Washington (CNN) When Beyoncé got political and paid tribute to the "Black Lives Matter" movement at the Super Bowl last year, many sports fans were up in arms, accusing the star of violating what some consider to be an unspoken rule: Keep politics out of sports.

But in an America that is still reeling from a divisive presidential election cycle, where the rise of President Donald Trump catapulted heated debates over race and social issues into the mainstream, many athletes are becoming politically active in a way not seen in decades. And not everyone is happy about it.

"Sports is really no longer an escape from the real world that it used to be. Sports is a mirror of our society," CNN Sports Analyst Christine Brennan said. "I think because Trump is so controversial and because the things he's saying and doing run counter to what many people believe ... athletes are finding their voice in a way that is reminiscent of the 1960s."

Jacksonville Jaguars' Telvin Smith raises his fist during the National Anthem on September 25, 2016.

While Trump found some of his most vocal backers in the sports world -- he was endorsed by famous athletes and coaches, including legendary college basketball coach Bobby Knight and former All-Star pitcher Curt Shilling -- it is the opposition to Trump and the debates surrounding racism and women's rights that have revitalized activism in American sports.

A growing group of top tier athletes — from Super Bowl winners, basketball MVP's, boxing champions, ballet dancers, Olympic medalists in soccer, figure skating and fencing, and sports legends like Billie Jean King and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar — have formed a passionate chorus protesting the state of American politics.

Travel ban ignites fury

Since winning the election, Trump's travel ban on refugees and immigrants from seven majority Muslim countries, has escalated the backlash and drawn criticism from many corners of the sports world.

Fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad, who made history in the 2016 Olympics as the first female Muslim American to win a medal for the United States and the first American to compete wearing a hijab, slammed Trump's ban on Tuesday, saying she has been discriminated against as a Muslim.

Ibtihaj Muhammad celebrates victory over Olena Kravatska of Ukraine during on Day 3 of the Rio 2016 Olympics.

"... Even though I represent Team USA and I have that Olympic hardware, it doesn't change how you look and how people perceive you," she said. "Unfortunately, I know that people talk about this having a lot to do with these seven countries in particular, but I think the net is cast a little bit wider than we know. And I'm included in that as a Muslim woman who wears a hijab."

CNN has reached out to the White House for comment and has not yet received a response.

Under Armour-sponsored athletes Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry and star ballet dancer Misty Copeland both took issue with CEO Kevin Plank this week for calling Trump a "real asset" to the United States.

Curry, who was not known for inserting himself into politics prior to 2016, publicly confronted the CEO of Under Armour Kevin Plank, saying, "I agree with that description if you remove the 'et' from asset."

Cleveland Cavaliers star forward Lebron James slammed Trump's travel ban last week, saying, it "does not represent what the United States is about."

And NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who formally endorsed Clinton, said the ban makes America "a bad horror movie."

Six New England Patriots players, including Martellus Bennett and Devin McCourty, who protested racism on the field by raising their fists during the national anthem, announced that they will skip the team's upcoming White House visit, where they will be honored by Trump for winning this year's Super Bowl.

Here are Martellus Bennett and Devin McCourty raising their fists for the National Anthem. Patriots, both. pic.twitter.com/rDilAEaCUj — Robert Klemko (@RobertKlemko) September 12, 2016

While not all six cited political reasons, some specifically pointed to their opposition to Trump.

"Basic reason for me is I don't feel accepted in the White House," McCourty said. "With the President having so many strong opinions and prejudices, I believe certain people might feel accepted there while others won't."

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich both slammed Trump last month in what Brennan describes as "absolutely the stuff of history."

"I'm completely against what's happening. I think it's shocking. It's a horrible idea," Kerr said , reacting to news of the travel ban. "I feel for all the people that are affected. Families are being torn apart, and I worry in the big picture what this means to the security of the world."

"We as Muslims have to stand up to those who use Islam to advance their own personal agenda," Ali said in December. "They have alienated many from learning about Islam. True Muslims know or should know that it goes against our religion to try and force Islam on anybody."

Back to the 60s

When San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick refused to stand during the national anthem in August to protest racial injustice, he quickly became one of the most controversial figures in sports like several others before him.

