Since when were sports an 'escape factor'? The very fact derby's and rivalry's, and the olympics exists means they can't be an "escape factor".... Separately,
en.wikipedia.org
.
Oh and
Black athletes didn’t “politicize” American sports.
slate.com
...Sports have always had political implications. Schalke is constantly accused of having nazi ties back in the day.
And separately, one of my favorite quotes:
Not quite sure exactly what your saying.
My point is that for me, sports is an entertainment option. When I watch, I want to be able to think about the game I'm watching. I think of playing as a kid or with my friends. I think of going to games at Yankee stadium. I think about the World Cups I've been to and will go to in the future.
I don't think of politics, turmoil, tragedies etc. This is an emotional escape from that. I need an escape from that, we all do.
When you see BLM shirts and such all the time, your brought back to the crisis we are facing everyday. When you see an empty stadium, you are constantly reminded of that crisis we are facing. When you see the national anthem skipped or disrespected, you are reminded of the hate and division we face all of the time, instead of unity. None of that is the joy of soccer, which I want to see, which gives me joy.
Sure, the players and league have the right to do what they wish, but I also have the right to not watch a product I don't enjoy. Any one of those above things, I can tolerate, but all of that at once, it completely makes the game unwatchable.
I may be in the minority, in which case this will persist for a long time to come, which is fine....I can always do more fishing or hiking or other productive things that replace the emotional benefits left behind by soccer.
Edit: I apologize for bringing some politics into this. I'm not going to discuss any of these issues specifically or challenge your contrary opinions. I'm simply elaborating on why I personally will not be watching for a while and therefore, will greatly reduced my participation on these forums.
So please don't try and challenge my views, they are my own.