Football players and politics

[kokotai]

Do you think football players should get involved in politics?

[druzus]

totally depends on many factors...but for the most part hell no

[CTNelson]

If you mean running for office after they are done playing and retired I would have no problem with that.

If you mean actively campaigning while still playing I would say that could be a potential disaster for a players marketability as if you pick a side in todays political climate you pretty much piss off 50% of the country.

That being said if a player feels strongly enough about an issue and is aware of the potential consequences and backlash I see no reason they should not be allowed to express themselves like any other citizen. I'd prefer they wouldn't but won't begrudge them if they do that is unless they spout nonsense which is contrary to my poiltical leanings then they are idiots and worthy of a public flogging

[gridmonster]

Bledsoe can stand pat and not budge despite being under loads of pressure ~ characteristics becoming of a politician . . .

[Daddy Duck]

Off the top of my head I can name 7 prominent politicians who are ex football players former Presidents Nixon and Ford, senator George Allen, former Vice President candidate Jack Kemp, former congressman J.C. Watts, Gubernatoral hopeful Lynn Swan and congressional Candidate Heath Schuler. I know there are several others, thats just off the top of my head, but to answer the question there are a lot of football players who major in Political science, politics is second nature to alot of these guy's, so, yes if there done with football of course they should run.

[PredsFan77]

most are too dumb to do such a thing.

[jcurry3rd]

Too dumb to go into politics hmmmm i would be very afraid of what you would find out if you gave all our congressmen iq tests.......

That being said Jess Ventura and Govenator Arnold need i say more

[tater03]

I really don't see why they couldn't run for a political office. But it seems like a lot of football players have enough trouble staying out of trouble for a season let alone running for a political office and trying to stay out of trouble.

[louisgodwin]

CT has a point about the marketability factor. If a player wants to make money endorsing products, he should probably stay out of politics.

[jcurry3rd]

Originally Posted by CTNelson

If you mean running for office after they are done playing and retired I would have no problem with that.

If you mean actively campaigning while still playing I would say that could be a potential disaster for a players marketability as if you pick a side in todays political climate you pretty much piss off 50% of the country.

That being said if a player feels strongly enough about an issue and is aware of the potential consequences and backlash I see no reason they should not be allowed to express themselves like any other citizen. I'd prefer they wouldn't but won't begrudge them if they do that is unless they spout nonsense which is contrary to my poiltical leanings then they are idiots and worthy of a public flogging

Not sure i agree with your opinion that if its contrary to your politics they should be flogged..... as much as i enjoy a good flogging ...... every person is entitled to an opinion i would hope that they actually had an opinion not spin for public appeal even if its diametrically opposed to my personal views.... if they at least made a valid arguement it would be nice to hear and not some idiotic ramble for der Crew and/or Posse'

[JohnnyMac]

Tom Brady will make a fine governor some day.

[YooBritt]

Originally Posted by kokotai

Do you think football players should get involved in politics?

I think if they know what they are talking about then they have every right to get involved with politics, just as well as everyone else does. They may be a little rougher but that’s okay! They are people too.

[ColossalCanadian]

Swann Is Going Down Today!

[RoyalPITA]

There's a commercial out here in Kansas City that has numerous professional athlete's speaking out against Embryonic stem cell research. I don't give an ounce of damn what they're political leanings or beliefs are, just put on your uniform and get on the field/ice. I don't feel it's any business of theirs to tell me or anyone else how the hell to vote on anything. They have every right to, but it irritates me. The same thing goes for entertainers. Hey Bono... why don't you just sit down and shut up... you too Billy. None of these people can relate to the life most of us lead, and they're probably getting paid a sizeable amount for their "services". Screw 'em.

[tater03]

I would have to agree with the above statement. I agree that they are entitled to their opioion but to use there fame to sway voters to me is just wrong. Again you are only getting half of a story when they speak and never the whole story.