DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Palus Politicus NFL bans on-field kneeling during the national anthem

Did America ban nazis from protesting?

Also, 99% of the players who protested were black.

It absolutely is race related. That you think otherwise once again proves why you’re completely clueless.

You're exactly right on this. However, imagine how embarrasing it will be for the league if teams do not come out at all. I suspect that players are already talking about it.

70 Percent Of NFL Players Are Black Men, true it needs more equality!

That would be fine.

agreed my friend, but still embarrassing for the league

Yes, I would rather not see them at all if they intend to kneel.

I don't think people would care that much as long as they do their job after.

Maybe so, but I think it'd tick a lot of people off if there were no players on the sideline for the national anthem.

Spark to a flame so that you can act indignant when the inevitable " someone" tries to insinuate it isn't a racially charged issue . We all get it as it's been done sooo many times before and we all know what the ensuing argument will look like and who will respond and how they will do it .. like an old married couple having the same argument for the 1000th time .....ugh

Liberals just hate America!

Agree. If the players want equality then all rosters should have equal numbers of all races.

Interesting post.

I do believe you are talking about me?

Weird.

In this case, I'm afraid it is, arch.

To understand this issue, we must go back to its genesis. Race (and police interaction) was at the very heart of CK's original message of 'taking the knee.'

It did not become a different issue until POTUS 45 used his bully pulpit to change the narrative. It was never about the flag or patriotism until Trump made it such. He's very good at that kind of stuff, but he never changed my heart or mind about it one iota.

And the league is doing what all money-making enterprises do- they are trying to minimize the damage and recoup some fan loyalty after suffering what they believe is bad optics.

It may not always be race at the heart of social issues, but most certainly it is this time.

For the record, I wear a flag pin on my tuxedo, place my right hand over my heart during the anthem (when I'm not playing it)... and I still support the players' right to kneel as a social justice statement. I can carry both ideals in my head and heart at the same time, because to me, they are two separate issues not in conflict.

Trump poisoned this, and turned it into something that CK never intended. I stand with the Jets' CEO who has already said that he'd cover any fines leveled at his players.

I say this in the same spirit that prompted My Father to march in protest in 1965 with his 9 year-old son at his side, while on-duty cops under his command lined the streets of the parade route. Some things are worth standing (or in this case, kneeling) for- even if it means fire hoses, attack dogs... and rebuke from powerful people in high places.

So I understand Swish's sentiments. I was Swish when I was in my 20's and early 30's. And Swish will no doubt be me when he's 60: mellower, but no less cognizant of what's really what.

This is one of those differences of outlook that can only be seen when a person embarks on the same personal journey as the one I'm witnessing in our friend and Fellow Dawg DC. He has mentioned more than once recently, that he's changing, and is seeing things through an evolving set of eyes. It's quite inspiring to witness.

______________

We try to talk. We're told to wait for the right time.
We try to engage. We're told "it's always about race," as a way to dismiss it.
We kneel... and are told to stand up.
We stand with a sense of pride and defiance, and are portrayed as the "Angry Black Man." Sometimes, it is anger. Sometimes, it's passion for what should be good and right and proper.

So yes. This time it is about race. Because it must be. Because we still have an America where law-abiding Black men are hauled out of coffee shops and detained for 9 hours because their mere presence made some silly Euro-American uncomfortable.

At the start of the concert season, TSO plays the Nat'l Anthem at the first performances of each of our series. I play the thing, but I do so with mixed feelings. A part of me envies those who can lustily sing this song totally unconflicted. I cannot.

Because My America is a bit less hospitable and welcoming than Others' America. Has been for 61 years, now. And that's a cryin' shame in 2018.

You and swish and 40 and ...ugh sorry I lumped you two in with 40 ....

My point is it is a big circular argument with all sides being intractable .

Well the EXIT is over by stage left.

In 2118 the play will be the same and only the actors will have changed .Humans are imperfect creatures given to some dark base instincts .

And they got 'staying power,' too.

I thought when we got rid of the Confederate flag and all the historic statues this crap would stop.
We voted in a Black man as President. Well I didn't but somebody did. Trump has Black unemployment at a all time low

Look up Thomas Sowell ( a intelligent Black man ) and read some of his quotes.

If being forced to abide by your employers own politics is so un-American... maybe Mr. Todd should put that to the test and start his own protest that puts CNN's ratings at risk....

