling a few years ago. I think it is great the players have a cause they feel so much about. Their choice of kneeling gametime alienated many people. After their work hours have at it, but not when the fans that pay to see the game and relax (get away from it all) are there. If people want to enjoy the game but gameday the NFL and players are pushing it, where is the enjoyment for the fans?

[OutOfBubbleGum]

As far as my background goes, I am an electrician, a vet (Air Force), and generally work long days, weekends and cherish my time off. Keep football at gametime neutral. There are enough venues during the week players can voice their opinions, it just shouldn't be gameday.

[GunnerBill]

3 minutes ago, OutOfBubbleGum said:

The biggest point of this came from kneeling a few years ago. I think it is great the players have a cause they feel so much about. Their choice of kneeling gametime alienated many people. After their work hours have at it, but not when the fans that pay to see the game and relax (get away from it all) are there. If people want to enjoy the game but gameday the NFL and players are pushing it, where is the enjoyment for the fans?

 

The fans don't have a game without the players. If you don't like players kneeling stop watching. I am yet to see any evidence people will in sufficient numbers to hurt the NFL's bottom line. Maybe they will. If they do then the NFL will go back to its "you can only be political if it is the politics of our base" position. But pretending you don't like kneeling because you'd prefer to keep politics out of sport while holding your hand on your heart for a military fly past is hypocritical. What you mean is you'd rather keep politics you disagree with out of sport.