Should Athletes Get Involved in Politics?

As we reported yesterday, Charles Barkley offered his unsolicited opinion on the George Zimmerman case agreeing with the verdict. Naturally, Sir Charles took a huge hit from social media on his stance.

Which begs the question, should athletes get involved in issues like this or politics? On the one hand, people have a right to their opinions.

Athletes do have a right to express themselves, but when certain athletes like Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan don't answer the call to the satisfaction of their own community, they are often chastised for their silence.

But to a certain extent, maybe they are right not to mix politics with sports. Woods may not say much on the subject of race because he has been dragged into so much controversy on the issue that he may be tired of talking about it.

Many feel Jordan has kept quiet over the years to protect his name and his money. It's a tactic that has worked for him over the years, but it also made a lot of folks in the African-American community question his loyalty. 

 When Charles Barkley expressed an opinion that didn't sit well with many, he caught a lot of flack for it. In his recent statement, for example, the fallout is just beginning.

So, maybe there is no right or wrong answer to this issue. Athletes clearly have the right to express themselves on political issues, but they must understand whatever they say or don't say, they're public figures. Consequences usually follow.