[socalstanfan1]

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. 

I'm not torn on this at all.  One of the things that troubles me the most in the US is widespread political apathy, and the public discourse that says having a political opinion just doesn't matter since "the system" is rigged anyway.  If athletes are involved and interested enough to speak out on politics, please, speak up.  (And I say this as someone who personally cannot stand The Donald, and who is a dyed-in-the-wool Democrat...but the issue of the importance of political consciousness and involvement, for me, transcends affiliation with any particular party, or attachment to any particular candidate.)  Speak up on political issues, on campaigns, set an example not just through your athletic performance but also through your civic involvement.  American politics is often inane and silly and at times the rhetoric can be downright frightening, but widespread involvement is vital.

[socalstanfan1]

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. 

I'm not torn on this at all.  One of the things that troubles me the most in the US is widespread political apathy, and the public discourse that says having a political opinion just doesn't matter since "the system" is rigged anyway.  If athletes are involved and interested enough to speak out on politics, please, speak up.  (And I say this as someone who personally cannot stand The Donald, and who is a dyed-in-the-wool Democrat...but the issue of the importance of political consciousness and involvement, for me, transcends affiliation with any particular party, or attachment to any particular candidate.)  Speak up on political issues, on campaigns, set an example not just through your athletic performance but also through your civic involvement.  American politics is often inane and silly and at times the rhetoric can be downright frightening, but widespread involvement is vital.