Making a Statement: Eight Instances of Athletes Getting Political

When Steve Nash first spoke out about Arizona’s controversial immigration law (Senate Bill 1070), he was met with overwhelming support from the socially conscious and one aspersion after another by the conservative right. Athletes becoming involved in controversial politics is nothing new, but in the case of Nash it would appear the entire Suns organization has his back on this one. Listed below are eight instances of athletes making political statements, and as you’ll see some much less popular than others.

Had Curt Schilling been born without the ability to speak or type, he might very well be one of the most celebrated pitchers in the history of baseball. Instead, most fans just wish he’d shut his mouth. Schilling tends to say whatever he wants about whomever he wants without much regard for what people think. Maybe that’s why he and George W. Bush II are such a great pair, they’re both speak-first-think-later self-aggrandizing idiots.

Not so much a political move as a devoutly religious one, but Tim Tebow’s eye black bible verses deserve some recognition for the quarterback’s love of God. Despite the NFL being the most overtly religious of the North American professionals, I seriously doubt he’d get away with this as a pro. That’s assuming he’d step on the field, of course.

In his prime, Carlos Delgado swung a hefty bat and clobbered balls with authority. He was also a long standing opponent of American navy presence around the Puerto Rican island of Vieques, and chose to protest the issue in 2004 along with the Iraq war by not standing for “God Bless America” during the 7th inning stretch. Delgado became the target of booing, especially when the Toronto Blue Jays stopped in New York.

No ladies, that’s not Tim Riggins. Pat Tillman would ultimately lose his life as an American soldier in Afghanistan, but his devotion to his country stands as one of the most unselfish (or just crazy) plays by a professional athlete ever. Tillman was a pretty good football player, and he passed up millions of dollars to fight for what he believes in.

Abdul-Rauf, born Chris Wayne Jackson, a former third overall pick by the Denver Nuggets was disciplined with a one game suspension in 1996 for his refusal to stand for the national anthem. To Abdul-Rauf, who converted to Islam in 1991, the American flag and its song stood for tyranny. Upon reaching an agreement with NBA officials to stand for the anthem with his eyes closed and head-down, Abdul-Rauf returned to NBA action but he’s still best know for his controversial decision to not show respect for “Old Glory”.

Nobody ever accused Muhammed Ali of not being charismatic. In 1964, the “Greatest of All-Time” refused to enter the American army heading to Vietnam based on his religious beliefs and a personal opposition to the war. Ali’s refusal to fight would cost him his boxing title and the right to participate in the sport for several years after being declared a “draft dodger”. It was in 1966 when Ali quipped the famous line; “I ain’t got no quarrel with them Viet Cong…”. Ali returned to boxing in 1970 and would continue to compete until 1981 when he retired.

After Tommie Smith and John Carlos finished first and third respectively in a 200 meter race, the two Americans sported one black glove each to the podium to accept their medals. As “The Star Spangled Banner” played over the P.A., Smith and Carlos both bowed their heads and raised a fist for the “black power salute” as a show of solidarity to the struggles of African-American athletes and blacks in general across America.

When Jackie Robinson debuted for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 he wasn’t so much protesting segregation in baseball as he was taking a courageous step for the betterment of the entire human race. Robinson disregarded the taunts and threats of people everywhere by participating in what was historically a white man’s league. In his first season in the Majors, Robinson not only endured racial slurs from fans but opponents as well. He would end up winning the American League Rookie of the Year award after batting .297 with 12 home runs, 29 steals, and 125 runs. Today, the name Jackie Robinson is synonymous with baseball and bravery having compiled a tremendous career and putting an end to baseball’s 60 years of racial segregation.