I’ve never been one to commend or condemn athletes for making a political stance, but US President Donald Trump is now forcing us to mix the two together – whether we like it or not.
When Colin Kaepernick decided to take a stance on behalf of African-Americans and minorities by kneeling during the national anthem, he caused widespread debate about whether his antics were justified and whether he was being disrespectful to those who served for their country.
The one thing many were united in, was their belief that sport should not be a place where political agendas are publicised.
Yet it seems that was simply an introduction into what may become a country divided by politics.
Much has been made of Trump’s ambition to essentially alienate America from the rest of the world, with his recent ‘Muslim ban’ set to have an adverse effect on the country and its residents, including Australian NBA rookie Thon Maker.
The Milwaukee Buck has found himself in the uncomfortable position of not knowing what lies ahead. Although he was born in what is now known as South Sudan, his dual passport – which includes Australia – states his birthplace to have been Sudan.
It’s one thing to presume that allowances will be made for these professional athletes to obtain a special waiver, but it’s an entirely different case to presume that this won’t have a profound effect on America’s sporting codes moving forward.
The NBA is the pinnacle of professional basketball. It entices promising stars from all around the world to be lured to its bright lights and unparalleled rivalries on the hardwood.
Now, it could be nothing more than a dream for many. The opportunity taken away due to political agendas that will not only prevent potential stars from being given the chance to shine, but also discourage others from wanting to be in an environment that is prejudiced towards certain races or religions.
The domino effect it could have on the league itself is frightening. While much of it may be seen as an unrealistic overreaction, the fact remains that we’re heading into the unknown.
Maker’s younger brother, Matur, currently plays his high school basketball in Canada.
His chances of playing in the NBA have potentially been dealt an undeserved blow as a result of a leader who has no idea what impact his actions will have on a grander scale.
Should Matur be denied eligibility to enter the NBA draft, or even attend a US college, it would certainly be a hard situation for Thon.
If he were to then decide that he no longer wanted to partake in the NBA as a result of the discrimination shown towards his brother, not only would he be entitled to feel that way, but he could also encourage other players to take a stand against what is a clear act of discrimination.
There’s no telling where it would end, with college students potentially losing friends and teammates who would be stripped of their right to chase their dream – one that started long before some backwards regimes were implemented.
For all the good that sport does in uniting people from different backgrounds and beliefs, we’re about to see how one ignorant man can make it all disappear.
Chris Kettlewell
Roar Guru
That is true. As I mentioned in my comment above, more than one Aussie footballer who has tried to go over and play in Europe has struggled to make that happen because they couldn't get a visa to live and work in said European country. That's Australian's with European heritage trying to get into England and other Euro countries. The biggest issue with this whole thing is the suddenness of changes. They literally brought in a law that took effect instantly and people who have previously approved visa's for holidays or work or other things arrived at the airport and got detained being told they were no longer allowed in. And then after having done all that they have to try and work through all the details. Rather than working through all the details and putting things in place with a bit of notice.
Chris Kettlewell
Roar Guru
It certainly brings all sorts of issues with hosting any sort of world-wide thing. The Olympics might be able to almost overrule local countries laws in some ways, but I can imagine where lots of smaller sports host world championships and things that could get more tricky. Suddenly they would be in a situation where a number of countries would be excluded. Are there any top 150 tennis players from any of these countries, or PGA level golfers? Forget Olympics, they couldn't even host an international level athletics competition or anything of the sort. Hey, the UN meet in New York. Are they going to say that foreign diplomats from these countries can no longer be at the UN because they won't be allowed into the US? It could cause all sorts of major issues. When it comes to individuals playing in major US sports it may not be as big an issue as seems, as long as there remains an avenue to apply for exemptions. The truth is that issues with sports people getting into countries isn't a new thing. There are football players from Australia who've initial signed deals to play in England and/or other countries in Europe where they couldn't follow through on them because they couldn't get a visa to live and work in that country. (It's where you find players with European parents who were then able to apply to get a European passport always had big advantages).
Rossy
Guest
As well as this, it's 2024 which is 7 years away, by which point I doubt these measures will be in effect as even Donald would say himself I'm sure. Disclaimer (before the rabid brigade begins) - I am not a Trump supporter.
