This is a pretty reasonable policy that respects everyone’s rights. Frankly, I’m shocked that the NFL owners got this one right.
ATLANTA — NFL owners have unanimously approved a new 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.
The policy subjects teams to a fine if a player or any other team personnel do not show respect for the anthem. That includes any attempt to sit or kneel, as dozens of players have done during the past two seasons to protest racial inequality and police brutality. Those teams also will have the option to fine any team personnel, including players, for the infraction.
“We want people to be respectful of the national anthem,” commissioner Roger Goodell said. “We want people to stand — that’s all personnel — and make sure they treat this moment in a respectful fashion. That’s something we think we owe. [But] we were also very sensitive to give players choices.”
Goodell said the vote was “unanimous” among owners, although San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York said he abstained. York said that all owners that voted in the process supported the change. The policy will be part of the NFL’s game operations manual and thus not subject to collective bargaining. The NFL Players Association said in a statement that it will review the policy and “challenge any aspect” that is inconsistent with the CBA.
Shocked as well!
Outstanding!
Big win for Trump!
Trump just keeps on winning!
He is so impressive at this point, I regret ever doubting him when I choked out my vote against Hillary.
I will cheerfully vote for him for re-election.
Don’t worry, you’ll still be able to buy a beer and a hot dog during the Anthem.
You socialists do know that you are able to cast off your “oppression” in this country and move to the socialist paradise of Venezuela.
Now why can’t those in Venezuela longing for the awesomeness of this country free to do the same?
Why is everyone that disagrees with k a socialist? Or is his vocabulary so limited that he can’t come up with any other word to describe others?
Nord,
Just trying to cut to the truth of the matter. Socialists resent the freedom and prosperous capitalism this country has produced.
If you hate this country, you are certainly in that camp.
Who said I hate this country other than you? I’d put money on me having spent more time in service to this country, the state of WI, my county and township than you have, unless you call you playing the victim card being of service. . . Grow up and put on your big-boy pants.
Nord,
I said “IF”. “IF” you put yourself in that hate America in that camp.
I, for one, am sick of listing to the hating on this country. This is the greatest country to ever have been established and I’m tired of the hateful malcontents tearing it down.
I will defend the greatness of this nation anytime. I will also challenge the disrespect to this nation at anytime.
So will you tear the country down? Or extol its virtue?
I agree; I’m tired of folks like the current occupant thumbing his nose at truth and the rule of law, all the while profiting from the public; I’m tired of walker et al putting their thumbs on the scale at the expense of our kids and grandkids-see Foxconn, G-tac, et al; I’m tired of the deniers and anti-science zealots that are destroying the future of our planet; and I’m tired of those that resort to alternative facts, deception and outright lies to make their point. All of those folks are tearing apart our country and trying to turn us into just another third world dictatorship.
Taking a knee for justice and freedom is patriotic. Forcing people to stand is unpatriotic. It’s time to take our country back.
“So will you tear the country down? Or extol its virtue?”
It is not, and has never been an either-or question, Kevin, as much as your robot brain would have you think otherwise. The brilliance of the Constitution doesn’t magically cancel out the horror of the Trail of Tears, just as the stain of the Chinese Exclusion Act doesn’t blot out the achievement of the moon landing.
Nations, like people, aren’t perfect, and to equate legitimate criticism of specific events and policies as ‘hating this country’ is intellectually lazy, even for you.
Nord,
I’ll bite. How is anything Trump or Walker are doing a “third world dictatorship”?
Most, if not all, socialist dictatorships, you are not free to leave. You can leave U.S. at anytime. So Walker and Trump fail the basic test that makes something a socialist dictatorship: the inability to leave.
I encourage you to leave anytime you want.
Why is the anthem played before sporting events but not movies or concerts ( especially outdoor ones ) . I pay to get in and I expect to have the same show as sports .
Keep the players in the locker room and let the drunken fans punch each other out over who is respecting and not respecting the flag , color guard and flyover that is now standard practice for every NFL game .
I’ll be in my chair, at home , watching the games via DVR 30 minutes behind the broadcast
And skipping over any discussion of PT Barnum fake patriotism on the NFL owners part .
k:
“How is anything Trump or Walker are doing a “third world dictatorship?”
That is a really stupid question, even by your standards.
Nord,
You were the one that made the comment.
