Last week, Jemele Hill, host of Sports Center on ESPN, caused some controversy when she tweeted and called President Trump a “white supremacist.” White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders responded by saying what Hill did was a “fireable offense.” The President then tweeted and referred to the network’s “low” ratings, demanding an apology.
This event sparked a debate regarding the mixing of politics and sports.
Leonard Pitts Jr., a columnist at The Miami Herald, said this caused him to write an opinion piece about Hill, ESPN and President Trump.
“For the White House expressing for a private citizen to be fired— I found that appalling,” Pitts said.
Pitts said people that believe sports journalists should stay with sports are “living in a fantasy” because “everything is political.”
Chicago Tribune Bulls beat-writer K.C. Johnson said sports journalists have the decision whether to get political or not.
“I do think that all journalists are better journalists if they’re well informed on a wide variety of issues,” Johnson said.
Sports and politics have collided many times throughout history. In the NFL, some players protest the national anthem because of police brutality to raise awareness of injustices against people of color. NBA players such as Lebron James and others took to the ESPY’s and showed solidarity to raise awareness, calling on other athletes to use their platforms to make change.
Johnson said it is a personal choice if athletes want to take a stand or protest political or social issues.
“Michael Jordan, who I covered, developed a reputation as someone who didn’t do much regarding social issues and drew some criticism for that,” Johnson said. “But that never took away my appreciation for his basketball gifts, nor my personal responsibility for covering him.”
Johnson said in some cases, like with Colin Kaepernick, taking a stand on a social issue can have an adverse effect.
“But whether or not LeBron James expresses his feelings regarding Charlottesville shouldn’t impact to me how fans feel about him,” Johnson said. “I do think when an athlete does speak out, it is typically positive in that it draws attention to that issue and offers a high-profile voice for unity.”
