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ESPN will not play National Anthem on Monday Night football

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It's a way to try and avoid controversy from both sides of the political spectrum. If you don't show ppl kneeling, they have to resort to another form of media outlet twitter, instagram, facebook, to see it happen. Takes the heat off espn ------- to a certain extent.
 
Because of controversy ESPN has decided not to play Anthem,whats next,should we start taking down the American Flag.

You should start understanding that the American flag represents people having the right to have differing opinions than you.

Not saying what is going on is correct or incorrect but saying that the American flag represents people having personal rights to voice their opinion without people forcing them to be silent.
 
well,that is your opinion.I feel the red,white and blue of the American flag represents the United States military who regardless of color have died and defended this country and should have a moment of respect .If not why are their coffins draped with an American Flag.You can have a difference of opinion but not on their time.Would you do the same?Your freedom was earned and what would you like to say to the men who .paid the price.
 
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ESPN pays about a gazillion dollars to show NFL games. They were damn fools for even covering the controversy. They are bleeding money. This is the smartest move they have made in several years. If I ran ESPN I would fire the next talking head that mentioned this issue, pro or con. A business should never put their politics over their money. Maybe this is a sign ESPN is tired of being a shithole.
 
well,that is your opinion.I feel the red,white and blue of the American flag represents the United States military who regardless of color have died and defended this country and should have a moment of respect .If not why are their coffins draped with an American Flag.You can a difference of opinion but not on their time.Would you do the same?Your freedom was earned and what would you like to say to the men who .paid the price.


I really hate having discussions about issues like this online.

I will say this.
That the US Military protects the right for people to be able to protest anything in this country.
Including the right to disrespect the flag. If you feel like people are disrespecting the flag you have to understand that is their right as an American.

It is a very complicated issue. This is the decision I have come to. I may not agree with what the people are doing but that does not mean that I have the right to stop them.


Like what you said the people in the armed forces defend this country not so people are forced to stand for the National Anthem but so they have the right to do whatever they want during the National Anthem
 
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1. I don't even watch ESPN for NFL games.
2. The only time I've seen the National Anthem played on TV is during the Superbowl.
3. I will still watch NFL ball either way.
 
Yes, they do have the constitutional right to peacefully protest anything BUT they are not protected from being protested against.
The vast majority of americans do not like how & when they have chosen to do it so just as it is their right to protest, it is equally my right to counter protest and voice my disapproval.
NFL, and every other televised sport, has been an escape from the realities of everyday life. This crap pulled our mini-vacations right into the mix of politics. So much for a short getaway. ESPN has gone the same route with their programming progressivly covering personal politics over the content that viewers tune in for.....sports.
Bottom line, they have the right to freely protest anything their heart desires on their own time but they aren't protected at work, none of us are. When they don that jersey or are involved in an interview while representing their organization, they are paid employees and not on their own unpaid time. They are bound to the company rules contractually and susceptible to admonishment and even being fired.

If these bozos would realize that kneeling during the anthem for whatever reason has accomplished absolutely nothing positive for anyone maybe they'd do it differently and actually help their cause instead of causing more division.
 
Yes, they do have the constitutional right to peacefully protest anything BUT they are not protected from being protested against.
The vast majority of americans do not like how & when they have chosen to do it so just as it is their right to protest, it is equally my right to counter protest and voice my disapproval.
NFL, and every other televised sport, has been an escape from the realities of everyday life. This crap pulled our mini-vacations right into the mix of politics. So much for a short getaway. ESPN has gone the same route with their programming progressivly covering personal politics over the content that viewers tune in for.....sports.
Bottom line, they have the right to freely protest anything their heart desires on their own time but they aren't protected at work, none of us are. When they don that jersey or are involved in an interview while representing their organization, they are paid employees and not on their own unpaid time. They are bound to the company rules contractually and susceptible to admonishment and even being fired.

If these bozos would realize that kneeling during the anthem for whatever reason has accomplished absolutely nothing positive for anyone maybe they'd do it differently and actually help their cause instead of causing more division.

Protests are supposed to attract attention and make you feel uncomfortable. You asking people to protest out to the side where you can ignore it isn't helping anyone except yourself.

