Former NFL player and current ESPN analyst Sam Acho is collaborating with the Ronald Reagan Foundation Center on Civility & Democracy to foster greater civility in American society, particularly within the realm of sports.
Acho believes that the principles of sportsmanship, such as winning and losing with grace and adhering to rules, can be applied to civil discourse. "We talked about civility in sports and how many of the same attributes athletes use can be applied to civil discourse: sportsmanship, winning and losing the right way, and playing within a set of rules," Acho stated in an interview with Fox News Digital.
He explained that NFL locker rooms often provided a space for robust debate, including discussions on politics and societal issues. "We'd have political debates. We'd talk about politics, talk about certain rules, certain laws," Acho recalled. He cited the conversations surrounding Colin Kaepernick's protests during the national anthem as an example of how these discussions unfolded, noting that the team did not shy away from the topic.
While acknowledging that disagreements and occasional cross-lines in conversations occur, Acho emphasized the importance of accountability and resolution. "In any family, in any team, in any conversation, you may cross the line, but usually when you cross the line, you either apologize or they apologize, or you try to find a way to make it right," he said. He described instances where players would address disagreements by focusing on upcoming team activities, demonstrating a commitment to moving forward.
Acho highlighted the significant platform athletes possess and encouraged them to use it responsibly to speak on issues they care about, while also educating themselves on those topics. "I think one thing that athletes have that many other people don't is a platform. A lot of athletes have a platform," he observed. He added that while speaking out carries risks, it is crucial for athletes to understand these risks and proceed with an informed perspective.
"I would encourage athletes to continue to understand that they are more than what you do on a field," Acho advised. "There's also your intellectual capital." He urged athletes to recognize their multifaceted identities beyond their athletic roles and to consider their personal growth alongside their public decisions.
Regarding sports media figures, Acho stated that they, too, have a responsibility to steward their platforms well. He pointed to figures like Pat McAfee as examples of those who have used their platforms effectively. "You do have a platform, and you want to steward it well," he said. "Your voice, your opinion, those things are yours. So they're yours to steward. They're not yours to say, 'Okay, how can I gather as much power, as many followers as I can?' And just waste it. No, you're a steward."
Acho also shared an anecdote about fans throwing objects onto a field to delay a game after a contentious call, illustrating how actions driven by frustration can be counterproductive and set a poor example. He stressed the importance of acknowledging when lines are crossed, even if it means facing consequences or not achieving a desired outcome through improper means.