Hey, Big 12. We need to talk.
Before I go any further, I want to make it clear that the views in this article are merely my own personal views and that they do not necessarily reflect the views of Lawless Republic or FanSided as a whole.
The Big 12 just made an advertising deal with the Monster Beverage Corporation. As part of this deal, all football, men's basetball, and women's basketball athletes will be required to wear a logo on their jersey that will be a combination of the Big 12 logo and the Monster Energy Drinks logo. Any athlete who refuses to wear it will likely face disciplinary action.
Now, I know what you might be thinking. "But... (scrolling to the top of the article to see what my name is) ...Spencer... (not even trying to pronounce my last name)... It's not like Monster Energy Drinks are explicitly against The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Word of Wisdom or the BYU Honor Code. So what's the problem?"
That is true. It would definitely be a bigger problem if the Big 12 were forcing athletes who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to wear a beer company's logo or something like that. However, who says that you can only be opposed to something if an institution you belong to explicitly opposes it? Shouldn't individual beliefs be respected, too?
The following is a quote from the Word of Wisdom section of the church handbook for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I want to make it as clear as I possibly can that the purpose of my sharing this isn't to enforce the church's beliefs or my own personal beliefs on anyone. It's simply to make a case that it would be completely valid for someone to say that using energy drinks is a violation of their religious beliefs.
"Prophets have also taught members to avoid substances that are harmful, illegal, or addictive or that impair judgment.
There are other harmful substances and practices that are not specified in the Word of Wisdom or by Church leaders. Members should use wisdom and prayerful judgment in making choices to promote their physical, spiritual, and emotional health."
While Monster Energy Drinks are not illegal, there's a perfectly reasonable case to be made that they are harmful and addictive and that they impair people's judgment. Again, I'm not trying to call out members who choose to use energy drinks. A BYU fan article would not be the place to do that. I'm just saying that people who choose not to use energy drinks deserve to be treated as reasonable people with reasonable beliefs, not as Pharisees who are making up silly rules. And obviously, people outside the church who decide to stay away from energy drinks absolutely deserve the same amount of respect.
Another argument people might make is that simply wearing a company's logo is not equivalent to saying that you endorse their product. That is a respectable opinion, and I do not blame any players who choose to just comply and wear the logo and say that it just doesn't mean anything. At the same time, the opposite opinion is also respectable and reasonable enough to at least be given credence. After all, Monster Beverage Corporation's entire purpose of making the players wear the logo is to get more people to buy their drinks.
There's nothing illegal about this deal. Technically, by the letter of the law, it's not unconstitutional either because the First Amendment only says that the government isn't allowed to infringe on people's freedom of speech and freedom of religion, not that other organizations aren't allowed to do so. But that does not mean it's morally OK. No one should be required to promote something they don't endorse, and if people are punished for refusing to do so, that is absolutely unacceptable.
One thing I want to make clear is that I'm not just writing this because I am personally opposed to energy drinks, although I am. I would feel the same way if it was something that other groups of people don't support. For example, I am not a vegan or a vegetarian, but I would be outraged if vegan and vegetarian athletes were required to wear logos to promote a meat company. People aren't property. They shouldn't have to choose between being a bulletin board for something they don't support or making great personal sacrifices like giving up their sport or transferring to another school to avoid it.
I don't expect the Big 12 to completely break off their deal with Monster Beverage Corporation, although I would be thrilled if they did. All I'm asking is that they provide some sort of out for athletes who don't want to promote the product. As for the fans reading this article, if you agree with my point of view (and I respect those of you who may not) please make your voices heard. It might be more likely to make a difference than you realize.
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