bnussdorf

The magazine published an article discussing sports stars and which politicians they supported. The focus of the article was on how sports stars attempted to help politicians, but one of the primary persons was Curt Schilling. Mr. Bloody Sock is a very strong conservative, and has supported conservative causes publically in the past. Rumors abounded that his outspoken political views have led to major rifts in his clubhouses, filled with Latin Americans who trend toward the Democratic Party, and, according to some rumors, with Randy Johnson, who found Schilling's views distracting.

The question is whether or not there should be a role for political advocacy for sports stars. Players like Bill Bradley, Steve Largent and Heath Shuler have made the leap from athlete to public office. Should athletes use their fame and notoriety to support political causes, much like Hollywood celebrities do? Should guys from the Chicago Bulls play pick up basketball with Barack Obama if they support him, or guys on the Arizona Cardinals toss passes to John McCain if they support him. Some might say this is is an abuse of their popularity and notoriety, and potentially misusing their roles as role models to kids. Others say it is their civic duty to be public in their positions. I'm a believe in the latter, primarily because when athletes talk politics, it can be very entertaining and revealing about the personal thinking of an athlete. Anyone who disagrees should try to find the youtube clip of Charles Barkley speaking at the Democratic National Convention. Good luck making it through that one without laughing so hard you need to pee.