Anthem Kneeling - and it continues - BASEBALL

[DeanFL]

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And...Here we go. Now MLB Baseball, and would expect it to grow thru the 'season'. Of course players from the NBA and probably NFL will join in.

Personally I'm a supporter of peaceful protests et al - but bringing it TO YOUR WORK/BUSINESS is out of bounds.

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Cincinnati Reds players Joey Votto, Amir Garrett, Phillip Ervin and Alex Blandino knelt during the national anthem before Tuesday's exhibition game against the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park.

The four players lined up together along the first-base line as other teammates stood beside them and showed their support. Mike Moustakas put his hand on Ervin's shoulder, Cody Reed put his hand on Garrett's shoulder and Sal Romano put his hand on Blandino's back.

Votto, Garrett, Ervin and Moustakas were among several Reds players who wore Black Lives Matter shirts during training camp.

San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler plans to use his position to speak out against racial injustice and provide a voice for those who aren't heard.

Kapler and several of his players knelt during the national anthem before the Giants' 6-2 exhibition victory at the Oakland Athletics. Kapler shared his plans when he addressed the team earlier Monday, and he said all players would be supported by the Giants, no matter what they decided to do.

[Stu from NYC]

If players on the teams I root for start kneeling will do two things
1. Write to the team and express my displeasure.
2. Make a list of all sponsors of the game and tell those sponsors will not be purchasing their product due to the disrespecting of our flag.

Hopefully a lot of people will do this and this will stop.

[JGVillages]

Now to me it’s NO NBA and MLB. I’ll bet the NFL is to follow.
FYI: Nike uses for all intents and purposes Used slave labor in China but supports BLM. I guess Nike does not believe all lives matter. I’ve got a few old Nike shirts and hats (haven’t purchased Nike in years). Anyone have some old Nike to have a bonfire?

[billethkid]

Has nothing to do with the cause.
Objective is to get the media attention and a camera/microphone in their face.

There are so many other ways to express their support for what ever bug is up their shorts.....there is no need to disrespect the National Anthem!!!

[gatorbill1]

It's not as bad as being killed because of your skin color - it's just a knee

[Number 10 GI]

I used to be a big NFL fan but no more. When the kneeling garbage began I quit watching and will not watch again until the NFL apologizes and bans it. I'm surprised that anyone even watches baseball.

[blueash]

I'm all for peaceful protest unless it offends me and presents a viewpoint contrary to what I believe. But I'll give Votto a pass as he is Canadian so the flag means nothing to him. /s

[Dgizzi]

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And...here we go. Now mlb baseball, and would expect it to grow thru the 'season'. Of course players from the nba and probably nfl will join in.

Personally i'm a supporter of peaceful protests et al - but bringing it to your work/business is out of bounds.

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cincinnati reds players joey votto, amir garrett, phillip ervin and alex blandino knelt during the national anthem before tuesday's exhibition game against the detroit tigers at great american ball park.

The four players lined up together along the first-base line as other teammates stood beside them and showed their support. Mike moustakas put his hand on ervin's shoulder, cody reed put his hand on garrett's shoulder and sal romano put his hand on blandino's back.

Votto, garrett, ervin and moustakas were among several reds players who wore black lives matter shirts during training camp.

San francisco giants manager gabe kapler plans to use his position to speak out against racial injustice and provide a voice for those who aren't heard.

Kapler and several of his players knelt during the national anthem before the giants' 6-2 exhibition victory at the oakland athletics. Kapler shared his plans when he addressed the team earlier monday, and he said all players would be supported by the giants, no matter what they decided to do.
disrespectful disgusting if you cant respect the american flag then you should not be allowed to play american sports

[gadaboutgal]

I never understood why they would play the National Anthem at sports events.
It's much too hallowed a song to be used at such frivolous activity. It is a song to be respected-unfortunately, money making companies have used it as part of their "spectacles."
How many can say that they have been to a baseball or other game where no sooner the song has ended the crowd starts shouting. They seem like they are just waiting to get over the music and yell their pent up "Play Ball."
To honor and respect and rightly revere our anthem and our flag, they should just stop playing the anthem in stadiums and arenas and retain it for truly patriotic solemn occasions.

[DeanFL]

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"National Pastime"????

hmmm, perhaps it's now past-time to be patriotic too...

