Sports and politics- I vote no
Separation of church and state should now apply to sports and politics. Our constitution here in America is a good one. Freedom of choice, freedom of speech, and the right to remain silent.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady made a big stir in the sports world when news broke that they supported Donald Trump. It all unfolded in the final days of the campaign. Reports said that Tom Brady gave Trump the ok to tell the world that he was in Donald’s corner. We also learned that Bill Belichick sent Trump a note that he wrote out of “friendship,”not politics. Belichick also revealed that he “writes hundreds of letters and notes every month.”
I found that particular tidbit absolutely fascinating. The football genius is also a man of letters.
In another twist, Trump told the world during one of his last campaign stops that he had Tom Brady’s support and vote, and that the quarterback said it was ok to say so.
When asked about it yesterday, Brady said he had orders from home to keep his trap shut.
“I talked to my wife and she said I can’t talk about politics anymore,” he said. “So I think that’s a good decision made for our family.”
It’s my view that athletes don’t have any obligation to discuss private matters- and that includes who they are supporting and voting for.
Through the years I have heard athletes asked everything from what their favorite snack is to what they want for Christmas. It’s up to each individual to play along. Politics is another matter, and an honest answer is going create controversy-no matter what. That kind of distraction that is something that just doesn’t happen on Belichick’s watch.
I can see why Trump touted the names of Belichick and Brady late in the game, and in the state of New Hampshire. Why not try to eek out a few more votes by mentioning two of New England’s biggest sports heroes. In the end it didn’t matter. Hillary won Granite State, and Donald won it all.
Bill Belichick closed the conversation yesterday by saying, “It’s not about politics, it’s about football. We have a huge game this week against a great football team. And that’s where it is all going forward, on Seattle.”
As hungry reporters continued ask follow ups about the Trump letter, Belichick answered each question with a one word answer.
“Seattle.”
Remember it’s on to Cincinnati?
Seattle.
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