The controversy on this matter began last season when former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the national anthem. His attempt to bring attention to police brutality and racial discrimination for those of color. Kaepernick’s acts were foolish and uncalled for. Many people felt his actions were inappropriate and disrespectful. Kaepernick’s actions were copied at the beginning of the 2017 …show more content…
NFL season when many other players to a knee or locked arms in protest.
“I think it’s personally not a good thing, I think it’s a terrible thing. And, you know, maybe he should find a country that works better for him. Let him try, it won’t happen” said Donald Trump before he was elected as President of the United States.
Trump described his actions were “terrible” and others agree with our President.
These acts have shown selfishness and idleness throughout the world of football in the United States.
What have we seen these “protesters” do to fix these controversial activities. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. You see these big names on your television screens and that they are taking a stand, but what are they going to do about it? Of what we have heard, seen, and experienced the answer remains to be nothing.
Even the NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell, has stated that he wants the players to stand for such an important moment of the game.
“We believe that everyone should stand for the national anthem. It is an important moment in our game. We want to honor our flag and our country, and our fans expect that of us,” wrote Goodell in a letter to each NFL team.
You could definitely call Goodell an expert in football and he obviously knows what is best for his teams and what they represent. Standing for the anthem and respecting the flag has had a major effect on the NFL and their recent ratings.
NBC reported that at one point of this year’s season, the viewing percentage was down by 11%. Other polls have shown that the NFL ratings have dropped below MLB and even NBA ratings. Could this be due to the lack of patriotism that many football players have
presented?
People that agree with the oppressors argue that it is their right to take a stance on their beliefs. One player who had been kneeling with his team is Eric Reid.
“We just want progress to be made on these issues. When Colin and I started these protests, it was to raise awareness. And so, the goal now would be to continue to raise awareness, but just through the NFL’s platform,” said Reid.
The NFL had paid for a lack of respect towards our country. Protesters need to learn to respect our country and flag by standing for our national anthem.