Well I have heard enough about a football player refusing to stand for the National Anthem. Talk about divided opinions, this has people arguing against each other using words like "rights" and "patriotism".
As far as I know, in the NFL, Patriotism is when you like the team from New England. But lets talk a minute about this protester.
I served just over 7 years in the US Navy and earned medals and ribbons and discounts at many good businesses. I was proud to have served and did many exciting things that in theory give people their freedom to live in this great nation. My service, however, gives me no special rights of opinion with regards to how people should feel about the country. I can't stop you from flying your flag at night with no light. You can keep your hat on for the National Anthem or sit and eat popcorn. I don't think I would like it if you burned a flag in my yard, but if you did... I'm pretty sure the rest of the day would go on normally and the government wouldn't shut down in crisis.
So why are people all up in arms about a guy claiming that standing for the National Anthem condones racism in our country? After all, this is what it boils down to. His protest of sitting is supposed to bring awareness to a problem that everyone knows about in the first place.
"He has the 'right' to sit"
So lets talk about rights within the boundaries of an organization. He is under contract to participate in team activities. He is paid to show up for practice. Let's say he doesn't like one of the coaches for any reason you want to insert here. Does he have the 'right' to sit out and not participate? Not according to his contract. Sure he can violate the contract and face the consequences but the point is he doesn't have the right to violate his contract.
This is where I have a problem with him. He is paid when he gets to the field. He is on company time. If you want to protest, make as much noise as you want....on your own time. Using your own platform. Take out an ad. Do a commercial using your own money. NFL players have rules and standards. He can't bad-mouth a referee for a call. There is no freedom of speech here. Why? Because you are on company time. You can't wear a t-shirt to the press conference. There are standards. And you are part of a team. When your team stands, you should stand with them. When your fans stand, you should stand with them. It's not about you. The stadium of the sport that you get paid to play is not the place to do your protest.
What if he wanted to wear a different helmet as a protest to the company that makes the helmets because they are made using prison labor? What if he doesn't like the company that makes the jerseys because they underpay the workers? When does your 'right to protest' supersede the rules of the organization that employs you?
I know there is no rule in the NFL regarding players standing or participating during the singing of our National Anthem, a tradition our country follows for every sporting event. Maybe there should be...
As far as I know, in the NFL, Patriotism is when you like the team from New England. But lets talk a minute about this protester.
So why are people all up in arms about a guy claiming that standing for the National Anthem condones racism in our country? After all, this is what it boils down to. His protest of sitting is supposed to bring awareness to a problem that everyone knows about in the first place.
"He has the 'right' to sit"
So lets talk about rights within the boundaries of an organization. He is under contract to participate in team activities. He is paid to show up for practice. Let's say he doesn't like one of the coaches for any reason you want to insert here. Does he have the 'right' to sit out and not participate? Not according to his contract. Sure he can violate the contract and face the consequences but the point is he doesn't have the right to violate his contract.
This is where I have a problem with him. He is paid when he gets to the field. He is on company time. If you want to protest, make as much noise as you want....on your own time. Using your own platform. Take out an ad. Do a commercial using your own money. NFL players have rules and standards. He can't bad-mouth a referee for a call. There is no freedom of speech here. Why? Because you are on company time. You can't wear a t-shirt to the press conference. There are standards. And you are part of a team. When your team stands, you should stand with them. When your fans stand, you should stand with them. It's not about you. The stadium of the sport that you get paid to play is not the place to do your protest.
What if he wanted to wear a different helmet as a protest to the company that makes the helmets because they are made using prison labor? What if he doesn't like the company that makes the jerseys because they underpay the workers? When does your 'right to protest' supersede the rules of the organization that employs you?
I know there is no rule in the NFL regarding players standing or participating during the singing of our National Anthem, a tradition our country follows for every sporting event. Maybe there should be...
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