NFL Protest Movement

Over the past few years I have shied away from politics and turned most my leisure attention to Sports. However sadly politics has found it's way back to me as they have crossed into the heart of my favorite sports league the NFL. This is no thanks to the recent comments of president Trump, who is attempting to divide the game.

Now-a-days when it comes to politics I consider myself left-to-center. I was once very invested in liberal ideals, however lately I've accepted that the world is very complicated and the best stance is one of gratefulness and ignorance. Last year I was very upset when Trump was elected president however I was still able to escape from that reality thru sports.

For me professional sports has always been a safe zone when it comes to politics. I see the NFL and other sports leagues as the prime example of racial unity. Teams are developed by merit and not by race or political affiliations. It is a place where players, coaches, and fans alike can come together to root for a common cause. Sure there is still animosity and controversies however it is ultimately just a game. Win or lose there is always next week or next season.  In essence it is a public outlet for a person who wishes to enjoy the simpler things in life.

The National Anthem Protest

This movement first began last year during the pre-season when NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick began to take a knee during the national anthem. He stated his cause was to protest the oppression of black people. Several other players joined him throughout the season, too much criticism. As a leader of the movement, Colin got much publicity both negative and positive. However his performance on the field was not as noteworthy and he was eventually benched and let go by the San Francisco 49ers. He still remains a free agent, arguably because of his protest more than his skills. 

At the start of the 2017 NFL season, the anthem protests continued at minimal numbers without Kapernick able to take a part. However last Friday, President Trump threw a bucket of oil on the fire by stating in a speech that the "Sons of Bitches should be taken off the field and fired". He was implying that American flag should not be disrespected yet his choice of words were extremely crude. He also directed his insults at the Golden State Warriors, specifically Stef Curry, for refusing to visit the White House.  

On Sunday the 24th, the NFL anthem protesters made their loudest act of defiance yet. It was a clear response to Trump's recent statements. It began with the 9:30 London game between the Jaguars and the Ravens, where both teams locked arms in unison and over 20 players took a knee during the anthem (included in the protest was the owner of the Jaguars and Ray Lewis).

Throughout the day many other players and teams displayed an act of protest and unison (including pro bowlers such as Von Miller, Odell Beckham, Josh Norman, and Travis Kelce, who is white) Several teams such as the Steelers, Titans, and Seahawks did not even come out for the anthem. Even other athletes outside of the NFL such as Lebron James and Stef Curry spoke out against Trump. By the end of the day the message was clearly seen by all; black athletes were not going to be intimidated by Trump.

Trump's Call for Boycott

In response to the NFL players' loud act of defiance, Trump took to Twitter to further divide the nation. He took a patriotic route to vilify those kneeling during the anthem and calling for fans to boycott the league. Now it has become a national debate of free speech vs honoring the American flag. It is also a clear division of race, where many black athletes feel oppressed and frustrated with the leadership of Donald Trump, whom they feel is a white supremacist.

If the protest continues the division within the NFL will only continue to grow. It will grow among the players, the coaches, and especially among the fans. Some fans will begin to associate the NFL as a league of disrespect while others might see it as the new platform of political idealism. I for one would rather it not change a bit. I love the NFL for the sport, not for the politics. I fear that what was once a safe zone of politics, could no longer become a game, yet rather a battlefield of ideals. This cannot happen. We must find a compromise and restore the unity of sports.

Time for Resolution 

This has gone on for over a year now, and this past weekend it reached a new boiling point. Trump has attempted to divide sports, particularly the NFL, thru his crude and racist remarks, and it can not be tolerated. However kneeling during the anthem can also not be tolerated as it is a terrible lack of respect for our nation. So what is the best response to bring this to a quick resolution? Well like any political issue the best resolution is thru compromise.

On Monday Night Football, the Dallas Cowboys displayed a perfect example of a compromise in this situation. Led by their owner Jerry Jones, they locked arms and knelt together before the anthem. The players were able to display their protest in unity whilst not disrespecting the flag. This is a great example of an acceptable compromise where the players get their chance to display their frustration.

However this unity that was displayed by the Dallas Cowboys will certainly not bring an end to the protests. The NFL players feel it is their duty as famous role models to speak up in opposition to what they see as a racist government led by Donald Trump. Therefore I think the onus falls more on the commissioner Roger Goodell to coordinate a resolution between Trump and the players.

Trump needs to acknowledge their freedom of speech and even go a step further by accepting that their still is racism in this country. The NFL can certainly do it's part with a new Anti-Racism campaign just as European Soccer leagues do. The NFL aired anti-domestic abuse campaigns last couple years and have already begun a campaign of unity. I think they are headed in the right direction.

The ultimate goal is a quick resolution so that this will not spiral out of control. I hate to see these racial politics divide our beautiful institution of professional sports. Association leagues such as the NFL are designed to bring us together, to entertain, and especially to inspire us. I say to Trump and all the naysayers whom wish to boycott the NFL and divide us thru racial indifference to please stop. This isn't about respecting the flag and free speech,. It is about respecting and showing empathy to all citizens despite their race.