This is interesting--no necessary rhyme or reason for the split. This, on the other hand, is obnoxious; the notion that any citizen should stick to his profession--and implicitly that he is not qualified or entitled to engage in the democratic process--reflects the height of arrogance.
And one more: Slate's Hang Up and Listen podcast this week includes an interview with David Meggyesy, an NFL player in the 1960s who was active in opposing the Vietnam War, attracted the wrath of the league, and wrote about the experience of being an activist athlete. He discusses his experiences, as well as commenting on the many current NFL players who have spoken out on marriage equality. The podcast was recorded on Monday, before the election happened. As you all probably know, the Minnesota initiative that Vikings punter Chris Kluwe wrote about (which would have defined marriage as between one man and one woman) failed. The Maryland initiative establishing marriage equality, which the Ravens'Brendan Ayanbadejo vocally supported (drawing to him the ire of an insane state representative) passed.
