I think it definitely depends on what athlete says what about politics. For example, if Terrell Owens spoke out about politics and what he thought about them, would people take him serious?? Probably not!!! Just because of the fact of the different problems he has had with the media. For other instance, if a well respected athlete like Albert Pujols spoke out about politics, I think people would definitely take in what he has to say because or his persona and how people perceive him.