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Browns Raise Interesting Questions With Regard To Political Activism

With Sara Palin set for Saturday’s puck drop in Philly, and NBA players like LeBron James, Greg Oden and Alonzo Mourning all speaking publicly in support of Senator Barack Obama this past week, it was interesting and noteworthy see the way the Cleveland Browns addressed the issue and opportunity of athletes in a football-crazed and swing state stepping up to support some candidates.  This week Brady Quinn and Joe Thomas took the big step to address the crowd in support of Senators McCain and Palin at an Ohio rally, and the opportunity that was seized could become a national play when the Browns and Giants meet this Monday night.  Even more interesting was the look inside the lockerroom that Brown coach Romeo Crennel and kicker Lin Dawson offered up in this week’s Akron Beacon Journal.   While Crennel in no way criticized his players, he did warn the team about letting political debates in the lockerroom being a distraction, and Dawson chimed in about this election being “quiter” than the past two in the lockerroom.  With such a close election it is more and more apparant that those who can move the casual voter…athletes, entertainers…may become more and more of a factor.  As we have said before, athletes should be supported for using their position of leadership to influence social change so long as they act responsible and are informed on their decisions by those who they trust.  It is not for everyone, as it is not for everyone in sociaty, to take a leadership stand.  However those who choose to do so should be supported for thier interest…it makes the athletes more interesting and more understood which will help build fan interest and can find ways to build brand and keep brand relevant.  The worry about political debate in the lockerroom also raises another question, as those who are in and around the athletic world see contstant debates over clothes, music, movies etc., all elements of intetest to the general public, yet those debates are rarely cautioned by those in authority.  It is interesting to see debate of the political or social nature singled out as being distracting in the lockerroom, as those kind of debates are probably the healthiest and probably the least volatile.  Kudos to the Browns players for stepping up responsibility and to the organization for addressing the issue publicly. 

Some other good reads…The Washington Post has a good profile of what former Ravens coach Brian Billick is up to these days…Jeff Goodman on foxsports.com has a good piece on the new issues being brought to light with regard to changes in the start of college hoops practice and Midnight Madness…the New York Times has a good profile of Phillies GM Pat Gillick…the Chicago Tribune has a good piece on paralympian Josh George as he readies for tomorrow’s Chicago marathon.