This research examines the events that led to athletes kneeling during the national anthem in 2020, focusing on the Black Lives Matter movement and the death of George Floyd. It also analyzes the short and long-term impacts on athletes who kneeled and protested. This topic matters because it shows how platforms such as sports can start broader conversations on society and politics. My main aim for exploring this topic is understanding what led up to this and how broader conversations were influenced because of athletes' protests, which helps us better understand how a public figure can influence serious conversations. I will conduct my research by using a quantitative case study to analyze data such as public opinions, sponsorship changes, league responses, and media coverage. This study will contribute evidence on how athlete protests in 2020 influenced public opinion and broader political and social conversations. This matters academically and politically because it helps us understand how athlete protests can influence public opinion, government responses, and larger conversations about social issues.
