Dave Zirin: ‘Two Sets of Rules’ for Players and Owners When It Comes to Political Speech

Dave Zirin: ‘Two Sets of Rules’ for Players and Owners When It Comes to Political Speech

Dave Zirin: ‘Two Sets of Rules’ for Players and Owners When It Comes to Political Speech

While owners and team executives openly throw their cash and endorsements in the political arena, players are often kept silenced through their contracts and team policies.

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On Monday, Jets owner Woody Johnson said he would prefer Mitt Romney’s winning the presidency to the Jets’ finishing with a winning season. Appearing on NewsNation with Tamron Hall, Nation sportswriter Dave Zirin said Johnson’s statements highlight the “two sets of rules” when it comes to sports and politics. While owners and team executives openly throw their cash and endorsements into the political arena, players are often kept silent through their contracts and team policies.

—Steven Hsieh

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Editorial Director and Publisher, The Nation

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