That offends me to no end! Finally, somebody on the field having the guts to stand up and say something.......Good for you Jeremy!
When I was in high school, I was selected to attend Boys’ State, which was put on by the American Legion. They taught us that for the Pledge of Allegiance, putting the hand over the heart was customary, but for the national anthem, standing at rapt attention was perfectly acceptable. There are others out there on the Internet who say similar things. It would appear that this is something that has changed over time and is a source of confusion. I think much worse of someone not standing or not taking off his hat than I do about someone not holding their hand over their heart.
Shockey is one crazy mof*, but he’s got this one right. Kinda surprised actually, pleasantly.
What a non-story. It’s not like they were horsing around. They probably used Obama as their pledge role model.
I hope everyone who comments here takes the time to view the video. Note the Carolina bench.
I teach in a school district that is 80% minority. Almost everyone of them gets a free breakfast and lunch. Yet, each morning when we say the “Pledge of Allegiance” they NEVER put their hand over their heart and NEVER say the pledges to the U.S. and Texas Flags; the two government entities that just fed their lazy a**. I’ve raised hell about it to no avail.
What gets my goat with the Anthem as it's rendered at sporting events nowadays is the singing of it either as a pop-rock piece, or a funeral dirge, with the athletes bowing their heads as if in prayer. None of those things, to my mind, are in keeping with the spirit of the Anthem.
Kudos to Mr. Shockey!
‘Jeremy Shockey accuses Texans of disrespecting America during National Anthem, proves he’s still an idiot’
(excerpt)
‘Shockey’s charge came so far out of left field that it could barely fit into Reliant, even on a day when the roof was closed. Reporters aren’t typically watching players during the National Anthem so it’s hard to say that he is completely wrong. But players in many pro sports are often swaying on their feet in place during the National Anthem, anticipating the game.
Many other players just stand there silently, what they probably think is respectfully, with their hands at their sides or clasped behind their back.
As long as everyone is standing for the song, no one keeps score of who is holding their arm across their chest.
Except apparently Jeremy Shockey. Forget being a tight end who has often failed to live up to the potential that made him the 14th overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft. Shockey is the head of the American Patriot Police. Self anointed.
He obviously wasn’t in Reliant for the Sept. 11 opener when the Texans put on a moving, flag-filled pregame ceremony that involved several players. DeMeco Ryans lead the Texans out onto the field, waving a gigantic American flag that day.
It’s absurd to call Houston’s NFL franchise unpatriotic. On the very day that Shockey made his charges, the Texans surprised the widow of a Marine with a halftime presentation that let her know she’d be receiving a new mortgage-free, custom-built home through Operation FINALLY HOME. Sara Wood and her 5-year-old son Landon will be moving into the new house.
Wood’s husband, Marine staff sergeant Scott Wood, was killed in the line of duty.
Shockey wasn’t interested in that though. Instead, he says he saw disrespect from the Texans toward the country that he loves.
Whether Shockey was really mad about the National Anthem or the crushing hit Ryans delivered to him, separating him from the football on one memorable play, is a matter for debate. For Shockey made sure to point out that he also beat Ryans on a touchdown catch, while pretending not to know the linebacker’s name.
“It was simple play,” Shockey said of the touchdown, “And I guess, what his name — Ryans, DeMarco Ryans, what’s his name? — DeMeco Ryans couldn’t make a play and it was an easy touchdown.”
Hey, no one’s ever employed Jeremy Shockey for his brain.’
