Ok, but none of the 15 on that list was US OLYMPIC TEAM member publicly denouncing the US POTUS.
The Olympics are supposed to represent something outside of politics, and our “national” teams are supported by TAXPAYER funds to some extent (also by donations).
It is quite different, imho, for pro athletes to make political statements, than for Olympic team athletes. Of course, in all cases, most of us would like them all to just “shut up and play” or “shut up and ski”....
Even if it did, I would not want some Soviet-style loyalty oath or gag order on the athletes; such a rule that gags Ms Vonn would also prevent a poke in the eye by some Gold medalist on the next (Heaven-forbid) Obama.
I agree, self-censorship for an Olympic, non-wealthy athlete is prudent. Further, while I like a "shut up and play yer guitar" approach, it is hard to bemoan Springsteen's innate rantings when we have Uncle Ted in reserve.
I say: Let the free marketplace of ideas and thought flourish....but don't whine, Ms Vonn, when your open mouth leads to a Dixie Chicks-like backlash.