We live in a divided nation. Sometimes it feels more like two separate Americas, somehow living side-by-side with different ideals, beliefs and hopes for the future. This may never have been more apparent than during the 2016 presidential election.For as long as I can remember, sports have always been a sanctuary to me -- a rare place in our complicated society where people from all walks of life can come together to cheer on one team. Sure, that may sound hokey, but its also beautiful and perhaps even necessary. Ive made friends and talked to people I never otherwise would have solely because of a shared athletic allegiance.Thanks to the genius of Bill Belichick and the talent of Tom Brady, the New England Patriots -- and their impressive four Super Bowl titles since 2002 -- have helped provide one such space. From sitting in the freezing cold at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, watching a hard-fought victory, to commiserating after a Super Bowl loss to the New York Giants at a dive bar in Boston, the Patriots have created a community for fans where the team is first and politics and other differences fall by the wayside.But now Im conflicted, and I feel as if my sports utopia has been tarnished. Like many Americans, I voted for Hillary Clinton to be our next president, and like most of those voters, Im disappointed and angered with the outcome of Tuesdays election. I dont need to explain why I supported Clinton over Donald Trump. You either agree with me or you dont, but I feel passionately about my decision.Im not alone in New England. Whether you love it or hate it, this part of the country has been a liberal stronghold for decades.On Monday, during one of his final campaign rallies, Trump excitedly announced to a crowd in Manchester, New Hampshire, that Brady and Belichick had offered their support to him. Trump went on to say that both men had given their permission for him to reveal this news to the public.Donald, I support you, youre my friend and I voted for you, Trump said Brady told him over the phone earlier in the day. He then went on to read a letter written by Belichick in which the coach lauded him for his competitive spirit.Youve proved to be the ultimate competitor and fighter, Trump said, reading the letter. Hopefully tomorrows election results will give the opportunity to make America great again.While Brady has since hedged his support and now claims his wife, supermodel Gisele Bundchen, has asked him to no longer speak about politics, Belichick admitted he wrote the letter but said it was not politically motivated?and instead cited his longtime friendship with Trump as the basis for his endorsement.After briefly addressing Trump during their Wednesday morning news conferences, both Brady and Belichick used their remaining time to try to steer the conversation back to football. Belichick began answering more campaign questions with Seattle, in reference to the teams opponent on Sunday.While Im usually entertained by the Patriot Way and Belichicks terse answers to reporters, Im just not satisfied with this. Trump explicitly stated that both men gave him the OK to share their endorsements with the crowd in New Hampshire. While neither Brady nor Belichick outwardly denied that statement, they certainly didnt publicly endorse him either. But they cant have it both ways. They should be held accountable for their statements and, at the very least, should have to address questions about the topic.As an American first (and a Patriots fan somewhere else down the line), Im horrified with the results of this election. And Im pretty confident I wont be feeling much better by this weekend either. Im genuinely not sure if I can actively cheer for these two men, who clearly hold such different values than I do.I will be the first to admit that my stance is somewhat hypocritical. Im always thrilled when athletes use their voices to champion causes they -- and perhaps more importantly in this case, I?-- believe in. I was proud of LeBron James for supporting Clinton in the swing state of Ohio, and Ive been happy to see Colin Kaepernick, Megan Rapinoe and others attempt to raise awareness about the treatment of black people and police brutality.But my thinking is so far removed from Belichick and Brady -- who will be representing a New England they clearly dont epitomize politically when the Patriots play the Seahawks on Sunday Night Football -- that this for me is different. Justified or not.I know, I know. This is America and Brady and Belichick have every right to support -- publicly or privately -- whomever they want. But, just as they have that right, I have the same choice in whether or not I want to support them in a football game. And this Sunday night, I really dont think I can. Tom Jackson Jersey .Y. -- Canadas Kaillie Humphries and Heather Moyse have another World Cup gold medal after winning the two-women bobsled race on Saturday in Lake Placid, N. Kevin Hogan Jersey . -- Josh Sterk scored once and set up two more as the Oshawa Generals edged the visiting Belleville Bulls 3-2 on Friday in Ontario Hockey League action. http://www.cheapbroncosjerseysauthentic.com/?tag=authentic-josh-watson-jersey . -- Hunter Smith scored the winner with just 12 seconds remaining in the third period as the Oshawa Generals edged the host Sarnia Sting 5-4 on Friday in Ontario Hockey League action. River Cracraft Jersey . Calgary scored on the first shift, and Michael Cammalleri scored twice as the Flames cruised to a 5-2 win over the Washington Capitals on Saturday. Billy Winn Jersey . -- Teemu Selanne scored the first goal of his 22nd NHL season, and the Anaheim Ducks extended the best start in franchise history with their fifth straight victory, 3-2 over the Calgary Flames on Wednesday night. GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Arizona Coyotes have recalled defenseman Anthony DeAngelo and center Tyler Gaudet from Tucson of the AHL.The 21-year-old DeAngelo had a goal and four assists in eight games with the Roadrunners this season. He had six goals and 37 assists last season with the Syracuse Crunch, Tampa Bays AHL affiliiate.ddddddddddddThe 23-year-old Gaudet had two goals and three assist in eight games with Tucson. He has a goal and two assists in 16 career games with the Coyotes over the past two seasons. ' ' '
