The NFL

[JGVillages]

Some Folks Have Come to Despise the NFL...
For fans who follow the sport, most of this will be a simple reminder of things you already know. For the rest, it's a wake-up call:

In 2012 the NFL had an issue with Tim Tebow kneeling before each game to pray, they also had an issue with Tebow wearing John 3:16 as part of his eye-black to avoid glare, and made him take it off.

In 2013 the NFL fined Brandon Marshall for wearing green cleats to raise awareness for people with mental health disorders.

In 2014 Robert Griffin III (RG3) entered a post-game press conference wearing a shirt that said "Know Jesus Know Peace" but was forced to turn it inside out by an NFL uniform inspector before speaking at the podium.

In 2015 DeAngelo Williams was fined for wearing "Find the Cure "eye black for breast cancer awareness.

In 2015 William Gay was fined for wearing purple cleats to raise awareness for domestic violence. (Not that the NFL has a domestic violence problem..).

In 2016 the NFL prevented the Dallas Cowboys from wearing a decal on their helmet in honor of 5 Dallas Police officers killed in the line of duty.

2016 the NFL threatened to fine players who wanted to wear cleats to commemorate the 15th anniversary of 9/11.

So tell me again how the NFL supports free speech and expression. It seems quite clear based on these facts that the NFL has taken a position against any action by NFL players demonstrating RESPECT for any issue: For God, social causes such as mental health, cancer, domestic violence, for cops killed arbitrarily, for being cops, or for the Memory of 9/11...

BUT they will allow demonstrations of DISRESPECT for our National Flag, our National Anthem, for America, and for the American People, if it will help mollify a particular Group and its supporters. That is who and what the NFL now has shown itself to be.

That is eight years of a documented attitude by the NFL to America. Pass this post along to all your friends and family, if you believe it worthy of sharing. Honor our military; too many of whom have come home with the American Flag draped over their coffin.

[retiredguy123]

Yet, the NFL is showing a promotional ad today that says, "Football is a Microcosm of America".

Who agrees with that statement? I don't.

[FromDC]

Today, the Packers stayed in the locker room when they played the National Anthem. Disgusting.

[npwalters]

I love to watch football. I will not watch the NFL (again) this year. I could possibly ignore the signs of protest - though I think most are, at the least, misinformed. I cannot, and will not, ignore signs of disrespect during the nation anthem.

[Fredster]

Haven’t watched NFL games for a few years now,
and can’t say I miss them!

[eweissenbach]

Go Chiefs!

[Stu from NYC]

They do like to pander but if ratings down a bunch they might sing a different tune

[B-flat]

The original poster’s comments is a sad commentary on how things have changed.

[JSR22]

We are watching the NFL today and will continue to. Much more exciting then golf or tennis.

[wisbad1]

Some Folks Have Come to Despise the NFL...
For fans who follow the sport, most of this will be a simple reminder of things you already know. For the rest, it's a wake-up call:

In 2012 the NFL had an issue with Tim Tebow kneeling before each game to pray, they also had an issue with Tebow wearing John 3:16 as part of his eye-black to avoid glare, and made him take it off.

In 2013 the NFL fined Brandon Marshall for wearing green cleats to raise awareness for people with mental health disorders.

In 2014 Robert Griffin III (RG3) entered a post-game press conference wearing a shirt that said "Know Jesus Know Peace" but was forced to turn it inside out by an NFL uniform inspector before speaking at the podium.

In 2015 DeAngelo Williams was fined for wearing "Find the Cure "eye black for breast cancer awareness.

In 2015 William Gay was fined for wearing purple cleats to raise awareness for domestic violence. (Not that the NFL has a domestic violence problem..).

In 2016 the NFL prevented the Dallas Cowboys from wearing a decal on their helmet in honor of 5 Dallas Police officers killed in the line of duty.

2016 the NFL threatened to fine players who wanted to wear cleats to commemorate the 15th anniversary of 9/11.

So tell me again how the NFL supports free speech and expression. It seems quite clear based on these facts that the NFL has taken a position against any action by NFL players demonstrating RESPECT for any issue: For God, social causes such as mental health, cancer, domestic violence, for cops killed arbitrarily, for being cops, or for the Memory of 9/11...

