Don’t Give Up Sports Because of Athletes’ Politics [OPINION]

I view sports as entertainment, the same as I do movies, music, fiction books, and television shows. The individuals in entertainment have their views like me.

It doesn't make sense for me to give up on sports just because some of the athletes and some of the owners have a different opinion than I do on matters that don't relate to sports. I don't tune in to learn about current events from athletes any more than I want to see a football game between the opinion hosts on Fox News and CNN.

I listened to part of the Patriots' first game of the season on WBSM and watched most of it on television. I wanted to see Cam Newton's debut as a Patriot and what the team would do without the great Tom Brady as the quarterback. I also watched Tom Brady debut as the quarterback for Tampa. Cam had a better day.

Most sports fans have been ignoring the off-field behavior of athletes for decades. There are lots of individuals entertaining us who are horrible people. The world of entertainment has people who are good at acting, singing, dancing and catching a ball but they are equally terrible towards others in their personal life.

I also understand why people can't stomach watching millionaires lecture them on political matters. I don't appreciate the disrespect for our national anthem or our flag, but I consider the messenger and I dismiss them.

I will enjoy the athletes for what they do on the field and ignore what they do off the field, and that is an American tradition.

Chris McCarthy is the host of The Chris McCarthy Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Contact him at chris.mccarthy@townsquaremedia.com and follow him on Twitter @Chris_topher_Mc. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.