The company rules are different than the rules that Fox News and Trump try to impose on private enterprises by riling up division. Maybe take a step back and ask yourself WHY they are protesting and how to stop that rather than asking them to stop the protests itself.
 
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Protests are supposed to attract attention and make you feel uncomfortable. You asking people to protest out to the side where you can ignore it isn't helping anyone except yourself.

The company rules are different than the rules that Fox News and Trump try to impose on private enterprises by riling up division. Maybe take a step back and ask yourself WHY they are protesting and how to stop that rather than asking them to stop the protests itself.

Protest all you want. Just not on company time. Just like where you work--
 
Actually you can do pretty much whatever you want short of murder which Aaron Hernandez and Ray Carruth tested. It just depends on the level of player you are. You can beat your wife NYG kicker and former DE for the Panthers. Cheat on the field Tom Brady.Drugs and prostitutes Michael Irvin. Greg Williams bounty gate. Kill someone while driving drunk. Deuce McAllister. All of whom played after their infractions.
But a dude who's never been I'm trouble kneels in protest and the sky is falling. Makes sense.
 
Protest all you want. Just not on company time. Just like where you work--

That is what I'm saying. This is not a new phenomenon...athletes have been protesting for a long, LONG time. The issue is the relaying of their message. It is lost in translation and people are debating an issue that has nothing to do with the original message. Bad choice by the protesters.
 
Actually you can do pretty much whatever you want short of murder which Aaron Hernandez and Ray Carruth tested. It just depends on the level of player you are. You can beat your wife NYG kicker and former DE for the Panthers. Cheat on the field Tom Brady.Drugs and prostitutes Michael Irvin. Greg Williams bounty gate. Kill someone while driving drunk. Deuce McAllister. All of whom played after their infractions.
But a dude who's never been I'm trouble kneels in protest and the sky is falling. Makes sense.

Pretty much.
 
Protest all you want. Just not on company time. Just like where you work--

1. it ain't your company
2. my company doesn't make me say the pledge of allegiance each morning

if the NFL decides that they'd suffer more allowing it vs disallowing it vs ignoring it, that's a financial decision by them. there's no legality to it and it's definitely not up to some dotard on twitter.
 
At the 1968 Olympics in Mexico three American athletes made a silent protest during the medal ceremony.

These men for the longest time were considered to be heroes.

Now because of division and Russian trolls men who protest are ostracized.

Think about it. Why would Russian trolls be forcing people through social media and other forums to hate these men or support them.

It has nothing to do with patriotism.
It has everything to do with creating division and making people who are using their rights as an American to be considered UnAmerican
More importantly it fuels hatred in the Black communities
 
At the 1968 Olympics in Mexico three American athletes made a silent protest during the medal ceremony.

These men for the longest time were considered to be heroes.

Now because of division and Russian trolls men who protest are ostracized.

Think about it. Why would Russian trolls be forcing people through social media and other forums to hate these men or support them.

It has nothing to do with patriotism.
It has everything to do with creating division and making people who are using their rights as an American to be considered UnAmerican
More importantly it fuels hatred in the Black communities

Ali was not looked upon favorably when he refused to go to Vietnam. Now he's revered for being a strong opposing voice due to his moral standing. History will look favorably upon these men. It will look unkindly (or ignore completely) those who cry that their football game is making them feel uncomfortable.
 
Ali was not looked upon favorably when he refused to go to Vietnam. Now he's revered for being a strong opposing voice due to his moral standing. History will look favorably upon these men. It will look unkindly (or ignore completely) those who cry that their football game is making them feel uncomfortable.
We're not disputing their right or ability to protest. You're missing the point.
If I want to watch political crap there's tons of channels and programs to do so. Professional sports was the last thing where we could all come together for a couple hours regardless of beliefs. Now that little bit of cease fire time has been taken away too. Remember not too long ago all the music/tv award shows were entertaining and watched by most........not anymore. Gee, could it be because it became less entertaining and all political??..