NFL players, coaches and owners react to national anthem policy

http://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/...l-anthem-policy

NFL owners have approved a national anthem policy that requires players to stand if they are on the field during the performance but gives them the option to remain in the locker room if they prefer, it was announced Wednesday.

Here is reaction from around the league:


Cleveland Browns quarterback Tyrod Taylor: "To make a decision that strong, you would hope that the players have input on it. But obviously not. So we have to deal with it as players, for good or a bad thing. At the end of the day they call the shots, make the rules, so that's what we have to abide by. I think the main thing out of all of it is that each ball club is having open communication with the players and ownership about the issues that are going on in the community and trying to change it. I know that [the Browns] and even the team that I came from in Buffalo, they have been proactive about the situation and trying to do things in the community. So I think that should be the focus now and hopefully it is moving forward."

Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Zimmer: "I was proud of my team last year. They stood for the anthem. I think it's important that we stand for the anthem. I think it's important that we represent our country the right way, the flag the right way. I probably shouldn't get on a tangent, right? But a lot of people have died for that flag, and that flag represents our country and what we stand for. I think that's important. I'll stop there."

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee: "This team did a good job last year staying unified, understanding that we're teammates and brothers, and that we have to respect each other's opinions, and that they're going to be different and that we're not always going to agree. ... On the anthem issue, wasn't a big deal last year after the debate before the Arizona game. I think we did all get on the same page. I think Mr. [Jerry] Jones did a great job leading to that and understanding that we took a knee for social injustice, and at the same time we stood for the anthem."

Washington Redskins safety D.J. Swearinger: “I didn’t know about it. I don’t get into none of that. To each his own with that. You want to stand out, stand out; you want to stand in, stand in. But everyone should have their right.”

New York Jets CEO Christopher Johnson said to Newsday: "If somebody [on the Jets] takes a knee, that fine will be borne by the organization, by me, not the players. I never want to put restrictions on the speech of our players. Do I prefer that they stand? Of course. But I understand if they felt the need to protest. There are some big, complicated issues that we're all struggling with, and our players are on the front lines."

Chicago Bears coach Matt Nagy: "We'll talk it through. From what I was told, there were no issues with this team last year, which is great. We'll communicate it, we'll talk it out and we'll make sure we're listening to everybody and trying to do the right thing as much as we can. I know it's a touchy subject, but I feel confident we'll do it together."

Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe: "That’s probably the best way to do it. The NBA has been doing it for 20 years, and they haven't had an issue, right? ... I'm going to stand for the national anthem. I think I've made that clear, so whatever anybody else wants to do, that's their decision. They have a right to their opinion; they can do whatever they want."

Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan: "We all want the same thing -- respect for our nation and the flag, the focus on our game and a pledge to advancing social justice that will be absolute and stand the test of time. I believe we're closer to that today, and I know that the Jacksonville Jaguars will be committed to those ideals this season and into the future."

Indianapolis Colts coach Frank Reich: "Obviously we're keeping an eye on everything. Everything matters. Everything is important. So the league comes down with a decision. We'll deal with that as an organization when we have a chance to get together to develop our thinking and philosophy on it."

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott: "I'm glad they came to an agreement in some form or another. I'll be out there standing."



Browns wide receiver Jarvis Landry: "I've always taken that time anyway to pray, and I've always respected the flag, so that really has nothing to do with me."


Redskins cornerback Josh Norman: "[President Donald Trump speaking out and more players protesting] happened ... but I don't know if that's still going to take place or what's going to happen. Who knows? I don't."

Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence: "I feel like I'm not an owner ... yet, so I can't make none of those rules. I've just got to abide by them. It's still a business at the end of the day, so it is what it is."

Vikings defensive end Brian Robison: "I love this country that I've grown up in, that I'm a part of. I think we have the greatest country in the world. For me, I'm going to go out there and I'm going to stand up for the flag, but at the same time our military has fought for those freedoms to allow those guys to have that decision [to kneel, etc.]. Whether we agree or disagree with their decision doesn't matter. That's not part of it. That's their freedom to do what they want to do."

Bears outside linebacker Sam Acho: "I don't think anything really changes at this point. Right? Obviously, NFLPA goes back and says, 'OK, what do we do now? As a union, what do we do? How will we respond?' But, to be honest, I think a lot of players are happy about the conversations that are happening. So the protest served their purpose."

Broncos center Matt Paradis: "I can speak for myself: I'll be out there, standing for the anthem. When it comes to the team policy, that's something as a team we'll have to get into that. The union, the same thing. We'll have to consult with them. ... The owners, they are the employers, so if they want to create a stipulation, we'll take it from there."

