Over 70% Of Sports Fans Support Players Speaking Out On Social Justice Issues, Survey Finds

TOPLINE

Despite loud protestations from President Donald Trump and other prominent critics of athletes who sound off on social justice problems and race relations, a new ESPN survey finds that more than seven out of 10 sports fans support players and teams voicing their opinion on pressing societal concerns.

KEY FACTS

Key Background:

The survey, which included a base sample of 537 interviews of individuals 18 years of age or older, also asked fans about several specific race-related issues. When questioned about NASCAR’s decision to ban the Confederate flag at all events, 64% of respondents supported it. 55% of fans said they supported the NBA’s decision to put “Black Lives Matter” on the court and social justice messages on the backs of uniforms. 

Tangent:

Earlier this month, players from five different WNBA teams, including the Atlanta Dream, wore “Vote Warnock” T-shirts to a game, in support of Raphael Warnock, who is running against Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, a co-owner of the Dream. In response, Loeffler (who had previously objected to the league’s plans to honor the Black Lives Matter movement) issued a statement referencing cancel culture and blasted the WNBA, claiming “it’s clear that the league is more concerned with playing politics than basketball.”

Crucial Quotes: 

“I wouldn’t be surprised. Some (players) are very nasty, very, very nasty, and, frankly, very dumb,” said Trump on Tuesday, when asked whether he was aware that some NBA players had criticized the president for his comments on their protests.

Further Reading:

Trump Says NBA In ‘Big Trouble’ Due To Kneeling For Anthem, Calls Players’ Nasty’ And ‘Very Dumb’ (Forbes) 

Sen. Loeffler: WNBA Players’ Support For Election Opponent Is Proof Of ‘Out-Of-Control Cancel Culture’ (Forbes) 

Survey: Sports fans support social justice stance by athletes, teams (ESPN)