Michael Duda: Not visiting White House is a mistake for pro athletes
It is with extreme disappointment that I read about all the championship Warriors neglecting to visit the White House. It would set a great example by having the courage to show up despite their opposing views. Since when is it so wrong to have radically different ideas in America?
If athletes want fame, fortune and an influential voice (whether or not athletes should be our biggest role models is still debatable) they need to show some courage and outside the protected arena of competitive sports.
Americans need to stop being so offended just because someone has a different view. Celebrities and athletes could set an example for the President and the American people by going to the White House, voicing their views in a respectful manner and showing the public that freedom only works if you’re willing to show up and engage with adversaries.
I am sure there are NBA teams Steph Curry would never play for due to fundamental differences in how they approach the game. Yet, he still shows up and competes against them.
Want to defeat your enemy? Don’t ignore him, don’t even be offended; get to know him better, or he will defeat you.
Michael Duda, Merced
This story was originally published September 26, 2017 at 6:20 PM with the headline "Michael Duda: Not visiting White House is a mistake for pro athletes."