So, where does the line exist which an athlete should not cross in expressing his First Amendment rights? Well, technically, there is not a line. However, it can be assumed many leagues would draw a line at anything of which they did not approve.
Henceforth, the athlete could find himself under the scrutiny of a league’s moral clause. A moral clause infraction could mean anything from a public reprimand to fines to a suspension. This may be the reason many athletes–of all races–do not speak out about issues they are passionate about.
But there are a few brave souls who are willing to challenge society and speak on issues. Those souls are careful to let everyone know they are speaking for themselves and not for their team, team members, or the league. The best ones seize the opportunity to use their celebrity to push society to rethink its position on a subject matter.
For instance, Dwyane Wade was very public about his feelings when George Zimmerman was found not guilty in the homocide of Trayvon Martin. LeBron James, recently, stated he was praying for the families involved in the Ferguson, Cleveland, and New York police incidents. James urged protestors to be peaceful. J.J. Watt honored his local police officers with pizza after the Ferguson’s grand jury failed to indict Officer Darren Wilson for their hard work in Houston.
And there have been others who have taken on difficult issues unrelated to the political unrest in urban America. Russell Wilson devoted his foundation to domestic violence when the NFL was trying to find its feet with the Ray Rice and other players involvement in such acts. Ben Scrivens, goalie for the Edmonton Oilers, made the issue of schizophrenia center stage by displaying the artwork of those having the ailment design the art on his helmet. Brandon Marshall, wide receiver of the Chicago Bears, also deals with the taboo subject of mental illness with his foundation.
But what is the best way for an athlete to not cross the imaginery line and still be a vocal advocate for issues for which he has a passion?