9/27: Protesting the National Anthem: Disrespectful or an Expression of Freedom?
September 27, 2016 by Marist Poll
Filed under Featured, Sports, Sports Bench, State of the Game
A majority of Americans think professional athletes should be required to stand for the national anthem, and nearly two-thirds of residents consider the anthem to be a symbol of Americans’ rights and freedoms. However, Americans divide about whether or not it is disrespectful for a player or team to refuse to stand for the national anthem in protest of an issue. On many of these questions, opinions differ based on race, military service, and age.
52% of Americans say professional sports leagues should require their athletes to stand for the national anthem. 43% think such a display should not be mandated. While a majority of white residents, 56%, say the players should be obligated to rise for the anthem, a majority of Latino adults, 55%, and nearly half of African American residents, 48%, report they should not be made to do so. A notable 11% of African Americans are unsure. United States military veterans, 57%, are slightly more likely than those who have not served in the military, 51%, to report that professional athletes should be required to stand for the national anthem. A majority of those under the age of 45 years old, 57%, do not think athletes should be required to stand for the national anthem. More than six in ten older residents, 63%, have the opposite point of view.
What do Americans perceive to be the significance of the national anthem? 65% of residents say it is more a symbol of Americans’ rights and freedoms while 27% report it is more a symbol of the sacrifice of the U.S. military. Veterans, 36%, are more likely than those who have not served in the military, 26%, to define the anthem as a symbol of military sacrifice. Still, 54% of veterans, compared with 67% of those who are not, consider the song to be more of a symbol of Americans’ rights and freedoms.
This HBO Real Sports/Marist Poll has been conducted in conjunction with the Marist College Center for Sports Communication.
“These results refute the myth that Americans prefer their athletes to simply play sports and keep quiet,” says Keith Strudler, Director of the Marist College Center for Sports Communication. “They also show a remarkable divide between how minorities and whites view the reverence of political displays such as Colin Kaepernick’s recent protest.”
A divide exists about whether or not it is disrespectful if a team or athlete does not stand for the song. 50% say it is disrespectful to the freedoms the anthem represents while 46% assert it demonstrates the freedoms the anthem expresses. Again, racial differences exist. 57% of whites think it is disrespectful while about two-thirds of African Americans, 68%, and Latinos, 64%, believe it is a demonstration of their civil liberties. Among veterans, more than six in ten, 61%, say it is offensive not to stand for the anthem. Among those who are not veterans, there is a divide. 48% consider the protest disrespectful while 47% say it is an expression of the freedoms the song represents. Among those who are under 45 years of age, 57% say it is an expression of liberty while a similar proportion of those who are older, 58%, think such a protest is disrespectful to the freedoms the anthem represents.
Should the national anthem be played while professional players are on the court or field, if at all? A majority of U.S. residents, 54%, say the song should be played with the athletes present. 34% report it should be performed before the players appear on the court or field. Eight percent of U.S. residents assert the anthem should not be played at sporting events at all. Looking at race, majorities of whites, 57%, and Latinos, 53%, say the current process of having the players present while the anthem is performed should continue. Half of African Americans, 50%, think the song should be heard but before the athletes are present. 35% believe it should be played with the players on the court or field. More than one in ten African Americans, 11%, do not think the anthem should be performed at all. Veterans, 67%, are more likely than those who have not served, 52%, to opine that the anthem should be performed with the athletes on the field or court.
A majority of Americans, 54%, think athletes should be involved in politics such as endorsing candidates or speaking out on causes. 38% say they should not. While 50% of veterans think professional athletes should abstain from this type of participation, 55% of those who are not veterans think athletes should be politically active. Younger residents are proponents of political participation by professional athletes. 61% of those under 45 years old, compared with 47% of those 45 and older, think it is acceptable for professional athletes to be politically active.
Click Here for Complete September 27, 2016 USA HBO Real Sports/Marist Poll Release and Tables
3/24: Injured Top College Athletes Should Not Carry the Costs, Says Majority… Americans Divide over College Degrees in Sports
March 24, 2015 by Marist Poll
Filed under Featured, Special Events, Sports, Sports Bench
Americans favor change on a major issue relating to NCAA student-athletes.
Providing health insurance to injured, top college athletes after they graduate receives the support of majorities of Americans, 56%, and college sports fans, 55%, alike.
Currently, as detailed in Bernie Goldberg’s report in this month’s Real Sports one-hour NCAA special, the NCAA does not require colleges to provide such insurance for their athletes, except in the most extreme circumstances.
