REAL SALT LAKE

Mike Petke Supports His Players’ Right To Express Political Views

May 22, 2019, 3:07 PM

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Real Salt Lake head coach Mike Petke sat down with host Brian Dunseth for the Mike Petke Coaches Show to discuss the world surrounded by social media and how he handles political views in his locker room.

Petke uses Twitter as his only social media account and is active. Working in the professional sports realm, Petke has his own personal opinions about other things besides sports, but when it comes to politics, he keeps them to himself.

Being the head coach of a professional team, he is challenged with handling the different personalities and personal views of his players. But Petke makes it known that he supports his players’ views regardless of opinion as long as they understand the reason behind it.

“This might be my first political statement,” he said. “The Colin Kaepernick thing. I had a stance as far as how I felt is that I didn’t agree with that. But, on the other hand, I didn’t agree with how it was done, I agree with what they were trying to do. I had some players come to me and were thinking about perhaps taking a stance during the national anthem.”

Pekte makes it known that it isn’t the way he would do it but still provides support.

“My response was ‘I am behind you 100 percent, just make sure that you understand why you are doing it that you believe in it because this is going to come down and I will stand behind you because that is your freedom.'” Petke stated.

The RSL boss still has to deal with things that are posted on social media by his players.

“It doesn’t come up very often with me,” Petke said. “I am not an expert on how to handle social media, but I have my opinion on what I would do and how I handle it. There has been a few moments as far as social media where I have had discussions with my players. But I don’t want to take away someones voice.”

Stick To Sports

Both Dunseth and Petke deal with people on social media who react when they tweet about things other than sports or soccer. But the guys like the way the coaches show is formatted in that they don’t talk about the x’s and o’s of soccer, which goes outside of their “lane.”

“People look at a professional sports coach and doing a coaches show should be x’s and o’s,” Dunseth said. “That is the exact opposite of what we have ever wanted to do.”

Going against who he is, Petke is careful with what he says on social media.

“I am more on the social issues,” the RSL head coach said. “When we talk about political issues, why shouldn’t I say my political views?”

He keeps his political views private because there could be a protest at the next RSL game and he doesn’t want to put his family in danger.

Up Next

Real Salt Lake will host Atlanta United on Friday night at Rio Tinto Stadium. The match will begin at 7 p.m. and will be streamed on KSLSports.com or the KSL TV app. That is also where you can watch every episode of the Mike Petke Coaches Show.

  • Real Salt Lake Leaders

  • Real Salt Lake Standings

Real Salt Lake

Chicho Arango RSL Real Salt Lake goals Philadelphia...

Chandler Holt

RSL Takes Lead In 89th Minute, Steals Three Points In Philadelphia

RSL struck first and then broke a 1-1 tie in the 89th minute to steal three points from the Philadelphia Union on Saturday.

4 days ago

Alexandros Katranis RSL Real Salt Lake...

Chandler Holt

Alexandros Katranis Puts RSL On Top With One Minute Left In Regulation

Alexandros Katranis made sure that the match between RSL and Philadelphia didnt end in a draw as he scored in the 89th minute.

4 days ago

Andres Gomez RSL Real Salt Lake...

Chandler Holt

Andres Gomez Gives RSL First-Half Lead Against Philadelphia Union

RSL midfielder Andres Gomez showed off his power with an excellent goal to give Real Salt Lake a 1-0 lead over Philadelphia.

4 days ago

Chicho Arango Real Salt Lake RSL Chicago Fire Philadelphia...

Chandler Holt

RSL Looks To End Road Trip On High Note Against Philadelphia Union

Coming off a big win in Chicago, RSL looks to keep the ball rolling on the road in Subaru Park against the Philadelphia Union.

5 days ago

Chicho Arango RSL Real Salt Lake Chicago Fire FC...

Chandler Holt

Chicho Arango Brace Propels RSL To Big Win Over Chicago Fire FC

Real Salt Lake picked up its first win of the month in convincing fashion as they blew out the Chicago Fire FC, 4-0, at Soldier Field.

11 days ago

Chicho Arango RSL Real Salt Lake goals Philadelphia...

Chandler Holt

Chicho Arango Scores Two Goals In Five Minutes, Gives RSL 3-0 Lead

Chicho Arango added to his already impressive 2024 campaign with two goals in five minutes against the Chicago Fire FC.

11 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Give-A-Thon

The KSL Sports Zone, KSL 5 TV, FM100.3, 103.5 The Arrow, and KSL NewsRadio have teamed up to raise money for the kids being served by Primary Children’s Care!

ksl-sports-newsletter...

KSL Sports

KSL Sports Newsletter: Sign Up Now

Sign up today for the KSL Sports newsletter. Get the latest Utah sports news delivered to your inbox.

...

KSL Sports

Jazz Notes Newsletter: Sign Up Now

Sign up today for the Jazz Notes newsletter. Get insider analysis, game recaps and opportunities to win tickets!

Follow @kslsports...

The Road Home Mediathon 2023

The KSL Sports Zone and KSLSports.com are proud to support the all-day Mediathon 2023 at the Road Home, an annual tradition to raise money and other essential items for the Road Home, a Homeless Shelter.

3 kids wearing real salt lake jerseys smiling...

Real Salt Lake

6 Reasons You Need to Experience a RSL Matchday

RSL Games are a great way to spend time with your family with fun activities, good food, and traditions you can only experience at the field.

High angle view of the beautiful Rose Bowl Stadium...

KSL Digital Sales

How to Prepare for the 2023 Rose Bowl

Everything you need to know to plan your 2023 Rose Bowl trip in Pasadena, California. This year, the Utes will face Penn State.

Mike Petke Supports His Players’ Right To Express Political Views