The Houston Rockets & Boston Celtics face off on Tuesday. Both teams are expected to challenge other teams in their respective conferences for a NBA Finals berth. Boston is the defending champions.
Since, Tuesday is the day of the Presidential general election both players have decided to make a statement on the court with their shoe design in lieu of this historic election.
According to adidas, “The words were chosen by both KG & Tracy and reflect their political views. This is not about partisanship. Rather, this is vehicle to encourage people to get out and vote.”
McGrady, however, chose “Change is Needed” for his shoes and said he is happy that his message is so close to the Barack Obama campaign slogan, “Change We Need.”
When asked if his shoe statement was an official endorsement? Tracy McGrady said, “Absolutely. “I’m Obama all day, every day,” McGrady said. “I endorse him. I actually met him this summer, me and my wife. When he was down here, he wanted to meet and I went to his hotel to meet him. A very nice gentleman. I believe in what he believes in.”
Finally, we have some athletes with the intestinal fortitude to stand for something other than themselves. It’s a huge statement from two of the biggest stars in NBA. Moreover, their desire to remind sports fans what’s really important is self-deprecating.
When was the last time you heard an athlete speak about an issue relevant to everyday people? Remember Michael Jordan said “he wouldn’t take a political stand because Republicans buy shoes too!” Incredulous. Though I won’t fault the man for his opinion, however I never bought another pair of Jordan’s, and I still won’t to this day.
Charles Barkley is one of the few athletes in any major sport to take a political stance without fear of retribution from his job as a TNT sports analyst for the NBA. In fact, Charles has appeared on CNN’s Larry King Live discussing his views. In addition, he appeared on TV ONE ( an African-American cable network) during their live coverage of the DNC convention in Denver.
His views offer a fresh perspective from a demographic the general public rarely gets a chance to witness. Just think how much weight these men carry to influence the hearts & minds of their adoring fans.
So, Why haven’t more made stands?
[...] Original post by mystictongue3 [...]