Aaron Rodgers says he is envious of NBA's culture because their contracts allow players to speak more freely on social issues

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August 30, 2017 7:57 PM

In a profile from ESPN The Magazine, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers explained how contract structure can affect how strongly a player can take social stances

It's not easy for football players to take a political stance.

When Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the national anthem, it started a media maelstrom that still hasn't ended. Kaepernick's initial stance has since opened the door for other players to protest in solidarity with him and his cause, whether by kneeling or supporting teammates who do so.

And yet, going into the season Kap still finds himself without a job, even with multiple teams seemingly lacking at talent under center.

Conversely, NBA players and coaches have been vocal on a number of social issues, especially when compared to their football counterparts. LeBron James has spoken out on gun control in the wake of a mass shooting, and wore a shirt that read "I Can't Breathe" along with teammate Kyrie Irving and several players from the Nets ahead of their game in 2014 after the death of Eric Garner. He also gave a powerful response after his own home was vandalized with racist graffiti.

Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant have both openly expressed that they would not accept a visit to the Trump White House should the invitation come after their 2017 championship season, and Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has said he's "glad the NBA doesn’t have a politician litmus test for our players" in the wake of the Kaepernick fallout.

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has some ideas as to why football players might be relatively silent on political and social matters. In a profile by Mina Kimes for ESPN The Magazine, Rodgers discussed the risks involved with taking a stance in the league, and expressed envy for the NBA's culture that allows players to speak more freely.

He also believes that one important factor with regard to player activism has to do with structure, and a core difference between NBA and NFL contracts. As Kimes writes:

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