-Colin Kaepernick, NFL Quarterback
The words were strong, the actions were stronger. As with every sporting event, the Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers game this past Friday night was preceded by a rendition of our National Anthem. As is custom, all of the athletes, coaches, and fans stood on their feet, removed their caps, and listened, hummed, or even sang along with the Star Spangled Banner. However, there was one person whose absence from standing was conspicuously noted, the 49ers quarterback, Colin Kaepernick. And that's when things got real.
Fox News' Eric Bolling tweeted: "Football is an American sport. If you're not feeling American feel free to leave you ungrateful clown." It's interesting that Mr. Bolling has that opinion since he is cashing in on a book about Donald Trump, whose slogan is "Make America Great Again." Oh wait, it's not great already? Well if you don't like it Mr. Bolling, feel free to leave. Just let us know when you do so we can get started on that wall. While we're at it Fox Sports' Aubrey Huff tweeted "This guy is a joke. Get lost. You don't like it in a country that has given you opportunity to succeed? Then get out" Very classy response Mr. Huff. I'm so disappointed that my namesake is associated with such an ignorant news organization. New York Giants offensive lineman, Justin Pugh implied it was a smack in the face to those in the military who have fought for our flag. Mr. Pugh, did they fight for the flag or did they fight for our freedoms? Or did they fight to keep us safe? I dunno, I can't seem to keep it straight anymore.
It wasn't all negative though, some came to Kaep's aid. Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman, Adrian Clayborn stated "The easy thing to do is make fun of Kap and his play. How about trying to understand where he is coming from..." That seems perfectly reasonable to me, Mr. Clayborn. Miami Dolphins running back, Arian Foster, a personal favorite of mine, not only for his play on the field, but his thought provoking nature wrote "He has the right to choose not to stand. Just as you have the right to disagree with his stance. Round and round we go." This leads to my reaction whenever I hear a story related to this issue. Is there anything more patriotic than taking a stand (or a seat) for your beliefs and ideals? Isn't that exactly what this country is based on? Isn't that exactly what those brave men and women have fought for throughout history? Isn't that...American? Everybody talks about free speech until they don't agree with what is said.
Mr. Kaepernick has a unique perspective on this world being of biracial descent who was adopted and raised by white parents. We don't understand the hardships or troubles he had to deal with. We don't know the struggle he may have had with trying to reconcile his past. He has made millions of dollars yes, but in a sport in which old white male owners make billions of dollars on the hard work of predominately young black men. Mr. Kaepernick is in a sport that slowly but surely destroys their bodies and minds for our entertainment, but he can't have an opinion? Let's kick the ballistics here on what Mr. Kaepernick said, every single thing he said is a fact, whether you like to admit it or not.
Now I'm not here to try to persuade you into agreeing with Colin Kaepernick's method of protest. Odds are, you had your mind made up already. I'm here to say stop and think. Maybe instead of immediately jumping down someone's throat, we should try to understand them and their motivations first. You don't have to agree with him, but you SHOULD respect him. He took a chance in a league where they toss players aside with the morning paper. He took that chance because it's something he believes in and he feels a sense of duty with the voice he has been given. I applaud you Colin Kaepernick. The next ballgame I go to, I will stand up, remove my cap and listen to the National Anthem. That's my choice, that's my right, but I will NEVER condemn someone for taking a stand on an issue that should be important to us all. That right there, is the American way.
"I am not looking for approval. I have to stand up for people that are oppressed...If they take football away, my endorsements from me, I know that I stood up for what is right." -Colin Kaepernick, more than just an NFL Quarterback
Shout out to the sources:
ABCNews.com
ESPN.com
NFL.com
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