Posted on 09/27/2017 3:06:13 AM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
Green Bay Packers have called on fans to join in with the team and link arms during Thursday's playing of the national anthem ahead of their clash with Chicago.
President Trump's latest comments on Tuesday have added to an already tense situation and players protests reached unprecedented levels at the weekend when more than 200 players took a knee during the playing of 'The Star Spangled Banner'.
On Thursday, all eyes will be on Lambeau Field when the Packers and Bears face off in the first game of Week Four to see how the next stage of the protest plays out.
Before Sunday's victory over Cincinnati, Lance Kendricks, Martellus Bennett and Kevin King sat on the bench as the anthem played, other players stood alone while the rest of the players stood arm-in-arm - the result of a team meeting on Saturday night that allowed each player the freedom to do as they saw fit.
Ahead of Thursday's game, the Packers released a statement from the players speaking of their unity and calling for a show of solidarity by asking the fans to join them.
"This Thursday during the national anthem at Lambeau Field, Packers players, coaches and staff will join together with arms intertwined," the statement read. "When we take this action, what you will see will be so much more than just a bunch of football players locking arms. The image you will see on September 28th will be one of unity.
"It will represent a coming together of players who want the same things that all of us do - freedom, equality, tolerance, understanding, and justice for those who have been unjustly treated, discriminated against or otherwise treated unfairly.
"You will see the sons of police officers, kids who grew up in military families, people who have themselves experienced injustice and discrimination firsthand, and an array of others all linking together in a display of unity.
"Those of us joining arms on Thursday will be different in so many ways, but one thing that binds us together is that we are all individuals who want to help make our society, our country and our world a better place. We believe that in diversity there can be UNI-versity. Intertwined, we represent the many people who helped build this country, and we are joining together to show that we are ready to continue to build.
"Let's work together to build a society that is more fair and just. Join us this Thursday by locking arms with whoever you're with, stranger or loved one, wherever you are -- intertwined and included -- in this moment of unification."
In a statement on Saturday, following Trump's initial comments, Packers president Mark Murphy had called the president's words 'divisive', while quarterback Aaron Rodgers told the press after Sunday's game they would 'keep choosing love over hate and unity over division', and the players' statement reaffirms that belief.
"Aaron spoke first and he kind of laid it out and laid out the fact that he's on our side and he understands the message being conveyed and trying to get across," Kendricks said of a team meeting.
"And then Marty wrote a statement and in the statement he said we're going to lock arms and he's going to challenge the fans to lock arms as well, so it kind of puts them in a position where it's like, 'Look you're either going to unite with us or you're not.'
"I think that's really cool because it puts them in a position where it's like now we're talking to you, so you make a decision, peacefully make a decision."
Said it in another thread yesterday. The signing of martellus Bennett will go down as the biggest mistake the Packer organization ever made.
People calling into the Milwaukee talk station pissed at Aaron Rodgers and the pa mere and their suggestion of linking arms for the anthem.
What would Vince Lombardi say about this>
Wow, the people that see themselves as the smartest people in the room just...don’t....get it.
What I would like to see is the fans not even enter the stadium until after the anthem is over. Let the players see how many people are disgusted with this whole s——show and how easily it is for people to tune them out. Let them link arms in an empty stadium. Some of them might get the message.
Once the owners get another POV other than the pervs at ESPN fellating them during the temporary alliance to stick it to The Man (Trump), you’ll see this crap get fixed really soon.
“I think there are a lot of NFL fans out there who realize deep inside that their fixation on pro football has gotten excessive, and unhealthy for them.”
MONEY QUOTE OF THE DAY!!”
OK, Packers. Sorry but as a fan, you are dividing us. I guess I’ll email the Pack...
Been a Packer Backer since I lived less than a mile from Lambeau Field. When Green Bay scored, the roar on the TV was followed by the actual roar from the stadium (wasn’t named that yet, Curly Lambeau was still doing sports on WBAY). So that’s since 1958.
As a Boy Scout I heard Vince Lombardi speak at a father-son banquet. Bart Starr, Paul Hornung, & Ray Nitschke were my heroes.
Wife & I thought that the Packers being locally owned were the least corruptible team in the NFL.
All that’s changed. We watch college football only, now.
At least fans were notified before they have entered the stadium.
Frankly, the thought of locking arms with another standing directly beside would be a far from pleasant thought. So one didn’t care to ‘lock arms’ and only stood? Would this one fan be booed and hauled from the stadium? Would fans, knowing what is expected even care to waste the gas to travel to the toilet bowl?
NFL - In the process of finding a CRISIS MANAGEMENT PR, either you’ve one still remaining from earlier, happier, times, or you’ve thrown caution to the wind and made an unwise decision.
I think the best thing the fans could do is to turn their backs to the field when the team come on the field. That would send a message if you still are going to the game. I just would not go.
Blah.
Trump should’ve stayed out of this one. Now it’s out of control because of all the knee jerk reactions from the libs and the NFL.
Saw this on twitter re: picture of Rodgers locking arms.
Hey Rodgers, what are you protesting, the price of Brie at Whole Foods?
Lol
I would be glad to express myself on contemporary political issues - as I do regularly both here and in my daily life. But during the National Anthem is a time for reverence, not for any politics other than recognition of America’s greatness.
It was the best thing Trump could have done. We are normalizing cultural Marxism at a rapid rate. We are losing are country.
*our
Green Bay Packers want fans to link arms as Donald Trump reaction continues
Just who are they linking arms for??? America or BLM. The liberals, including our California liberal QB, want to side track what is really going on and that is the turning over the USA to the muslims, BLM and every other anti-American group they can find. They want to make this about race when they know damn well that isn’t and wasn’t the issue.
The more that follow that line the further we as a country sink into oblivion.
Absolutely the wrong response, Packers. Don’t conform to the culture. Stand up, salute the flag, be respectful of America, the military and law enforcement, and be counted.
Vince would not agree with your perspective.
Green Bay Fudge Packers
By locking arms they are saying “We stand for NOTHING”
Does locking arms PREVENT people from placing their hands over their hearts?
What a STUPID liberal attempt to avoid the issue.
In my opinion anyone locking arms may as well be making a Nazi salute.
Choose a side, take a stand. Do you honor your country or not?
If not ...... GTFO!
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