BUT they will allow demonstrations of DISRESPECT for our National Flag, our National Anthem, for America, and for the American People, if it will help mollify a particular Group and its supporters. That is who and what the NFL now has shown itself to be.

That is eight years of a documented attitude by the NFL to America. Pass this post along to all your friends and family, if you believe it worthy of sharing. Honor our military; too many of whom have come home with the American Flag draped over their coffin.
Very well said!!

[Art cov]

In the past watched 60 games a year None yet this year! It’s turned into a circus the announcers are a turn off too. Some are good but we need Cosell, Meredith, Gifford. Lol

[CFrance]

We are watching the NFL today and will continue to. Much more exciting then golf or tennis.
Well, no game I saw today was as exciting as the men's US Open tennis final--a real fight to the finish.

But I will be watching pro football this year, and every year. I like the sport.

Go Steelers.

[Stu from NYC]

In the past watched 60 games a year None yet this year! It’s turned into a circus the announcers are a turn off too. Some are good but we need Cosell, Meredith, Gifford. Lol

Never liked Cosell as commentator. Hated the Jets and would go on and on and on disparaging them rarely talking about the game.

The other two did a nice job. Best announcer ever was the fellow who was head coach and than worked as color commentator. Cant think of his name at the moment

[Worldseries27]

never liked cosell as commentator. Hated the jets and would go on and on and on disparaging them rarely talking about the game.

The other two did a nice job. Best announcer ever was the fellow who was head coach and than worked as color commentator. Cant think of his name at the moment
john madden. Afraid to fly. Cris crossed usa in trains

[Coal Miner]

Time to chill out. Go Steelers!!!

[camaguey48]

Go Chiefs!
And take Goodell with you.

[Mrwaynet@gmail.com]

Go Washington. For those that won’t watch football you have that right being an American. Who cares if you don’t watch football. Go get a drink or something because no one really cares you aren’t watching.

[tsmall22204]

I really do not care that you complain about the NFL. You are giving them the attention they seek with their Peaceful form of demonstration. It is time for everyone to accept the constitutional right to demonstrate. Get over it and do something good with your life instead of complaining.

[camaguey48]

I really do not care that you complain about the NFL. You are giving them the attention they seek with their Peaceful form of demonstration. It is time for everyone to accept the constitutional right to demonstrate. Get over it and do something good with your life instead of complaining.
We are. We turned the TV off. Useful enough for you?

[stevekennedy3]

No respect means no viewership for me and many others.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

This multi tour combat wounded paratrooper had a wonderful day watching football . You see I fought and many friends died for the right of others to live there life free to make any peaceful choices they choose .

[jbrown132]

For all those saying go Steelers, go Chiefs, go Washington, maybe it’s time to reflect a little. I love football but have not watched them for two years now. It is funny the NFL shut down all those players who were trying to do some good but have caved in to a bunch of people who disrespect our flag and what it stands for. Yes they have a right to protest but so do I. If everyone who loves football would turn off their TV’s for one or two seasons the players, coaches and the wonderful commissioner would change course quickly as the people who pay their salaries would stop sponsoring them. So maybe if you could forgo your instant gratification and sacrifice just a little the NFL and this country might be a little better off.

[Diane F]

I am right there with you Coach...GO CHIEFS!

[skarra]

All examples of free speech protected under the first amendment of the constitution.

They’re finally correcting what have been mistakes all along. Let people have their say - you can either listen to or ignore it. That’s our choice.

Choosing to watch football is also our own individual choice. I’m not offended either way - we all have the right to protest. Just keep it peaceful which is what they seem to be doing.

[FromNY]

They do like to pander but if ratings down a bunch they might sing a different tune
Let's protest by putting a list of sponsors out there and NOT BUY their products. Since I do not watch Help is needed in getting that list. We all know it's all about money!

[TomJH72]

Time to stand for something - not complacency.
Maybe try our National Anthem.

Players actions are misguided - obviously didn't learn common sense in college.

