By Alexandra D’Angelo || Contributing Writer
In the last year, it has become commonplace for many professional athletes to take a knee during the country’s national anthem. It is said that these athletes, particularly football players, do this in a “display of protest and defiance” according to The Sun. In the last several years, perceived increases in police brutality and the desire to highlight social injustices have led to these athletes’ protests.
The “Take a Knee” movement was started by quarterback Colin Kaepernick when he knelt during the 49ers pre-season game in 2016. This started a huge uproar,as many took this as Kaepernick insulting the flag that our military members fought so hard to maintain. However, Kaepernick states, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and those of color.” You can see more to get flagpoles.
This initial movement by Kaepernick started a chain reaction leading other football players to take part in this form of protest as well. The protest has been seen at almost every NFL game since. Players have either kneeled, sat, or linked arms with one another as the anthem was playing. Some teams, such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, took it as far to be in their locker rooms as the anthem played.
Donald Trump has become one of the main criticizers of this movement stating on Twitter, “If a player wants the privilege of making millions of dollars in the NFL, or other leagues, he or she should not be allowed to disrespect our Great American Flag (or Country) and should stand for the National Anthem. If not, YOU’RE FIRED. Find something else to do.”
President Trump takes issue with the fact that many of these players are bringing their personal beliefs in a place where the only thing that should be going on, in his opinion, is football. However, there are many that feel that the players’ protests give a voice to a movement that does not get much attention in this country.
In addition, many NFL team owners, officials, and players have criticized Trump’s comments. The criticizers even include those who were Trump supporters during his election and now tend to side with the players’ rights to protest. NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell stated, “Divisive comments like these demonstrate an unfortunate lack of respect for the NFL, our great game and all of our players, and a failure to understand the overwhelming force for good our clubs and players represent in our communities.”
However you may feel about the protests, they are having a direct impact on the NFL’s TV ratings. They are fluctuating now more than ever because of the different opinions on the movement. While the players’ main goal is to bring attention to the issue of race inequality in our country and still want football to be a priority, it will be hard to convince those who oppose this idea otherwise. This will remain a hot topic in the world of sports as long as it continues and will continue to impact the NFL each and every week.
First-year Alexandra D’Angelo is a contributing writer. Her email is adangelo@fandm.edu.