Delanie Walker posts about receiving death threats after protest comments
The fallout from the racial equality protests taking place during the national anthem at NFL games keeps getting uglier.
Along with a constant stream of insults hurled by President Donald Trump, fans promising to boycott games and a social movement that has been co-opted in numerous ways, now comes news that Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker and his family are receiving death threats due to his stance.
Aside from the fact that nothing about the protests are violent or incite malicious actions, there is truly no excuse for anyone threatening a person or their family. It is a vile, cowardly act no matter your position on the protests.
Walker gave a lengthy comment after last Sunday’s game — in which the Titans stayed in the locker room for the anthem — on the negativity surrounding the protests. He was trying to clarify what the protests are about. It seems some are still not getting the message.
“We’re not disrespecting the military, the men and women that serve in the Army. That’s not what it’s all about.” Walker told the media. “If you look at most of the guys in here – I’ve been in the USO. I support the troops. This is not about that. It’s about equal rights, and that’s all everyone is trying to show, is that we all care about each other. And the fans that don’t want to come to the game? I mean, OK. Bye. I mean, if you feel that’s something, we’re disrespecting you, don’t come to the game. You don’t have to. No one’s telling you to come to the game. It’s your freedom of choice to do that.”
Escalating tensions will not help solve any of the issues. It’ll only intensify them. Walker wants meaningful conversations. It appears for some even that is asking too much.
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Blake Schuster is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at blakeschuster@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Schustee