[stadry]

wish more posters had clear understanding of the 1st amendment,,, support of players or sport is irrelevant,,, if 1 does not recognize these actions do not pertain to the 1st amendment, its either ignorance or stupidity,,, at the probably age of some posters, the former's not likely,,, its a work-to-contract rules issue
haven't watched in years - interested in the sponsor list - opening nite was down 11% in viewership - sponsors WILL note that & negotiate lower ad rates,,, less income = lower salaries,,, lower salaries = upset wives

[terenceanne]

The only thing that matters is the almightly dollar - If viewership falls far enough the advertisers will complain - revenue will fall. Then you will see how much these leagues care about issues. Unfortunately with the virus keeping a lot of people trapped indoors the ratings will probably be ok as people watch sports on the box. So I don't see any change for at least a year.

[bobm3]

Kneeling is a greater sign of respect than standing. Let them kneel. I don't care. They're not hurting anyone. There are important things to worry about. I have allegiance to my country, not to a piece of cloth.

[Southern Cross]

Amen.

[La lamy]

I'm not a fan of people using their professional venue to protest anything, but it sure won't prevent me from watching sports that I enjoy. Just turn on the TV after the anthem if you're so disturbed. Can't see you denying yourself sports as a useful way to show your discontent with the protestors.

[kenoc7]

Some Folks Have Come to Despise the NFL...
For fans who follow the sport, most of this will be a simple reminder of things you already know. For the rest, it's a wake-up call:

In 2012 the NFL had an issue with Tim Tebow kneeling before each game to pray, they also had an issue with Tebow wearing John 3:16 as part of his eye-black to avoid glare, and made him take it off.

In 2013 the NFL fined Brandon Marshall for wearing green cleats to raise awareness for people with mental health disorders.

In 2014 Robert Griffin III (RG3) entered a post-game press conference wearing a shirt that said "Know Jesus Know Peace" but was forced to turn it inside out by an NFL uniform inspector before speaking at the podium.

In 2015 DeAngelo Williams was fined for wearing "Find the Cure "eye black for breast cancer awareness.

In 2015 William Gay was fined for wearing purple cleats to raise awareness for domestic violence. (Not that the NFL has a domestic violence problem..).

In 2016 the NFL prevented the Dallas Cowboys from wearing a decal on their helmet in honor of 5 Dallas Police officers killed in the line of duty.

2016 the NFL threatened to fine players who wanted to wear cleats to commemorate the 15th anniversary of 9/11.

So tell me again how the NFL supports free speech and expression. It seems quite clear based on these facts that the NFL has taken a position against any action by NFL players demonstrating RESPECT for any issue: For God, social causes such as mental health, cancer, domestic violence, for cops killed arbitrarily, for being cops, or for the Memory of 9/11...

BUT they will allow demonstrations of DISRESPECT for our National Flag, our National Anthem, for America, and for the American People, if it will help mollify a particular Group and its supporters. That is who and what the NFL now has shown itself to be.

That is eight years of a documented attitude by the NFL to America. Pass this post along to all your friends and family, if you believe it worthy of sharing. Honor our military; too many of whom have come home with the American Flag draped over their coffin.
Things change and ideas about what is appropriate/inappropriate evolve. Finally, the NFL has recognized that the players have lives and ideas outside of football. Get with the times - all or almost all of those causes could be advocated by NFL players today.

[nhtexasrn]

All but one Dallas Cowboy stood for the Anthem last night. I was happy about that, but if I owned the team, that one player would be looking for a job today!

[Rzepecki]

Very well said!!

There are many different ways of showing respect. Just because someone shows it differently than you, doesn’t mean they aren’t showing respect.

[soonerforever]

No pro sports for me...and now no college.....followed OU football for 55 plus years...the combination of the idiotic lack of patriotism and LACK of unity along with the indoctrination campaign by the universities have completely turned me off to any and all activities by them...time is too precious to waste on idiots who only think of themselves.

[GreySkies]

The NFL is a joke. I stopped watching football on Sunday’s years ago after my divorce.
I learned there are a million other activities I would rather do on a beautiful Sunday afternoon then spend several hours watching stupid commercials and a bunch of overrated, overhyped and overpaid street thugs.

