Bad Sports
What percent of Americans say it is somewhat or very acceptable for professional athletes to speak out publicly about political issues?
How accurate was your prediction?
What most surprised you about this data?
What is the big story this chart tells?
Why do you think almost 2/3 of Americans support athletes speaking out about politics?
What is one consequence of this amount of support?
How does age impact Americans’ feelings about professional athletes being political?
How does race impact Americans’ feelings about professional athletes being political?*
How does party affiliation impact Americans’ feelings about professional athletes being political?
What is the biggest divide in Americans’ feelings about professional athletes being political?
Explain whether you think it is acceptable for professional athletes to speak out publicly about political issues.
Explain whether you think it is acceptable for professional politicians to speak out publicly about sports issues.
When athletes speak out about political issues do their views tend to be more liberal or conservative?
What is one issue you would like athletes to speak out more about?
How much do athletes impact public opinion on political issues?
How much do athletes impact your opinion on political issues?
Did you know that James Madison was a great cricket champion? I didn’t either. He wasn’t.
Had Colin Kaepernick not spoken out about race and politics do you think he would be starting in the NFL right now?
Do you think Colin Kaepernick has made a difference in either public opinion or public policy?
Recently, the Houston Rockets General Manager, Daryl Morey's tweet supporting pro-democracy demonstrators in Hong Kong angered the Chinese government and caused the NBA to lose a great deal of money. Explain whether you think that the NBA should have supported Morley and free speech or should they have give in to Chinese demands to squash Morley’s free speech.
Which would you prefer: Donald Trump in the NFL or Colin Kaepernick in the White House?
What is the most Republican sports league in the U.S.?*
What is the most Democratic sports league in the U.S.?*
Why do you think that African-Americans are almost three times more supportive than Caucasian-Americans about athletes speaking out politically?
Explain how you feel about our nation having partisan divisions in everything, even sports!!!
Visual Extension*
Learning Extension
Listen to this NPR story about Jackie Robinson and how politics can threaten the careers of Black athletes.
Action Extension
Contact the NBA and let them know what you think about their stand for free speech.
Otter Extension
I Love Otters!
