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The big story of the day is all about sports teams and athletes reacting to President Trump by taking a knee during the National Anthem. All of that is covered below, but I’m going to rant for a moment first.
Fine. President Trump wants us talking about athletes. North Korea is closer to attacking us than they’ve ever been. The healthcare system is crumbling and we’re back to square one on the discussion. Iran is practically begging us to declare they’ve broken the nuclear deal which will send the Middle East into further disarray.
But the President wants to talk about football. The media is all aflutter over it, thinking they can gin up opposition to the White House and make everyone suddenly “woke.” Most Americans prefer the topic change because it’s something they can grasp and debate over Sunday brunch.
If I sound a little bitter, it’s because I feel there are a million things more important than whether or not the NFL should fire uninspiring athletes over their asinine protests.
I’ve been boycotting the NFL for a long time. To me, this is a question that should be answered by the people: do we support their behaviors or not? If we don’t, are we opposed to those behaviors enough to make the choice not to support them financially in the form of television views, game attendance, and merchandise sales? For me, the answer is a resounding “no.” I will not support the men who chose to insult the symbols of our freedom.
With that said, it’s an afterthought. It doesn’t deserve the President’s attention. It deserves a quick mention by the media before they move on to bigger issues. It should barely be a conversation to a people faced with some of the worst potential crises we’ve had to deal with since 9/11.
Yet, here we are.
I sincerely hope this passes quickly, but I fear it won’t. I hope that people will have their say, Tweet their Tweets, debate it for a day or two on Facebook, and then move on to more pressing topics. In the meantime, I’m obliged to cover it with the stories below because that’s what the nation’s discussing right now. Unfortunately.
Perspectives
NFL Players Kneel During the Anthem Division in America | National Review
The president’s comments on Friday have opened up the protests to new meanings. Players can kneel during the national anthem in a way that looks like a protest of the president, or in solidarity with their fellow athletes. Consequently, more are joining them. But the protests may still be perceived as against the flag or anthem, whether by fans, the local big-wig season ticket buyers, or advertisers. Probably millions of football watchers will construe these protests as against them in some way, for voting for Trump, or disapproving of Colin Kaepernik’s original protest. This dynamic is a disaster for the NFL.
Steelers stay in the locker room during national anthem as dozens of NFL players protest | Fox News
The Pittsburgh Steelers remained in the locker room during the national anthem as dozens of NFL players from several teams kneeled or locked arms at games nationwide just hours after a similar protest in London during the national anthem there.
Pittsburgh Steelers remain in locker room during the national anthem
As the anthem began in Soldier Field, several Steelers coaches were on the sideline, including head coach Mike Tomlin, while the players were not present. Offensive coordinator Todd Haley, offensive line coach Mike Munchak and running backs coach James Saxon also were spotted.
NFL chief, team owners, NBA stars slam Trump – CNNPolitics
Roger Goodell of NFL just put out a statement trying to justify the total disrespect certain players show to our country.Tell them to stand!
First Amendment Protects Kneeling In Church and On Football Field | The Resurgent
During the Reagan Administration, the Supreme Court determined that acts of protest are protected under the first amendment, so long as there is no breach of the peace or imminent threat of lawless action. SCOTUS held in Texas v. Johnson, 491 U.S. 397 (1989) that laws against burning or otherwise desecrating the American flag were invalid as unconstitutional.
Oakland A’s Catcher Bruce Maxwell Becomes First MLB Player to Kneel During National Anthem | Daily Wire
Oakland A’s catcher Bruce Maxwell, who is black, knelt for the “Star Spangled Banner” during Saturday night’s game against the Texas Astros. As the song began, Maxwell dropped to one knee in the player lineup, but removed his hat and placed his hand across his heart.
Shahid Khan, the Jaguars owner who stood with his team, has long espoused the American Dream – The Washington Post
One man in particular stood out: Shahid Khan, the perpetually well-coiffed and mustachioed owner of the Jaguars, also walked out with his team, locking arms with a player on each side. As “The Star-Spangled Banner” played, Khan closed his eyes and clenched his left fist.
Reactions
This culture war nonsense isn't just fiddling while Rome burns. It's throwing gas on the flames and dancing around the fire.
— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) September 24, 2017
Misunderstands the politics of this–more kneeling is good for Trump, not bad for Trump https://t.co/dalTEPeN6y
— Rich Lowry (@RichLowry) September 24, 2017
OMG ARE PEOPLE TAKING A KNEE OR NOT IT'S ALL I CAN THINK ABOUT
— Patterico (@Patterico) September 24, 2017
Yep! NFL Ruins Football Sunday https://t.co/taRZQQWibD pic.twitter.com/5rzgHOygTt
— StridentConservative (@StridentConserv) September 24, 2017
Taking the protest to incredible extremes, the Ravens decided to take a knee for the entire game
— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) September 24, 2017
Regardless of my personal opinion and feelings, I’m seeing many people really outraged by these NFL player protests. It’s just a fact.
— David Limbaugh (@DavidLimbaugh) September 24, 2017
If NFL fans refuse to go to games until players stop disrespecting our Flag & Country, you will see change take place fast. Fire or suspend!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2017
I disagree with the protests. But I disagree with the "First Amendment expires on your job" maybe even more. That's a terrible argument. https://t.co/hSV4jQJYQ1
— Steve Deace (@SteveDeaceShow) September 24, 2017
Final Thoughts
Between the media and those of us who consume it, the President couldn’t have picked an easier group to manipulate. We love it when he Tweets insults whether we’re willing to admit it or not. He’s created outrage. Some are outraged at him. Others are outraged at his targets. This is how he controls the news cycle. He Tweets. Everyone responds.
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