In 2018, youth in the U.S. were coming of age during a time of deep cultural and political unrest in America. They were aware of all the issues facing their generation (social injustice, political uncertainty, etc.) and were both vocal and action-oriented. They were busy getting after whatever it is they wanted for themselves, their friends, and their generation, and they saw sport as a yardstick for their motivation and energy, and for how they could make a mark in the rest of their lives. Moreover, they saw that sport, particularly through athletes like Colin Kaepernick, had the potential to transcend the field of play and enter the national cultural debate.

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