I was only curious. If you were just flinging your monkey feces, understood.
It doesn’t make any rational sense as to why the national anthem is played at all. They should just illuminate it and play the game.
eliminate
Pat,
So the solution is: when malcontents show any resistance toward honoring America… we should just eliminate the activity, speech, or song to not hurt anyone’s feelings or to avoid consequence of stupid behavior of malcontents?
That is the worst form of political correctness.
Kevin,
My question is what the rational reason the national anthem is even played? You talk about political correctness…..what do you call forcing people to stand so it doesn’t offend some individuals faux sense of patriotism?
Pat,
It’s played because it is good marketing for NBA, NFL, MLB, whatever league to take time to honor the flying flag and America at each event.
It is only an issue in NFL because the weak leadership let the inmates run the asylum for 2 years. NBA punished malcontents before it became a problem. Spit on the flag outside your job if you are a malcontent, that’s all that anybody asks. Consumers loathe seeing employees of a company spit on their flag while using their service.
It’s that simple.
Kevin,
I don’t recall any of the players spitting in the flag. I don’t see how taking a knee can be equated to spitting on the flag. My understanding is that taking a knee has nothing to do with the flag, but has everything to do with freedom and justice. Protesting for freedom and justice is one of the most patriotic things a citizen can do.
Using the national anthem as a marketing tool seems pretty unpatriotic and disrespectful to those that paid the ultimate price. Ditto with alleged entertainers like nugent and kid rock draping themselves in a flag.
Pat,
Disrespecting the country at your workplace, when the employer markets patriotism as a big aspect of the company to the consumers that consume the product is spitting on the country (“spitting on the flag” is just a term for disrespecting the country).
If you want to “spit on the country”, do it outside your workplace. It is no coincidence that my DQ door sign generated a ton of business….people appreciate any outward appreciation for this great country and are tired of the malcontents tearing the country down.
Nord,
No matter who uses the anthem, even the military, it is a marketing tool for the organization using it. It is something that transcends the differences of the people gatherd at the event…until you liberal malcontents want to tear down the one thing that unites humanity for the good…the United States of America.
“until you liberal malcontents want to tear down the one thing that unites humanity for the good…”
Pretty big assumption on your part, k. And I’m pretty sure my best friend, Sgt Mike-RIP, would wholeheartedly disagree with you. But since this is the United States, you have a right to say just about any foolish thing that pops into your noggin without fear of repercussion. Remember that.
Kevin,
Who says they are disrespecting our country?
Pat,
When Colin says his protest is over “systematic oppression” over race. Source: https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/chicago-bears/49ers-qb-colin-kaepernick-anthem-protest-about-change-not-just-police-violence
That is total disrespect to the country.
Most of the “economic oppression” is not an issue of race, but an issue of responsibility. In this country, you are almost guaranteed NOT to be poor if you do all three of the following:
1.) Graduate high School
2.) Get a job
3.) Not have kids before you are married.
When families follow all 3 of those, there is only a 2% chance of poverty without regard to race. The problem is: African American single motherhood has risen from 20% in 1960 to 70%+ today. Liberalism has destroyed the African American family. So when he talks “systematic oppression”, it is not freedom and America that is the problem, it is liberalism that is the problem.
He does violence to the truth and insults all of us into thinking it is a race issue when it is a behavior issue.
Pat,
And the 3 “predictors of poverty” are findings from the liberal leaning Brookings Institute!
Seems like the systematic oppression and tasing of the Bucks player had nothing to do with those 3 points, and everything to with a young black male being out after dark.
You know what is truly disrespectful? Anyone condemning a peaceful and legal protest. You want to be able to do and say whatever you want about religion, yet disparage the opinions of others. Hypocrite.
How do you feel about the original Boston Tea Party protest? Or all the good folks that signed the Declaration of Independence? Traitors or patriots?
Nord,
The Bucks player incident was just a stupid mistake, not a sign of systematic oppression. That cop will probably be punished far beyond what is deserved knowing the anti-cop liberal lynch mob in Milwaukee.
Says you. Who am I to dispute the word of the smartest guy ever to walk the face of the earth?
Afraid to answer the questions?
Kevin,
Ask those that are protesting if they are out to disrespect the flag, our country, or the military. You wouldn’t be getting the answer you’ve concluded in your mind.