Americans’ opinions divide over whether or not college athletes should be permitted to major in and receive degrees in their sport.
Another much debated question is whether or not top college basketball and football players should be paid. Nearly two-thirds of Americans, 65%, do not think they should receive monetary compensation for their time and efforts. However, about one-third of Americans think they should be on the payroll, a slight increase from 29% just last year. Americans under thirty and African Americans are much more supportive of this idea.
Sexual assault on college campuses has been a topic which has drawn recent national attention by, both, politicians and the media. But, when college athletes are involved in such incidents do Americans think they are judged by a different standard? Nearly six in ten residents, 58%, think they are treated differently, including 36% who believe they are given greater slack and 22% who say they are held to a tougher standard.
A plurality of Americans, 46%, though, do not think college athletes are more likely to either commit or be accused of sexual assault than non-athletes. In fact, only 15% believe they are more likely than their college age counterparts to be involved in such incidents.
Again, on many of these questions, opinion differs by age and race.
This HBO Real Sports/Marist Poll has been conducted in conjunction with the Marist College Center for Sports Communication
Click Here for Complete March 24, 2015 USA HBO Real Sports/Marist Poll Release and Tables
“The public’s view on post-collegiate health insurance and the ability to even major in sports recognizes that top college athletes are making real sacrifices of time and even physical wellness,” says Dr. Keith Strudler, Director of The Marist College Center for Sports Communication. “It also suggests the public largely sees value in college sports as an academic enterprise. That’s a contrast to the common stereotype of the privileged college athlete.”
Poll points:
- 56% of Americans, including 21% who strongly have this view, support providing health insurance to college athletes after they graduate for long-term medical problems that are a result of injuries they received while playing college sports. 40%, including 12% who firmly have this position, oppose such benefits. Similar proportions of college sports fans have these views.
- Younger Americans are more likely than older residents to support health insurance for college athletes after graduation. 75% of Americans under 30, compared with 47% of those 60 and older share this view.
- Race also comes into play. Nearly half of African Americans, 49%, strongly support such a proposal compared with 27% of Latinos and just 15% of white residents.
- Americans, and college sports fans alike, divide about whether or not college athletes should be allowed to major in and receive a degree in the sport they play. 49% of Americans favor such a program while 45% oppose it.
- Demographic differences exist. African Americans, 69%, residents under 30 years old, 60%, Midwesterners, 57%, and residents without college degrees, 55%, are among those who offer the most support for majors in college sports.
- 65% of Americans do not think student athletes in top men’s football and basketball programs should be paid. 33% believe they should be. There has been a slight increase in the proportion of those who say these athletes should be paid. When HBO Real Sports/Marist reported this question last March, 29% of residents supported such compensation.
- While majorities of those in all generations oppose paying college athletes, residents under 30, 41%, are the most likely to favor it. This is an increase from 34% in March 2014.
- 59% of African Americans favor paying college athletes. 42% of Latinos and 26% of whites share this view. There has been a shift among Latinos. Last year, 27% supported monetary compensation for top college athletes.
- Nearly six in ten Americans, 58%, think college athletes who commit sexual assault are not treated the same as non-college athletes. This includes 22% who say they are treated more harshly and 36% who report they are treated less harshly. Only 33% think they receive the same treatment. Of note, 42% of Americans age 45 to 59 think college athletes accused of sexual assault face less severe penalties than those who do not play a sport.
- While pluralities of African Americans, 43%, and Latinos, 39%, assert that college athletes and non-athletes who commit sexual assault are on level ground, 40% of whites say athletes are dealt with less harshly. A notable 32% of African Americans say they are treated more harshly.
- 46% of Americans say top college athletes are no more likely to commit or be accused of sexual assault than non-athletes. A notable 32%, however, report that sports players are more likely to be accused of sexual crimes, and 15% think they are more likely to commit them.
Marist Poll Nature of the Sample and Complete Tables
3/26: Race Impacts Decision Not to Pay College Athletes, Say More than Three in Ten
March 25, 2014 by Marist Poll
Filed under Featured, Special Events, Sports, Sports Bench
Despite the money top college men’s basketball and football programs generate, college athletes are not paid, and 31% of Americans believe there is some truth to the argument that this is because many student athletes are African American. This includes 4% who believe there is a lot of credence to that claim and 27% who say there is probably some legitimacy to it. 17% report there is not very much truth in it, and a majority — 53% — says the argument that race plays into the decision not to pay college athletes is false. Similar proportions of college sports fans share these views.
