Take-a-knee protests at NFL games drop dramatically after backlash

The Washington Times ^ | October 1, 2017 | Valerie Richardson

[jazusamo]

There was a lot more standing and a lot less kneeling at Sunday’s NFL games in what could be viewed as a victory for team unity or President Trump, depending on your perspective.

About 40 players — 30 of those from the San Francisco 49ers — took knees during the national anthem during Sunday’s slate of afternoon NFL games, far below the estimated 200 who knelt or sat last weekend in a show of protest during “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

The vast majority of NFL players stood at attention — in some cases linking arms with teammates and coaches — as the anthem was played. Several teams knelt in unison before the anthem was played, then stood.

The dramatic drop-off came after a backlash that saw some fans burn jerseys and vow to stop watching games in reaction to last weekend’s protests, which spiked after Mr. Trump suggested at a Sept. 23 rally that team owners should fire players who refuse to stand.

Some players found other ways to protest: About 15 raised their fists either during the anthem or afterward, while Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch wore a T-shirt before the game saying, “Everybody-vs-Trump,” then sat on the bench as the anthem played.

In London, three Miami Dolphins players took knees during “The Star-Spangled Banner,” sung by Darius Rucker, then stood for the British anthem “God Save the Queen.”

[sparklite2]

5 New Mexico players kneel during anthem. Air Force players
didn't notice: "I was paying attention to the flag."
 http://gazette.com/new-mexico-lobos-kneel-for-anthem/article/1612330 …

[This is all I could find.]

[Mears]

“From this creepy place, Obama (who unlike all other former presidents, stayed in Washington after he left office) is leading the Deep State and secret war against America and President Trump.”

—

He may not be the big moneyman but I guarantee he is the puppet master.

.

[jazusamo]

Thanks for the correction.

[Conservative Gato]

Yup, lots of bad characters behind the scenes.

I’m still in awe of President Trump blowing it all up and getting the American people of all colors, to rally around the national anthem & flag and all it represents.

CGato

[CodeToad]

I could care less. The NFL has shown itself to be anti-American. Screw the Negros, Felons, and Liberals.

[petitfour]

Thanks for following up!

[leapfrog0202]

I think we need to reconceptualize what a win looks like. Is it every NFL player standing with their hand over their heart because they are ordered to? And then we go back to watching them? Nay. We should burn it down to the ground because they have showed us who they are: vipers and anti-Americans.

---

I agree. Why watch them once they’re forced to stand as they should have been all along? We know what they feel now and IMO, there’s no going back. The masks are off.

[leapfrog0202]

Thanks! I found a few articles and one detailed that no AFA players took a knee. Sorry I passed on bad information.

[Salvavida]

I tried writing a war-game to that end (and failed), but that was my first shot at applying war-game design to a social issue. It’s rather difficult when you don’t have troops allocated to you, with specific capabilities.

[aquila48]

I don’t think I can ever go back - even if everybody stands, they’ll be doing it for their wallets not because they respect the country.

I haven’t watched them since Kraperdick’s tantrum and haven’t missed it.

[dhs12345]

Malarkey. Nothing has changed and until the NFL offers an full apology, everything that they say and do is meaningless.

[hal ogen]

I agree. The he** with them until they publicly apologize and stop ALL political BS in the game and in commentary . ..IF then.

[dhs12345]

You know that that will never happen. And if it does, it will be too little too late. Stick a fork in me, I'm done.

Now, if any other sports team and type wants to get into the action speak up now and go ahead and “make my day” — I am referring to baseball, hockey, basketball,... tiddly winks.

[jazusamo]

Yep, I hear you.

[Yaelle]

Wth does locking arms in a chorus line for the national anthem even mean?

[jazusamo]

I hear you, to me it means they don’t give a damn about our flag and country.

[fortheDeclaration]

Every team made it’s statement with the kneeling, it won’t be forgotten.

[leapfrog0202]

It’s the same as kneeling, they’re just not kneeling. They’re “united” against the racist police, the racist white people etc.

[SaveFerris]

[It’s dead to me even if they all stop protesting.

They hate white people and America.]

Right there with ya.

Die, NFL. Die.

[SaveFerris]

Awesome