Should sports personalities, players, coaches, radio and tv personalities, all STFU and ‘stick to sports’???

Scott Kaplan

ADMIN

VERIFIED

SUPERADMIN

I have always hated this. I would hear from program directors, people come to us for sports, an escape from the news. My reply was, then our ratings will suck, because we need to talk to the masses. Today, our country is spiraling, and if your talking about sports, as if nothing is happening, the listeners will bounce. People in sports, players or personalities have opinions outside of sports, why should I listen to Sean Hannity, Don Lemon, over Dee Brees or LeBron James? I say to all sports tv radio people, be human and talk about our common experiences, we are al living this together!

I don’t mind your opinions as long as you realize people don’t think like you do.

“Speak the truth—or make your peace some other way”.  Godsmack

Say whatever you want

Stand for something !

Scott Ferrall

Although I’m sure some come to Scott, Grande, JB and others in the sports talk industry for sports and perhaps a “break” from the world and it’s “grind” and I get that but to make a comment like that is simply ignorant and BS. Last I checked, sports professionals live and breath among us, experience much of the same things, entitled to opinions and have access to the same if not more info than everyone else.  It’s probably just the larger platform that bothers them especially when the opinions expressed are different than theirs. I for one enjoy listening and learning from others, I have a choice to go where I want and when I want for it... Scott&BR and the great friends chat is where I choose to go. Being genuine has always been one of the things I’ve respected about them and why I’ve listened as long as I have hope they don’t ever change.

Joe Rigby

I suppose I don’t mind if you want to touch on and discuss the events.... HOWEVER you risk pissing off loyal listeners/fans/followers if you aggressively push your opinions, party, and/or candidate. I really like and in some ways feel like I can relate to Scott and his driven, happy, aggressive personality BUT about a month ago I stopped listening because I got tired of the shots at Trump by his co-hosts. I like Browner and AP, but I didn’t tune in to hear them rip someone I personally believe in and support (85% of the time). I’m sure JB & AP don't care because they are passionate... but for me I had enough. I can and will respect your beliefs if you bring it to me in a way that your not pushing your objections or anger down my throat as if almost attacking me. It’s become you’re with me or against me... big risk these days to publicly take a side when you’re trying to sell yourself or your product/brand.

Matt D

First and foremost, all of these people you've mentioned are human beings who live in social, economic, cultural, and political worlds outside of and integrated with sports. They can talk about whatever they like, we don't always have to listen. There are many options. I think what is hard for some, not all, is just because they have a microphone or a social/celebrity platform to speak and influence from, does not mean they should opine on every issue, especially before they are educated on complex issues and have had time to formulate their thoughts before broadcasting or posting them to the world. The consequences for some are severe, jobs are lost. I personally watch sports and listen to sports talk radio to hear about whats happening in the world of sports. Not hear half baked thoughts and expressions from "influencers" on issues that are so incredibly complex. But that is me. As a former athlete and avid sports fan, I have found inspiration from various athletes, coaches, sporting events, etc. on how to walk a better path. Sports have always reflected our values as a society.

Christopher Moreno

no players and ,hosts, talk show , media. they all have a opinion, they should not be silenced, let them speak about how they feel.

Bernard Thompson

They can talk about what they want, Ben and Woods have gone KOGO now, but don’t try to cancel someone when you don’t  agree with their political statement and then deem that person a racist. Can’t have it both ways, you can’t say, Im for free expression but not for for those whom I disagree with.

Sergio Salgado

In the current climate, especially when sports haven’t been going on, can anyone really “stick to sports?” We can’t even stick to our own jobs without the current issues coming up, so no, you can’t just stick to sports. Just the world we live in.

Kenneth Moore

Just like the Scott and BR show talks about the real world so should athletes.  Life is not just sports.  We need to talk real world issues.  Athletes have a platform that can spread a positive message.

Albert Long

I really have mixed feelings about this and sometime yes I would like for them just to focus on sports. At the same time I also believe being able to be real at times is also important, especially about important issues. And as long as the discussion is fair and realistic and not one sided, but takes points from every side I think its a good thing. It's a opportunity to start the conversation which we struggle to have.

Derrick McQuinn

Networks/stations/athletes can talk about the real world if they choose.  No one is forcing anyone to listen if they'd rather watch/hear something else.

layuponafool

I’m so tired of that phrase. All it means is someone in our business has said something - i.e. offered an opinion on politics, Covid, you name it - and if it doesn’t line up with the listener‘s / viewer‘s position, we should just sit quietly in the corner. Or... just stay in our lane. With that mentality, no one should offer opinions on movies, restaurants or books unless they’re filmmakers, executive chefs or authors. Debate with dissent brings knowledge and a deeper understanding of why people see the world differently and that’s a positive.

Christopher Gabriel

When there is an overwhelming amount of sports, there is no time for deep analysis of our political and economic reality. As an example, when NBA and NHL Playoff runs coincide and baseball is starting to heat up as the NCAA tournament begins, drop the chit chat and do some analysis. Otherwise, we are not just sports junkies, we are humans and want to know media thoughts on the world. Is the Chinese Communist Party taking over the economy? Is George Floyd's death the tipping point for justice?

Bob Rauch

We need these people using their platform to get more info out!

Jake Hershfield

You realize we are locked and loaded with Sports Grid!

Not trying to offend Scott, hopefully not taken that way. This is a &ldquo;debate&rdquo; platform designed to hear opinions. When I vote and &ldquo;defend&rdquo; I'm doing my best to articulate my opinion without offending someone. Truthfully the points or the gift card aren't my motivation,  being able to state your case and read others can be enlightening on both sides and yes, it's entertaining. I have a lot of respect for your resilience & determination, although I'm not sure we would agree on all things I still think we could have a couple beers and great conversion.

Just being as safe as possible and reading box scores from seasons past.

You're so right, we are literally better off