The Hill of Sports and Politics.

Jemele Hill Told To Stick to Sports After President Donald Trump Tweets

When was the last time black people separated sports and politics?

Never.

When was the last time they had a choice to?

Never.

When have any media outlets ever stuck to their main idea?

Never.

SportsCenter anchor Jemele Hill is the latest victim of the common misconception that sports journalist should stay in their lane when it comes to issues of race and politics. On September 11th, Hill took to twitter to express her views about current President, Donald Trump, who has not adequately attacked white supremacists who have attacked and oppressed minority groups in America.

Her tweets received a mixed reaction, as public figures like political commentator Tomi Lahren demanded Hill apologize, while comedian D.L. Hughely advocated on Hill’s behalf stating, she “told the truth and everybody knows it.”

However, the most the most surprising response came from Hill’s employer ESPN, who released a statement separating themselves from Hill’s statement.

“ESPN is not a political organization. Where sports and politics intersect, no one is told what view they must express.”

Judging by Skipper’s address of this situation, one can conclude that the right answer always seems to cater most popular viewer profile, in this case white, heterosexual (privileged) men. Though, Skipper is misled by saying sports haven’t always been political.

Eleven-time NBA Champion Bill Russell expressed his political views in the 50’s and 60’s while facing blatant racism and other injustices throughout his career. Muhammad Ali, arguably the greatest boxer ever, combined his craft of boxing with his outspokenness on issues on religion, race, and politics and methods to uplift the black community in the 60's and 70's. In current times, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, and others express themselves openly at sports ceremonies and basketball games, magnifying political issues.

This is nothing new. Minorities, especially blacks people, have always been outcasts in sports, which leads to their unscripted comments. Their treatment is different, thus, equating to their opposite reality.

Moreover, all media outlet groups are gullible to think all forms of media don’t intertwine.

Sports, Politics, Entertainment, and others are all wrapped in the same world of television. When former San Francisco quarterback, Colin Kaepernick, decided to take a kneel, CNN, NBC, BET, and other major networks commented on the issue because it effects society. It would be the same if a major issue took place in entertainment or at a political campaign.

Therefore, the media culture’s perversion of Hill, telling her to stick to sports is insane and impossible. That equates to an actor sticking to acting, a singer to sticking to singing, or a preacher sticking to preaching as if they are not real people who deal with daily issues. Each stream of media or entertainment derives from life experiences or people.

Albeit, if people should be limited to staying in the boundaries of their network or brand, it contradicts President Trump’s position in office as his origins lie in business and entertainment.

Ideally, Hill is only following the president’s lead.

Demarcus Fields is currently a senior at Morehouse College. He majors in English and minors in Journalism.