Photos: NFL players protest during national anthem Colin Kaepernick (right) and Eric Reid of the San Francisco 49ers kneel in protest during the national anthem on September 12, 2016, in Santa Clara, California. Hide Caption 1 of 5 Photos: NFL players protest during national anthem Seattle Seahawks' Jeremy Lane sits as the national anthem plays before a preseason match against the Oakland Raiders on September 1, 2016, in Oakland. Hide Caption 2 of 5 Photos: NFL players protest during national anthem Kenny Britt and Robert Quinn of the Los Angeles Rams raise their fists prior to playing the San Francisco 49ers on September 12, 2016, in Santa Clara. Hide Caption 3 of 5 Photos: NFL players protest during national anthem Denver Broncos' Brandon Marshall kneels on the sideline during the national anthem before a game against the Carolina Panthers in Denver on September 8, 2016. Hide Caption 4 of 5 Photos: NFL players protest during national anthem From left, Miami Dolphins' Jelani Jenkins, Arian Foster, Michael Thomas and Kenny Stills kneel during the singing of the national anthem before a game against the Seattle Seahawks on September 11, 2016. Hide Caption 5 of 5

He was relentlessly booed on the field, accused of being anti-American and his jersey was even used as a floor mat.

Despite the backlash, others joined Kaepernick's protest, including his teammate Eric Reid, Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall, Miami Dolphins players Arian Foster, Kenny Stills, Michael Thomas, Jelani Jenkins, Seattle Reign FC soccer star Megan Rapinoe and even some high school players

Kaepernick also faced criticism because he said there was no difference between voting for Trump or Clinton. He did not cast a ballot in 2016.

"It's reminiscent of back in the day when Muhammad Ali and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar were influencing entire movements of people with the stances they were taking and their words," CNN Sports correspondent and former NFL player Coy Wire told CNN.

Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Since winning a gold medal in the 1960 Olympics, Muhammad Ali has never been far from the public eye. Take a look at the life and career of Ali, the three-time heavyweight boxing champion who called himself "The Greatest." Hide Caption 1 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Ali, then known as Cassius Clay, poses in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, prior to his amateur boxing debut in 1954. He was 12 years old and 85 pounds. As an amateur, he won 100 out of 108 fights. Hide Caption 2 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Ali rose to prominence at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, where he claimed a gold medal in the light-heavyweight division. Hide Caption 3 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Ali boldly predicted it would take him five rounds to knock out British boxer Henry Cooper ahead of their bout in London in 1963. The fight was stopped in the fifth round as Cooper was bleeding heavily from a cut around his eye. Hide Caption 4 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Patrick Power, 6, takes on Ali in the ring in 1963. Patrick was taking boxing lessons after getting bullied. Hide Caption 5 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Ali poses for a picture with The Beatles in Miami, during the run-up to his heavyweight title fight against Sonny Liston in 1964. Hide Caption 6 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Ali celebrates after defeating Liston in Miami on February 25, 1964. Upon becoming world heavyweight champion for the first time, Ali proclaimed, "I am the greatest!" Hide Caption 7 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Ali relaxes after his win over Liston in 1964. At 22, he became the youngest boxer to take the heavyweight title from a reigning champion. Hide Caption 8 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Civil rights activist Malcolm X, left, takes a picture of a tuxedo-clad Ali surrounded by jubilant fans in March 1964. Shortly after the Liston fight, Ali announced that he had joined the Nation of Islam and changed his name from Cassius Clay. Hide Caption 9 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Known for being as quick with his mouth as he was with his hands, Ali often taunted his opponents. He famously said he could "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee." Hide Caption 10 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Ali prepares to defend his heavyweight title in 1965. Hide Caption 11 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Ali stands over Liston during their rematch in Lewiston, Maine, on May 25, 1965. Hide Caption 12 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Ali eats at a restaurant in 1965. Hide Caption 13 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali The referee pushes Ali to a neutral corner as Floyd Patterson slumps to the canvas in November 1965. The fight was stopped at the end of the 12th round and Ali was declared the winner. Hide Caption 14 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Ali signs an autograph for a fan in 1966. Hide Caption 15 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Ali visits a children's home in London in May 1966. Hide Caption 16 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Ali trains for his second fight against British champion Henry Cooper in May 1966. Hide Caption 17 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali British talk-show host Eamonn Andrews shares a laugh with Ali in May 1966. Hide Caption 18 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Ali lands a right to the head of Brian London during their bout in London on August 6, 1966. Ali won by a knockout in the third round. Hide Caption 19 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Ali looks in his hotel-room mirror in February 1967. Hide Caption 20 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali The referee counts as Ali looks down at Zora Folley during a championship fight in New York on March 23, 1967. Ali won by a knockout in the seventh round. Hide Caption 21 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali As a conscientious objector to the Vietnam War, Ali refused induction into the U.S. Army in April 1967. Here, top athletes from various sports gather to support Ali as he gives his reasons for rejecting the draft. Seated in the front row, from left to right, are Bill Russell, Ali, Jim Brown and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Hide Caption 22 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Ali walks through the streets of New York with members of the Black Panther Party in September 1970. Ali was sentenced to five years in prison for his refusal to enter the draft, and he was also stripped of his boxing title. The U.S. Supreme Court overturned Ali's conviction in 1971, but by that time Ali had already become a figurehead of resistance and a hero to many. Related: Photographer fondly recalls his three days with Ali Hide Caption 23 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali On November 2, 1970, Ali returned to the ring for his first professional fight in three years. He defeated Jerry Quarry in the third round. Hide Caption 24 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Known as the "Fight of the Century," Ali and Joe Frazier split a $5 million purse to fight for Frazier's title on March 8, 1971, in New York. Frazier won by unanimous decision, handing Ali his first professional loss. Hide Caption 25 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Ali toys with the finely combed hair of television sports commentator Howard Cosell before the start of the Olympic boxing trials in August 1972. Hide Caption 26 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Ali and Frazier appear on "The Dick Cavett Show" in January 1974. The two got into a brawl in ABC's New York studio and were fined $5,000 each. Hide Caption 27 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Ali passes a cheering crowd in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), on September 28, 1974. Ali was in the country to fight George Foreman, who had recently defeated Frazier to win the title. Hide Caption 28 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Ali and Foreman fight October 30, 1974, in what was billed as "The Rumble in the Jungle." Ali, a huge underdog, knocked out Foreman in the eighth round to regain the title that was stripped from him in 1967. Hide Caption 29 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Ali addresses a Nation of Islam meeting in London in December 1974. The following year, Ali left the Nation and embraced a more mainstream Islamic faith. Hide Caption 30 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Ali offers advice to future opponent Richard Dunn in March 1976. Ali defeated Dunn in the fifth round two months later. It was his last knockout win. Hide Caption 31 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Ali and his third wife, Veronica, second from right, visit the Kremlin in Moscow in June 1978. The two were married from 1977 to 1986. Ali was married four times. Hide Caption 32 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Ali takes his daily run along a Pennsylvania country road, shrouded in early morning fog, in 1978. Hide Caption 33 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Ali takes a hit from Leon Spinks during their title fight in New Orleans on September 15, 1978. Ali won by unanimous decision, regaining the title he lost to Spinks earlier that year. Hide Caption 34 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Ali sits with his daughters Laila and Hana at the Grosvenor House in London in December 1978. He briefly retired from professional boxing the following year. Hide Caption 35 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Ali came out of retirement on October 2, 1980, for a title fight with Larry Holmes and a guaranteed purse of $8 million. Holmes won easily, beating up Ali until the fight was stopped after the 10th round. Hide Caption 36 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Ali and Trevor Berbick weigh in for their fight in the Bahamas in December 1981. Berbick won by unanimous decision. It was Ali's last professional fight. Hide Caption 37 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Ali prays at a mosque in Cairo in October 1986. Two years prior, he revealed that he had Parkinson's syndrome, a disorder of the central nervous system. Hide Caption 38 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali In 1990, Ali met with Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to negotiate the release of 15 American hostages in Iraq and Kuwait. Here, Ali leaves Iraq with the hostages on December 2, 1990. Hide Caption 39 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Ali lights the Olympic torch at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. Hide Caption 40 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Juan Antonio Samaranch, president of the International Olympic Committee, gives Ali a replacement gold medal in 1996. Ali had thrown his 1960 gold medal into the Ohio River after he was criticized for not fighting in Vietnam. Hide Caption 41 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Ali and his fourth wife, Lonnie, unveil his special-edition Wheaties box in February 1999. The box marked the cereal's 75th anniversary, and it was the first time a boxer appeared on the cover. Hide Caption 42 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger raises Ali's hand during the Celebrity Fight Night charity event in Phoenix in March 2002. Schwarzenegger was presented with the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award for his work with the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Research Foundation, the Inner-City Games Foundation and the Special Olympics. The award was presented by former CNN host Larry King, left. Hide Caption 43 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Ali arrives in Kabul, Afghanistan, in November 2002 for a three-day goodwill mission as a special guest of the United Nations. He was appointed as a U.N. Messenger of Peace in 2000. Hide Caption 44 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali U.S. President George W. Bush presents Ali with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, on November 9, 2005. Hide Caption 45 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Members of the media watch a video of Ali before the grand opening of the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky, in November 2005. Hide Caption 46 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Ali's wife, Lonnie, watches as actress Alfre Woodard presents him with the President's Award during the 2009 NAACP Image Awards in Los Angeles. Hide Caption 47 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali On May 24, 2011, Ali appears at the National Press Club in Washington to publicly appeal to Iranian officials for the release of captive hikers Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal. The hikers were released in September 2011, more than two years after their detention. Hide Caption 48 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Ali poses during a photo shoot outside his home in Paradise Valley, Arizona, in January 2012. Hide Caption 49 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Ali poses for a picture with, from left, Greg Fischer, Len Amato, daughter Laila Ali and Donald Lassere during the U.S. premiere of the HBO film "Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight" in October 2013. Hide Caption 50 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali A boxing robe worn by Ali, which belonged to the late country singer Waylon Jennings, went up for auction in 2014. Hide Caption 51 of 52 Photos: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali Ali is seen with singer Carrie Underwood at a charity event in Phoenix in April. Hide Caption 52 of 52

