Professional athletes rarely show their political leanings. They think that it might have a negative impact on their earning potential. It began with Michael Jordan back in 1990 when Republican incumbent Jesse Helms, a segregationist, was running a racially tinged senatorial campaign against the up-and-coming Black mayor of Charlotte, Democrat Harvey Gantt. It was clear for weeks leading up to the election that the race would turn on a narrow margin, and it occurred to Gantt's backers that a certain beloved native of the state could make a huge impact on the race with a single quote or a brief photo op. So they approached Michael Jordan. Declining to get involved, Jordan offered this explanation: "Republicans buy sneakers too." Tiger Woods followed the lead of Jordan when he declined to endorse Bar
ack Obama during the 2008 presidential election. Jim Brown called out Tiger on his lack of social activism.A couple of years ago LeBron James turned down opportunity to take a stand against the genocide in Darfur.
So, it brought a smile to my face when I learned that Houston Rockets guard Tracy McGrady will switch jersey numbers next season to help raise awareness for his Darfur humanitarian project. He'll give up his "1" jersey in favor of a "3" jersey in effort to raise attention for the “3 Points” documentary.
The “3 Points” refer to the goals of peace, protection and punishment in Darfur, with McGrady seeking peace and protection for those forced into camps and punishment for those involved in the Darfur violence.
