Storyline: Colin Kapernick and other NFL players would do well by protesting the NFL’s deplorable diversity record. It’s the “elephant in the room.” Written by E. Tindall, Charlotte, NC
I’ve heard many people opine on Colin Kaepernick’s “stand” (for lack of a better description) against what he sees as oppression against blacks and people-of-color in this country.
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Some middle and high school athletes, as well as pro athletes, have chosen to emulate Kaepernick’s actions or find some other way to bring attention to racism in the U.S.
Many view Colin as a hero. Others view Kaepernick’s protest stance as disrespectful.
There are questions about Kaepernick’s motives and timing, too. He has been in the league since 2011 and “racial incidents” have been going on. So, why now?
Once a starting Super Bowl quarterback, Kaepernick now is a part-time starter on one of the NFL’s worst teams. Could he see the handwriting on the wall, figuring there was nothing to lose by protesting? The 49ers wouldn’t dare release him for his actions; that would seem to be racially motivated, even though his play on the field could easily warrant release. The NFL wouldn’t discipline him for breaking the dress code. Doing that would have taken the focus away from issues far more weighty.
But before I go any further, let’s get one thing straight. I don’t deny there’s a problem in America. I see it. But there’s an elephant in the room that people aren’t seeing.
It’s the NFL.
Martellus Bennett (photo, VladTV)
Players who want to take a stand don’t have to look any further than their employer, the National Football League. New England Patriots tight end, Martellus Bennett, calls it “NIGGAS For Lease.”
What’s the problem? First of all, there’s the matter of hiring blacks as head coaches. NFL powers are negligent. There are currently 32 teams in the NFL and only 5 have black head coaches.
In a time where everything that happens matters–and there’s a rush to politicize and polarize everything–the NFL hides out in plain sight.
In 2003 the NFL created what’s called “The Rooney Rule,” which requires NFL teams to interview minority candidates for head coaching vacancies. It was supposed to be the NFL’s way of addressing the disparity in the number of black head coaches being hired.
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Blacks consistently make up between 70% and 75% of all NFL players. But, even after implementing The Rule, the percentage of black head coaches was never been over 6%. While it seems that owners and GMs are interviewing blacks, not many are being hired.
About that disconnect, Super Bowl winning coach and NFL Hall of Famer Tony Dungy had this to say:
“You still have to be concerned about the process for minority coaches. Unfortunately, it appears that the best way for an African-American coach to get an opportunity is to be on a staff where the head coach gets fired or retires. I still don’t think owners and GMs are doing a great job in the process of identifying minority candidates.” It’s clear that the NFL is not doing nearly enough.
The coaching disparity is only one of many issues of equality that the NFL has failed to address with anything more than tokenism. We could talk about black quarterbacks not receiving the same protection as others from officials. We could talk about the number of black quarterbacks coming from college and being asked to play another position. We could talk about the disparity of blacks being hired for other jobs in the NFL, such as OC, QB coach, team physician, etc.
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What can players do? Protest. How? Here are my suggestions.
First, stand during the National Anthem. Then, when the media crowds around and asks about the change in heart, shed light on the disparity. Challenge your fans and entertainment buddies to stand with you, even for them to stop attending games.
Second, wear long black socks every game and black cleats bearing the name of a black coach who deserves a shot. Continue doing that until a meeting is scheduled with the commissioner and long-term changes are implemented.
Third, wear wear all-black everything for every press conference. It’s a symbol of the problems at hand.
Fourth, ask to be traded to a team where the organization is more diverse. Then tell everyone why you asked to be traded.
But the problem here? All of it messes with players’ money.
So, instead, the NFL is off-the-hook. It accepts the distractions being caused by Kaepernick because the NFL isn’t in the bullseye. Besides, the NFL makes money because of the increase in Kaepernick’s jersey sales.
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For Kaepernick? He’s taking the road less traveled. He shouldn’t be compared to Jackie Robinson and Tommie Smith/John Carlos.
Yes, I’m, fully aware that Jackie Robinson (U.S. Army, 2nd Lieutenant) stated “I cannot salute the flag.” While I disagree with that stance, I applaud Robinson for the courage he demonstrated trying to bring about change everywhere in the US, starting with his elephant in the room, Major League Baseball.
He was persistent, too … to his dying day.
