Blog Hound: Bloggers Discuss Athletes' Expression Of Political Views

In the wake of the Presidential election, bloggers discuss the active expression of political opinions by professional athletes.

SportsMedia Challenge's Buzz Manager analyzed blog discussion surrounding opinions on athletes publicly expressing their political views. Visit www.SportsBusinessDaily.com for more info on this topic. See more info on this topic.

• The Buzz ranked 4 out of 10, a topic of a medium level of interest among sports bloggers.
• Bloggers in the positive category praised athletes expressing their political views, feeling athletes have as much a right to an opinion as every other voter and should feel free to express it. Many enjoyed hearing athletes' take on the historical significance of Barack Obama being elected. Others said that athletes' opinions can raise awareness among others and serve as a catalyst for conversation. Among athletes receiving praise were Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.
• Bloggers in the negative category disliked athletes expressing their unhappiness with the proposed Obama tax plan that would raise their taxes. Many felt this reflected negatively on the athletes given that they are paid such high salaries to begin with. Some felt that athletes should not express their political views in general, seeing it as an abuse of their celebrity status. Others felt negatively about those athletes that supported political views different from their own, saying it made it harder for them to be a fan of that athlete.
• Bloggers in the neutral category tended to either post quotes or videos of athletes and their political reactions, without any commentary. Some noticed the conflicting feelings some athletes may have faced in this election, due to the relative quickness with which a pro athlete's socioeconomic class changes. Many come from low- or middle-income families and may still identify with those feelings, as opposed to their feelings about protecting their high salaries.

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