The International Basketball Association banned players from wearing religious headwear such as turbans, yarmulkes and hijabs, causing some players to protest.

Some charter schools, which are run by nonprofits with government funding, participate in Christian league sports. At least one First Amendment watchdog group says this violates the Constitution‘s prohibition on government endorsement of religion.

Michael Sam, the first openly gay player to be drafted by an NFL team, was cut by the St. Louis Rams before the season. When Sam was drafted, many players, coaches, and fans reacted strongly, some citing their Christian faith in their response.

In July 2014, Ray Rice of the Baltimore Ravens was suspended for two games after being charged with beating his fiancee unconscious in an elevator. The term of his suspension — lighter than what the NFL requires for players caught smoking marijuana — raised the question about the message professional sports sends to its fans about the value of women. 

The next two FIFA World Cup competitions will be held in Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022. Both events have attracted controversy. Russia faces global disapproval and sanctions for its handling of the crash of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 and the ongoing uprising in Ukraine. In Qatar, critics say the Cup is already plagued by charges of bribery and unfair labor practices, including the use of slaves.