Ever notice that the people who say they don't enjoy sports anymore because of athletes expressing their political opinions are the same people who feel the need to spooge their political opinions all over the place no matter the topic?
I quit watching years ago (except for a few cycling events). Specifically the day after the 1993 baseball strike, in the middle of the pennant race.
But to your point, I think it's not appreciated during the events. No one cares what they say the rest of the time, it's a free country.
PS If you could get LeBron to post here it would be great fun