Its now been almost 48 hours since eleven members of our Cleveland Browns knelt in protest during the playing of our National Anthem prior to the MNF game against the New York Giants and nary a word of substance that I can find on this board. As a citizen of the United States and a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, I'm pissed. As a fan of the Cleveland Browns, I'm embarrassed. As an adult white male, I will not pretend that I can fully understand the underlying experiences of the players that participated in this protest. But neither will I condone whatever experiences they may or may not have had. Before someone jumps in and tells me that, as a U.S. citizen, these players have tbe right to peacefull protest . . . I agree they do have that right. I also have that right and could have exercised it if I chose to. However, had I chose to exercise that right WHILE ON THE CLOCK AT MY PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT, there is no doubt in my mind that I would have been sumarily dismissed from my job. Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, has gone on record that if any players on the Cowboys' roster participates in a like protest, they will no longer be a member of the Dallas Cowboys. (It remains to be seen if that stance by Jones is factual.) Meanwhile, in Berea, all we get is a mamby pamby, less than vanilla statement with no teeth. So . . . I'm torn. I'm pissed that NFL players (now including Cleveland Browns) continue to disrespect this country and it's flag but, because of my love of the game and (specifically) this team, I may be forced to make a very difficult decision.
I've always tried to judge others actions by their intent. Was it their intent to disrespect veterans? I don't believe so. I believe it's their intent bring attention to an injustice that has gone on far too long. I admire them for that.
I am growing cold to any players actions.. In a league that allows alcoholics, drug addicts, child and woman abusers, rapists and murderers to continue to play, what on earth surprises you that a protest wouldn't be tolerated? It sickens me, but I also understand it is their Constitutional right.
Was it the intent of the fathers, brothers, sons and daughters, White, Black, Asian, Hispanic or Native American to come home with a flag draped over their coffin?
Again, I cannot stomach the timing of these protests, but as the song says "Home of the Brave", could we not look at them as part of the brave that are using their platform to better this country in the long run? I really don't understand why they don't unite together and at EVERY press conference voice their hope for a new understanding of each other no matter what their background...refuse to answer questions about the sporting event, but rather use their voice to make it publicly known they are sickened by the actions of a minority (the racists of our world) in order to actually influence change. That, to me, would have a more profound effect overall rather than desecrating a tradition that honors ALL Americans.
As I said in my original post . . . it is their Constitutional right. However, I question why the leadership and owners of the NFL allow them to exercise that right while on the clock. It's the NFL's clock. Its called a gameday check for a reason. If you were to exercise your Constitutional right while at work and draw negative publicity, how long would you be employed?
Come week 1 of the 2017 season, there will be 1,696 NFL players making millions to play a game. If they're all that concerned about social inequities in this country, how many of those 1,696 players donate their time to tutor "at risk" kids? How many of them donate money to fund scbolarships to help these same kids get a degree?
They are probably more worried about "negative publicity" of silencing them, than they are of not. Part of the problem is they keep finding veterans who speak on behalf of them stating that is why they served, so that people have the right to do this. Imho, there aren't enough people coming out to speak out against them.
This will probably not be a popular opinion - I would sign Tim Tebow over Colin Kaepernick any day of the week and twice on Sundays.
They are, to a degree. Most will dig a post hole for a swingset in a new playground as part of a contractural obligation to the NFL's Play 60 program. Some more will visit sick kids in hospitals - and expect a PR photo op in the process. How many actually donate money to actually fix one of the real root causes and send kids to college?
It's not their problem to send kids to college. They are getting paid something that has been pretty much identified as hazard pay. But many of the guys that do get a good amount of coin do something.
I'm not sure I understand the comparison but I imagine if I was a parent of a black person killed by a police officer I'd have a pretty easy rebuttal.
Damn Lyman, not only do I agree with you 100% on this, but I spoke from my heart about my feelings on this subject on several posts. What the hell do I have to say for you to consider it a word or two of substance??"
No worries. All I got in return was a bunch of crap from SAS about how the NFL only uses the anthem as a marketing ploy. So I guess it's okay to just sit out the anthem at NFL games....It's hard to have an opinion around here. People will spin it however they want. I'm not as good a writer as many of you, but I think I was pretty clear about my thoughts on these "protests".
I went back and found your posts (I even discovered I liked them, as well) you were crystal clear and right on the money.
How about if you were the parent or child of an assassinated Dallas police officer? The problems in this country flow in both directions and will not be solved until their is a self sufficient economic/social solution.