I'd like to think that 'this too shall pass' - but sadly not -soon anyway.
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[billethkid]

I never understood why they would play the National Anthem at sports events.
It's much too hallowed a song to be used at such frivolous activity. It is a song to be respected-unfortunately, money making companies have used it as part of their "spectacles."
How many can say that they have been to a baseball or other game where no sooner the song has ended the crowd starts shouting. They seem like they are just waiting to get over the music and yell their pent up "Play Ball."
To honor and respect and rightly revere our anthem and our flag, they should just stop playing the anthem in stadiums and arenas and retain it for truly patriotic solemn occasions.

This should help.....

Why the Star-Spangled Banner is Played At Sporting Events - HISTORY (https://www.history.com/news/why-the-star-spangled-banner-is-played-at-sporting-events)

[Stu from NYC]

Why? Which ignores the actual reason so many athletes and others are now kneeling. Hint it has nothing to do with disrespect, it has to do with respecting the lives of POC.

Always nice to know that someone's political views should be established as a requirement to play a sport. That's real American freedum. Next thing ya know, maybe we can get back to when only good old white boys could play baseball. I'd watch it if it were only white boys.

There are other ways to protest.

My father and father in law fought in WW2 under that flag and IMHO it is disrespectful not to stand at attention while our anthem is being sung.

[davem4616]

There are other ways to protest.

My father and father in law fought in WW2 under that flag and IMHO it is disrespectful not to stand at attention while our anthem is being sung.


I agree

protest some other way peacefully

[Two Bills]

In UK we only play National Anthem at international games.
Solves a lot of problems, and leaves more time to throw bottles and bricks at opposition supporters!:boxing2::icon_wink:

[manaboutown]

I never much was a big sports fan and watched only a few games anyway. I think I will bow out of watching any NFL, MLB and NBA until the childish kneeling ends.

[Kahuna32162]

So, you've never heard of Freedom of Speech? I believe it's the first thing they mention in that document we call the Constitution. Just because you don't like it, doesn't make it wrong.

[Barefoot]

DeanFl says:
"I have CDO. It's like OCD but all the letters are in alphabetical order - AS THEY SHOULD BE."
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Funny - Bwahahaha.

[Topspinmo]

It's not as bad as being killed because of your skin color - it's just a knee


and one has nothing to do with the other.

[Topspinmo]

So, you've never heard of Freedom of Speech? I believe it's the first thing they mention in that document we call the Constitution. Just because you don't like it, doesn't make it wrong.


and no law is really a law.

[Stu from NYC]

So, you've never heard of Freedom of Speech? I believe it's the first thing they mention in that document we call the Constitution. Just because you don't like it, doesn't make it wrong.

They are free to kneel but I am free to think it is a disrespectful thing to do and oppose it in a peaceful manner.

[gatorbill1]

and one has nothing to do with the other.

It has everything to do with each other - do more research and you will find out they are intertwined.

[Bucco]

There are other ways to protest.

My father and father in law fought in WW2 under that flag and IMHO it is disrespectful not to stand at attention while our anthem is being sung.

While no body can dispute your post, I gotta say.....I get very uncomfortable with any demonstrations at all, and those that use the flag included.

What, and it may be just me, wonders about....

...Nobody complains at any sporting event, our television cameras showing folks draped in patriotic gear, scratching their privates, couples kissing, people eating their hot dogs nd talking, while the anthem plays. NEVER saw anybody get angry at that. I know many people who wish they didn't play the anthem any longer, which only dates back to the 1940's because it is disrespectful.

....Nobody complained when our own Tea Party waved and used as an emblem of their movement, the "Don't Tread on Me" flag. This flag was used "instead" of the Stars and Stripes which was no visible at many of the rallies, and was so embraced that one state passed a law making it protected totally like the American Flag. (Don't tread on me was a BRITISH flag demonstrating against the USA on taxation while being non citizens). They simply ignored the USA flag, and many felt that was disrespectable to the US flag.

.....Those opposed to Vietnam actually burned our flag to represent their displeasure with political actions taken b our government. And the Supreme Court ruled that was okay to do. A later congressional action then passed a flag protection act.

Our flag gives back what we put into it.

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all,” goes our nation’s oath.

If I can recall one mans addition to this from the 60's ....
“A house divided against itself cannot stand.” To which we also might add, “No justice, no peace.”

The flag has been "used" as a symbol for years, and I really my time in military, an officer telling a few of us over a few beers that the Flag meant a lot......and different things to different people. Some he agreed with and some he did not, but no matter, to each of them whether they protested of saluted, they used the flag as a centerpiece which means it represents our country, good and bad.

[Kahuna32162]

They are free to kneel but I am free to think it is a disrespectful thing to do and oppose it in a peaceful manner.

Absolutely, and that's why it's a free country.

