Unforgettable Instances of Sports and Politics Intersecting in 2024

December 25, 2024 TruthUSA

Prominent athletes are supporting presidential campaigns and federal policies, generating significant debate.

The year 2024 has witnessed a dynamic interaction between politics and sports, featuring everything from campaign endorsements to discussions about male athletes participating in women’s sports.

This interplay is expected to persist into 2025, particularly with President-elect Donald Trump returning to office.

“I don’t anticipate much change. It seems likely that champions from sports leagues might choose not to visit the White House again, particularly in the NBA,” stated conservative commentator Chris Tremoglie to The Epoch Times. “I believe it will likely be just the NBA and possibly the WNBA that might refrain. Other leagues would probably participate.”

Here are some of the most significant stories blending sports and politics over the past year.

Athletes Rally for Trump and Harris

Several figures from the sports world have backed President-elect Donald Trump, while others have endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris.

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr articulated his support for Harris at the Democratic National Convention in August, where she was recognized as a fan of the team.

“As a coach, former player, husband, son, father, grandfather, and an American, I believe in a specific type of leadership. Leaders should embody dignity and be truthful,” he expressed.

Kerr then imitated a gesture from Warriors superstar Stephen Curry when he makes a game-winning shot: placing his hands at the sides of his head as if asleep.

“After the votes are counted, we can, in the spirit of the great Steph Curry, tell Donald Trump, ‘Night, night,’” Kerr remarked.

A brief video presented at the DNC featured Curry asserting that Harris could serve as a unifying force in the White House.

“This is about sustaining hope and belief in our nation. Ensuring families are supported during their most treasured moments,” he stated.

Conversely, a number of current and former athletes have endorsed Trump.

Former Steelers players Mike Wallace, Le’Veon Bell, and Antonio Brown expressed their support, with Brown speaking at Trump’s rally on October 19 in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

“Donald Trump knows success and understands what is necessary to restore greatness to America,” Brown said. ”Let’s be honest, we’ve all faced highs and lows, especially in my journey as a Super Bowl champion and father to seven incredible children.”

Current NFL players demonstrated their support for Trump during games by performing his signature “Y.M.C.A.” dance move. Additionally, 49ers star defensive end Nick Bosa appeared wearing a MAGA hat during a post-game interview.

“I think it’s a pivotal time,” he told the press, opting not to elaborate on his reason for wearing the iconic hat.

The NFL fined Bosa $11,255 for wearing the hat during a game, in violation of league policy prohibiting players from showcasing “personal messages” while they are “visible” on game days, including during post-game interviews.

Title IX Continues to Spark Debate

Title IX continues to be a focal point in the discussion surrounding male athletes in women’s sports.

In April, the Biden administration expanded the interpretation of Title IX to encompass transgender athletes, asserting that discrimination under this law includes discrimination based on “gender identity.”

The new federal guidance forbids discrimination based on gender in education programs receiving federal funding.

“For over 50 years, Title IX has promised equal opportunities for learning and success in our nation’s schools free from sex discrimination,” remarked Education Secretary Miguel Cardona in an April 19 statement. “These final regulations build on Title IX’s legacy by ensuring all students can access schools that are safe, welcoming, and respect their rights.”

The regulation, however, has been halted in over 20 states by federal judges.

Trump had vowed to revoke Biden’s interpretation of Title IX on his first day back in office. However, in a recent interview with Time magazine, Trump seemed uncertain as he indicated he would examine “very closely” whether to uphold his original promise.

Several women’s teams have forfeited games against opponents featuring transgender players.

The women’s volleyball teams from the University of Wyoming, Boise State, Utah State University, and Southern Utah opted to forfeit their matches against San Jose State University, which includes Blaire Fleming, a male who identifies as a transgender female. The institutions did not specifically cite Fleming as the reason for their decision to forfeit.

Senate Spotlight on Sports Betting

The Senate Judiciary Committee conducted a hearing on December 17 concerning the realm of sports betting.

Testifying at the hearing were NCAA President and former Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, former NFL player Johnson Bademosi, former Assistant Attorney General David Rebuck, gambling therapist Harry Levant, and National Council on Problem Gambling Executive Director Keith Whyte.

A key issue in this discussion is the harassment that athletes face when they fail to meet gamblers’ expectations.

“Student-athletes have disclosed that they receive demands for money from disgruntled gamblers over insignificant matters that do not affect the outcome of games,” stated Baker.

“Many have been subjected to death threats from bettors, alongside various in-person threats and accusations while entering or leaving the playing field.”

Baker urged Congress to enact legislation banning prop betting on college sports and to “enhance the capacity of sports leagues to investigate integrity matters.”

He also called for “federal authorities to intensify efforts against illegal betting platforms.”

Trump’s Appearances at Football Games During the Campaign

Throughout the campaign, Trump made appearances at numerous football games.

In October, he was present in a suite during a game in Pittsburgh featuring the Steelers and New York Jets.

The month prior, Trump attended a match between the University of Alabama and the University of Georgia in Alabama, where he received considerable support. At that event, he even threw several boxes of chicken tenders into the crowd.

Following the election, Trump and Vance hosted Daniel Penny at their suite during the annual Army-Navy game on December 14. Penny was acquitted earlier that week of criminally negligent homicide for restraining a threatening passenger on a New York subway.

Ex-Athletes Campaign for Congress

Three former professional athletes, all affiliated with the Republican Party, attempted to run for Congress, though none succeeded, with one coming close.

Los Angeles Dodgers legend Steve Garvey was defeated by Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), who garnered 58.9 percent of the vote in the U.S. Senate race.

In Minnesota, former NBA player Royce White lost to Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), who received 56.3 percent of the votes in another Senate contest.

White has already announced plans to run for the GOP nomination against incumbent Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) in 2026.

Meanwhile, former NASCAR driver Austin Theriault, a Republican, narrowly lost to Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District by just 2,706 votes, with Golden receiving 50.3 percent to Theriault’s 49.7 percent.

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