[Dana1963]

For all those saying go Steelers, go Chiefs, go Washington, maybe it’s time to reflect a little. I love football but have not watched them for two years now. It is funny the NFL shut down all those players who were trying to do some good but have caved in to a bunch of people who disrespect our flag and what it stands for. Yes they have a right to protest but so do I. If everyone who loves football would turn off their TV’s for one or two seasons the players, coaches and the wonderful commissioner would change course quickly as the people who pay their salaries would stop sponsoring them. So maybe if you could forgo your instant gratification and sacrifice just a little the NFL and this country might be a little better off.
People have been shutting off their TV’s since Kapernick knelt in 2017 why not just say another 4 seasons. Yet Fantasy FB is thriving. I don’t care what you do and you could not care what others do.

[Cheapbas]

You all realize ALL the fines collected on the OP’s list go to CHARITABLE CAUSES . Players know that, proceed anyway and sometimes match the donation.

The NFL does not keep the money.

Also, since 2015 they are allowed to wear “charity related” cleats and can auction those cleats to generate donations to charities they support.

I Am not thrilled with what’s happening pre game either, but after doing some reading it’s clear all the facts Pertinent To this thread Were not presented.

[coconutmama]

This multi tour combat wounded paratrooper had a wonderful day watching football . You see I fought and many friends died for the right of others to live there life free to make any peaceful choices they choose .

Thank you for your service. Totally agree with your post

[Fenster]

They are disgusting. Why should we watch a bunch of spoiled America haters playing a child’s game? NFL go to hell!

[gettingby]

I was born a caucasian male, that I had no control of. I think that puts me in the 73% category in America, black people are 12.1%. I would think some of the 73% would be needed to address the issues of the 12.1%. I’m also a veteran and love my country. I am a Christian and try to love my fellow man (still working on this one). It angers me so much to see the disrespect to my flag that I don’t even want to hear the reason. Need to find a better way, this won’t work. I close my wallet.

[Dana1963]

Let's protest by putting a list of sponsors out there and NOT BUY their products. Since I do not watch Help is needed in getting that list. We all know it's all about money!
Your idea I nominate you put up or __________. It’s so much easier for others to do the work.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Some of us have bigger issues ??? I think not since I won all of the 3 games I bet yesterday. Huffing and puffing over something you say you didn’t watch makes me chuckle. I could have used all you flag waving patriots during my many years in Vietnam and Laos.

[Dana1963]

Today, the Packers stayed in the locker room when they played the National Anthem. Disgusting.
So now your more offended at staying in locker room than knelling. You keep moving the goal post. Would you prefer them burning the flag that is disrespect!

[Neils]

Yet, the NFL is showing a promotional ad today that says, "Football is a Microcosm of America".

Who agrees with that statement? I don't.

NFL is a business. Boycott them forever

[lem001]

john madden. Afraid to fly. Cris crossed usa in trains

i especially like him in the movie "Replacements" when he said he liked to see a fat man score - and you get the fat man dance

[OhioBuckeye]

Just this morning on the news they said not a single player on the Colts team took a knee but the coach did. That SOB should be fired. Also heard that players play better if people are in stands. If any team has 1 player that takes a knee during the National Anthem, I hope they don’t win a game all season, I have no respect for that team just like they don’t have any respect for our flag or our military that keeps them free to play their little football game & make millions of dollars a yr. They’re just a bunch spoiled babies!

[tvbound]

Truth.

[Challenger]

I love to watch football. I will not watch the NFL (again) this year. I could possibly ignore the signs of protest - though I think most are, at the least, misinformed. I cannot, and will not, ignore signs of disrespect during the nation anthem.
So, people in the stands with a beer (and more toxic substances) in their hands , swaying and talking. Not standing at "attention" or anything that resembles it. , Not with their hands over their hearts, not removing their hats, ----- some respect. In fact I would offer that playing our National Anthem in such an atmosphere is disrespect.

[Smilingfeelsgood]

As did the Phila Eagles and two others. I served over-seas during Vietnam so these "bleepers" could disrespect our flag.

[2daisy]

So did the Dolphins. This issue has been beaten to death so I will move on and resolve to not watch these illiterate fools act like spoiled children. They want to stay In the locker room? That's their right. I hope one day they realize that they are supporting a Marxist organization whose purpose is to create destruction, hate, discord and totalitarianism. Let them protest in China about the human rights abuses that occur and the persecution and incarceration of dissidents. The slave trade occurring in Africa and the Middle East, child abuse and exploitation along with sex trafficking right here.

