It has been quite a while now since National Football League (NFL) started to become aware of the issue of player’s safety. It all started with Jovan Belcher, a former Kansas City Chief’s linebacker who shot and killed his girlfriend, then drove to the Chief’s practice facility and shot himself dead. Also, the league has faced a lot of both positive and negative criticism when it comes to how they handle cases of crimes committed by players. Recently, it has come to light that the NFL might have fired a few players for simply taking a knee during the National Anthem. Wow, have things gotten that out of hand?
I remember watching the first time player Colin Kaepernick kneeled during the anthem. He had made the bold and courageous decision to kneel to protest the oppression of black people in the US. Everyone had something to say about the decision – some praised him, while others scorned him. Whatever your opinion about Kaepernick’s decision, it was certainly an act of courage, and one that has had a lasting effect on the NFL.
That being said, the news of the NFL possibly firing players for taking a knee during the Anthem is quite disheartening. It’s no secret that the NFL has always had a privileged stance when it comes to its players’ actions, and for the organization to take such a heavy-handed approach to a peaceful protest is quite alarming. More recently, news of the Detroit Lions’ diverse talent being fired due to taking a knee during the National Anthem has come to light. It’s a shame to see the organization take such drastic measures when other teams have been allowed to take a knee without repercussions.
The NFL has faced much criticism for its handling of disciplinary matters in the past, so taking such a hard stance against its own players is quite uncharacteristic. To have a few players potentially fired because they peacefully protested for something that they believe in is simply outrageous. Sure, the NFL has the right to make its own rules, but the organization should be more understanding of the players’ motives and intentions. Taking a knee is simply a peaceful way to stand up for a cause and show solidarity.
The issue of kneeling during the National Anthem is a complicated one, and this is just a brief overview of the situation. It’s important to consider both sides of the issue when looking at this topic, and to keep in mind that there are multiple perspectives at play here. We should all work together to come to an understanding on this matter, and do our best to ensure the safety and well-being of all NFL players.
Moreover, The NFL needs to understand that its players are more than just robots out on the field. They are people with their own thoughts and feelings, and should be able to peacefully protest for whatever they deem important without fear of retribution. And all the players should be aware that the most appropriate and effective way to protest is always out of respect for the world around us, and that includes respecting the community, the anthem, the flag, our country, and the military.
Furthermore, when someone takes a knee, they often do so in a respectful, non-disruptive manner, and it’s important for people to recognize the difference between free expression and disrespect. Being asked to stand during the National Anthem is a sign of respect for the country, its values, its flag, and its people, and hearing people take a knee during these moments should not be taken as a lack of respect for them.
It’s clear that the NFL’s decision to take such a hard stance on this issue is troubling, and it is likely to have a lasting negative effect on the league’s reputation. Even if every team stands during the anthem, the players’ rights must be upheld, and we must ensure that actions taken out of passion and respect are never again seen as a sign of disrespect. We must all do our part to help make sure that taking a stand never has to come with harsh consequences. That being said, I believe that the NFL should reconsider its stance on taking a knee, for no one should be fired for peacefully protesting.