Pat,
Doesn’t matter what their answer is: It is disrespect to the country.
I did not take a knee for the pledge at government meeting for every unfair, oppressive thing Obama did during his administration. My vehement disagreement over the direction of country always happened outside the unifying event of patriotism.
Colin is doing plenty to express his awful viewpoints, especially when it comes to organizations honoring cop killers. He can suffer some consequence for siding the country in his patriotic workplace….if he ever gets a job again….which can be difficult for malcontents.
“Doesn’t matter what their answer is: It is disrespect to the country.”
It does matter!!!!!!!!! It matters a heck of a lot more than your opinion.
And we know what opinions are like.
Pat:
It’s pretty clear, “Doesn’t matter what their answer is”, the opinions of others and the 1st Amendment have no place in k’s world. The only thing that matters is that k is right all the time, every time, and that we mere mortals should be happy that he even allows us to be present on this 6000y/o earth.
https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2018/05/25/naval-academy-graduates-anti-trump-opinion/646282002/
“Doesn’t matter what their answer is: It is disrespect to the country.”
Apparently, while judging others’ hearts is still a big no-no, their motivations, intentions, and sincerity are all fair game. Jesus wept.
Major,
Protesting in disrespect to country is judging an ACTION, not the heart.
If I was judging the heart, I would attempt to assess his underlying motivation without any outward evidence in action.
Pat,
Oh please. It only matters to leftists. If a conservative official took a knee at a government meeting during the pledge to protest the draconian, leftist Obamacare mandates….leftists would have had those officials drawn and quartered in 24 hours.
I would agree such an official should resign.
Kevin,
Oh please, quit playing the if a liberal did that pity card. Taking a knee is only a made up concern to rightists who look for a way to create a decisive political issue, created with alternative facts.
Would it be ok if players took a knee before or after the national anthem is played?
divisive
Of course it fine before or after anthem because the unifying country event is over.
Methinks liberals would not be supportive if Colin came out and talked about disproportionate amount of black babies being exterminated by abortion. Liberals would go nuts, and call for firing of any that brought attention to an actual racist problem.
Sure, Kevin. Right. By that reasoning, I assume you’d be OK with this scenario, then?
“Tanya, I know that you didn’t say the Pledge of Allegiance with the other students because of what your church teaches. We respect your beliefs, but the action those beliefs led you to take is an unacceptable show of disrespect to our nation. Two weeks’ detention.”
Major,
Would help to know context.
No Christian Church should be teaching disrespect for civil authority. The only time we should, as Christians, oppose civil authority is when it opposes biblical authority. Saying pledge does not violate biblical authority.
k:
There are a whole lot of christians in Central America that would disagree with you.
Nord,
Then they would be living contrary to Romans 13 and I would admonish them.
What is your point?
So you would admonish a christian from protesting authoritarian dictators? That explains a lot of your comments.
Nord,
Reading comprehension, if authoritarian ran afoul of biblical instruction when it comes to God’s commands then Christian is duty bound to oppose.
Re-read what I said. I hope I slowed it down enough since you chose to get into the weeds on actual topic.
Kevin,
Please explain disproportionate amount of black babies. There are more abortions by white women in the US by a large amount. But for some reason you focus on black. Humm???
Christians who take issue with the pledge often point to Matthew 5:33-37’s prohibition on oaths or, more generally, “No man can serve two masters.”(Matthew 6:24) Jehovah’s Witnesses are probably the most well-known sect holding this belief, with a history of legal challenges to pledge requirements going back to the 1940s.
But why should it matter if it’s a Christian church, Kevin? Aren’t you the one forever going on about the ‘religions’ of leftism, statism, liberalism, etc., etc., and how they should be held to the same standards as Christianity in the public sphere?
k:
But what if they didn’t? Fascist Italy and Spain were predominantly christian…
And by the way, Kevin, in your defense of symbolic pseudo-patriotism, you’re coming awfully close to making a scriptural argument against the legitimacy of the American Revolution itself. The irony is delicious.
Major,
JW’s are not Christians. They reject deity of Christ. They have a lot more issues than pledges when it comes to bible.
Nord,
If Christian does not oppose unbiblical things by a government , like extermination of babies, or Jews, they risk their faith by violating biblical commands from God.
