Hear me out...Athletes and activism

Social activism among superstar athletes has seen a massive drop off in the last 30 years. Gone are the days of Muhammed Ali, Bill Russell and Jim Brown. For today’s superstar athlete the personal brand takes precedent over all. Everyone wants to build the “Jordan empire” and to reach that peak; you have to be neutral across the board. Nothing hurts a brand more than speaking about race, religion or politics. Michael Jordan knew this, and it’s why he famously said, “Republicans buy shoes too,” when asked why he didn’t endorse a Democratic candidate in a North Carolina Senate race.

It’s disappointing at the peak of his powers Jordan remained neutral on everything. He wasted prime years of activism for the dollar. He also birthed the Tom Brady’s and Russell Wilson’s who do and say nothing out of fear of losing endorsement money.

It is important to have superstars with the influence of Brady and Wilson speak on social issues or issues regarding our country. As a country, we’ve invested so much into professional sports, and sports as a whole and having them to remain silent is a waste.

I want to see influential athletes express their political or social beliefs more and get involved. And I don’t mean only those who support my views and anyone supporting dissenting views needs to be quiet. First, that goes against the principles of this nation and secondly, it’s no fun listening to only those who think like you.

When Brady, Tim Tebow and Ben Roethlisberger were rumored to be speaking at the GOP Convention, I was excited. Even though the fascism of Donald Trump goes against everything our Republic stands for, I was interested to hear these guys have actual opinions. So it was disappointing it was only a rumor or more than likely they gave it the Roger Goodall treatment. Which is you “leak” information and gauge the public reaction then make your decision accordingly.

While it seems like activism is dead among superstars, there is hope, and it is being led by the biggest icon in sports, LeBron James. Last week at the 2016 ESPYs James, Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade gave a powerful speech and pledged to be more involved, using their influence for the greater good.

This is exactly what we need from our superstars.

The pledge couldn’t have come at a better time. This summer alone we’ve had one tragic event after the other. Our flag has been at half-mast for so long that it’s more of a story when it’s at full-mast.

Most people flat-out dislike it when athletes comment on social issues. “Shut up and play ball,” is often used when James has the audacity to speak about the world he lives in. I get why people are annoyed with superstars touching on social issues, 80 percent of it stems from jealousy that someone’s voice other than our own is being heard. While the other 20 percent is a combination of they are misinformed, and we don’t see eye to eye ideologically.

But take an honest look at our chessboard of politicians or political leaders in general. There isn’t a single piece on the board capable of leading effective change.

James, Wade, Paul, Anthony, the women in the WNBA and the others who will hopefully join, are the best we have. After the Dallas shootings, we could all sense the divide in this country had gone too far. The time to come together needs to happen now and having James and company lead the charge is a step in the right direction.