The NFL anthem kerfuffle debating points:

a) Constitutionally-protected speech can still get you fired, especially if you do it in the workplace. If you want a quick demonstration of this very salient fact, try wearing a “David Duke ’92” campaign shirt into work on dress-down Friday and see what happens.

b) There’s already an “uproar” over the national anthem, and it’s coming from the NFL’s consumers — you know, the fine people that have made Colin Kaepernick, et al millionaires. If Kaepernick, et al do not think so, maybe they should ask why Roger Goodell went from embracing the protests to rather unsubtly telling players to knock it off in the span of two short weeks. Spoiler alert: It’s not because America agrees with the protesters.

c) The NFL is under no compunction to subsidize the political activities of any of its players at the expense of its bottom line. There are plenty of opportunities for constructive political engagement that do not involve disrespecting the anthem, the flag and those who have fought for it every Sunday, Monday and/or Thursday.

d) The NFL is a private organization. If its executives say that players must stand for the national anthem, players must stand for the national anthem. If Kaepernick, et al do not want to, they are free to find another line of work.

Personal Best Regards: