By Angelina Newsom:
As the New England Patriots bask in their historic Super Bowl win, their fans are celebrating right along with them. It’s worth noting that in recent years, the Super Bowl has increasingly included political statements of various forms. With a successful halftime show, however, this year’s Super Bowl was shaping up to be more about the game and the entertainment and less about politics. Then came the press conferences.
During an interview with reporters, Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett revealed that he would not attend the White House reception that is customary for championship-winning sports teams. The reason? He does not support President Donald Trump.
Making political statements seems to be a growing trend among professional athletes. Many don’t take into account, however, the effects their actions (or lack thereof) can have on their fan base. Fans are just as diverse as the country itself. All walks of life tune into sports to cheer for their favorite teams. Regardless of who is in the White House, this is the United States of America, and football is as American as it gets. Professional teams represent not only their respective cities, but also their fans all over the world. It’s important for them to realize they should go about their business with pride. Attending a function at the White House should be a huge honor, no matter who the president is. The athletes in attendance represent the best of sports. They are adored by millions.
While Martellus Bennett has the right to freely express himself and opt out of a celebration in the White House, he has been contradictory about his actions. He told one media outlet that despite New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft’s personal friendship with President Trump, he doesn’t feel pressured to change his mind. Bennett also doesn’t feel that there will be any animosity among his teammates because he believes that politics should be kept out of work, and that all are entitled to their own beliefs.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but Martellus Bennett is employed by the New England Patriots. That is his place of business. That is where he works. NFL players represent their employers by attending a Super Bowl celebration at the White House. Martellus Bennett made the statements while wearing his work attire— it would seem that his actions constitute bringing his beliefs to work. Plenty of people tune into sports to escape just that— everyone’s opinions and political rhetoric. Martellus Bennett has successfully gotten his point across. He has also potentially lost the support of some of his fans.
Part of being a professional is accepting the fact that not everyone thinks alike, nor does everyone hold the same beliefs. Skipping the event also sends a message that we should isolate ourselves from those who do not share our beliefs.
One thing is fairly certain however: the world won’t change because Martellus Bennett decided not to show up to the White House.
Angelina Newsom is an OpsLens Contributor and U.S. Army Veteran. She has ten years experience in the military, including a deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. She studies Criminal Justice and is still active within the military community.
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