When Donald Trump signed an executive order limiting travel for seven “countries of concern,” he did more than stir the pot; he struck fear in the hearts of countless people.  In the pen stroke heard ‘round the world, one group, for the time being, managed to escape persecution from the witch hunt: athletes.

The U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) says Trump’s Immigration order will have no effect on visiting athletes. This is justified because they are competing in something that has been going on prior to the ban. If they are athletes here to compete, why should this affect them?

Timeout.

Does a group of people being here to live and pursue the “American Dream” not carry enough merit to be granted passage? Is life and equality not on par with sports to make an exception here and there? If someone’s family is hurt, seeking refuge, they cannot be welcomed; yet athletes are willingly escorted in.  How are those held at the gates supposed to feel?  As if this is okay?

USOC officials stated that members of Trump’s team have informed them athletes from any of the seven countries should not be impacted during time of travel. USOC Chairman Larry Probst insists that the whole foundation of the Olympics is diversity and togetherness.

“As the steward of the Olympic movement in the United States, we embrace those values. We also acknowledge the difficult task of providing for the safety and security of a nation,” said Probst.  This idea of a melting pot of culture has an opportunity to reinforce itself as the very core of what the Olympics are.

And to that note, sports as a whole would not be the monumental arena that it is were it not for the diverse members and backgrounds that make up our country’s most beloved games.

Such as the NBA, which may be the most culturally diverse sports association in the country, with as many as 29 percent of its players being foreign born.  Rookie Thon Maker of the Milwaukee Bucks is currently part of the list, and due to his Sudanese citizenship, he could face difficulties if required to travel out of the country. Hypothetically speaking, if Maker’s Bucks make it to the playoffs and match up with the Toronto Raptors, Maker will be subjected to a “case by case” procedure to authorize his re-entry.

To bring it all back, when even an Attorney General is fired for not adhering to the letter of the law, how are athletes the exceptions?  In true American fashion, athletes are put on a pedestal — garnering special privileges and granting a veil that somehow deflects some discrimination.

As it stands, endangered foreigners looking for refuge can kick rocks, but if they want medals, rings and trophies, by all means roll out the red carpet.