(ThyBlackMan.com) The mantra “stick to sports” often is said to refer to topics that are brought up by sports personalities or athletes who publicly discuss social issues like racism, sexism, or political issues. “Stick to sports” rarely, if ever, happens when athletes are helping to fight against cancer, raising awareness for domestic violence, or discussing their love of the military. Because of the recent actions and words of Donald Trump, who again used his position as U.S. President to espouse some vile and reactionary remarks, it has probably become virtually impossible for even the most impartial person to “stick to sports” when it comes to professional athletes and politics.
Many people have become aware of Donald Trump’s words regarding athletes who are protesting the national anthem before sporting events and his thoughts on whether they should be employed. The response by NFL players during last weekend’s games was historic through their language, the amount of NFL 
players who are now kneeling, and how they felt disrespected by what Trump said. The challenging NFL players for protesting was questionable by Donald Trump but he ignited a lot of proud men by calling the mothers of protesters out of their name.
The NBA was also part of Trump’s ire as he withdrew the standard White House invitation to the NBA champion from the Golden State Warriors. It is clear that Golden State Warriors’ superstars Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant have not held back their feelings about what Donald Trump has done as president or what he represents. Of course, many people blame quarterback and activist Colin Kaepernick for bringing together the mix of sports and politics but he is not the originator of the mixing of sports and politics.
The playing of the national anthem at sporting events has made all of this possible. The national anthem, also known as “The Star-Spangled Banner”, turns sporting events into political events with flags and military displays that seem as natural and “American” as America itself. “The Star-Spangled Banner” did not become the official national anthem until 1931. That came about following a long, intensive lobbying effort by patriotic and veterans groups led by the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. In terms of sports, the national anthem began a bond with professional sports in the early 1900s, during professional baseball games and the link between the song, war, and sports have been linked since.
The notion of “respecting” the national anthem is similar to what children face having to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance at school. Across the country, there have been children who have been verbally and physically attacked for protesting the Pledge of Allegiance and it is important for people to ask whether this antiquated measure of “patriotism” is best for people and children. Whether a person stands or sits for the national anthem or Pledge of Allegiance is a personal choice and it is unfortunate that people negatively judge those who decide to go against the majority. Acts like group prayer or the singing of the national anthem before sporting events must be viewed as personal choices instead of requirements to avoid being criticized. It is fair to call it an indoctrination of American “patriotism” that eliminates our ability to critically think and evaluate.
Staff Writer; Mark Hines