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Posted on 09/26/2017 10:11:37 AM PDT by Old Teufel Hunden
PITTSBURGH — Since the 1970s, nothing has more defined the identity of this city than its scrappy hometown football team. The Steelers rose at the same time the city’s economy sank, becoming a symbol of underdog hope.
They still had their Steelers even though the factories, mills and coal mines shuttered. They still had their Steelers as families were ripped apart, children forced to move away in search of opportunity.
“We bleed black and gold here,” said Sean Parnell, a Pittsburgh native and former US Army Airborne Ranger who served in the legendary 10th Mountain Division for six years, retiring as a captain.
“The Steelers are who we looked to as an example of achievement in the face of adversity, they were the ones who brought families and friends together every Sunday. They symbolized all that is good in us and it is hard to imagine a city in this country whose heart and soul is not more identified with their team than Pittsburghers are with the Steelers,” he said of what is affectionately called “Steeler Nation.”
But after the Steelers’ decision to not participate in the national anthem last Sunday, Parnell is not so sure about the strength of that nation.
“As a Pittsburgher, the team abstaining from taking the field during the national anthem was crushing to me for a few reasons. I come from a family that is Pittsburgh through and through — three generations. My grandfather worked as an usher at Forbes Field, Three Rivers and PNC Park. Loyalty to Pittsburgh sports, well, it is not just a hobby and we aren’t simply fans. It’s a way of life around these parts. We hold our athletes and owners to a high standard. And on Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers failed to meet that standard.
(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...
I lost 125 lbs through diet and exercise, I had a gray Steelers workout shirt I wore through it all.
I’m mailing it back to Art Rooney II.
As much as it meant to me measuring my accomplishment owning the logo on it is now an embarassment.
Tomlin is the affirmative action hire. They get rid of this idiot he’ll start crying racism.
Just another example of a segment of lower IQ citizens trying to control the majority. These idiots don't realize it is difficult to intimidate by bully tactics. An important realization is to recognize when you have already won. Blacks in America have tilted the table to their favor with affirmative action and will never have enough given to them to satisfy them. Equality can only be earned, never won by threats.
Very few are ‘conflicted’
In fact most are crystal clear.
High school football.
Pop Warner football
Hey, even college ball.
You can take the whole family out, and get eats, for just your ticket and parking at the pro sports palaces.
Pissing away 3-4 hours on a Sunday afternoon to watch 15 minutes of football is probably a tradition we can live -- no, we SHOULD live -- without.
If NFL football is where we plant our flag to defend our "culture and traditions," then our Rome has already gone up in flames.
If you love America more than football, then your choice should be obvious
Grow up NFL ,,, these NFL players would never make it in another country but the USA . The least they could do is respect this countries flag and the good folks who served to protect and defend US .
The American flag we hold dear to our hearts ,,, for eight years I did not fly the flag during the 0bama regime . On Jan. 20 2017 I again began flying ole Glory and proud of it . US Army veteran 1966-69 .
Not my husband!
I am proud to say my husband has put aside the Steeler obsession and come up with an idea....
...I’ve called it ANTHEM APPRECIATION DAY (but if anyone has better name, have at it!)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/3589274/posts
I have season tickets to a certain team and I really have to pick my games and sell the others to anyone who wants them. Parking is like being robbed of your wallet.
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Yes, it’s tough too with the “greatest rivalry in football” coming up.
But we’re dumping both those teams.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/3589274/posts
Hoisted on their own petard.
The Rooney Rule.
“you know, the guy who was fined multiple times by the NFL for using derogatory racist epithets towards black players on the field”
Wait...what?
by inflicting politics into sports, they are forcing us to chose between the game we enjoy, and supporting those who hate us, and our way of life. it is sad that we must do this, but they brought it upon us to make that choice.
for those with principle, the choice is obvious, if not easy
All the Bears stood at attention Sunday, none made stupid statements like Rogers.
You didn't know that already? Where have you been? Look at America of 40 years ago vs America today. Guns cause terror with their mere presence (or even just a drawing), children are never allowed outside of their yard unsupervised (sometimes even inside their own yard), some words my not even be uttered (even by shock comedians), open racism is allowed and encouraged (but only in one direction), the military is now a social club and employment center (and the ROEs are beyond insane), up to half of the nation is now comfortable openly disrespecting the flag in public, Hollywood is all about attacking traditional America rather than reinforcing traditional America, sex and sexuality are now a subject taught by the state and not by parents, being reduced to dependence upon government is seen as a normal alternative lifestyle instead of a situation to be ashamed of and to be corrected, etc etc etc etc etc.
The Left has been politically and socially setting fires and planting traps everywhere possible, daily, for 5 decades now.
It’s not your father’s group of football players. These children need to be protected from a decision that shouldn’t even rise to the level of a decision. Tomlin is a glorified babysitter, herding his charges as they cowered in the tunnel from the predations of our National Anthem. They need to add pacifiers to their football safety gear.
Ms Zito is a great journalist. However, if you check the Steelers Facebook page, regarding any of the recent PR attempts, you’ll find 90-95% disgust for this storied team. Amazing.
Tomlin has a serious case of diaper rash about Trump. He decided to use his team as a weapon in a personal vendetta, and it blew-up in his face.
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