[Love2Swim]

If players on the teams I root for start kneeling will do two things
1. Write to the team and express my displeasure.
2. Make a list of all sponsors of the game and tell those sponsors will not be purchasing their product due to the disrespecting of our flag.

Hopefully a lot of people will do this and this will stop.

They are not “disrespecting” the flag. They are showing their patriotism by exercising their right to peaceful protest.

[TexaninVA]

It's not as bad as being killed because of your skin color - it's just a knee

Hyperbole, on steroids, mixed with liberal guilt. Same old tune ...

...

[Stu from NYC]

They are not “disrespecting” the flag. They are showing their patriotism by exercising their right to peaceful protest.

Guess we will agree to disagree than.

Nothing wrong to protest in a peaceful manner dont think this is the proper place for it.

[Marvic 1]

Why? Which ignores the actual reason so many athletes and others are now kneeling. Hint it has nothing to do with disrespect, it has to do with respecting the lives of POC.

Always nice to know that someone's political views should be established as a requirement to play a sport. That's real American freedum. Next thing ya know, maybe we can get back to when only good old white boys could play baseball. I'd watch it if it were only white boys.

Have you notice that its mostly White Boys watching Black Boys play Pro-basketball...
A Canadian or any other nationality playing sports in the United States disrespecting our Flag, should NOT be welcomed here!

[TexaninVA]

So, you've never heard of Freedom of Speech? I believe it's the first thing they mention in that document we call the Constitution. Just because you don't like it, doesn't make it wrong.

The only items missing are the hippie beads, the peace sign and a burning US flag ...


...

[PhilipB]

I don't get it. What's the big deal? Don't we live in a free country?

[Buffalo Jim]

So, you've never heard of Freedom of Speech? I believe it's the first thing they mention in that document we call the Constitution. Just because you don't like it, doesn't make it wrong.

Ever try to exercise your " Freedom of Speech " at your place of employment ? Let alone day after day and in front of your employer's customers ?

[Nucky]

They are free to kneel but I am free to think it is a disrespectful thing to do and oppose it in a peaceful manner.

And I'm free to support every word you typed! :mademyday:

If I c - a knee its adios to dat channel!

There is a new special channel that just came through on my new You Tube T V Prescription. I think I'll concentrate on dat one! No arguing no psychoanalyzing by a person who could be my parent.

It's gonna be what it's gonna be. Let 'Em Kneel! One day they won't be able to get up either.

[JGVillages]

It's not as bad as being killed because of your skin color - it's just a knee

It’s not just a FLAG, it’s our country’s FLAG and NATIONAL ANTHEM. Let’s just stop playing it at sporting events as they are now beneath the dignity of what the Flag and Anthem represent, as is the kneeling during the Anthem. The protest message is direly misplaced.

[xNYer]

2. Make a list of all sponsors of the game and tell those sponsors will not be purchasing their product due to the disrespecting of our flag.

You are calling for a boycott of products, part of the whole cancel culture approach.

[JGVillages]

They are not “disrespecting” the flag. They are showing their patriotism by exercising their right to peaceful protest.

Then doing it at that time protests what? Answer: The Flag and what it represents. Misplaced venue and timing. How about they protest the violent protests their supposed peaceful protests have grown into. Nope.

[canyonblue]

So, you've never heard of Freedom of Speech? I believe it's the first thing they mention in that document we call the Constitution. Just because you don't like it, doesn't make it wrong.

The First Amendment DOES NOT protect you from a private business, it protects you from the government. Why do people always get this wrong?

[Northwoods]

It's not as bad as being killed because of your skin color - it's just a knee

So are you being killed by another black person? That's the vast majority of violence that occurs today. Why isn't there any outrage about that?
You know what... you kneel because of the "black on black" violence that occurs every day in America... I'll kneel next to you. But the "police violence?" Please...

[Stu from NYC]

So are you being killed by another black person? That's the vast majority of violence that occurs today. Why isn't there any outrage about that?
You know what... you kneel because of the "black on black" violence that occurs every day in America... I'll kneel next to you. But the "police violence?" Please...

Well said but still will not kneel during our Anthem. Do not understand why blacks are not more upset of this black on black violence.

[Northwoods]

Well said but still will not kneel during our Anthem. Do not understand why blacks are not more upset of this black on black violence.

You know what... I agree with you. But I'd like to see the "protesters" highlight something that really needs a spotlight vs. going after police.

[chet2020]

Nothing says freedom like compulsory displays of patriotism.

