About this time last year, American televisions were fixated on a single image. Stadiums filled with crowds of heightened fans and the field of athletes with electricity running through their veins as they focused their attention on a renowned singer. Everyone in uniform position, pride for their country soaring as the National Anthem played. Everyone in accord, except for one kneeling on the field.
In September 2016, Sunday night football was used as a political platform by Colin Kapernick, a former 49ers National Football League player.
Soon after, the media endured a frenzy. September 2017, the Dallas Cowboys alongside their coach and fellow advisors kneeled as the National Anthem soothed the audience. The team linked arms to portray a sense of unity.
Police brutality and disrupted race relations have been on a steady increase in the recent years. Now, one could establish they are more heightened than ever as various political parties are at war. The Dallas Cowboys used their social platform to convey a message to the current administration and all citizens. Soon after, the physical message continued.
Sports Illustrated's Peter King conveys, “With each team on its sideline, the PA announcer asked minutes before the kickoff of the biggest rivalry game on the schedule—the hated Steelers were in town—for the crowd to pray ‘for kindness, for unity, for equality and justice for all Americans.’ Most of the Ravens on their sideline kneeled and bowed their heads.”
Shortly after, the game’s crowd booed. Clearly, several Americans take umbrage with the recent sport demonstrations. Most notably, the President, Donald J. Trump, as he vehemently proclaimed on Twitter, “If NFL fans refuse to go to games until players stop disrespecting our country and flag, you will see change take place fast, fire or suspend!” Trump then promptly continued, “NFL ratings are WAY DOWN!”
After several other teams made similar demonstrations, President Trump’s rage increased, causing a plethora of angry tweets and a response from prominent NFL official, Patriots CEO, Chairman Robert Kraft, and close friend of the president.
Kraft elicited, “I am proud to be associated with so many players who make such tremendous contributions in positively impacting our communities.” Kraft proceeded by further stating, “Our players are intelligent, thoughtful, and care deeply about our community and I support their right to peacefully affect social change and raise awareness in a manner that they feel is most impactful.”
As it is the First Amendment in the Constitution, freedom of speech and freedom of expression can be determined in many ways. However, President Trump and many other Americans see taking a kneel disrespectful to the American military and law enforcement.
Days later, President Trump continued his fixation on the NFL as he proclaimed at an Alabama rally, to remove those “sons of b----es” from the NFL if they do not respect the American Anthem. President Trump continued his outrage as he further pronounced, “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 Amercian Flag (or country) and should stand for the National Anthem.”
President Trump’s crowd bursted in applause as he proceeded stating the players should demonstrate patriotism to their country and “if not, YOU’RE FIRED. Find something else to do!”
President Trump’s language was later defended on ABC News’ “This Week with George Stephanopoulos,” by Treasury Secretary Steven Munchin as he claimed, “I think the president can use whatever language he wants to use.”
Meanwhile, as many Americans have qualms regarding President Trump’s legitimate concern regarding race relations, the President has assured Americans that improving race relations is a major priority in his Administration, despite his unrelenting controversy regarding minority groups in the United States.
Works Cited
King, Peter. “NFL Anthem Protests Continue in Week 4; Baltimore Fans Boo Kneeling Ravens.” Sports Illustrated, 1 Oct. 2017, www.si.com/nfl/2017/10/01nfl-anthem-protests-fans-boo-ravens-steelers-week-4. Accessed 5 Oct. 2017.
Kraft, Robert, performer. “NFL official, Patriots CEO, Chairman Robert Kraft.” Press Conference, performance by Robert Kraft, Sept. 2017.
“This Week with George Stephanopoulos.” Hosted by George Stephanopoulos, performance by Secretary Steven Munchin. This Week with George Stephanopoulos,, hosted by George Stephanopoulos, Sept. 2017.
Trump, Donald J. “NFL.” Twitter, Twitter Inc., 24 Sept. 2017, twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?lang=en. Accessed 18 Oct. 2017.
Trump, President Donald J. “Trump Rally.” Sept. 2017, Alabama. Speech.