This HBO Real Sports/Marist Poll has been conducted in conjunction with the Marist College Center for Sports Communication
Click Here for Complete March 26, 2014 USA HBO Real Sports/Marist Poll Release and Tables
“When the majority of revenue generating college athletes are unpaid African-American players and the majority of coaches are often white and well compensated, it almost compels the public to raise the question of race,” says Dr. Keith Strudler, Director of The Marist College Center for Sports Communication. “It is a complex issue. While sports often act as a true melting pot, it feels less apparent when financial compensation in college sports doesn’t reflect that ideal.”
Race matters. More than six in ten African Americans — 61% — think top college athletes are unpaid because many of these athletes are African American. About one-third of Latinos — 33% — and one in four whites — 25% — agree. Looking at income, Americans who earn less than $50,000 annually — 38% — are more likely to say race factors into the decision to pay college athletes. This compares with 24% of those who make $50,000 or more. Women — 34% — are also more likely than men — 27% — to think there is some truth to the argument that race plays a role in determining whether or not college athletes are paid.
Looking at age, adults under thirty years old — 38% — are more likely to say there is some accuracy in the claim that top college athletes are not compensated because of race than are residents who are older. 29% of those 30 to 44, 25% of Americans 45 to 59, and 33% of those 60 and older share the view that race is a factor.
Do Americans think college athletes should be paid for their time practicing, travelling, and playing on the team? 67% do not think they should be monetarily compensated. 29% think they should be, and 4% are unsure. The views of college sports fans reflect the opinions of residents, overall.
While more than seven in ten whites — 72% — and Latinos — 71% — think college athletes should not be paid, a majority of African Americans — 53% — believe college athletes should be compensated for their time. Men — 35% — are more likely than women — 24% — to say student athletes should be paid.
If college athletes were paid a salary, nearly three in four U.S. residents — 73% — say it would make no difference in how much they enjoy watching college sports. 23% think it would make watching the games less entertaining while only 4% say it would increase their enjoyment. Among college sports fans, 68% believe it would make no difference in their enjoyment while 27% think it would take something away from the pleasure they get from watching college sports. Five percent think it would increase their enjoyment.
Table: Truth in Argument that Top College Athletes are not Paid Because Many are African American
Table: Should Top College Athletes be Paid?
Table: Amount of Enjoyment Watching College Sports if College Athletes were Paid
To Unionize or Not to Unionize?
75% of Americans, including the same proportion of college sports fans, think college athletes should not be allowed to join a union since they are not college employees. More than one in five — 22% — believes student athletes should be able to join a union so they can receive payments and benefits. Four percent are unsure.
Non-white residents — 28% — are more likely to support unionizing by college residents than white residents — 19%. Nearly eight in ten white residents — 78% — compared with 67% of non-white Americans believe college athletes should not be able to join a union.
When it comes to special treatment by local authorities, about two-thirds of adults nationally — 66% — think top college athletes receive special treatment by town police in their college community. One in four — 25% — reports student athletes are treated the same as their fellow students, and 9% are unsure. Similar proportions of college sports fans share these views.
Table: Should College Athletes be Allowed to Unionize?
Table: Do Top College Athletes Receive Special Treatment?
Overemphasis Placed on College Sports, Say More than Six in Ten
61% of Americans think college and universities with top men’s football and basketball programs put too much emphasis on athletics over academics. 34%, however, say these schools strike a good balance between education and sports. Five percent are unsure. The views of college sports fans reflect those of U.S. residents.
While older Americans are more likely to think colleges put too much emphasis on athletics, majorities in all age groups agree. 54% of those 18 to 29, 59% of residents 30 to 44, 61% of Americans 45 to 59, and 67% of those 60 and older say too much importance is put on sports. Regardless of region, at least a majority of adults say colleges prioritize athletics over academics. However, those in the Northeast — 63%, Midwest — 63%, and South — 61% — are slightly more likely than those in the West — 55% — to believe this to be the case.
What is more important to Americans? Most — 90% — care more about the academic reputation of their local colleges and universities. Just 7% are more concerned with the athletic success of their local schools, and 3% are unsure.
Table: Do Colleges Put Too Much Emphasis on Athletics over Academics?
Table: Do You Care More about Athletic Success or the Reputation of College or University?
Bracket Bragging Rights?
While 85% of Americans do not fill out a March Madness bracket, 15% say they do. Of residents who fill out a bracket, most — 91% — do so just for fun. Five percent fill out a bracket both for fun and for money. Three percent play for the money, and 1% is unsure.