Pat,
Nearly 1/3 of all abortions are African American, despite being only 11% of population. Liberals are supporting racist extermination of African Americans in this country.
I detest the worst racism of them all… the exterminating racism
If liberals….do you oppose this horrendous racism of the American left?
Yes, Kevin, I’m well aware of JW heresies, thank you. Against my better judgment, I included the info about their pledge stance hoping that you’d address the the actual point of the discussion instead of seizing the opportunity to bust out a No True Scotsman fallacy. You never fail to disappoint.
Major,
What do you call someone then who rejects Christ’s deity? You reject the deity of Christ, you reject Christ. You reject Christ, you are not a Christian! Are you trying to say with your godless/worldly “No true Scotsman” analogy that you can reject Christ and still be Christian?????
So you take behavior of a non- Christian and expect Christians to be held to that unbiblical standard?
You should also know that JW’s also don’t vote, don’t run for office, etc. They essentially reject the great blessing of opportunity given by this nation given by God.
I consider JW’s preaching on non voting to be an insult to the country and God. However, they tend to keep it to themselves and don’t make a public spectacle like Colin does.
Major,
In other words, there is a difference between someone not participating and still showing respect vs. outright protest by kneeling because they resent the country.
You can’t argue with crazy. Walking away…..
*my point*
*Kevin’s head*
Here’s a useful perspective.
—Catholic Encyclopedia
All the more reason for a wide separation between church and state.
I’ll be out here supporting the country anytime, anywhere.
You 3 keep going out there and proping up the anti-American complainers as something virtuous…I’ll keep meeting you on the cultural battlefield.
USA!
k:
And you are saying we don’t? Another big assumption on your part, and a direct insult to the 1st Amendment.
You couldn’t compete with us on a cribbage board much less the “cultural battlefield”, whatever that is by your definition du jour.
Get off your high horse and celebrate the reasons we have Memorial Day. I will be.
Nordski, that is by far the dumbest comment you’ve made here.
If you don’t like that definition of patriotism, come up with another one. Or aren’t you able to do that, and substitute stupidity instead?
Nord,
I’m saying you should respect the right of a business to set workplace policy….especially when it comes to showing respect for the country.
Disrespect the country on your own time….as simple as that.
What makes an act truly patriotic and not just lip-service is when it involves personal risk or sacrifice.
Colin Kaepernick explained why he will not stand during the national anthem: “There are a lot of things that are going on that are unjust [that] people aren’t being held accountable for. And that’s something that needs to change. That’s something that this country stands for — freedom, liberty, justice for all. And it’s not happening for all right now.”
https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/49ers-qb-colin-kaepernick-stand-people-voice/story?id=41706615
Kaepernick has shown more patriotism, standing up for justice, freedom, and liberty, than Kevin has in his life time.
Pat,
I’m tired of the blanket statement that we are all racists because of what happened in the past. We all want to eliminate racism. If he has a specific issue/incident, TODAY, name it, and let’s talk about it.
His statement is just monkey feces against a wall with such a general statement.
You know where there is injustice? The black community! When we dump violent criminal offenders back into the community from soft on crime liberal policies! Since he seems to support soft on crime policies, let’s start with accountability for Colin Kaepernick and the consequence of policies and politicians he advocates.
Seems to me, he supports American policies that creates the very problem he complains about! It’s his freedom to support stupid, but then don’t blame the rest of God-fearing, hard working, freedom loving America that you support positions that make America less great!
That is what is so reprehensible about his “protest”.
But Kevin, you are a racist. You just can’t see it, or accept it. The truth shall set you free.
You cannot possibly reconcile Kaepernick’s actions with any definition of “patriotism”. Crying and wailing is not “patriotism,” sorry. FEEEEELings don’t cut it.
Pat,
I’m hoping you are being sarcastic, but, if not….
I’ll bite. How am I racist?
As a Christian, if you saw me, or witnessed some sort of act of racism on my part, I am open to listening, repentance, and amending whatever it was.
Here is your chance. Let me “have it”.
“You cannot possibly reconcile Kaepernick’s actions with any definition of “patriotism”. “
Oh but Dud29, I do.
Kevin,
I’ve witnessed your racism countless times on this blog through the years. I know a very good gentleman that freely admits he’s a racist. He doesn’t let that stand in his way of providing good service, but in his heart, he admits his racism. Set yourself free and admit it about yourself.
