05-24-2018, 11:24 AM
(05-24-2018, 09:39 AM)Midwest Spy Wrote: Now, they’re nipping it in the bud, and I have no problem with it.
Chuck Foreman (ex-Viking) offered a sound bite last night regarding this issue:
“The players brought the issues to light and I commend them for that. Now, it’s the next phase where action needs to occur. Get active in your community and make change happen.”
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
It's hard to say with any real certainty how much the anthem controversy contributed to the 2016 and 2017 NFL ratings declines. But, I understand the business reasoning behind the new policy and believe political pressure likely played a part in its crafting.
"Stand up and show respect for the flag" is very similar to Trump's tweets and public statements. I didn't find the kneeling disrespectful. But there's no objective way of measuring or forcing respect in any case.
"Stand up with good posture during the anthem" is more clear and sensible. I believe that's essentially what the NBA's policy states. Then again, the NBA policy wasn't crafted under political pressure, threat, or derision by the government over private business.
As for it being time for the NFL players to get active in their communities, a whole lot of them are all over it and have been for a long time, which is really great. Same is true for professional athletes in other sports. The NFL league's recent and various contributions to community efforts in response to the protest controversy are also good things, in my opinion.