If America is so bad, why are people still coming here to find freedom and opportunity? Vote, because America's future depends on us. God Bless our nation.
Amen:bigbow:

[Topspinmo]

Some Folks Have Come to Despise the NFL...
For fans who follow the sport, most of this will be a simple reminder of things you already know. For the rest, it's a wake-up call:

In 2012 the NFL had an issue with Tim Tebow kneeling before each game to pray, they also had an issue with Tebow wearing John 3:16 as part of his eye-black to avoid glare, and made him take it off.

In 2013 the NFL fined Brandon Marshall for wearing green cleats to raise awareness for people with mental health disorders.

In 2014 Robert Griffin III (RG3) entered a post-game press conference wearing a shirt that said "Know Jesus Know Peace" but was forced to turn it inside out by an NFL uniform inspector before speaking at the podium.

In 2015 DeAngelo Williams was fined for wearing "Find the Cure "eye black for breast cancer awareness.

In 2015 William Gay was fined for wearing purple cleats to raise awareness for domestic violence. (Not that the NFL has a domestic violence problem..).

In 2016 the NFL prevented the Dallas Cowboys from wearing a decal on their helmet in honor of 5 Dallas Police officers killed in the line of duty.

2016 the NFL threatened to fine players who wanted to wear cleats to commemorate the 15th anniversary of 9/11.

So tell me again how the NFL supports free speech and expression. It seems quite clear based on these facts that the NFL has taken a position against any action by NFL players demonstrating RESPECT for any issue: For God, social causes such as mental health, cancer, domestic violence, for cops killed arbitrarily, for being cops, or for the Memory of 9/11...

BUT they will allow demonstrations of DISRESPECT for our National Flag, our National Anthem, for America, and for the American People, if it will help mollify a particular Group and its supporters. That is who and what the NFL now has shown itself to be.

That is eight years of a documented attitude by the NFL to America. Pass this post along to all your friends and family, if you believe it worthy of sharing. Honor our military; too many of whom have come home with the American Flag draped over their coffin.

The NFL playing? Who cares! Won’t get dime from me.

[Topspinmo]

So, people in the stands with a beer (and more toxic substances) in their hands , swaying and talking. Not standing at "attention" or anything that resembles it. , Not with their hands over their hearts, not removing their hats, ----- some respect. In fact I would offer that playing our National Anthem in such an atmosphere is disrespect.

I agree, no need to play national anthem at sporting events. They ARE NOT hero’s

[rlcooper70]

Clearly you are expressing your idea of an "agenda" .... and yet the point of the NFL was that wearing signs and advertising for causes and/or products is against league policy. Are you saying that they should change league policy and allow each athlete to advertise for whichever cause they choose? Think about it. Where does that philosophy lead?

[Luisa]

Some Folks Have Come to Despise the NFL...
For fans who follow the sport, most of this will be a simple reminder of things you already know. For the rest, it's a wake-up call:

In 2012 the NFL had an issue with Tim Tebow kneeling before each game to pray, they also had an issue with Tebow wearing John 3:16 as part of his eye-black to avoid glare, and made him take it off.

In 2013 the NFL fined Brandon Marshall for wearing green cleats to raise awareness for people with mental health disorders.

In 2014 Robert Griffin III (RG3) entered a post-game press conference wearing a shirt that said "Know Jesus Know Peace" but was forced to turn it inside out by an NFL uniform inspector before speaking at the podium.

In 2015 DeAngelo Williams was fined for wearing "Find the Cure "eye black for breast cancer awareness.

In 2015 William Gay was fined for wearing purple cleats to raise awareness for domestic violence. (Not that the NFL has a domestic violence problem..).

In 2016 the NFL prevented the Dallas Cowboys from wearing a decal on their helmet in honor of 5 Dallas Police officers killed in the line of duty.

2016 the NFL threatened to fine players who wanted to wear cleats to commemorate the 15th anniversary of 9/11.

So tell me again how the NFL supports free speech and expression. It seems quite clear based on these facts that the NFL has taken a position against any action by NFL players demonstrating RESPECT for any issue: For God, social causes such as mental health, cancer, domestic violence, for cops killed arbitrarily, for being cops, or for the Memory of 9/11...

