When you kneel during the National Anthem you're not disrespecting the US you're disrespecting those who fought for your freedom

Lincoln's 2nd inaugural address March 4, 1865 during the Civil War

As @ChazThePhoenix said...
"If you read what Colin was trying to do, it was admirable. He used to sit, but was told that taking a knee was more respectful by an ex-marine. When you take a knee at a fallen solders grave, its a sign of respect. I suspect some of you do not know all the fact."
BEWM.

Anyone else notice that they wait until they are rich and famous before spouting off their 'beliefs'?

I had a coworker about 10 years ago that graduated from a Big Ten college. She tutored a freshman 'athlete' that still did not get the hang of 8th grade level fractions. That athlete is now kneeling on a sideline protesting inequality while she has one more year of student loans. THAT is injustice and inequality. (Not to mention the military heros that get paid in one year what NFL players get paid for 3 downs and a punt.

Sickening.

Unlike the NBA... just saying...

Who's going to listen to a high school football player or care what they think?

Situation would still be the same - even if he stood by and did?said nothing about unaccountable police murders. Split the question. Does Corporate America overpay athletes and undervalue teachers - yeah. Those are the ethics that you fight or stand for, it would seem.

And what does protesting the national anthem have to do unaccountable police murders? And don't give me 'awareness' crap. Everyone is aware.

I'll grant you - on the surface - not so much.

But the NFL (and football more generally) is a - shall we say? - 'less than progressive' ethos, organization, and millieu. RDJr was pointing this out in the 80's in Back to School, saying, "...crypto-fascist metaphor for nulear war.".

So the NFL vs MLB for the protest was, no doubt, discussed. Less games to show at(or not) - and baseball is...well, check with George Carlin about the differences between the 2.

The NFL has a good percentage of black players. They are targets - both for the cops, and the activists, who were trying to get some attention to the issue. "Jim Crow" was something we were all aware about, too. Without princpled activists like Rosa Parks, Medgar Evers and others...what would have changed?

I'm not black btw. But I know how out-of-control the police can be. Neither the Los Angeles County Sheriff, nor LAPD "chief" want to get within my reach ('cause they both have a DATE with justice coming - at a time and place of MY CHOOSING). Our last Sheriff is in prison.

Lots of eyes on those games - and the Nat'l Anthem is arguably FILLER on the TV broadxast - meaning fans won't be bent - like they would by someone running on the field or dropping a banner. Everyone was aware about segregation, too. The purpose of protest is to create a spark that becomes the wildfire of change - you and I (and the Donald) speaking anout it, means it was a HIGHLY successful protest - as these things go..

The NFL has a right wing (-ish) orientation - so the Miltary is a BIG sponsor. And Cops are often former/reserve soldiers. And let us all NEVER FORGET that since " 9/11 " - they have ALL been entered into the Cannon as SAINTS and HEROES. And the NFL has been a big part of that.

So players themselves decided to join the protest - and certainly with lots of encouragement from the rest of the OCTOBER 22ND/Stolen Lives Coalition and BLM.

When David Meggesy protested in the 1970's - He did so because they WERE REQUIRED to salute and stand at attention. He was Anti-Vietnam (and in 1973, he had plenny company) and was sick of being made to appear to be in favor - while the F-111's flew overhead.

He protested - was fired and blackballed. Next he sued and won. NOW they have a union, because of him - which is why they have the freedom to protest today. His protest against the war, was arguably ON BEHALF of those troops who were then fighting - many against their own will and beliefs, because of the draft.

How about the Private Corporate Armies....MPRI - XI, etc.. The make bank for the same work soldiers do - for the love. Gotta love the corporate totalitarianism.

Seems like rich and famous people (the only ones we know or care about, mostly) having and expressing their opinions in public (where they make a REAL difference), isn't the most disgusting thing in the world.

How you been? Being a good boy? heehee!

Right on Mance

If you read what Colin was trying to do, it was admirable. He used to sit, but was told that taking a knee was more respectful by an ex-marine. When you take a knee at a fallen solders grave, its a sign of respect. I suspect some of you do not know all the fact.

FINALLY!
Thats exactly what I was thinking!
....hold up, im gonna make sure this gets seen >:D

I swear, there are lot of people yelling “yeah, fire him” but have no idea the back story. I did some research. I didn’t get it at first, but now I do and I appreciate his gesture. The rest of the NFL is doing it to spite Trump - WHICH I LOVE Also

You can't please everyone Bro.

That is true, but the owners are behind them. Only Trump and his diversion tactic are asking to be fired. It’s frankly not his call.

The NFL lost on that point in the 70's. Anti-Trust exemption means that players can't just go play in another league. David Meggesey.

Also...the NFL could have FINED or suspended Colin by contract based on the commissioner's say so - or the team's.

They were smarter than that. It would have generated the same reaction towards the league - that Trump brought onto himself.

Very true. That doesn't mean it is right though.

Unpopular speech isn't protected equally.

Every first string football player in the NFL is a multi millionaire and they're crying about how they're oppressed? If it's someone else out in society who they're taking up a cause for they could go out into the neighborhoods and try to make a difference. Donate some time and money on their off time. They have plenty of money to donate and they only work on Sundays. So typical that the bleeding hearts don't bother to be part of the solution.

What makes you think these guys aren't doing charitable work in the off-season?

Read the last part of my comment. Go out when they're off the clock and try to make a difference.

Just FYI Colin does have a charity called “know your rights” and is probably forfitting millions of dollars to take this stand.

Here's the top 10: http://proplayerinsiders.com/nfl-player-team-news-features/making-impact-top-10-nfl-player-foundations/

Well their employers seem okay with it these days so it doesn't look like you have a say in the matter...

I could just stop buying the tickets and the gear.