In the era of Martin Luther King Jr., when civil rights activists across America protested racial inequality, America saw a rise in activism that made its way into the world of sports.

One of the most notable examples is legendary boxer Ali's refusal to join the US armed forces and fight in the Vietnam war, citing his Muslim religion.

"How can you love Muhammad Ali and not love [Kaepernick] for the stance he took?" Director Spike Lee told CNN in August.

"The same way John Carlos, Tommie Smith raised their black gloved fists in the '68 Olympics in Mexico. The same way Muhammad Ali refused to fight in the Vietnam War. These are rights that Americans have," he added.

US Olympic runners Tommie Smith and John Carlos bowed their heads and raised their fists during the national anthem to protest and despite having won gold and bronze medals, they were both suspended from the team.

Tommie Smith, center, and John Carlos, right, raise their fists while standing on the podium at the 1968 Mexico Olympics.

Fist-raising is a symbol of solidarity and a symbol of the black power movement that dates back to the Black Panthers in the 60s and 70s.

And now, Smith is voicing his support for Kaepernick and others who are taking a stand.

"Colin's made a very important and a non-volatile statement about the realities of the society in which he lives. I congratulate him and his beliefs of total parity," Smith said in August.

"Back in 1968, "danger" was spelled the same way, felt the same way, and it could do the same harm to someone who's standing out by him or herself against the evolution in racism ... There is a sacrifice," he added.

'Black Lives Matter' echoes on the field

Even before Trump and Kaepernick, athletes had begun to make political statements on and off the field, particularly on police brutality, reflecting a broader cultural shift.

Wire said that the rise of social media and an evolution within sports organizations like the NFL and the NBA, where coaches and owners are "more lenient" on players speaking out, have encouraged more athletes to take a stand on social and politics issues.

