Back in 2016, Colin Kaepernick put his reputation on the line when he kneeled during the national anthem. He was protesting against injustice towards the African-American community. Sadly, he was let go by the NFL and became a pariah, until now.
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In light of the George Floyd incident, the issue of racial-oriented violence has flared up once again. This time, many NFL players feel that Kaepernick had a point when he took a knee. However, some still equate the action to disrespecting America and the flag.
One of the biggest critics is US President, Donald Trump. Earlier, Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan tweeted, “Let me get this straight. UNITED STATES Soccer won’t stand for the UNITED STATES National Anthem?”
The NFL has lost the President’s support
In response, Trump tweeted “And it looks like the NFL is heading in that direction also, but not with me watching!”
This is the latest salvo in a culture war that the President sees as a no-lose proposition. Regardless, the lines are drawn, and it’s clear that the President will continue to push everyone’s buttons. It will be interesting to see what he has to say once he sees recent comment from the likes of Bill O’Brien, J. J. Watt, and Baker Mayfield. Clearly, the president and his supporters view the act of kneeling as sacrilegious and will not tolerate any disrespect.
Meanwhile, protests are continuing to rage across the country in a bid to call for racial unity and harmony. In all honesty, such atrocities should not be happening in the modern era. Sadly, it is a fact of life that racism can never truly die unless people collectively make a change in their attitude.
Already, NASCAR has taken a step in the right direction when it banned the confederate flag at race venues. Though many lauded this move, but a few were unhappy.