Professional athletes have an inflated view of themselves.

ATHLETES ARE ENTERTAINERS

IF THERE IS NO ENTERTAINING, THEY ARE IRRELEVANT

It is with some amusement that we see professional athletes attempting to intimidate legislators, team owners or the public, I am not sure who exactly, by their refusal to play a sports game. It is clear they have way over estimated their value to society. 

While owners and leagues may attempt to placate them with some meaningless gestures, they are likely in the process of alienating a sizable portion of their fan base. It is likely that in the long run their actions will result lower salaries, a move away from professional sports viewership and possibly the dissolution of their league. Viewership drops, advertisers pay less, and it may take years to recover, even if they should decide to end such action quickly.

They would possibly be more effective if they would play hard, earn a lot of money and donate to causes that could make a difference. Of course, professional athletes were never accused of being the sharpest when it came to business or politics.

They are entertainers pure and simple. Singers have no leverage if they do not sing. Comedians have no relevance if they do not make people laugh. Boxers are nobody if they do not fight someone. Basketball players are likely to become BLM marchers if they refuse to dribble and make baskets. 

This is just the reality of the free market and their only value is to entertain the masses, by being better players than those who watch.

Sports has always existed to provide a few hours were people could escape the stress and tediousness of everyday life. When it is just an extension of what people want to escape it may very well cease to exist.