Jack Russell
Roar Guru
Visa issues are hardly a new thing for sportspeople around the world. That doesn't mean you're mixing politics with sport.
Mushi
Guest
Always good to figure out the rough plan of how you execute executive orders after you put them in place!
jeff dustby
Guest
it has been confirmed his australian passport will give him no problems
jeff dustby
Guest
thanks for popping up on the roar for the first time ever. now go away tyrell
Mushi
Guest
Yep the Muslim ban is uneccesarry hyperbole (as is the "business connection" spouted) But taking issue with the phrase of ban vs "Temporary halt to immigration" is odd as halting a process could certainly be viewed as synonymous with banning. It strangely does result in the detaining of anyone that assisted the US and has since left the country of origin. Not a great look if your trying to combat terrorism in a foreign country and will be reliant on local Intel. I'd be more worried about that unintended consequence than if Thon Maker can play the raptors.
Rabbitz
Roar Guru
Good Grief. Stop believing everything the MSM spouts. First up I am not defending Trump. but at this time there are a few errors is your assumptions. As others have said it is not a ban on Muslims, but on immigration from certain countries. In fact, it isn't even a ban. It is a temporary halt to immigration. Now without those two "alternate facts" your case seems a little thin. I also dispute "It’s one thing to presume that allowances will be made for these professional athletes". Why on earth would athletes be given special status, when academics, doctors, even war heroes have been detained in recent days? You know, people who actually help others and make the world a truly better place.
Onside
Guest
China anyone?
northerner
Guest
I could be wrong, but I believe that under the Olympics charter, the host country must commit to admitting all the athletes, coaches and staff accredited by the Olympic committees of the participating countries. Though, when it comes to the Donald, I suppose giving guarantees doesn't mean much.
northerner
Guest
I sure don't want to be an apologist for Trump, but it is a fact that the ban applies only to select Muslim countries - it does not apply to the most populous Muslim countries in the world, so it's a bit more complex than simply "banning Muslims." The real problem is that a political edict, and a profoundly dumb one at that, was delivered without giving the people who actually have to make the front line decisions the time to figure out what it all meant, or who was really affected, so that you get legitimate green card holders, who actually have a right to return to the US, caught up in this along with Aussie dual nationals and who knows who else. In other words, sheer chaos and confusion. I'm reasonably certain that, once the dust settles, a Sudanese-born Australian national travelling on an Australian passport will be allowed to enter the US, no matter where he was born or where he's been playing World Cup qualifiers. A Sudanese travelling on a Sudanese passport is going to have problems, though. But your basic point - that this was a bad decision - is true enough. It's all about appeasing the xenophobic and the paranoid, and does not one thing to enhance US security.
Mike Dugg
Guest
The most populous muslim countries are not affected. Its a ban on countries that are known for their extremism. That list of countries was made when Obama was in power. There are exemptions for athletes. And its ridiculous to say that all of a sudden these moves by Trump is bringing politics into sport when sports recently have been sticking their nose into all sorts of causes they wish to support. There are whole rounds and days dedicated to different political causes in various sports.
TWLS
Guest
Trump will NOT alienate the world with his recent bans involving some Muslim majority Countries. Muslims do not constitute the whole planets population last time I looked. Keep some perspective in these matters, and go and mix in the real world.
mds1970
Roar Guru
The ban of citizens of certain countries does create issues for hosting events - for example, Los Angeles' bid for the 2024 Olympics, which is to be voted on later this year. How would athletes who represent those countries, or have previously lived in, played in or visited those countries, get to the Games? Likewise officials, coaches, and even supporters. Could, for example, the Socceroos' upcoming visit to Iran to play a World Cup Qualifier against Iraq make our modern-day Socceroos unable to ever play in the MLS; or prevent the Socceroos from playing a friendly in the USA at some point in the future?
Josh Chahal
Roar Rookie
The issue is to do with the banning of countries that are largely of Muslim inhabitants. We can call it a 'Muslim ban' or something else entirely but the facts remain the same - players and athletes will be alienated and as a result the league will be thrust into a position where they may have to take a stand against the political decisions being made by the President. The article has nothing to do with excluding Muslim players, so you should probably read before you write.
Daws
Guest
Its a ban on 6 majority muslim countries. it's not a 'muslim ban' per se but religion certainly comes into it.