Anyways, nothing you can say will ever change my opinion of people who choose to disrespect our flag or anthem for ANY reason. Everything that flag stands for is what afforded these idiots the oportunity to be idiots.
Yes, I do have skin in this game. It's a small heart shaped medal in a shadow box right next to a properly displayed folded American flag.
Yeah kneeling has a meaning, but so does that flag and anthem.
 
We're not disputing their right or ability to protest. You're missing the point.
If I want to watch political crap there's tons of channels and programs to do so. Professional sports was the last thing where we could all come together for a couple hours regardless of beliefs. Now that little bit of cease fire time has been taken away too. Remember not too long ago all the music/tv award shows were entertaining and watched by most........not anymore. Gee, could it be because it became less entertaining and all political??..

Anyways, nothing you can say will ever change my opinion of people who choose to disrespect our flag or anthem for ANY reason. Everything that flag stands for is what afforded these idiots the oportunity to be idiots.
Yes, I do have skin in this game. It's a small heart shaped medal in a shadow box right next to a properly displayed folded American flag.
Yeah kneeling has a meaning, but so does that flag and anthem.

You said the flag gives these players the chance to act like idiots.
Therefore people who want to ostracize players from the NFL are truly the ones who are disrespecting the flag by telling people to shut up and play football.

You don't have to agree with someone making a political speech or someone protesting but you must understand that they should be able to do so at any time they want.
 
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BINGO! My point exactly.
Take a knee in the middle of a meeting and see how well that goes over.

1. If the company doesn't care, why should you?
2. You can boycott my company's products if it upsets you
3. Mandatory nationalism is unamerican
4. Public leaders of office should not be leading divisive and derisive conversations about private citizens
5. You don't have to agree with me in order to prove that freedom of speech is more important than falling in line. In fact, just by arguing that you will never support "idiots" who use their free speech you are exercising free speech.
 
It's not my company. But I own my own compay with 42 employees. I could give two sh!ts about their race, sexuality or political beliefs. All I care about is results.

But if you think you can get away with protesting anything shy of the public beheading of orphan puppies in town square while you're on the clock for me, you're sorely mistaken. I will fire your a$$. You get paid, by MY company, to work. While you're on my time, you do MY bidding. When you're not on my time, I don't give two sh!ts what you do..... so long as it's not illegal.

Nfl players should be treated the same.

1. it ain't your company
2. my company doesn't make me say the pledge of allegiance each morning

if the NFL decides that they'd suffer more allowing it vs disallowing it vs ignoring it, that's a financial decision by them. there's no legality to it and it's definitely not up to some dotard on twitter.
 
I think people get the Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Speech with no consequences confused all of the time.

Yes, as Clob and others have pointed out, it is absolutely your right to protest whatever/whenever you see fit, but that doesn't mean your freedom of speech doesn't have consequences.
 
You said the flag gives these players the chance to act like idiots.
Therefore people who want to ostracize players from the NFL are truly the ones who are disrespecting the flag by telling people to shut up and play football.

Ummmm, no. That statement contradicts the exact reason you are defending their taking a knee during the anthem.
So are you only for defending someone's right to protest police officer's actions but not someone protesting football players actions? What's good for the goose is good for the gander. We are all have the same rights.
 
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1. If the company doesn't care, why should you?
2. You can boycott my company's products if it upsets you
3. Mandatory nationalism is unamerican
4. Public leaders of office should not be leading divisive and derisive conversations about private citizens
5. You don't have to agree with me in order to prove that freedom of speech is more important than falling in line. In fact, just by arguing that you will never support "idiots" who use their free speech you are exercising free speech.
1) Because the company does not control how I think or feel nor do I the company. They can do whatever they want but that does not mean they are free from consequence. Lower attendance, less viewers, merchandise sales drop. Everything is about the almighty $1.
2)Obviously. I've watched a grand total of 3 nfl games since in the last....4 maybe 5 yrs. I'm a CFB guy.
3) nothing mandatory about it nor did I imply it should be. I said they are idiots. My opinion
4) I agree 100%. Doesn't change my agreement here but they are not protected as private citizens while on broadcast television.....just sayin
5)I agree with you again. (Although I didn't have to. Thanks! ;))

Brother, I'm not trying to downplay their right to do what they are doing. I just have a strong opinion that it isn't the right time, place, or how it's being done. If they organized a rally or protest on their own personal time I bet a whole lot of people that are opposed to them now would have joined their efforts and potentially helped further their cause.
 