BUT they will allow demonstrations of DISRESPECT for our National Flag, our National Anthem, for America, and for the American People, if it will help mollify a particular Group and its supporters. That is who and what the NFL now has shown itself to be.

That is eight years of a documented attitude by the NFL to America. Pass this post along to all your friends and family, if you believe it worthy of sharing. Honor our military; too many of whom have come home with the American Flag draped over their coffin.

Excellent!

[jamorela]

... But I will be watching pro football this year, and every year. I like the sport.

Go Steelers.

Here we go, Steelers! Here we go!

[jamorela]

Go Steelers!!!

Here we go, Steelers!

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

I can’t wait for the game to start tonight , for all others I guess there’s love island to watch . I’ll be in my Nike gear and eating and drinking whatever beer or pizza that the NFL is sponsoring and a big shoutout to Colin . You see I earned that right and have the Purple Hearts I got for it

[Tennisbum]

Those of us who can, actually played tennis and golf and had a great day. Enjoy your little bubble life!

[La lamy]

I can’t wait for the game to start tonight , for all others I guess there’s love island to watch . I’ll be in my Nike gear and eating and drinking whatever beer or pizza that the NFL is sponsoring and a big shoutout to Colin . You see I earned that right and have the Purple Hearts I got for it

"Love Island to watch" LOL

[dougaway]

This is my first post to the TOTV and it is about a subject that has irked me since it started with Colin Kaepernick. The part that always irked me the most was it was done during what I would call "work time" In all the years I worked I never worked anywhere that would allow me to "protest" while I was on the job and for the 31 years I spent in the military and as a government employ, that could never happen.
All that was needed would have been for the NFL or the player/players to pay for some time during the game like an advertisement and voice their solidarity or their opinion, not in defiance of the flag and the national anthem. Anyway I have not watched/supported an NFL anything and with the way their position is now I never will.
I could rant on and on, but I will save everyone that discomfort.
One last comment I will always stand for the American flag, I will always stand for the National Anthem, and lastly I will only kneel to my God.

[Stu from NYC]

I can’t wait for the game to start tonight , for all others I guess there’s love island to watch . I’ll be in my Nike gear and eating and drinking whatever beer or pizza that the NFL is sponsoring and a big shoutout to Colin . You see I earned that right and have the Purple Hearts I got for it

I disagree with how you watch the game and such but you certainly have the right to do so.

And thank you for your service.

[browndw1]

Great idea. The protests do not belong on the field. The NFL used to have it right. Don’t allow any of it. If the players, coaches, or owners want to protest let them buy commercial time to protest.

[Antique lady]

Some Folks Have Come to Despise the NFL...
For fans who follow the sport, most of this will be a simple reminder of things you already know. For the rest, it's a wake-up call:

In 2012 the NFL had an issue with Tim Tebow kneeling before each game to pray, they also had an issue with Tebow wearing John 3:16 as part of his eye-black to avoid glare, and made him take it off.

In 2013 the NFL fined Brandon Marshall for wearing green cleats to raise awareness for people with mental health disorders.

In 2014 Robert Griffin III (RG3) entered a post-game press conference wearing a shirt that said "Know Jesus Know Peace" but was forced to turn it inside out by an NFL uniform inspector before speaking at the podium.

In 2015 DeAngelo Williams was fined for wearing "Find the Cure "eye black for breast cancer awareness.

In 2015 William Gay was fined for wearing purple cleats to raise awareness for domestic violence. (Not that the NFL has a domestic violence problem..).

In 2016 the NFL prevented the Dallas Cowboys from wearing a decal on their helmet in honor of 5 Dallas Police officers killed in the line of duty.

2016 the NFL threatened to fine players who wanted to wear cleats to commemorate the 15th anniversary of 9/11.

So tell me again how the NFL supports free speech and expression. It seems quite clear based on these facts that the NFL has taken a position against any action by NFL players demonstrating RESPECT for any issue: For God, social causes such as mental health, cancer, domestic violence, for cops killed arbitrarily, for being cops, or for the Memory of 9/11...

