The hot news has just been released from the National Rugby Federation (NFL) when Aidan Hutchinson, the defensive star of the Detroit Lions team, sent a brief message with only 5 words that made Roger Goodell, NFL’s commissioner, extremely shocked. The move took place shortly after Detroit Lions was fined $ 50 million for refusing to post a message of support for pride (Pride Month) on social networks, a decision that caused a lot of controversy in the community.
This event has attracted the attention of not only football fans but also managers and social benefits. Detroit Lions, one of the famous NFL teams, made a controversial decision when not recognizing the proud month with a public message on their social media channels. This decision has caused a strong opposition from the public and LGBTQ+organizations, who believe that the team needs to show support to this community in the proud month, as part of social responsibility and integration.
Immediately after the team was fined up to $ 50 million from NFL for this action, Aidan Hutchinson, one of the most prominent players of the Detroit Lions team, sent a shocking message to the National Rugby Federation. His message only consists of five words: “Free choice, I support”. This short sentence not only raises questions about Hutchinson’s personal opinion, but also highlights the difference in the view between him and the heads of NFL, including Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Hutchinson’s message can be understood as a strong statement about personal freedom and decision of each team in expressing or not showing support for social movements. This is a view that many people in the soccer community and society believe that it may be a confrontation with mandatory requirements from NFL. However, many people also believe that Hutchinson is showing support for the freedom of personal expression of the teams and players, instead of imposing a common viewpoint for all.
This incident made Roger Goodell, Member of NFL, could not help but be able to respond immediately. NFL has shown the determination to promote the diversity and integration in its teams, especially in campaigns such as proud month. However, this incident once again highlights the tensions between personal values and organizational regulations in professional sports.
Besides, the reaction from the online community is equally exciting. A part of the fans supported Hutchinson, saying that he was showing the protection of personal freedom and against the imposition of the organization. On the other hand, many others criticize his actions, saying that it does not respect the principles of the diversity and integration that NFL is trying to build in recent years.
From this incident, it can be seen that social issues such as the interests of the LGBTQ+ community are becoming one of the factors that have a strong influence on professional football, not only in the decisions of the teams but also in the management of major sports organizations like NFL. The fact that Aidan Hutchinson spoke up with just a brief message opened a major debate about personal freedom, social responsibility and the balance between both in the context of modern sports.
Surely this will continue to be a hot topic in sports, social and values discussions that players, teams and sports organizations need to face in the 21st century.