The Intersection of Politics and Sports: Hypocrisy on Display at the Iowa-Iowa State Football Game
In the spring of 2018, NFL owners gathered in Atlanta for their annual meeting. One of the agenda items was a proposal to amend the national anthem policy, which had come under scrutiny after player protests during the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The demonstrations, which began with Colin Kaepernick taking a knee to protest police brutality against people of color, had drawn criticism from then-President Donald Trump. The owners approved a change that required all league and team personnel to stand and show respect for the flag and the anthem.
Fast forward to the present day, and we find ourselves in Ames, Iowa, where the leader of the “stick-to-sports” movement, Donald Trump, was attending the Iowa-Iowa State football game as a Republican presidential candidate. This raises questions about the inherent hypocrisy when discussing politics and sports. If the presence of politics is displeasing to those who share Trump’s beliefs, why do their voices of concern lack the same volume and reach that typically accompanies player demonstrations?
Could it be an example of confirmation bias, where we are willing to accept and tolerate the things that we like? The game in Ames provided an opportunity for fans to engage with political candidates and express their support. Brett Johnson, an Ames resident, attended the tailgate of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and expressed his desire for a new candidate in the upcoming presidential cycle.
The discussion of sport and politics is often tiresome and redundant. Politics have always been a part of sport, whether we choose to acknowledge it or not. Issues of race, gender, and economics are woven into the fabric of sports history. From Jesse Owens to Billie Jean King, athletes have used their platforms to bring attention to social issues. Policies like Title IX and the Rooney Rule have aimed to address inequalities within sports. Politics and sports have always been intertwined, and this relationship will continue to exist.
What’s interesting is that the notion of sport being a microcosm of life is now being superseded by the idea of life being a microcosm of sport. In today’s political climate, compromise is often seen as weakness, and selfishness has replaced selflessness. This brings us back to the Iowa-Iowa State game and the hypocrisy on display. Trump and DeSantis, who have criticized players for bringing politics into sports, had no qualms about exploiting a sporting event for personal and political gain. State officials chose to tolerate the potential divisiveness of welcoming the candidates instead of keeping the focus on the game.
While some may not be willing to accept a sporting world coated in politics, it is a reality that we must acknowledge. Sports have been a platform for activism and social change throughout history. From boycotts to venue relocations, sports have played a role in shaping political discourse. Even foreign governments are investing in sports leagues and teams.
Days like the Iowa-Iowa State game may be minor annoyances, but they highlight the growing influence of politics in sports. However, there is hope in the younger generation’s perspective. As Scott Dochterman reports, a pre-teen attending the DeSantis tailgate chose to get water instead of engaging with the political event. This shows that not everyone is swayed by the spectacle of politics infiltrating sports.
In conclusion, the intersection of politics and sports is a complex and ever-present reality. Hypocrisy is often on display when politicians exploit sporting events for personal gain while criticizing athletes for their activism. However, it is essential to recognize that politics have always been a part of sports, and athletes have used their platforms to bring attention to social issues. As we navigate this landscape, it is crucial to approach the discussion with an open mind and consider the perspectives of all involved.