Sports Rivalries and Political Polarization
When I was a teen in the late 1980s and early 1990s, nothing compared to the rivalry between the Chicago Bulls and the “Bad Boys” of the Detroit Pistons. Growing up in southwest Michigan—where Chicago and Detroit fans overlapped—meant that family gatherings often turned into heated debates. My mom’s side was full of diehard Bulls fans, while my dad’s side was loyal to the Pistons.
The tension was real. Chicago fans hated the Pistons’ aggressive style of play, calling it “dirty basketball.” Players like Bill Laimbeer and Dennis Rodman became infamous for their rough tactics in the paint. Pistons fans, however, loved it. They believed it reflected Michigan’s blue-collar toughness—fighting through adversity and clawing for success.
As Bulls fans saw fouls, Pistons fans saw grit. Everything depended on which team’s jersey you wore.
When Dennis Rodman Switched Sides
In 1995, everything changed. The despised Dennis Rodman joined the Bulls alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. For Bulls fans, this was shocking—like a political enemy suddenly switching parties.
But once Rodman’s rebounding dominance helped the Bulls secure another dynasty, his past was quickly forgiven. Even his outrageous behavior—kicking a cameraman, skipping games for Las Vegas parties—was tolerated. Why? Because now he was “one of us.” Winning made all the difference.
The Politics of Winning at All Costs
This same mentality often shows up in American politics. Many voters treat politics like team sports. The ultimate goal is for “our side” to win, even if it means ignoring principles.
Some politicians switch jerseys—running under the label of one party while fully embracing the policies of the other. Voters often accept this if they think it improves their side’s chance of victory. For example, some Republican politicians openly support abortion, same-sex marriage, or socialized healthcare—positions that align with the Democratic Party platform—yet they still get elected as Republicans.
Why? Because voters often prioritize winning elections over protecting principles.
Why We Need to Think Like Referees, Not Fans
Instead of rooting blindly for our political team, we should be rooting for the U.S. Constitution. The Constitution is supposed to be the rulebook for how government operates. If a candidate doesn’t uphold those principles, we shouldn’t support them—no matter what jersey they wear.
But here’s the hard truth: referees get booed. If you call out a foul committed by “your own team,” some will accuse you of betrayal. That’s why so many politicians drift away from their party’s values while still winning elections—because voters fail to hold them accountable.
What If the Jerseys Were Switched?
Imagine if the Bulls and Pistons had swapped jerseys back in the 1990s. Would fans still root for their “team,” or would they suddenly change loyalties because of the colors? The same question applies to politics:
- Do you support candidates because of the principles they uphold?
- Or simply because they wear your team’s political color—red or blue?
Rooting for the Constitutional Team
It’s fine to have a favorite political party, just like it’s fine to have a favorite sports team. But our ultimate loyalty should be to the Constitutional principles of liberty and justice. That’s the team that matters most.
I realize there is a distinction between the two major political party platforms. I’m not confused on that. I personally believe the party platform of one is more closely aligned with the goals and ideals of the framers of our Constitution and the principles contained therein than the other. I get that. But if we want to see either political party remain close to those transcendent values and guidelines, we are going to have to act more like referees than fans and call out “our team” for flagrant fouls when they occur. I maintain that our team should be the Constitutional team. That’s the one we root for, and we insist that both parties play by those rules.
Israel Wayne is an author and conference speaker and founder of Family Renewal, LLC. He serves as Site Editor for www.ChristianWorldview.net.