Not surprisingly, college sports fans are more likely to try to predict the winner of the NCAA Men’s College basketball tournament. 22% of college sports fans say they put together a bracket while 78% don’t participate. Income matters. More than one in five Americans who earn $50,000 or more — 21% — fills out a bracket. This compares with only 8% who make less annually. Men — 23% — are more than three times as likely as women — 7% — to make their picks.
Do Americans bet on college sports? 88% of residents report they have not placed a wager on college sports in the past year. 12%, however, say they have. College sports fans are slightly more likely to bet on college sports. 17% of fans have done so in the past year while 83% have not.
And, when it comes to the number of college sports fans, about two-thirds of Americans — 66% — say they follow college sports at least a little bit. This includes 12% who watch these sports a great deal, 18% who follow them a good amount, and 36% who catch a small amount of the games. 34% do not follow college sports at all.
Table: Have You Bet on College Sports in the Past Year?
About Keith Strudler, Ph.D.
Keith Strudler, Ph.D., is the director for the Marist College Center for Sports Communication. Dr. Strudler founded Marist’s popular concentration in sports communication in 2002, now one of the nation’s largest in the discipline. He studies and teaches in the areas of sports media, sports and society, and sports reporting and information. Dr. Strudler also writes weekly sports commentary for WAMC, an NPR radio station in Albany, NY.
1/22: Marijuana Use in Pro-Sports: Keep it Banned, Say More than Six in Ten
January 21, 2014 by Marist Poll
Filed under Featured, Special Events, Sports, Sports Bench
Many Americans, including more than six in ten sports fans, think marijuana should continue to be banned in professional sports, regardless of state or federal laws which have legalized the substance. 62% of adults nationally believe the ban should stay in place. 36% of Americans think the ban on marijuana should be lifted, and 2% are unsure. Similar proportions of sports fans share these views.
This HBO Real Sports/Marist Poll has been conducted in conjunction with the Marist College Center for Sports Communication. The current edition of HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel explores the use of marijuana in the NFL. The program replays multiple times on HBO and will also be available on HBO ON DEMAND and HBO GO.
Click Here for Complete January 22, 2014 USA HBO Real Sports/Marist Poll Release and Tables
There are age and gender differences. Older Americans are more likely than younger residents to say that marijuana should be banned. Seven in ten adults 60 and older — 70% — think marijuana should not be allowed for professional athletes. This compares with 65% of those 45 to 59, 57% of residents 30 to 44, and 51% of Americans under 30. Looking at gender, women — 67% — are more likely than men — 57% — to think marijuana should be off limits for professional athletes.
“While marijuana is banned in the NFL, players tell Real Sports it is widely used, and for reasons that many might not expect,” says Joe Perskie, Senior Producer for HBO’s Real Sports.
Does marijuana use by professional athletes to relieve pain and anxiety trump its negative effects on performance? Nearly two-thirds of Americans — 64% — say professional athletes should not be allowed to use the drug because of the negative effects it has on their game. 34%, however, believe they should be permitted to use the drug for medicinal purposes, and 3% are unsure. The views of sports fans are in line with the overall population.
“Americans hold professional athletes to very high standards. Smoking marijuana, even if legal, would likely shatter the image of excellence we demand from our sports heroes,” says Dr. Keith Strudler, Director of The Marist College Center for Sports Communication. “In the end, we expect professional athletes to do three things: make physical sacrifice, care deeply about winning, and be role models for kids.”
Again, there are differences by age. Americans under thirty — 55% — are more likely to say athletes should be allowed to use marijuana for medicinal purposes. This compares with just 39% of residents 30 to 44 years old, 30% of those 45 to 59, and 23% of Americans 60 and older.
Table: Should Marijuana Continue to be a Banned Substance, Regardless of Federal or State Laws?
Table: Should Marijuana Use in Pro-sports be Allowed to Relieve Pain and Anxiety?
About Keith Strudler, Ph.D.
Keith Strudler, Ph.D., is the director for the Marist College Center for Sports Communication. Dr. Strudler founded Marist’s popular concentration in sports communication in 2002, now one of the nation’s largest in the discipline. He studies and teaches in the areas of sports media, sports and society, and sports reporting and information. Dr. Strudler also writes weekly sports commentary for WAMC, an NPR radio station in Albany, NY.