Cowboys receiver Tavon Austin: "That's up to the individual. I'm the type of person that I respect the people that's over there fighting for us. Whoever want to sit down, that's on them. Whoever want to stand up, same to them too. I'm the type of person that I believe in what I believe in, and I stand on it."

Seattle Seahawks receiver Doug Baldwin to 710 ESPN Seattle: "I'm not surprised, honestly. The NFL cares about one thing, and that's the NFL, that's the NFL's bottom line. I may be privy to some different information because I've been in conversations with Roger Goodell and Troy Vincent and the leadership of the NFL in regards to the Players Coalition and what we're trying to get out of that. So honestly, I'm not surprised. I'm disappointed. I will say that, because the conversations I've had with Roger, that I've had with Troy Vincent, these guys that you really put your heart out there and say, 'Look, we're trying to do something good for the communities that we represent, that represent us,' and it just felt like again, there was a lack of understanding. To me, this just further punctuates the tone-deafness or the disconnect between the NFL and its players."

Arizona Cardinals safety Antoine Bethea: "I still don't like it. You're going to fine guys for really expressing how they feel. I mean I think that's kind of backwards but it is what it is. They gave the option for guys to stay in the locker room so I think it just comes to a point where now it depends on the clubs, however they're going to handle it and depends on the individuals, how they see fit. You're going to have some guys that are going to stay in the locker room and then it's just a matter of just seeing if guys will come out and take a knee still. I just don't like the fact that you're going to fine guys for really expressing what they believe in. But, you know, players really don't get too much say so in matters like this."

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay: "I, along with Colts players and employees, remain committed to utilizing our unique platform to address social issues and community ills in a positive manner. The NFL's new anthem policy and corresponding statement reinforces that commitment and our patriotism should never be in doubt."

Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie: "I have always believed it is the responsibility of sports teams to be very proactive in our communities. In this great country of ours, there are so many people who are hurting and marginalized, which is why I am proud of our players for continuously working to influence positive change. Their words and actions have demonstrated not only that they have a great deal of respect for our country, but also that they are committed to finding productive ways to fight social injustice, poverty and other societal issues that are important to all of us. We must continue to work together in creative and dynamic ways to make our communities stronger and better with equal opportunities for all."

My money for internet for the NFL will now get spent as a monthly 53 dollar donation to Black Lives Matter.

I will cease to watch the NFL or cheer for my beloved Buffalo Bills.

To all of you on here claiming “I JUST WANT MAI FOOTZBALLLLZZZZZ”...you are part of the problem. Be aware of the phlight of minorities in our country. Then again, what should I expect? All of you who show ignorance on this topic shout down those that possess the ethos on this subject. I guess white people know more about minorities problems than minorities themselves.

I bet many of you would side with King George about the Tea Party as unpatriotic to the American crown.

Go kick rocks to those who support this janked up ruling. Y’all got no spine, and would rather numb yourselves to the problems of the world.

Fix something. We need to stop MakingAmericaWhiteAgain.

[quote=Swish]Did America ban nazis from protesting? [/quote
Wish we could just ban them completely.... but alas, we can't.

What stops all of the players from protesting on their own time and money?

Or would tat be racist too?

Some great comments in there, thanks for posting this.

If they feel the NFL is RACIST they can always work for someone else no one is forcing them to work for the NFL, I'm sure their is 1000's of non-racist jobs that would not mind paying them to protest while losing revenue.

And that’s the thing. We shouldn’t. We shouldn’t ban nazis and the klan. Despite the fact that the nazis were our literal enemy in WW2, went we to combat against those clowns.

Free speech, right? The good ole 1st amdement......

That seems to be only fully functional for white people, and no one else. I mean just take a trip back and think about it.

And this is a very specific demographic, but when it comes to this topic....I mean come on.

I’m talking not directly to you now, but just in general.

Whit people appropriated BLM to ALM, appropriated black music like rock, hip hop, and R&B so that now rock music is almost exclusively white and such, we started the snap back and fitted cap game, and everybody joined in on that too.

Cause equality right! Cause our culture is American culture and everyone should use it, right? And we have to sit there and accept that.

And that’s cool. That’s fine. But hey bro, we got this problem with police brutality for decades in our communities, we’re trying to fix that. We’re gonna use our first amendment rights to protest and bring more awareness to this issue.