1) Because the company does not control how I think or feel nor do I the company. They can do whatever they want but that does not mean they are free from consequence. Lower attendance, less viewers, merchandise sales drop. Everything is about the almighty $1.
2)Obviously. I've watched a grand total of 3 nfl games since in the last....4 maybe 5 yrs. I'm a CFB guy.
3) nothing mandatory about it nor did I imply it should be. I said they are idiots. My opinion
4) I agree 100%. Doesn't change my agreement here but they are not protected as private citizens while on broadcast television.....just sayin
5)I agree with you again. (Although I didn't have to. Thanks! ;))

Brother, I'm not trying to downplay their right to do what they are doing. I just have a strong opinion that it isn't the right time, place, or how it's being done. If they organized a rally or protest on their own personal time I bet a whole lot of people that are opposed to them now would have joined their efforts and potentially helped further their cause.


I hear you but they have done community outreach for these issues and it has not garnered any attention. There's a reason we are discussing it now.

Personally, the only thing that interests me about the NFL is fantasy football. The game is slow and long and has staled.
 
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You said the flag gives these players the chance to act like idiots.
Therefore people who want to ostracize players from the NFL are truly the ones who are disrespecting the flag by telling people to shut up and play football.

You don't have to agree with someone making a political speech or someone protesting but you must understand that they should be able to do so at any time they want.
Sorry about double replying but I have to ask you to do something.

Use your reasoning and apply the exact scenario to the KKK rallies and tell me that it doesn't alter your opinion of my feelings on this subject in the slightest.

If not, then would that make you truly the racist one? No, of course not. You would be voicing your disapproval as well, or at least I hope you would.
 
I'm sure many of the kneelers have no idea what they're protesting anyway. The kneeling has done nothing to improve what some say is injustice to blacks from police officers. "Protesting" by taking a knee while on company time, then standing up and playing in the game, then going home and doing the same thing the next game and the next game does absolutely nothing to change things. There are better way to try to bring attention to perceived social injustice if it is truly that important to them. Taking a knee is ineffective, lazy and lame.

You think a police officer who is dealing with a black guy breaking the law and is forced to potentially make a split second decision of whether to use deadly force or not, stops and thinks, "hey I saw those guys kneeling at the football game the other day. Hell, let me put my gun back in the holster. That would be unfair to them if I used deadly force against them if necessary". Sure he will. :rolleyes:
 
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It's not my company. But I own my own compay with 42 employees. I could give two sh!ts about their race, sexuality or political beliefs. All I care about is results.

But if you think you can get away with protesting anything shy of the public beheading of orphan puppies in town square while you're on the clock for me, you're sorely mistaken. I will fire your a$$. You get paid, by MY company, to work. While you're on my time, you do MY bidding. When you're not on my time, I don't give two sh!ts what you do..... so long as it's not illegal.

Nfl players should be treated the same.

that was a lot of fluff to say "if i owned an NFL team, I'd make them do whatever I want"
 
I hear you but they have done community outreach for these issues.

Can you please name all of the players who have done something well thought out, started a cause for, donated money to, donated their time away from the field to, etc. in the name of social injustice? I'm not aware of any.
 
I hear you but they have done community outreach for these issues and it has not garnered any attention. There's a reason we are discussing it now.

Personally, the only thing that interests me about the NFL is fantasy football. The game is slow and long and has staled.
Oh yeah, I am well aware they do a whole lot more for communities than I ever could. I just think this form of protest they are doing is waaaaaaay more counter productive than anything. Honestly, It's become more of a way for them to say f-Trump for his statements than to bring awareness to police brutality on minority groups.

In the end, I respect your view but see it from a different angle. And I'm ok with that.
 
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Hook'em
 
Can you please name all of the players who have done something well thought out, started a cause for, donated money to, donated their time away from the field to, etc. in the name of social injustice? I'm not aware of any.
Most all of them do it to an extent. As much as I can't stand Colon K, I remember reading somewhere about him doing a camp of sorts with some inner city kids.
 
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