Racism is SO American that when athletes and others protest racism in a NON VIOLENT and SILENT way, the average American assumes that they are protesting America and are disrespecting our troops, our veterans, our flag, and are not patriotic.

Are you the average American?
Do you not believe in the Constitutional right for free speech and expression?
Do you actually follow the rules for the American flag?

HOW NOT TO DISPLAY THE FLAG
The flag should not be dipped to any person or thing.

It should never be displayed with the union down, save as a signal of dire distress.

It should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.

It should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.

It should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored so that it might be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.

It should never be used as covering for a ceiling.

It should never have anything placed on it.

The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose, nor embroidered on cushions or handkerchiefs, printed on paper napkins or boxes, nor used as any portion of a costume.

When the flag is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.

Check out the examples of disrespecting the American Flag: 104 best US Flag - Disrespectful Uses images on Pinterest | American flag, Us flags and Flag code

By the way, kneeling does not dishonor the flag, or its anthem, but honors them both by displaying the 1st Amendment Right that ALL Americans have. Those who attack the people who protest, ARE THOSE WHO DISHONOR AMERICA