BUT they will allow demonstrations of DISRESPECT for our National Flag, our National Anthem, for America, and for the American People, if it will help mollify a particular Group and its supporters. That is who and what the NFL now has shown itself to be.

That is eight years of a documented attitude by the NFL to America. Pass this post along to all your friends and family, if you believe it worthy of sharing. Honor our military; too many of whom have come home with the American Flag draped over their coffin.
I think this time the NFL granted permission to hold a moment of unity to demonstrate support for the players who look like the mainly unarmed people who are the majority of those being killed by law enforcement. Any one of the players of color, when not on the gridiron, could easily end up with a police officers knee on their neck or suffocated by a spit hood. Surely people understand the emotional toll it takes on the players, some of whom have had close encounters with law enforcement. Time to wake up the the reality that sadly not all citizens, even those who earn millions in pro sports, live unencumbered by biases... Love thy neighbor as thyself.....Please....

[Dana1963]

As did the Phila Eagles and two others. I served over-seas during Vietnam so these "bleepers" could disrespect our flag.
Then you really didn’t understand why you enlisted preserve and protect the Constitution of the United States including freedom of speech and religion.

[Dana1963]

Some Folks Have Come to Despise the NFL...
For fans who follow the sport, most of this will be a simple reminder of things you already know. For the rest, it's a wake-up call:

In 2012 the NFL had an issue with Tim Tebow kneeling before each game to pray, they also had an issue with Tebow wearing John 3:16 as part of his eye-black to avoid glare, and made him take it off.

In 2013 the NFL fined Brandon Marshall for wearing green cleats to raise awareness for people with mental health disorders.

In 2014 Robert Griffin III (RG3) entered a post-game press conference wearing a shirt that said "Know Jesus Know Peace" but was forced to turn it inside out by an NFL uniform inspector before speaking at the podium.

In 2015 DeAngelo Williams was fined for wearing "Find the Cure "eye black for breast cancer awareness.

In 2015 William Gay was fined for wearing purple cleats to raise awareness for domestic violence. (Not that the NFL has a domestic violence problem..).

In 2016 the NFL prevented the Dallas Cowboys from wearing a decal on their helmet in honor of 5 Dallas Police officers killed in the line of duty.

2016 the NFL threatened to fine players who wanted to wear cleats to commemorate the 15th anniversary of 9/11.

So tell me again how the NFL supports free speech and expression. It seems quite clear based on these facts that the NFL has taken a position against any action by NFL players demonstrating RESPECT for any issue: For God, social causes such as mental health, cancer, domestic violence, for cops killed arbitrarily, for being cops, or for the Memory of 9/11...

BUT they will allow demonstrations of DISRESPECT for our National Flag, our National Anthem, for America, and for the American People, if it will help mollify a particular Group and its supporters. That is who and what the NFL now has shown itself to be.

That is eight years of a documented attitude by the NFL to America. Pass this post along to all your friends and family, if you believe it worthy of sharing. Honor our military; too many of whom have come home with the American Flag draped over their coffin.
I would say you may have accepted protest from 2012 to 2016 would have been acceptable by player’s but in 2017 Colin appearance and saw what happened in the past acted not by destroying, burning or violence but first sat then kneeled. Sometimes you need to fight for what you believe in right or wrong.
If only Tebow fought for his principles in 2012 we might not be having this conversation.

[Ramone]

I agree, no more NFL for me.

[bobnyce]

I do not care what the NFL does! They are nothing but pure jerks including the players who denigrate our flag and national anthem all the while collecting their fat salaries for being great athletes - a gift from God! In my mind America was a gift from God to the people of the world. If it is as bad as all the critics say, why do we have so many foreigners, legal and illegal trying to get in while trying to escape where they came from? It is very similar to the those fleeing high taxes and bankrupt states to come to Florida so they can cause high taxes and demand services so they can bring their bankrupt ideology here! I give up where will it end and common sense prevail? I refuse to watch all professional sports except golf! My two cents.

[eweissenbach]

Do you feel the same about the “peaceful” protesters outside the hospital in LA?

I support people’s first amendment rights to express their opinion as long as they do it peacefully and lawfully. I presume that is your stance as well.

[mrrmauu]

I support people’s first amendment rights to express their opinion as long as they do it peacefully and lawfully. I presume that is your stance as well.

