Andy Murray's Brave Public Stance About Scottish Secession a Rarity in Tennis

Andy Murray's stance on Scottish independence may have cost him a few British fans. However, he probably gained some who respect him for having a backbone. 

On the eve of a historic vote on whether to secede from the United Kingdom, Murray tweeted his support for independence.

Although Scottish voters rejected independence, Murray's public support for such a divisive political issue remains out there. He can't take it back and nor should he. 

Regardless of what you think about Murray's political views, his speaking out about them is refreshing. Rarely do you find an active tennis player bold enough to take a political stand, especially if it's considered controversial.

Any Arthur Ashes among today's players? Nope; why let a little activism get in the way of another shoe contract? 

It's not that tennis players are afraid to speak up. They moan and groan about prize money, court surfaces, weather conditions and drug testing, all the time. However, few are willing to put their reputation and potential endorsements on the line for a political cause. 

Earlier this year, when Russia hosted the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Maria Sharapova refused to comment on her country's anti-gay laws.

Hired as a correspondent for NBC, Sharapova told reporters:

"

I think time will address this issue. It will. I'm proud of being Russian, because I believe in the true core of its history and the culture, and that's where I grew up, and I feel very proud to be from there.

"

Sharapova had the platform to make a statement. Instead, she chose to ignore the plight of Russia's LGBT community and focus on Sochi's culture and culinary offerings. Perhaps the queen of endorsement deals feared taking a chance with her sponsors. 

Did Sharapova forget who she owes for the opportunity to earn all that endorsement money? Yep, Billie Jean King, an openly gay woman. 

Tennis has a few brave souls. Venus Williams received the Americanism Award from the Anti-Defamation League in 2009. Williams spoke up about the United Arab Emirates' initial refusal to issue a visa to Israeli player Shahar Peer. 

When war broke out in his country, Ukrainian Sergiy Stakhovsky wrote an essay for SI.com in which he railed against what he called Russian propaganda.

A member of the ATP player council, Stakhovsky wrote: "I can put my hand on my heart and say that 80 percent of the information on Russian TV about Ukraine in these past three month has been a LIE."

Unlike in the Ukraine, no blood was shed over the vote in Scotland. Still, Scots were divided. Passionate pleas came from those pro and for independence.

Julian Finney/Getty Images

Many of those who disagreed with Murray tweeted their opposition. Some of it was vile. One person wished Murray had died. Another person suggested Murray find another flag to wrap himself in at the Olympics.

It will be interesting to see how Murray is received at Wimbledon in 2015. Will those faithful fans who camped out for spots on Henman Hill be as supportive? 

Surely, there will be those who will withdraw their support. But were they true fans anyway?

Murray didn't abuse anybody. He broke no laws. He simply exercised his right to have an opinion. Most tennis players probably have political views. They're just too afraid to express them.