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Like most people who are getting downright sick and tired of seeing how politics and sports are becoming closely intertwined, I can’t help but scratch my head as daily this seems to be happening at a high rate.

Just recently, Major League Baseball decided that Atlanta didn’t deserve to host the 2021 All-Star game because of decisions made in the state of Georgia to protect the voting process at the polls during an election cycle after a year where many questioned if there were voting irregularities.

Just like many others, I have questioned how this has anything to do with whether an All-Star game should be played in a state or not until you start working through the politics if you will of the decision.

I think it goes without saying that those who support these high-profile games on a national basis are deep in the pockets of politicians and when these billionaire contributors get upset and demanding that money speaks louder than common sense.

I can’t help but think of those who are within driving range of Atlanta of the excitement they had when they knew they could have the opportunity to watch an All-Star game just to have it ripped from underneath them because of the MLB and their deep-pocketed friends.

What a shame.

It has gotten so bad that many who looked forward to a baseball season, football season, and even a NASCAR season are now tuning these out due to stances that these sports have taken over the last three to four years.

This has even found its way into sports at the collegiate level even locally with the recent issues at ETSU in regard to its former head coach Jason Shay and the players who took a knee during the National Anthem.

Now before you start throwing stones, please hear me out. In no way am I racially biased as I am a white grandfather to a precious little girl from the Congo whom I love with all my heart.

However, it is troublesome that someone hasn’t understood where all the frustration is coming from.

As a grandfather to Kovi, I am very interested in what issues of social injustice that those whose skin matches that of my granddaughter because I want to know how I can keep better help and protect her.

But to this point, all I am hearing and seeing is people who were rather be protesting than sharing what these injustices are in a civil way so I can better understand these issues in regard to my grandchild.

Kneeling during the National Anthem is not the way to bring attention to social injustice – it’s throwing a match into gasoline. There needs to be a way to bring attention to these issues but in a different way at these events.

Just as those who are of different skin color, the men and women that have shed their blood for the freedom of this country should not be dishonored either.

There are without doubt issues that need to be resolved but the way that the world of sports has addressed them has done nothing more than to deepen the wounds on these issues.

I believe with all of my heart that God has created every color and race of man and loves each one the same. I also believe it breaks His heart when we would rather show hatred toward each other rather than love for one another.

I, for one, am anxious to hear and be educated about those social injustices being experienced as I have tried to love everyone the same and apparently have been blind to what others see as injustice and to become better educated so as to stand alongside my granddaughter and protect her the best I can.

But, I for one, do not believe that these issues gain the needed attention they deserve by turning games that people once loved to watch and enjoy into a political statement.

As it is, there are not enough things available to enjoy without being left with a nasty taste due to the bitter battle of politicians trying to destroy simple games that America has come to love and enjoy.