NBA and WNBA and Politics

Nov. 11, 2016

The Cleveland Cavaliers stopped by the White House to visit President Obama and celebrate their championship season. Fortunately for the Cavs, this will be the last NBA or WNBA team to meet with President Obama to celebrate their championship season. President Obama has always had a way with words and referenced each player in his speech. He even joked about JR Smith shirtless attire after winning his 1st ever championship by saying, “I want to give a special thanks to J.R. Smith’s shirt for showing up,” Obama said. “I’m glad you came. You’re a very nice shirt.”

JR Smith remained shirtless after winning his 1st ever NBA championship.

President-Elect Trump will be in office on January 20th after running one of the most racist and woman-hating campaigns ever. It will be interesting to see how the WNBA L A Sparks will receive their invitation to the White House next year to celebrate their 2016 WNBA title. They may want to try and get that celebration started earlier before President Obama and First lady Michelle are gone. With both professional teams as well as individual athletes protesting and voicing their opinions on political matters and injustice, it will be really interesting to see how the future championship celebrations at the White House turn out.

In the past many athletes have steered away from using their platforms for political matters. With the recent Black Lives Matter movement, racial injustice, and police brutality issues, many athletes have chosen to no longer remain silent. One of these former professional athletes not only used her voice, but put her words in to action and ran for mayor of her city. My former Washington Mystics teammate and University of Miami Hall of Famer, Tamara James, said that she wasn't going to just encourage people to vote and complain about the many problems affecting our race but she was going to run for mayor. I've followed and supported her over the past year and I would like to congratulate her on becoming the youngest ever to become Mayor of Dania Beach, Florida. She was not only the youngest to ever be elected she also received the most votes. She was quoted as saying "Voting does Matter." It is often said that athletes only use their voice and briefly bring awareness to what's going on. Tamara James will not only use her voice but now has the platform to evoke change in her city.

Congratulations Tamara James on being elected Mayor of Dania Beach Florida.

I am proud of Tamara and all the athletes that are using their platforms to use their influence in a positive way. To whom much is given, much is required. Professional athletes work incredibly hard, yet the rewards of being a professional athlete are just as incredible. You may not decide to take a knee like Kapaernick, run for mayor like Tamara, or give a speech at the ESPYs, and that's okay. There are countless ways to use your influence. Blog, write, speak, volunteer, develop a nonprofit, run a business, create a radio show, mentor kids. Whatever you do, speak up and speak out for the issues that are important to you. Many of the former WNBA and NBA legends are giving back in a unique way with the help of various organizations like the NBRPA. If you're a retired professional basketball player or an individual or company interested in learning more about this organization click on the link below.

[National Basketball Retired Players Association | Legends of Basketball]

Last but not least Happy Veteran's Day to all those that have fought and continue to fight and make sacrifices on behalf of us all. Regardless of the presidential elections, please let us remember those who find honor and would sacrifice their lives for our country.