Photos: A timeline of social activism in sports In 2012 members of the Miami Heat -- led by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh -- posed in hoodies in solidarity with slain Florida teenager Trayvon Martin. Hide Caption 1 of 14 Photos: A timeline of social activism in sports African-American athletes have a long history of speaking up in defense of civil rights. In 1967 a group of top athletes from various sports gathered to support Muhammad Ali in rejecting the draft during the Vietnam War. Seated in the front row, from left to right: Bill Russell, Ali, Jim Brown and Lew Alcindor (now Kareem Abdul-Jabbar). Standing behind them are Carl Stokes, Walter Beach, Bobby Mitchell, Sid Williams, Curtis McClinton, Willie Davis, Jim Shorter and John Wooten. Hide Caption 2 of 14 Photos: A timeline of social activism in sports Tommie Smith (center) and John Carlos (right) of the US launched one of the most famous sporting protests in history on the podium at the 1968 Mexico Olympics with their Black Power salute. Australian sliver medalist Peter Norman (left) also stood in protest, wearing a human rights badge on his track suit. The act harmed his career in Australia. Hide Caption 3 of 14 Photos: A timeline of social activism in sports NBA star Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks marched with protesters in Maryland, demanding better police accountability and racial equality following the death of Freddie Gray while in police custody in April 2015. Hide Caption 4 of 14 Photos: A timeline of social activism in sports In 2016 Colin Kaepernick ( #7) of the San Francisco 49ers created a storm by refusing to stand for the national anthem before NFL games. He is pictured with teammate Eric Reid (#35) prior to a home game against the Los Angeles Rams on September 12, 2016. Hide Caption 5 of 14 Photos: A timeline of social activism in sports Other athletes -- including those at the college and high school level -- joined Kaepernick's protest. Megan Rapinoe (#15) of the US Women's National Team knelt before a match against Thailand on September 15, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. Hide Caption 6 of 14 Photos: A timeline of social activism in sports Social protest is also something undertaken by fans. Back on December 4, 1935, the German football team give the Nazi salute at White Hart Lane, the London home of Tottenham Hotspur. England fans protested outside the stadium before the match, according to sports sociologist Joseph Maguire. Hide Caption 7 of 14 Photos: A timeline of social activism in sports In 2009 Inter Milan fans held up posters supporting Mario Balotelli in response to racist abuse that the player received at Juventus. The English translation of the posters is "Better black than Juventus." Hide Caption 8 of 14 Photos: A timeline of social activism in sports German footballer Deniz Naki -- shown playing for former club St. Pauli of the Bundesliga -- was banned for 12 matches and fined $5,825 for a Facebook post dedicating his Turkish second division club's victory to Kurdish combatants in southeastern Turkey. Naki's parents are of Kurdish origin, and he has Kurdish-themed tattoos on his arms. Hide Caption 9 of 14 Photos: A timeline of social activism in sports England cricketer Steve Harrison refused to travel to Zimbabwe in 2004 for a series of matches. Although Harrison boycotted the tour for political reasons against the Zimbabwean regime, the England & Wales Cricket Board did not take any action against him. Hide Caption 10 of 14 Photos: A timeline of social activism in sports British-Ghanian player Emmanuel Frimpong received a red card in the first match of the 2015 Russian soccer season after making an obscene gesture at Spartak Moscow. He later wrote on social media that he was responding to racial abuse from the stands. "(I) am a human being shouldn't be racially abused for the game that I love," he wrote. "And yet we going to hold a World Cup in this country where African(s) will have to come play football."

Hide Caption 11 of 14 Photos: A timeline of social activism in sports AC Milan's former Ghanaian defender Kevin-Prince Boateng picked up the ball, kicked it towards the stands and walked off the pitch during a friendly against Pro Patria in Busto Arsizio on January 3, 2013 because of racists chants from home supporters. "Shame that these things still happen," the 25-year-old German-born Ghanaian player said on his Twitter account. The match was stopped in the 26th minute when he led his team off the pitch. Hide Caption 12 of 14 Photos: A timeline of social activism in sports Former NBA player John Amaechi, who is now a psychologist in London, says standing for national anthems before sporting events is unnecessary. He added that he would not attend a tournament in Russia if he was an active athlete. Hide Caption 13 of 14 Photos: A timeline of social activism in sports Howard Gayle played for eight English football clubs, and was the first black player to play for Liverpool. Gayle says he tried to educate teammates on acts of passive racism. During his playing days he did not sing the national anthem, and later refused an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) title from Buckingham Palace. Hide Caption 14 of 14

"Back in the early 2000s, when I first came into the NFL it was 'do not talk about it, keep your head down.' Basically, 'just stick to sports, you're an athlete,' Wire said. "But towards the end of my career it started to trend towards 'be smart, think before you click send on Twitter.'"

In an implicit reference to Kaepernick, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said last week that the organization encourages players to respect the flag but respects players who choose to exercise their First Amendment rights.

"We have to respect people's Constitutional rights, we understand that," Goodell said. "But for us, we're all about patriotism."

Five players from the St. Louis Rams walked onto the field at the start of a November 2014 game with their hands raised in the air in a "don't shoot" gesture to protest the police shooting death of unarmed Missouri teenager Michael Brown.

St. Louis Rams coach Jeff Fisher said that his players will not be fined for their "don't shoot" protest because "they were exercising their right to free speech, and Dolphins owner Stephen Ross said he was "100% supportive" of his own players who took a stand.

Kenny Britt #18 and Robert Quinn #94 of the Los Angeles Rams raise their fists in protest prior to playing the San Francisco 49ers on September 12, 2016 in Santa Clara, California.

