TOPLINEDespite loud protestations from President Donald Trump and other prominent critics of athletes who sound off on social justice problems and race relations, a new ESPN survey finds that more than seven out of 10 sports fans support players and teams voicing their opinion on pressing societal concerns. (Photo by Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post via Getty Images) The Washington Post via Getty ImagesKEY FACTSAccording to an online survey of 837 sports fans conducted for ESPN, 71% "support teams and athletes speaking out on issues of social justice and racial equality," with 44% "strongly" supporting it. According to ESPN, 56% support players taking a knee, and 44% oppose it, although there is a sharp racial divide (84% of black fans find kneeling during the anthem appropriate). 55% of fans said they supported the NBA's decision to put "Black Lives Matter" on the court and social justice messages on the backs of uniforms. Further Reading:Trump Says NBA In 'Big Trouble' Due To Kneeling For Anthem, Calls Players' Nasty' And 'Very Dumb' (Forbes)Sen. Loeffler: WNBA Players' Support For Election Opponent Is Proof Of 'Out-Of-Control Cancel Culture' (Forbes)Survey: Sports fans support social justice stance by athletes, teams (ESPN)

Source: Forbes August 13, 2020 21:45 UTC