[TreesAndBirds]

TreesAndBirds, I absolutely agree that the debate over whether football players should be able to endorse is silly.  They're certainly well within their rights to publicly support whichever candidate they choose.  That said, whether they nonetheless should endorse is a different issue altogether.  It's obviously dangerous ground to tread, given that a substantial majority of Iowan caucus-goers will support a different candidate, and Trump has obviously made some pretty divisive comments this election cycle. 

I'm torn on this whole issue.  On one hand, football players shouldn't feel compelled to stay silent on something they think is important just because they're football players.  On the other, college football is a unifying force and a refuge from the political disagreements of the day, and it's kind of sad when political disagreements cross into that sanctuary.  Iowans of all political stripes love the Hawkeyes, just like there are many of us on this Board who can bond over Stanford football when we might have trouble staying civil if we were discussing politics.  Our country needs apolitical institutions like that.  That said, I think I'd be sadder if a player really wanted to speak out but felt pressured to stay silent because he was a football player. 

Again, I'm not saying that the players should stay silent, because they should feel free to make whatever political statements they wish, within the bounds of public decency.  I would love to keep certain things in life separate from politics, but I would imagine Hawkeye fans that will be caucusing for any non-Trump candidates will find it in their hearts to support the football team just as strongly next season.

Colorado Tree....I agree with your sentiments. I think the power of sports to bring diverse people together is not recognized enough. While I wanted CMc to win the Trophy, I had recently watched the movie Selma, and was heartened with how strongly the South got behind Henry and Watson, even if they were wrong 😊 So while my post was intended mainly as a humorous knock at Carly the traitor,  I hesitated to post it because I didnt want to start a political discussion. I, like you, want sport to be a refuge from politics.

[TreesAndBirds]

TreesAndBirds, I absolutely agree that the debate over whether football players should be able to endorse is silly.  They're certainly well within their rights to publicly support whichever candidate they choose.  That said, whether they nonetheless should endorse is a different issue altogether.  It's obviously dangerous ground to tread, given that a substantial majority of Iowan caucus-goers will support a different candidate, and Trump has obviously made some pretty divisive comments this election cycle. 

I'm torn on this whole issue.  On one hand, football players shouldn't feel compelled to stay silent on something they think is important just because they're football players.  On the other, college football is a unifying force and a refuge from the political disagreements of the day, and it's kind of sad when political disagreements cross into that sanctuary.  Iowans of all political stripes love the Hawkeyes, just like there are many of us on this Board who can bond over Stanford football when we might have trouble staying civil if we were discussing politics.  Our country needs apolitical institutions like that.  That said, I think I'd be sadder if a player really wanted to speak out but felt pressured to stay silent because he was a football player. 

Again, I'm not saying that the players should stay silent, because they should feel free to make whatever political statements they wish, within the bounds of public decency.  I would love to keep certain things in life separate from politics, but I would imagine Hawkeye fans that will be caucusing for any non-Trump candidates will find it in their hearts to support the football team just as strongly next season.

Colorado Tree....I agree with your sentiments. I think the power of sports to bring diverse people together is not recognized enough. While I wanted CMc to win the Trophy, I had recently watched the movie Selma, and was heartened with how strongly the South got behind Henry and Watson, even if they were wrong 😊 So while my post was intended mainly as a humorous knock at Carly the traitor,  I hesitated to post it because I didnt want to start a political discussion. I, like you, want sport to be a refuge from politics.