A recent opinion column links a series of high‑profile sports gestures to a deeper problem of privilege and entitlement in modern athletics.
Key points
- The author links recent protest‑related actions in the WNBA and LeBron James' anthem gesture to a perceived culture of entitlement among elite athletes.
- Greving argues that rising athlete wealth has created a separation from ordinary society, fostering behavior he deems disrespectful and self‑serving.
- He contends that the commercialization of college sports through NIL deals and the transfer portal further entrenches this privilege.
In an opinion article published on Crisis Magazine, author Robert B. Greving recounts that, before the first four games of the WNBA Finals, players and coaches from the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream left the court just before the national anthem, citing the Valkyries’ coach’s claim that the 90‑second pause is part of her pre‑game routine.
Greving also notes that LeBron James appeared to practice a golf swing during the anthem, describing the act as “distinctly juvenile” and suggesting it was a self‑promotional gesture rather than a political statement.
Protest actions at the WNBA Finals
The piece references an incident involving Celeste Keaton, co‑owner of the Seattle Storm, who allegedly shouted obscenities at young girls during a game and was subsequently given a five‑game “time out” by the league, which the author uses to illustrate what he sees as a broader lack of accountability for high‑profile sports figures.
Beyond these specific events, Greving argues that the growing wealth of professional athletes has created a “rarefied echelon of entitlement,” separating them from everyday life and encouraging behavior he characterizes as selfish and disrespectful, a shift he contrasts with the more community‑oriented athletes of earlier eras.
LeBron James' anthem gesture
The author extends his critique to college athletics, claiming that the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) system and transfer portal have turned universities into “glorified gladiatorial arenas” where players are bought and sold, further blurring the line between sport and commerce.
Greving concludes that calls for more rules, such as those allegedly prompted by former President Trump’s boycott suggestion, will not address the underlying issue of privilege, which he sees as the core problem eroding the character-building promise of sports.
Reader questions
What specific incidents does the author discuss?
He mentions WNBA players and coaches leaving the court before the national anthem, LeBron James practicing a golf swing during the anthem, and Seattle Storm co‑owner Celeste Keaton shouting at young girls during a game.
What is the author's main criticism of modern athletes?
Greving argues that the growing wealth and celebrity status of athletes have fostered a sense of entitlement that leads to disrespectful behavior and a disconnect from everyday life.
How does the author view the impact of NIL deals on college sports?
He describes NIL agreements and the transfer portal as turning universities into commercial arenas where players are bought and sold, further blurring the line between sport and business.
Source: crisismagazine.com