MINNEAPOLIS, February 29, 2024 — The Minnesota Timberwolves game scheduled for February 26 was postponed following the death of Amir Locke, a 27-year-old Black man shot by Minneapolis police, marking a rare instance of a professional sports event directly impacted by a political and social issue.
A Shift in Athlete Activism
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The willingness of athletes to publicly address social and political issues appears to be waning, with leagues adopting a more cautious approach.
- Just a few years ago, athletes were increasingly encouraged to use their platforms to advocate for social justice.
- Recent events suggest a growing reluctance among athletes to engage in political discourse.
- The NBA postponed a game in 2020 following a player strike protesting police violence, but the impact proved short-lived.
- Social media’s toxicity and a perceived lack of authority contribute to the shift.
A few years ago, athletes were often pressured—by events and the broader culture—to leverage their “platform” to fight injustice. The last time a game was postponed due to issues intersecting with politics was in 2020, during the NBA’s pandemic bubble, when the Milwaukee Bucks initiated a wildcat strike to protest police violence. That disruption felt significant, but ultimately didn’t lead to lasting change. Instead, the perceived risks associated with speaking out, or remaining silent, have increased.
The Changing Landscape of Athlete Activism
Today, many athletes are more hesitant to discuss politics, and leagues are more circumspect in their responses. Social media, once seen as a powerful tool for advocacy, has become increasingly toxic and is often used for performance rather than genuine engagement. Even some progressives now question whether professional athletes—often young, singularly focused on their sport, and averse to public distractions—have a special obligation to comment on world events.
Anthony Edwards, a talented basketball player, has faced scrutiny for past controversial posts, including a homophobic video on Instagram and accusations of pressuring a woman to have an abortion. (Edwards later stated, “I made comments in the heat of a moment that are not me, and are not aligned with what I believe and who I want to be as a man.”) He is not necessarily the figure to lead discussions on civic leadership or federal policies.
In some ways, athletes are freer to express their true opinions, though potential repercussions from the current government and corporate climate remain. Several basketball players voiced their reactions to the killings in Minneapolis. Victor Wembanyama expressed his horror at the news, while Tyrese Haliburton directly labeled Pretti’s death a murder. Larry Nance, Jr., wore an anti-ICE T-shirt, and the Players Association issued a statement defending civil liberties. Breanna Stewart carried an “Abolish ICE” sign during player introductions before an Unrivaled game, continuing a trend of women’s basketball players being more outspoken than their male counterparts.
However, these instances were exceptions. The NBA remained largely silent, as did many of its star players. LeBron James, who previously led athlete advocacy, posted a Bruce Springsteen song, “Streets of Minneapolis,” on Instagram as his first public response. Despite his large following, James recognizes, as do others, that whether he denounces the actions of ICE or not likely won’t significantly alter the situation in Minneapolis. He also knows that Donald Trump returned to the White House even after being publicly criticized.
The Purpose of Sports in Times of Crisis
The postponement wasn’t presented as a protest, but rather as a measure “to prioritize the security and safety of the Minnesota community.” Minnesota’s head coach, Chris Finch, expressed the team’s heartbreak and relief that they hadn’t played on the night of Pretti’s death, stating, “playing basketball just didn’t feel like the right thing to do.” Sports, in that moment, felt secondary.
What is the role of sports during times of turmoil? Some argue there isn’t one, viewing professional sports as a bloated form of entertainment, a distraction for eating nachos and gambling. Are they simply an escape? Perhaps. People seek distractions from bad news, rituals, and opportunities to connect with others. They appreciate the consistency of a baseball season and examples of excellence. Some even enjoy watching the New York Jets. Often, these preferences aren’t consciously considered; they stem from childhood memories and ingrained habits.
