No matter where you stand on some of the social issues that define the United States today, the right to an opinion and belief is paramount in an open society.
But this is somewhat limited, at least according to some, when it comes to professional athletes. Should they engage in conversations about politics and religion? And how does their active participation in some of the most decisive issues of the day impact things within the sport they play?
Detroit Tigers outfielder Torii Hunter apparently took the approach that it’s not part of his role as a baseball player to give social commentary. These comments were made to The Detroit News back in 2012.
I will never talk about politics, race or anything like that ever again with nobody,” Hunter told The News in January 2012. “That’s not part of baseball, so I’m not gonna talk about it. That’s crazy.
Well it appears Hunter has backtracked from this stance in a recent political advertisement for Arkansas gubernatorial candidate Asa Hutchinson.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5ZM7nt4A3A
Here is part of Hunter’s comments in the political ad.
Asa is committed to the principles we hold dear, like a strong faith in God, equal justice for all and keeping marriage between one man and one woman.
The interesting dynamic here is that Hunter is set to be a free agent this upcoming winter. It remains to be seen whether these comments will impact his ability to sign with teams that reside in cities where the view on gay marriage is different from his own. That’s the issue some athletes have with actually taking a stand on some of the issues of the day.
Photo: Philly.com