10/23: Youth Football Takes Hard Hit… One-Third of Americans Less Likely to Allow Son to Play Football because of Head Injury Risk
October 22, 2013 by Marist Poll
Filed under Featured, Football, Sports, Sports Bench
Most Americans are aware of the connection between concussions suffered while playing football and long-term brain injury, and that information would influence some Americans’ decision to allow their son to play the sport if they had to make the choice. About one in three Americans say this knowledge would make them less likely to allow a son to participate in the game. In fact, nearly one in five Americans say this risk would be the key factor in deciding whether or not they would allow their son to step onto the gridiron. About one-third of Americans has become more concerned because of the link between concussions suffered while playing football and long-term brain injury.
This HBO Real Sports/Marist Poll has been conducted in conjunction with the Marist College Center for Sports Communication.
Click Here for Complete October 23, 2013 USA HBO Real Sports/Marist Poll Release and Tables
“Historically, youth football has fueled the NFL,” says Dr. Keith Strudler, Director of The Marist College Center for Sports Communication. “Parents’ concern about the safety of the game could jeopardize the future of the sport.”
Most U.S. adults — 86% — have heard at least a little about the connection between concussions inflicted while on the football field and long-term brain injury. This includes 55% who have heard either a great deal or good amount and 31% who have heard a little about this link. 14% have heard nothing at all about it.
Awareness varies based upon a family’s income. While about two-thirds of Americans who earn $50,000 or more annually — 66% — have heard a great deal or a good amount about the issue, 47% of those who earn less say the same. There are also differences based on education. While 63% of college graduates have heard a great deal or a good amount about the link between these head injuries and long-term brain trauma, 50% of those without a college degree are comparably aware.
33% of Americans say the link between head injuries in football and long-term brain trauma would make them less likely to allow their son to play football if they had to make that choice. Only 7% report it would make them more likely to do so, and 60% say it would make no difference to their decision. Just how many Americans would ultimately allow their son to play the game? 85% would while a notable 13% would not. Two percent are unsure.
For almost one in five Americans — 16%, the risk of long-term brain injury due to youth football participation would be the deciding factor in whether or not to allow their son to play football. And, a majority of U.S. adults — 56% — say it would be one of the factors that influences their decision. 28% report this information would play no role at all in making that choice.
Nearly four in ten U.S. residents — 39% — report the recent information about long-term brain injury as a result of concussions incurred while playing football hasn’t changed their level of concern about the game. However, 32% say it has made them more concerned because of the serious risk of long-term brain injury while 30% report it has made them less concerned because coaches, parents, and players are more informed and can take greater precautions.
Table: Allow Son to Play Football (U.S. Adults)
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Seven in ten Americans — 70% — think the benefits of playing football outweigh the risk of injury. However, about one in four — 24% — believe the risk of injury is too high. Seven percent are unsure.
A similar proportion of adults nationally — 74% — think playing football is a good way to build character and boys should be encouraged to play the game. However, one in five — 20% — say the risk of injury is too high to allow boys to play football. Six percent are unsure.
“What will be interesting to watch is if other sports begin to recruit those kids whose parents keep them from football,” says Dr. Keith Strudler, Director of The Marist College Center for Sports Communication. “Football’s loss could be the inevitable gain of lacrosse, baseball, or even soccer.”
Table: Do the Benefits of Football Outweigh Risk of Injury? (U.S. Adults)
Table: Is Football a Good Way to Build Character or is the Risk of Injury Too High (U.S. Adults)
More Than One in Ten Fans Less Likely to Enjoy Game
The recent information about the link between concussions suffered while playing football and long-term brain injury makes watching the sport less enjoyable for a notable 14% of football fans. Only 2% report it makes the game more enjoyable to watch, and 84% say it makes no difference to their viewing pleasure.
In their own communities, how big of a deal is football? Nearly seven in ten Americans — 69% — report a lot of people follow and talk about the sport. One in four — 25% — say some people are engaged in the game. Only 7% do not follow or talk about football.
Table: Has Enjoyment of Football Changed because of Link to Injury? (Fans Nationally)
Table: Community Interest in Football (U.S. Adults)
About Keith Strudler, Ph.D.
Keith Strudler, Ph.D., is the director for the Marist College Center for Sports Communication. Dr. Strudler founded Marist’s popular concentration in sports communication in 2002, now one of the nation’s largest in the discipline. He studies and teaches in the areas of sports media, sports and society, and sports reporting and information. Dr. Strudler also writes weekly sports commentary for WAMC, an NPR radio station in Albany, NY.
