Some may not agree with Goodell and the NFL’s decision to allow players to honor their free agency. But at end of the day, the Constitution trumps opinion.
The NFL has raised their white flag. Finally, black voices have been heard and won.
On Tuesday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced NFL players will not be “forced to stand during the national anthem.” This marks a much-needed end to the contention between Trump and his supporters, NFL owners, and the #TakeAKnee movement. It at least provides a sigh of relief that the NFL has made a definitive decision. And, hopefully, contention among football fans will soon subside … and we can go back to watching football without the politics.
Some may not agree with Goodell and the NFL’s decision to allow players to honor their free agency. But at end of the day, the Constitution trumps opinion.
Personally, I support the players right to #TakeA Knee, sit, or raise a fist during the national anthem.
Not too long before Colin Kaepernick issued his referendum against police brutality, I was shocked to learn the writer of the song, Francis Scott Key, supported slavery of black people.
Words in the Fourth Verse read: “Their blood has washed out their foul footstep’s pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave.” Even though we don’t sing that verse these days, that doesn’t change the original intent.
Francis Scott Key (photo, National Capital Area Council)
As an African American, I am offended that in my childhood I was forced to sing this song. My God, the lie that has been woven into our society–that the anthem is about the military and respect for our flag. Every time I think of the deception I feel my heart break because my country lied and whitewashed a figure that has no place being memorialized.
It’s shocking that people continue to lie and/or deny the truth of the historical facts of Francis Key Scott written anthem. They insist–instead–that kneeling during the song is disrespectful to the military. So the choice for black people is to stand for a song that includes reference to skinning our ancestors?
No thank you! Fool me once, but you shalt not fool me twice.
Like Colin Kaepernick, I no longer stand for the anthem. And I say this as a child of military parents. Service of the country runs deep in my family–Navy, Marines, and Army. I support our soldiers through-and-through. But you know what else is important to me? It’s not celebrating racists or supporting the oppression of human beings.
That said, I highly doubt the NFL took a moral cause in support of the players’ kneeling. The NFL doesn’t give two cents about their 70% black players. Instead, the NFL knows it’s in trouble by blackballing Kaepernick (he recently filed suit again the NFL for collision).
Three things stand out regarding why the NFL made Tuesday’s decision. First, the NFL doesn’t want to piss-off their money makers, i.e., black players. Second, the NFL doesn’t want to continue being put in an uncomfortable situation–that is, in-between the president, players, and fans. And, third, the NFL doesn’t want to be ridiculed internationally for violating freedom of speech.
Courtesy: Iloveviral.org
For those reasons, the NFL wants to put this controversy under the rug.
So, sorry Trump. Your bullying against black players lost. But please, if you wish, continue tweeting your feelings about those “ungrateful” players.
Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump
Next up, the NFL needs to drop the charade and re-hire Colin Kaepernick. (Hint, hint: My Packers need a good quarterback. No offense, Brett Hundley.)
Applause for your firm and well developed article. Keep it going. Thank you.
Samuel H. Johnson
Author:THE CHEROKEE AND THE SLAVE
Thanks Samuel