Of those, perhaps at the most 100 (say a shade over 3 per team if any are) are actively kneeling or holding up their fists in protest during the playing of the National Anthem.
That means the remaining 99-plus per cent, 1,750 players, are not--
As much as what Colin Kaepernick & his maybe 99 fellow protestors disgust me and the others regular posters here on these NFL Live Threads, it is their legal right to do so. Neither I, Roger Goodell and his NFL henchmen or the US Constitution can prevent them from saying or demonstrating their beliefs.
Now if folks want to boycott the NFL for the actions of Colin and his crew, then do it. The TV ratings appear down because of people not watching because of the protests. Like the protestors, the Boycotters have the legal right to express their beliefs the same as Colin & cohorts.
You'd think this was basic Civics 101, wouldn't you?
I have no problem with the NFL Boycotters-- Yet when certain Boycotters on Free Republic demand that no one can disagree with their view, that leaves the Freedom of Speech right in the dust on a path straight to the political systems of-- Well, shall we say old Uncle Joe and Adolph. Yes, the Nazis and Communists we beat in World War Two and the Cold War. Or worse, the "Do or else" Threat is like today's Democrats Party Line right out of the leaked e-mails of Hillary and her supporters in and out of the main stream media, the Department of Justice and FBI!
So, when one gets on their high horse and demand we follow them in lockstep or else-- That just shows they are incredibly stupid about the rights under the US Constitution or they just do not care, being truly Nazi/Commie/Democrat/DOJ/FBI/ABC/MSNBC/CBS/CNN wolves in a Conservative sheep's clothing just awaiting a chance to leap out and make themselves Kings of the Thought Police with a license to kill and maim.
When there is no Free Speech, there is no freedom.
So, I have no shame in saying that I will continue to post these NFL Live Threads as long as I am able.
Yet I have to ask, since you have proven you do not know the first thing about the Right of Free Speech, do you 'Boycott the NFL or else!' FR posters have any shame at all?
Honestly, I can't understand why you're being inundated with negatives.
This is the most exciting election EVAH ! and why anyone would be on a forum board harassing you is beyond me.
Personally ... if I EVER attend a football game (very doubtful) and I see a player kneeling instead of standing, as a vet ... I will make my way on to the field (you'll probably have to bail me out) and pull the rebellious bastard up by the scruff of his shirt and scream like a D.I. .. "I PAID for this country and you WILL respect my effort !"
Bit of a disagreement here Bendy.
1) I agree that you and I have no right to interfere with one's free expression of beliefs, however,
2) Roger Goodell and his NFL henchmen have every right and freedom to deal with the behavior of their employees. Employment is a voluntary exchange. Private enterprise and voluntary employment within private enterprise has nothing to do with government, which is what the Constitution is directly aimed at. No one forces the employee to stay and the employer has the right to set reasonable rules of behavior including showing respect for the American flag.
If Kaepernick & his maybe 99 fellow protesters don't like their employer's rules (if the NFL had the rules and enforced them), then they could leave and protest elsewhere as they wish, just not under a auspice of their employ in the NFL, which is what gives them much more influence and coverage than they would otherwise.
Don't forget, the Constitution is aimed at basically one thing: the federal government who has NO right to interference with free speech,
Meanwhile, a moment of silence for our beloved Giants who went down in flames for the season last night in the ninth inning. See you next year guys. AND GET SOME RELIEF PITCHING!!