ABSTRACT
Historically, people of Latin American cultures and traditions have seemingly always had more than a passing interest in sports. One of the earliest sports traditions in Mesoamerica was a game known as ulama. The opening up of the university to those historically marginalized groups, through the GI Bill and through other means such as Affirmative Action and more grant money, would have truly game changing effects to professional sports—especially basketball and football. Cockfighting has been abolished in the United States, but proponents of the sport point to the seeming hypocrisy of a nation that raises livestock in what are often inhumane conditions in order to sate the appetites of American carnivores. In more high-profile professional sports, Latinxs continue to be an integral piece that is no longer easily ignored. Latinxs in general have a passion for futbol, and Latin American players are among the best in the world.
