Opinion: Historic NFL Sunday Resonates With Some, Irritates Others
Players across the NFL knelt and locked arms in solidarity, protesting the President’s remarks Friday. While parsing the comments from the action, several points need enlightenment. Sooner or later, America will look inward collectively and realize the depth of the division. However, that day appears further and further away. Yet, football players could act as agents of meaningful change. In some respects, they already have. For that, they should have unwavering support and loyalty.
Honestly, there is a large contingent of fans that will turn away, mock, and criticize the actions of these athletes. That is their right. Be that as it may, there’s no discounting the reasoning behind the protest. In an era when politicians take to the stage or social media to chime in on all matters, including sports, athletes maintain the right to voice an opinion.
First and foremost, kneeling for the anthem is NOT a degradation of the military. Whoever conjured that lie received plenty of mileage from it. Players choose to knee due to the abhorrent treatment of minorities by some law enforcement. Again, the key word is some. If you are looking for a blank statement regarding police, look elsewhere. Bluntly, many Americans feel like some members of the police specifically target persons of color. If you look at the demographics of the league, almost three-fourths of the players are minorities. When a player looks at the injustices in their communities, change needs to occur. Whether kneeling or meeting to discuss effective solutions.
On the other hand, there are vocal fans/media/talking heads that object to the gesture. This is their right to disagree. Yet, they bristle at the notion of others expressing themselves. In addition, the delusional fan who thinks the players owe them anything becomes particularly irksome. Players play for money, not the fans. Players kneel for personal reasons, not to suit anyone’s motives or purposes. The choice to kneel needs to be respected as much as those who oppose this notion.
Agree or not, the NFL is a microcosm of society. While fans regard it as entertainment, it’s a workplace for players, coaches, and management. Diverse people from dissimilar backgrounds coming together to reach a common goal is really what the league should represent.
During this start of the kneeling, initiated by Colin Kaepernick (who still does not have a job), the mantra of “stick to sports” became the comeback for those uncomfortable with players expressing outrage. At best, “stick to sports” is a thinly veiled euphemism for “shut up and play”. Neither of which do anything but strengthen the resolve deeper. When athletes see American citizens gunned down in the streets by police, or a city’s water supply contaminated or the promised deportation of millions, many cannot sit still.
Yesterday’s protest varied in forms. The Jaguars and Ravens started the day kneeling. Surprisingly, Jacksonville owner Shad Khan interlocked arms with players. More importantly, Ray Lewis knelt with the Baltimore Ravens. Lewis, who’s previously fumbled discussions on domestic violence and injustice, took a knee in London.
The Pittsburgh Steelers decided to avoid the anthem altogether. From the outside, this looks like the overly safe move to pull here. Head Coach Mike Tomlin chose to keep his team in the locker room. Although tackle Alejandro Villanueva managed to emerge from the doors, undercutting Tomlin’s message of team unity, the Steelers’ message was received. Whether that decision was player or ownership based will go unanswered. Additionally, the Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans both stayed in the locker rooms.
During Sunday night’s game in Washington, the majority of the team sat during the anthem. This show of solidarity struck a resounding chord as that offensive line is the only all Black line in the National Football League. Plus, look at the history of that organization. Icon, Al Davis, drafted the first Latino starting quarterback (Tom Flores), won two Super Bowls with a minority coach (Flore, again), first Black Head Coach (Art Shell), and first woman as CEO (Amy Trask). The Raiders are no stranger to inclusion.
All in all, Sunday, September 24, 2017, should enter the history books as a historic day in the NFL. Consequently, people will choose to remember it as a day that the NFL mirror society or the “stick to sports” mantra started to fall on deaf ears. In reality, we all dream of that day when these protests are not necessary. The key is how to bridge that gap and begin a meaningful dialogue. Football can start the process. The hope is today starts a new dialogue in America.