Pat,
Great, then quote me accurately, and in context, and let’s talk about it.
You should have no problem finding an example.
I am personally sick of the identity politics of the left, judging people by skin color. I want to judge by character.
However, seems we are prohibited from character judgement in society because the left wants to identify everyone by skin color.
It is not a race problem in our society, it is a character problem. People that advocate evil as good and good as evil.
Kevin,
You’ll never accept anything anyone says that you don’t 100% agree with. You’re unable to see yourself as a racist. But that doesn’t change the fact that you are. End of story.
“I want to judge by character.”
That’s how I judge thee.
Pat,
Just disappointed you make such a broadside attack, without at least 1 story to back it up.
If you came up with something, and it is legitimate, I am open to repentance.
Are you open to repentance about your incorrect assertion?
Kevin,
I’m not going to get into the word games you like to play. You’re a racist, I accept that even if you are in denial.
Pat,
Words are perplexing to you?
Sorry to hear that. Probably why you can’t back up the words you use.
Kevin,
Sorry you’re in denial. Good Luck.
Pat,
Just searching for substance to your assertion.
Sorry you do not have one piece of substance.
Would you like to talk to some of my employees? I don’t ask, or care, about skin color, but I’m certain your identity driven liberal lexicon would consider many of them “African American”.
I only sort my employees by performance and character, and they are paid accordingly.
Kevin,
If you’re half the Christian you say you are, all you need to do is some soul searching to see your racism. Like most alcoholics, most racists are in denial about their problem. Good luck.
Pat,
I am willing to do soul searching.
I’ve been practically begging to point out an example, so we can discuss.
Pretty please?
I am really curious what you consider “racism”. I’ve been always firm against the liberal Democrat slavery plantations destroying African American family. I’m the loudest on this blog against disproportionate black baby extermination (while others advocate it, like Mark). I’m against soft on crime policies dumping criminals back into at risk communities. I employ minorities (not that I care about skin color of my employees, but libs seem to keep score that way).
K, it should be clear that the Left simply asserts that you have committed a crime. No proof is necessary. This is so because the Left is not capable of rational thought.
Too bad. Might have been an interesting discussion….
Kevin,
Your explanation of why you’re not racist is proof of why you are.
Dud,
Kevin has given all the proof necessary. Use rational thought and you would understand.
Pat,
So does this mean I can assert my victimhood in the tidal wave of your unsubstantiated bullying?
Kevin,
If that’s what gives you comfort. But you’ve always seen yourself as a victim. Racists usually see themselves as the victim.
Does that make Colin K racist then?
https://youtu.be/ls1YVhcLD2c
https://www.jsonline.com/story/life/people/2018/05/29/roseanne-barr-apologizes-racially-charged-tweets-obama-adviser/650973002/
Trump said Roseanne represented his voters. Enough said.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.usnews.com/opinion/civil-wars/articles/2017-09-25/kaepernick-and-nfl-players-arent-attacking-patriotism-donald-trump-is%3fcontext=amp
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/veteran-kaepernick-take-a-knee-anthem/
Pat,
You need this video to see how foolish you are.
https://www.louderwithcrowder.com/watch-starbucks-sensitivity-training-looks-like/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=linkshare&utm_content=news&utm_campaign=dailywire
Kevin,
Sorry, but I won’t go to your alternative facts, rightist, propaganda web site.
Pat,
Your loss. But the video was a perfect example of your foolishness of overplaying the race card.
Kevin,
No, it’s actually to my credit.
Pat,
Whatever you need to tell yourself to be the Al Sharpton of WI.
Kevin,
Nice attempt. Keep shooting blanks.
OK, Mr. Sharpton.
Another swing and a miss. So sad that that’s the best you have.
Pat,
You are the personification of the downfall of Western Civilization…better?
Kevin,
Are you responding while on Ambien?
Pat,
I was contemplating you were on Ambien when you called me a “racist”, but then could not find 1 example….even when I asked nice.
If I was on Ambien, I would have said you ARE the downfall of Western civilization. However, in my Ambien free state, I acknowledge that you only contribute to the downfall, you not nearly responsible for all of the downfall.
Kevin,
Feel better now that you got that off your chest? I hope so. Sorry I got under your skin.