Members of the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Brooklyn Nets, including James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Garnett, wore "I Can't Breathe" T-shirts in December, reflecting the words of Eric Garner, who died after being placed into a chokehold by police.

At the time, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said that while he prefers that players comply with dress code rules, he respects their choice to speak out.

Silver reiterated this view in July, saying that while he didn't think it was a good idea for members of the Minnesota Lynx to wear "Black Lives Matter" shirts before a game, players in the NBA and the WNBA have a right to express their views.

"I would greatly prefer that the players use the platform they're given, social media, press conferences, media in locker rooms, however they want to do it, to make their political points of view be known," Silver said.

Silver also backed players, who took part in a July public forum with police officers and community members to discuss police brutality led by New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony.

And in an unprecedented move, the NBA moved next week's 2017 All-Star Game from Charlotte to New Orleans, as a response to North Carolina's House Bill 2, more commonly know as the "bathroom bill, which bans people from using public bathrooms that don't correspond to their biological sex as listed on their birth certificates.

Women's rights reverberate in locker rooms

Tennis legend Billie Jean King , who became a symbol for women's rights in the 60s, and retired soccer star Abby Wambach, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, campaigned for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

And figure skater Michelle Kwan, a five-time world champion, formally joined the Clinton campaign as an outreach coordinator, hoping to see the first woman president.

JUST WATCHED Billie Jean King talks gender pay gap, U.S. Election Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Billie Jean King talks gender pay gap, U.S. Election 10:14

But when a 2005 hot mic video surfaced in October of Trump making derogatory remarks about women, the call for women's rights in the sports world became louder.

"When you're a star, they let you do it. You can do anything ... Grab them by the pussy. You can do anything," Trump said in the 2005 tape.

Trump later apologized but dismissed his comments as "locker room talk."

Male and female athletes, from Lebron James , to figure skater Ashley Wagner slammed the notion that Trump's comments are just typical locker room banter.

"I believe through and through that any man who speaks in such a degrading way towards women is absolutely vile and disgusting," Wagner said in October.

A group of athletes, including James and other NBA players, joined hundreds of thousands at the Women's March last month to protest Trump.

Are Trump supporters afraid to speak out?

Some of Trump's most outspoken supporters have come from the sports world, including Knight, who appeared at campaign rallies with Trump and was a surrogate for him on talk shows.

But Wire said that some athletes who back Trump may be wary about speaking out.

"I definitely think its going to test some dynamics within certain teams and organizations," he said.

"Its not that I've experienced it personally, but I can put myself back in the cleats in the NFL locker room ... (Protests are) going to force us to look at our teammates and say 'that really means something to them,'" he added.

Curt Schilling, who won three World Series, said last month that he's been ostracized due to his political views, claiming that his support for Trump has kept him out of the Baseball Hall of Fame.

"If I had said 'Lynch Trump,' I'd be getting in with about 90% of the vote," Schilling told TMZ last month.

Brennan said that while it's "hard to know" if some Trump supporters have kept quiet, "if we are to judge from Curt Schilling's experiences and his opinion then perhaps that is the same."

The New England Patriots, who won Super Bowl 51 last week, have been linked to Trump due to the President's friendship with quarterback Tom Brady.

What an amazing comeback and win by the Patriots. Tom Brady, Bob Kraft and Coach B are total winners. Wow! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 6, 2017

But the five-time Super Bowl champ, who faced controversy during the 2016 election when a "Make America Great Again" hat was spotted in his locker, has been evasive when asked about Trump, keeping his comments non-political.

Trump announced a day before the general election that Brady and the team's coach Bill Belichick are supporting his campaign for president.

But the football star's wife, model Gisele Bundchen, bluntly denied those reports in a social media exchange.

"Gisele I head you and Tom were backing Trump! Is that true?" an Instagram user asked.

"NO!" Bundchen responded.

However, following Trump's win, the President said at a pre-inaugural dinner that Brady and Patriots owner Robert Kraft called to congratulate him.

While he did not deny it, Brady played down the claim during an interview, saying, "I call a lot of people."

"I have called him, yes, in the past," Brady said. "Sometimes he calls me. Sometimes I call him. But, again, that's been someone I've known. I always try to keep it in context because for 16 years you know someone before maybe he was in the position that he was in. He's been very supportive of me for a long time. It's just a friendship. I have a lot of friends. I call a lot of people."