[SFSkol]

I'm all set. Have my Aldi red box wine and bags of their Cheddar and Sour Cream chips ready. Gonna do a Nathans frank on the grill, with Sauerkraut, and Grey Poupon mustard. Walmart Amish Macaroni salad.

Can't wait for the pop of a 100 MPH fastball hitting a catchers mitt, or the crack of a homer on its way.

Don't care if they lay down naked.

PLAY BALL!

[TexaninVA]

Nothing says freedom like compulsory displays of patriotism.

True compulsory is being forced to say 'black lives matter' while being forbidden to say 'all lives matter.'

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[thomp679]

Ever try to exercise your " Freedom of Speech " at your place of employment ? Let alone day after day and in front of your employer's customers ?

Time seems to be passing you by. Refreshed Americans perspectives are changing attitudes from what they were. I guess freedom does win over tyranny after all and now allows you to speak up at your employer.

Most Americans now agree with Colin Kaepernick's protest: poll (https://nypost.com/2020/06/13/most-americans-now-agree-with-colin-kaepernicks-protest-poll/)

Poll Shows Majority of Americans Support NFL Players Kneeling During Anthem | Bleacher Report | Latest News, Videos and Highlights (https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2895791-poll-shows-majority-of-americans-support-nfl-players-kneeling-during-anthem)

[thomp679]

True compulsory is being forced to say 'black lives matter' while being forbidden to say 'all lives matter.'

...

Nobody is forcing you to say anything.

Oh by the way...if you are so righteous about 'All Lives Matter', where are you when DACA and immigration resistance is breaking up families and people are dying? Where are you when you see yourself and/or others not wearing masks and people are dying? Where are you when those that support the 2nd amendment demand assault rifles as 'their' right and our kids are dying?

Are you sure 'All Lives Matter'???

[Coal Miner]

Maybe we should pay attention to the message instead of focusing on the method

[Coal Miner]

Silly

[thevillagernie]

don't watch the games.......da

[Skunky1]

Some sports cannot be played if everyone doesn’t act as a team working together. The same goes with respecting our flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. There are many ways to conduct civil disobedience and protest. Disrespecting our flag is not one of them.

[Indydealmaker]

If players on the teams I root for start kneeling will do two things
1. Write to the team and express my displeasure.
2. Make a list of all sponsors of the game and tell those sponsors will not be purchasing their product due to the disrespecting of our flag.

Hopefully a lot of people will do this and this will stop.

I no longer watch pro sports, Olympic soccer, ESPN, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, ABC news, NBC news, CBS news. I can't watch Cops or Live PD thanks to the "woke" idiots. That's a ton of expensive advertising that my family never sees.

[camaguey48]

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And...Here we go. Now MLB Baseball, and would expect it to grow thru the 'season'. Of course players from the NBA and probably NFL will join in.

Personally I'm a supporter of peaceful protests et al - but bringing it TO YOUR WORK/BUSINESS is out of bounds.

------------------------------------------

Cincinnati Reds players Joey Votto, Amir Garrett, Phillip Ervin and Alex Blandino knelt during the national anthem before Tuesday's exhibition game against the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park.

The four players lined up together along the first-base line as other teammates stood beside them and showed their support. Mike Moustakas put his hand on Ervin's shoulder, Cody Reed put his hand on Garrett's shoulder and Sal Romano put his hand on Blandino's back.

Votto, Garrett, Ervin and Moustakas were among several Reds players who wore Black Lives Matter shirts during training camp.

San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler plans to use his position to speak out against racial injustice and provide a voice for those who aren't heard.

Kapler and several of his players knelt during the national anthem before the Giants' 6-2 exhibition victory at the Oakland Athletics. Kapler shared his plans when he addressed the team earlier Monday, and he said all players would be supported by the Giants, no matter what they decided to do.
To the players:

Shut up, stand up and play ball. I don't care about your views and many others don't either. If you think your opinion matters you are misguided and woefully mistaken. I have a solution. Turn the boob tube off.

[terenceanne]

You have the right to do whatever you want at games - my right is not to watch it. Of course it's easy for me to say as I have not watched a baseball game in 10 years. Had enough of the nonsense years back.

[Rwirish]

It is more then just a knee. Ask a veteran.

[vinricci]

I disposed of all Nike labeled clothing as soon as they embraced Kopernick.

[Byte1]

So, you've never heard of Freedom of Speech? I believe it's the first thing they mention in that document we call the Constitution. Just because you don't like it, doesn't make it wrong.

That's not Freedom of Speech.
Try shouting "FIRE!" in a movie theater and use Freedom of Speech as your defense. There is a time and place for "Speech" and this is not the time or place.