Playing For Change
Elle Wight | Nov. 5, 2024 | Sports
Sports serve as a powerful form of expression for countless athletes. Whether through fast times, impressive plays, or breathtaking shots, athletes can effortlessly capture the crowd’s attention. With the upcoming 2024 presidential election, various professional athletes are urging fans to vote, using their platforms to endorse candidates and share their political perspectives. Similarly, athletes at Stanton College Preparatory School are influencing society by voicing their political opinions. Both professional and student athletes are advocating politically, whether by endorsing candidates or encouraging others to vote.
While both professional and student athletes advocate politically, professional athletes have larger fan bases, giving them significant influence when advocating. Several athletes have taken positions for the 2024 presidential election, including NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson and NBA All-Star Stephen Curry, both of whom endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris.
“It was [a great honor] to represent Team USA and win that gold medal at the Olympics this summer,” said Curry at the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 22, 2024. “That unity on and off the court reminded us that we can do all things and continue to inspire the world [together]. Kamala as president could bring [back] that unity and continue to move our country forward.”
Likewise, former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson and former professional wrestler Hulk Hogan, both Hall of Famers, recently endorsed former President Donald Trump. Despite differing political views, athletes from both parties strive to shape the election.
“I see [Trump and JD Vance as] the greatest tag team getting ready to straighten this country out,” said Hogan at the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2024.
Countless prominent athletes, like Curry and Hogan, serve as role models for young athletes. These professionals can influence the decisions of younger generations and foster a
sense of civic duty. This is evident at high schools including Stanton, where student-athletes are voting for the first time in the 2024 presidential election. Some seek endorsements from respected professional athletes to affect their vote.
“Athletes such as Steph Curry and Lebron James [greatly] influence me the most,” said senior basketball player Karthik Aka. “Athletes [who] promote their political beliefs foster a sense of civic duty because [it] makes me want to vote and put my voice out there.”
Athletes engage with younger voters like Aka through various social media platforms, including Instagram and X. These platforms enable athletes to express their opinions and confirm candidates, targeting the youth active on social media.
“Social media plays a major role in athlete activism because it is a main forum for sharing [opinions],” said Aka. “Athletes get their voices out to a large number of people [on social media], encouraging [others] to follow their ideas.”
Recently, Trump appeared on WWE wrestler and YouTuber Logan Paul’s podcast, “Impaulsive.” On June 13, 2024, Paul urged his viewers, many of whom are young voters, to support Trump. Similarly, Olympic rugby bronze medalist and Instagram influencer Ilona Maher endorsed Harris, expressing excitement for greater female representation. Athletes encourage younger generations to vote via these platforms by producing diverse political content.
Despite the positive impact of these endorsements, there is ongoing controversy about whether professional athletes should use their platforms to raise awareness for political candidates. Many believe athletes have a responsibility to advocate politically.
“Since sports are not [primarily] viewed as political, athletes [can] reach a broader audience and motivate people to vote, which is fundamental to shape a society that supports all individuals," said senior soccer player Yuuki Wiesner.
Additionally, a few people feel professional athletes not only have a political responsibility to advocate, but also produce effective political content. They can shape the opinions of numerous people, especially their supporters.
“Professional athletes have a [considerable amount] of political power because their opinions can be mirrored by their fans,” said senior soccer player Anthony Hernandez.
Despite numerous athletes producing effective endorsements, others believe professional athletes should focus solely on sports and refrain from sharing their political views. Though athletes can significantly sway political perspectives, this may not always be beneficial.
“Professional athletes should not use their platforms to endorse candidates because what they say about [them] can influence fans to vote the same way, [instead of voting based on] what they think is best for the future of our country,” said senior wrestler Mackenzie Mock.
Regardless of varying opinions, professional athletes continue to utilize their platforms to endorse candidates and share their political perspectives. Whether viewed as beneficial or unnecessary during the 2024 presidential election, both professional and student athletes continue to advocate their opinions and showcase their influence beyond the playing field.