The progressive leftists/socialists realize sports can be a very effective way to indoctrinate the masses, particularly the youth. There is collusion at various levels of management. Witness SF 49ers coach supporting Kapernick yesterday. ESPN is another propoganda outlet.
They would love nothing more than most athletes become social justice warriors and use sports as a vehicle.
If they could just rid the games of patriotic themes and players, they would go far.
Absolutely. Same of course with the entertainment industry (music, film, TV)