And now we have a problem. Because now white people have appropriated the original message and somehow decided to make it about disrespecting our military and not having pride in our country?

Which is kind of dumb because a person who doesn’t have pride in their country wouldn’t be bothered to go out and protest to begin with. But I get it, I’m a minority, and I’m not as smart as white people. So we should just shut up and listen to them.

But ummm, hey, you see those nazis over there? Them and the klan are protesting, saying that we’re inferior to them because they are white, they want an ethno state, segregation, and want us all to go back to Africa.

The response from white conservatives? Well, I might not agree with them, but it’s their right to protest.

Lmfao. Black people simply can not win in this country.

And that’s the reality. That’s the truth. White conservatives having clearly demonstrated they will not tolerate blacks and Latinos from marching in the streets, or protesting for civil rights and equality, but will look the other way when people who look like them march and protest over their superiority over said blacks and Latinos.

The message has been sent loud and clear.

Dance, black man. Dance.

Your right .. they finally took a stand ...

I think they may have made a bad situation worse ....

Right now my sides peed at them .... the other side thinks its great ....

So by “appeasing” both sides they’ve supposedly gotten everyone on board ... well ... the way its written now theres a slight problem ....

If a player decides to come out and kneel ... the team will be fined ... the chairman of the board for the Jets has said there having a team meeting tomorrow and that the Jets are committed to not suppress the freedom of their players and they would pay ALL FINES ...

So .... week 1 .... 2 Jet players come out and kneel ...

My sides peed again and now the other side is peed ...

If they were looking for a way to make a bad problem worse and pee off even more people ... they very well may have succeeded ..

Trump on NFL protesters: 'Maybe you shouldn't be in the country'

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/trump-nfl-protesters-maybe-shouldnt-country-114402328.html

Screw trump. Straight up, go to hell.

+1

Yup. Now my wife's pissed at the NFL for essentially banning kneeling during the anthem.

She says the decision was downright racist. It's not even a political thing for her. It's a moral issue. And she's stubborn as heck.

So, now i'm pissed, because, this decision is now affecting me because my wife, who would at least pretend to enjoy watching us lose 16 games a season, is saying she's refusing to support the NFL in any form because the owners are a bunch of rich white racist pigs.


Obviously i'm going to watch my football. I was going to watch the Browns whether people were kneeling or not. I'm not a fan of kneeling for the anthem, but I also recognize the absolute injustices from our police force to our justice system. And while much of the nation can say that it's a sad thing, others are still going about their day everyday being judged by the color of their skin. They don't get any time off from that.


So, now this is affecting my life. So i'm pissed at the NFL as I have fewer and fewer people beyond this message board that i can relay my excitement to about my team.

You owe those First Amendment Rights to that Flag and our National Anthem and the American way.

Stand up and solute America proudly as so many fought and gave their lives for those Rights.

Protest in another way but not by giving the appearance of dissing our Nation, our Flag, or our Anthem!

I think this is unfair.

America won't stop football players from protesting on their own time. And the NFL certainly would not allow Nazis to protest during the playing of the National Anthem.

Stop talking about the military when you voted for a draft dodger.

Swear you fake patriots are the most hypocritical people in this country.

That can be a concern as well. We will have to see how it plays out. I think by the time the league starts it will have die down and hopefully we can get back to just worrying about football.

At least he didn’t call them animals .... ....

We support the players right to protest. We support the cause. We do not support them doing it while working and disrespecting the country that is paying them millions of dollars.

If Colin Kaepernick and the others truly wanted to make a difference they would use the money they have earned and organize community discussions between the police and the communities. They don't care they just want to be disrespectful on camera.

That flag never did a damn thing it is just a piece of cloth , a cloth that in a lot of cases was made in China btw . I see it disrespected all the time with everyone from first responders, police , sports teams all putting different colors on it and hanging them from front porches . Fat rednecks wearing swimming trunks, shirts bandanas etc . Sacred ..gimme a break its become a marketing gimmick .

I dont like the look of kneeling during the anthem IMO stay in the locker room . You want to protest o.k. but just be prepared for consequences from your employer .

If a prominent celebrity has a Nazi Swastika tattoo on his forehead and says it is to protest the Nazi's and to remind the world of the threat of Nazism, his message is clear.

But the appearance of seeing him with that tattoo says something completely different. Guys a Nazi.

Kneeling during the Anthem also gives the wrong appearance no matter how much you push its meaning.

Find another way to get the message out more clearly.