The NFL’s week 3 of the 2017 season was eventful aside from all of the close games and exciting finishes. During the singing of the national anthem, some of the NFL teams deviated from what they would normally do. Some of the teams locked arms with their team owners making a statement of unity and inclusiveness. This was a clear response to President Trump’s Comments about kneeling during the national anthem.
“Wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, say, ‘Get that son of a bitch off the field right now, out, he’s fired!” – Donald Trump
The events of President Trump and The NFL raised a series of questions that I would love to have a clear answer to. I thought the idea of kneeling for the anthem was a peaceful protest against the injustice and inequality in America, has that changed? Will this wave of publicly displaying solidarity continue throughout the season or was this just an immediate response to President Trump? I thought the idea of kneeling for the anthem was a peaceful protest against the injustice and inequality in America, has that changed? Will this wave of publicly displaying solidarity continue throughout the season or was this just an immediate response to President Trump? Isn’t a peaceful protest well within the constitutional rights? Why should someone lose the job over standing for something they believe in? A peaceful protest is just that, no one should have that right taken away from them. I feel the message behind taking a knee during the national anthem is blurred. Colin Kaepernick reason for kneeling during the anthem was very clear and concise.
“People don’t realize what’s really going on in this country. There are a lot things that are going on that are unjust. People aren’t being held accountable for. And that’s something that needs to change. That’s something that this country stands for freedom, liberty and justice for all. And it’s not happening for all right now.” –Colin Kaepernick
From Kaepernick’s statements clearly making a proclamation for unity, how did Americans become so divided? At this point, there is not a clear indication of what any player of any sport is kneeling for during the national anthem for. I got to admit, I am little annoyed about the entire fiasco. I don’t particularly like my sports to be incorporated into politics. In fact, I look to sports as an escape from such realities like politics. Peacefully protest all you want, it is your right and you can do it. But let’s be clear about what we are protesting. It wouldn’t hurt to have a plan or a follow through to your actions. I personally think the taking a knee protest would be much more effective if it told one message and everybody and every team were apart of that movement. Google Play Newsstand Apple News Flipboard