Analysis Of The NFL Protest

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NFL Player Protest The NFL protests have been going on for just over a year. Colin Kaepernick’s action to kneel during the national anthem sparked conflict throughout the nation and we feel it has continuous effects to this day. An article written by Caroline Kenny titled Trump Responds to NFL Protests: ‘Standing with locked arms is good, kneeling is not acceptable’, has helped shed some light on the issue. On Sunday, Trump had stated his opinions over the well known social media app, Twitter, saying, “Great solidarity for our National Anthem and for our country. Standing with locked arms is good, kneeling is not acceptable. Bad ratings!” (1). NFL players have gradually been taking a stand to follow in his footsteps and kneel as well. Currently, …show more content…

More than 100 of NFL players had joined in and followed after Kaepernick or locked arms. During the Ravens vs. Jaguars game, players knelt then stood back up when “God Save the Queen” played. Both Mike Tomlin and Steve Bisciotti support their views with strong, motivating opinions. Tomlin commented that, “We’re not going to let divisive times or divisive individuals affect our agenda. Not to be disrespectful to the anthem but to remove ourselves from this circumstance. People shouldn't have to choose” (6). Being such a powerful individual, he stated that they have no intention of being disrespectful to the anthem, but to respect the people who have been mistreated in our own country. Bisciotti then Tweeted out, “We recognize our players’ influence. We respect their demonstration and support them 100 percent. All voices need to be heard. That’s democracy in its highest form” (7). He has made the public aware that they know they have influence but they have their rights to freedom of speech. Nobody can take that decision of kneeling away from them. Why people kneel is still being debated. Whether it’s disrespectful or courageous, is it considered part of their rights? If yes, could anyone take that away from

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