I’m with you 100% but I haven’t seen many peaceful and lawful protests lately. I wonder why it is so difficult for some folks, including those that want to run this country, to condemn the awful behavior we are seeing on a daily basis? Silence implies support.

[Dana1963]

Thanks for your service and yes your opinion counts as all ours do. Food for thought; Please check out where and who makes your Nike Gear. They work in deplorable and brutal conditions for at best a few dollars an hour so Nike can pay millions to athletes that turn a blind eye. No Nike and Marxist endorsed BLM pro sports for me, but that’s just my opinion. I do endorse social justice reform, just not the organization’s polices and it’s acceptance of violence.
As does every manufacture making products in SE Asia.
Remember China didn’t take jobs from the US ALL CORPORATIONS WILLING WENT THERE FOR CHEAP LABOR.

[jklfairwin]

Sorry but you are wrong about current protests. No one is disrespecting the flag, the national antrhem or the American people. They are honoring all 3 by trying to make a better America.

[mrrmauu]

A lot of sports fans appear to be suffering from some version of the Stockholm Syndrome.

[Art cov]

I’m with you 100% but I haven’t seen many peaceful and lawful protests lately. I wonder why it is so difficult for some folks, including those that want to run this country, to condemn the awful behavior we are seeing on a daily basis? Silence implies support.
We sure wouldn’t believe in the protests if they were in the villages! I noticed some mayors and officials were for the protest until the demonstrations were at their front doors

[Jeremiah Riordan]

Kneeling is a greater sign of respect than standing. Let them kneel. I don't care. They're not hurting anyone. There are important things to worry about. I have allegiance to my country, not to a piece of cloth.

Re-read the words of the Pledge of Allegiance: "...to the flag, and to the nation for which it stands..." Standing is only acceptable way (if able) to show respect for the National Anthem. These are "important things."

[eweissenbach]

Re-read the words of the Pledge of Allegiance: "...to the flag, and to the nation for which it stands..." Standing is only acceptable way (if able) to show respect for the National Anthem. These are "important things."

That means the flag stands for the nation, not that the nation stands for the flag. Do you Get out of your recliner, put down your beer, and stand for the Anthem at home? I went to a sports bar to watch a playoff game last year and sat near two dudes as they guzzled beer and never quit talking, stood up, or removed their mAga caps during the National Anthem. But let a black man peacefully protest, NOT THE FLAG, but injustice, and the yokels lose their minds. :1rotfl:

[camaguey48]

Time to stand for something - not complacency.
Maybe try our National Anthem.

Players actions are misguided - obviously didn't learn common sense in college.
You don't learn common sense in college when your major is football.

[fgsJr]

It’s just a game folks, why do we have to politicize everything??? I enjoy the diversion and force myself to ignore all the BS. I like football period, everything else is just background noise!!! So I just sit back, enjoy the modern day gladiators and laugh. Life is too short to take everything so seriously...

[Dgizzi]

We are watching the NFL today and will continue to. Much more exciting then golf or tennis.
Why? Can’t you find something else to do on a Sunday than watch football? Or any sport?

[JSR22]

Why? Can’t you find something else to do on a Sunday than watch football? Or any sport?

We like to watch football and will continue to watch football. I can do whatever I want in my home.

[Bay Kid]

Get outside and play!

[Rapscallion St Croix]

Good weekend for me. Saints win...all other NFC South teams lose. As a bonus, Georgia Tech beat Florida State.

[OhioBuckeye]

As does every manufacture making products in SE Asia.
Remember China didn’t take jobs from the US ALL CORPORATIONS WILLING WENT THERE FOR CHEAP LABOR.

Yes cheap labor & a junk product, that’s why BLM are out destroying everything, no jobs here. But you did make a very good point, thanks Dana!

[sloanst]

I wouldn't know. I stopped watching last year. This millionaire whiners can keep it.

[thomp679]

The only tradegy of the NFL is that the Thirsday night came is restricted to the NFL Network which I don't have.

Go Browns.

:bigbow:

[Jeremiah Riordan]

Sorry but you are wrong about current protests. No one is disrespecting the flag, the national antrhem or the American people. They are honoring all 3 by trying to make a better America.
Watch out for the BS...