Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes responds to the ‘stick to sports’ crowd

Jan 12, 2020; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs the ball during the AFC Divisional Round playoff football game against the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Table of Contents

Section 1. Patrick Mahomes responds

Section 2. My Stance

Patrick Mahomes responds

Professional athletes find that when they veer away from talking sports and give their opinions, they can be met with harsh criticism from the media and fans. Many news reporters or media outlets have continued to tell professional athletes to “stick to sports.”

Laura Ingraham has been called out for telling professional athlete Lebron James to “shut up and dribble.” Many people question if athletes should have a platform to discuss politics or other issues outside of sports.

Chiefs QB PAtrick Mahomes has no plans of sticking to sports as more racial injustice issues have come to light. On Wednesday Mahomes shared his thoughts toward people who have opposing views on these topics. Mahomes took a slightly different approach then just attacking people with opposing views. Mahomes explained to them why they shouldn’t continue to tell athletes to “stick to sports.”

“We are people too,” Mahomes said. “I feel like those people [who say stick to sports] have kids and they understand that their kid could play sports and their kids could possibly be in the same position that we’re in. They would want their kids to show their heart and show who they truly are and try to affect the world in the most positive way possible. That’s what we believe that we’re doing. And so obviously, we know that not everyone agrees with everything that you’re going to say. Just know that when we say stuff, we mean it and we care and we want to make the world the best place for our future kids and for generations to come behind us.”

Mahomes knew of the potential backlash from his decision to speak out against what’s going on. The Chiefs QB isn’t afraid to speak up against people who don’t agree with him. The starting QB knows his duties extend past the field and are just as important off the field to be heard and speak out against injustice. Mahomes is willing to step up and use his platform to speak out instead of staying silent.

My Stance

Should athletes be allowed to share their thoughts and opinions on topics outside of sports? The obvious answer is yes, they can. All athletes can use their social media platform or sporting events to express their thoughts on racial injustice. Athletes should not be forced to only speak on sports. The news anchors on variety of different channels get to speak freely on whatever topic they choose to discuss. If Laura Ingraham decided to speak on topics in the NBA, should she not be heard because she isn’t an NBA player with actual professional experience? Anyone should be able to express themselves about their views even if they are unpopular.

When Drew Bree’s gave his opinion on Kneeling during the National Anthem, Ingraham was all for him speaking up and having an opinion. Ingraham has since responded to James’ reaction on her Fox News show, saying “every American has the God-given right to speak his or her own mind on any issue.”