It Was Always a Choice: Picking Up the Baton of Athlete Activism

by David Steele

The recent flashpoint of Colin Kaepernick taking a knee renews a long tradition of athlete-activists speaking out against racism, injustice, and oppression. Like Kaepernick, Jackie Robinson, Paul Robeson, Muhammad Ali, Bill Russell, Tommie Smith, and John Carlos—among many others, of all races, male and female, pro and amateur—all made the choice to take a side to command public awareness and attention rather than “shut up and play,” as O. J. Simpson, Michael Jordan, and Tiger Woods did. Using their celebrity to demand change, these activists inspired fans but faced great personal and professional risks in doing so. It Was Always a Choice traces the history and impact of these decisive moments throughout the history of U.S. sports. David Steele identifies the resonances and antecedents throughout the twentieth century of the choices faced by athletes in the post-Kaepernick era, including the advance of athletes’ political organizing in the era of activism following the death of George Floyd. He shows which athletes chose silence instead of action—“dropping the baton,” as it were—in the movement to end racial inequities and violence against Black Americans. The examples of courageous athletes multiply as LeBron James, Megan Rapinoe and the activist-athletes of the NBA, WNBA, and NFL remain committed to fighting daily and vibrantly for social change.

200 pages, Hardcover

Published July 8, 2022

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Reviews

[Gemini · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book, that goes through a variety of events throughout history & how it impacted athletes. I think the way the author goes through this in each chapter was a bit disjointed hence the four not five stars. A timeline needs to go through as events happen & the people connected to it. What happened here was a bit all over the place though. The main point was how there were athletes who took a stand or a seat or kneeled, while others did nothing. I was shocked to learn about some of the things that transpired w/ some more famous athletes & who they supported or sided with. It was actually upsetting & so misguided on their part. I guess there are those that believe in fighting for what is right while others just turn their cheek & look the other way. To be able to learn about the various athletes who made a difference or at least tried while they got shamed & hated for it just shows how much white supremacy lives on to this day.
I find it disturbing that Colin Kaepernick was essentially ousted for what he believed in. It was ridiculous that he was blackballed from football because he wanted to make people aware of the horrifying things happening in this country to mostly Black (& brown) people. May the day come where they get praised for their efforts instead of ridiculed.
So yeah, read this book, learn something & share it w/ others.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had just listened to the Legacy of Speed podcast from Malcolm Gladwell and saw this book at the library so picked it up. Definitely a good read and sheds light on some stories I wasn’t aware of and digs deep into others that have been more publicly known. Don’t think I would’ve picked it up if I hadn’t just gotten into the podcast. Kind of a slog at some points but mostly captivating enough.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

An illuminating look at athlete activism, from Colin Kaepernick back into the past. I’m not very knowledgeable about sports and specific players, but I still got both historical perspective and a deeper understanding out of reading it.