Seahawks players may expand national anthem protest Sunday vs Dolphins

[DPG21920]

I've long wondered why more professional athletes haven't taken this stance; the grievances that fuel these protests aren't imaginary or petty. Professional athletes are uniquely situated to protest in this way, even if they've managed to avoid first-hand exposure to the things that give rise to the protest in the first place.

Ironically, had nobody gotten all up in arms about Kaepernick, the story would have likely died there; Kaepernick's "bad" publicity has actually managed to fuel the issue and rally support.

Like most things, I think it's about how it looks and whom it's coming from. It's coming from a rich athlete that is the picture of what people of color can accomplish: earning obscene money, being adored by fans, having people adopt your culture. All of the things that happen now in a mostly-post racial country (that does not mean there aren't racists - there are many).


I also think that people really question the sincerity especially because you don't see athletes protest their "own" even with really, really big social issues. Perfect example: All of the many cases of domestic abuse. Where is Kap and other players taking their very public stand against their brothers, in plain view of them, doing these terrible things?

I love that athletes are becoming more socially engaged and using their platforms in a peaceful way to generate conversations. I also understand they can't protest everything.

But I think a lot of the reactions are because of the two things above.

[DPG21920]

it's not about freedom: it's about showing respect to power and its symbols. if you don't do that, you don't deserve freedom.

Well, while I agree with what Kap did (or at least I am perfectly fine with it), doing things like wearing "Pig Cop" socks is a bit too much.

There are many good cops and doing things like that don't help. There should be a respect for symbols; there is a reason so many people love their national anthems. The same anthem that symbolizes the freedom Kap has to protest and while making millions.

I don't just dismiss pride and those that value it; I do understand that ultimately people's lives are what matters more.

[hater]

Oh btw the flag. I use mine to clean my toilets.

This though that you supposed to love and respect a piece of cloth is ing re ed.

[boutons_deux]

"showing respect to power and its symbols"

the protests can stop when power is no longer abused with impunity, and the symbols (lies, myths that we tell ourselves) have real meaning.

WTF is the anthem, the pledge of allegiance, and the military pervading every ing CIVILIAN function?

The military has marketed, propagandized, aggrandized, sacralized itself way out of proportion appropriate to a true democracy (which the USA isn't, hasn't been for a long time)

btw, the "sacred" Marines this week harassed to suicide a Muslim recruit. Semper Sadisticus

[CosmicCowboy]

Why give a what these jocks do?

[ducks]

One company who endorsed one of them does
They cancelled his endorsement

[ducks]

http://m.palmbeachpost.com/news/spor...s-anthe/nsWJ4/
Fans not going to games buy jerseys

[ducks]

NFL Says Players Wearing 9/11 Tribute Will Be Fined. Police Union Offers to Pay All Fines.
http://tribunist.com/news/nfl-player...utm_source=CDH

[ducks]

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/fo...ticle-1.954734
they now have changed their mind and decided not to fine players gee the people boycotting them is already effecting their thinking

[baseline bum]

I haven't seen ducks this butthurt since LeBron got drafted ahead of Darko and Carmelo.

[spurraider21]

Robert
To Mr. Brandon Marshall: I fought for this great country for 27 years. I gave up my life for my country. Because of my 27 years of service I am 100% Service Disabled, Totally and Permanently (that's for life). I suffer from 2 autoimmune diseases, Anemia and Cancer.

The least you can do is respect those of us who fought for your right to play football and stand for our Flag and National Anthem. Show some respect for those who gave so you are free to do what you want, like play football. It is the least you could do Brandon.

I wont see to many more days in my life due to my disabilities, but as long as I am alive I will defend our Country, National Anthem and our Great Flag until my last breath.

If any more NFL players wish to sit or kneel any more during our National Anthem, I will exercise my right to NEVER support the NFL or its sponsors again as long as I live.

What you are doing is disrespectful and unacceptable for any real American to do.

The least you could do to honor all those who fought for our Great Country is to Stand for the National Anthem and to respect our Flag.......it is the least.

GOD BLESS AMERICA

RAC
US Marine Corps & US Navy Vietnam Era Veteran
100% Service Disabled (Totally & Permanently)
Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, Asia and Operations Worldwide

according to ducks we shouldn't respect this guy because he got disabled. probably should have fought better. we'd be better off if he never served!

[ducks]

did he break the rules?

[ducks]

according to ducks we shouldn't respect this guy because he got disabled. probably should have fought better. we'd be better off if he never served!

I never said anything about someone being disabled
McCain is not disabled!

[spurraider21]

I never said anything about someone being disabled
McCain is not disabled!

better soldier would have avoided disability

-ducks

also, "mccain is not disabled"

[ducks]

he is not has cancer like millions of other people

[ducks]

if he was breaking rules when he got hurt I would have no respect for him just like mccain

[spurraider21]

he's been disabled long before his cancer, ducks