NFL Protests Receive Unfair Criticism
Thanks to Colin Kaepernick and other protestors, the national conversation about police brutality continues.
UPDATE 9/24/17: Recent events demand another look at this issue. A follow-up story in NEWS can be found here.
“It is not against the law to kneel before the flag. Kneeling before the flag is considered symbolic speech, and symbolic speech is a First Amendment right. However, the discourse surrounding those who have kneeled before the flag has been about a lack of respect for country, not being grateful for what one has, not respecting the military, and the like. The flag represents the Constitution of the United States to many people, not the government itself. There is a key distinction here. As a result, people have been having discussions about kneeling before the flag, but I do not see significant, if any, talk regarding the reason for the protest to begin with- police brutality against persons of color. In a practical sense, then, it is not clear that the protest is successful. It has alienated groups that would likely have joined the cause against possible instances of police brutality.”
-Statement from Miss Jodi Consoli, AP Gov Teacher
It seems that no matter how black people speak up for their rights, they face criticism. Given their platform, Colin Kaepernick and his fellow protestors have staged the most effective demonstration that they can.
Participants in Black Lives Matter marches, even when nonviolent, are labeled as rioting thugs. Contributions of service and cash don’t draw enough attention to a cause; Kaepernick has donated $900,000 of his $1 million goal without any media fanfare. Detractors expecting MLK-style protests fail to account for context. King was a preacher and Kaepernick is a quarterback. He isn’t qualified, and shouldn’t be expected, to lead marches on Washington. But he has used his influence to the fullest extent when all eyes are on him.
Kaepernick’s dedication to the protest has successfully raised awareness about the gravity of his cause. He and other players have put their jobs and reputations on the line to kneel during the Anthem. “I am not looking for approval,” he said in 2016. “If they take football away from me, my endorsements from me, I know I stood up for what is right.”
A year later, Kaepernick is drifting in free agency, iced out of the league. He’s told reporters that he’s ready to be back on the field at any time. On Monday, Tom Brady expressed his hope that his fellow QB would be able to play again. “He’s certainly qualified,” said Brady in an interview. Front office execs have not been so charitable, anonymously labeling him a “traitor,” among other less flattering terms. Multiple teams searching for a competent starter have ignored him. Yet Kaepernick has been unflinching in his continued support for the Black Lives Matter cause, even at the price of his job. NFL fans are bound to recognize that if someone is willing to give up football, he must have a compelling cause.
Two weeks into the NFL season, defensive end Michael Bennett is fighting through a smear campaign by the LAPD after he shared footage of a disturbing encounter with their officers. When he sat for the national anthem this Sunday, two of his teammates placed their hands on his shoulders in solidarity. Six other players across five other teams have demonstrated during the Anthem this season. More than a year after 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick first took a knee, police brutality remains an issue. If it weren’t for a few brave players, perhaps we wouldn’t still be hearing about it.
