In recent years, teams, players and leagues have spoken up more on politics. Despite some fans wanting to “keep politics out of sports,” there is no way to separate the two.
In 2016, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick famously knelt during the national anthem in protest of police brutality. He was largely criticized for this action and was left to free agency. Kaepernick went unsigned and a narrative was passed around the National Football League that no team would sign him because of his peaceful protest.
Despite leagues such as the NFL having a policy to keep politics out of sports, their actions speak differently. Every year the winning team of the Super Bowl is invited to the White House. This previously was seen as a nonpartisan celebration for the winning team, but now the visits carry the implications of support for the administration. Notably, the Philadelphia Eagles were disinvited from the White House in 2018 due to few players wanting to go, something they are repeating this year. Ultimately, their decision will cause more discussion about politics in the sports world.
On Saturday, it had been 45 years since the hockey game known as “Miracle on Ice.” This was a hockey game played between the United States and the Soviet Union during the 1980 Winter Olympic Games. The game ended with the U.S. underdog win against the USSR, the reigning gold medalist. This game not only highlighted the growing talent in the U.S. but also a memorable moment in the middle of the Cold War. International games like the Olympics often bring countries together, but they also can serve a greater political influence.
On Thursday, the National Hockey League wrapped up its replacement for the all-star break this season known as the “Four Nations Face Off.” The short tournament concluded with Team Canada playing Team U.S.A. Although this game and tournament was meant to grow anticipation for the Winter Olympics next year, it also highlighted rising tensions between Canada and the U.S.
President Donald Trump has made multiple remarks about Canada becoming the 51st state. Since these remarks and now having paused tariffs on Canada, Canadian fans have been booing the American national anthem at sporting events in protest against the current administration. Before the final game, Trump went on the app Truth Social and said, “On toward victory tonight against Canada ... will someday, maybe soon, become our cherished, and very important Fifty-First State."
Before the game, Trump even had a call with Team U.S.A. wishing the team good luck in a seemingly meaningless tournament. Although it is unclear if Trump mentioned making Canada a state during this call, it is clear that if the U.S. won it would’ve further pushed his agenda.
During the national anthem singing, Canadian anthem singer Chanel Kreviazuk changed the lyrics of “O Canada” from “in all of us command” to “that only us command.” Kreziauck spoke with AP and said she changed it “because I believe in democracy, and a sovereign nation should not have to be defending itself against tyranny and fascism.” After Team Canada won Thursday night, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took to X, posting, “You can’t take our country — and you can’t take our game.”
From Jesse Owens in the 1936 Olympics to denying White House visits, sports cannot untangle themselves from politics. Athletes, teams and leagues' actions inherently send political messaging to the masses.
Cassie is a junior studying communications at Ohio University. Please note the views expressed in this column do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk to Cassie? Email her at cb086021@ohio.edu.
