what’s so funny is that tony deangelo’s political views are fairly common in the sport but it was his Own inability to shut the fuck up that has gotten him to the point of being widely reviled online. no one was asking for his opinion! ever! creator of his own downfall lmao
— Gaby Ugarte (@hockeynuisance) May 9, 2022
Source: Roland S. Martin
I recently discussed with a colleague who felt athletes should not use their platform. I couldn’t disagree more. It has been said much is expected to whom much is given. Well, athletes have been given a lot especially professional athletes. It is my belief those same athletes should use what they are given to make the world a better place by taking a true stand.
Many athletes do this by taking a stand by fighting cancer and through programs for children. Those are noble causes, but it is the truly brave athlete that goes beyond the neutral causes. Neutral causes have a way of becoming performative. For example, Pride Nights with rainbow tape on sticks and rainbows on uniforms are nice. However, what else is your organization doing to promote acceptance and true inclusion with members of the LBGQT+ community?
A couple of years ago during the Pandemic race issues became a serious matter in the Summer of 2020. Players decided to not play in their respective playoff games stating we as a Nation in the United States had more important matters to discuss than goals and points. We still see the slogans but where are the actions? I see ‘End Racism’ and ‘Hockey Is For Everyone’ slogans, but those are performative just like the announcement that says we recognize the contributions of Native Americans or Indigenous People.
If Leagues like the NHL, NFL, MLS, NLL, and so forth are serious, then the actions they take need to be serious, deep, and open for all to see. The work has to be done on a continuous, regular basis and not just a couple of nights per season. The same goes for individual athletes.
If it’s suffering from groupthink, then it’s susceptible to being mentally unhealthy. We’ve seen such behavior exposed lately (Kyle Beach, racist taunts). If what you love is ill, then try to make it well by being open, transparent, honest, and communicative.
— Dust2Gold (She/Her)#NoWar 🇺🇦😷✝️ 🏈🏒 ⚾️💃🏽🌊 (@YolandeMarie2) May 11, 2022
In the words of Branch Rickey, “Never surrender opportunity for security.” Or, better yet, ponder the words of the man Rickey gave a hand-up to Jackie Robinson . . . “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”
“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives,” said Jackie Robinson. A sports league or an athlete’s platform can have an important impact on other lives. It can be a beacon of light for those who have lost their way in the darkness. But for that platform to have an impact, the platform must be used in a meaningful and consistent manner unafraid of criticism or praise knowing it is being used to do the right thing.
For all his flaws and grossly misinformed opinions, Tony DeAngelo was willing to use his platform to express his opinions and create a better United States. While I disagree with his opinions, I have to admit he was brave enough–especially for someone in the NHL–to show himself to the world and use his platform.
Knowing DeAngelo is a divisive personality, let’s look at some others within the sports industry using their platform to make a difference.
Adam Silver discussed yesterday on NBA on ESPN the increase of Black head coaches within the league and the NBA’s focus to help increase minorities obtain Administration positions within the league and with individual teams. The NBA has been a leader in DEI (Diversity, Equality and Inclusion).
Source: NBA on ESPN