How do you feel about NFL teams staying in the locker room during the National Anthem?

SSgt Christopher Brose — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 16:07:49 -0400

Response by SSgt Christopher Brose made Sep 24 at 2017 4:10 PM

SSgt Christopher Brose — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 16:10:39 -0400

Personally, I'm good with it. If players and/or coaches don't feel that they can respect the anthem and flag by standing for it, I view it as a sign of respect for those who DO want to stand for the anthem to choose to remain inside rather than be outside and show disrespect.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Sep 24 at 2017 4:15 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 16:15:12 -0400

Sounds OK to me. They can tell the NFL that they'll come out when the league stops selling beer until the anthem is over

Response by MSG Reid Zohfeld made Sep 24 at 2017 4:17 PM

MSG Reid Zohfeld — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 16:17:41 -0400

I am so pissed off that I had to turn off Football These spoiled Millionaire who wine like babies and do not understand what it has taken to be free And to protest in London the founder of Slavery is disgusting and it shows they no not what they are protesting.
And yes every American has a right to protest but try at your civilian job and see how fast you get the boot these idiots are not role models they are cry babies and I for one is tired of it.
Usually buy NFL Products but I can no longer support these ungrateful idiots
I am can not expressed how pissed off I am

Response by SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint made Sep 24 at 2017 4:18 PM

SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 16:18:06 -0400

As long as they go serve their country, but a bunch o f millionaires playing a kids game is something that I do not watch or contribute my hard earned money. They have the right to make their opionion noticed, but we also have the right to not pay for their commercial services...like tickets, shirts and TV watching.
Remember, we all thought Wrestling was real 40-50 years ago. I wonder how many people think Football is real? It is just a show...just like any other TV show, or movie. Sports are still on entertainment channels

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Sep 24 at 2017 4:29 PM

SP5 Peter Keane — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 16:29:09 -0400

Hell, they can stay in the locker room until the final bell or shot or whatever they do to end the game.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Sep 24 at 2017 4:33 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 16:33:57 -0400

Don't really care. I don't allow any entertainer to dictate how I vote or feel about my nation.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2017 4:43 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 16:43:14 -0400

I’m ok with with it. How many people serve in the military? Less than one percent. How many people follow football (handball)? Easily more than one percent. Those in the military have sworn to defend the constitution, freedom of speech is part of the constitution and that is what these people are exercising by taking a knee. So many have given their lives defending this great nation, but that is a choice that we all take. It is an all volunteer Military, we have all made our decisions. Whether is desrespecting or not, it’s a matter of opinion, nothing else. Why do we have to exaggerate everything? It’s ok to be different, to think different. The problem with society is that we are too worried about others when in fact, we should probably be worried about ourselves. Don’t be so sensitive people, don’t fall on this trap! We have better things to worry about as a nation.

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Sep 24 at 2017 5:21 PM

Cpl Mark A. Morris — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 17:21:41 -0400

I turned my back on football today.
There are issues I have with the US government. But, I still respect the Flag that a lot of hard chargers died and were wonded for. Physically and mentally.

Response by SFC Dave Beran made Sep 24 at 2017 5:39 PM

SFC Dave Beran — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 17:39:22 -0400

It is time to start a reverse protest. I do not watch NFL games. I will not purchase products advertising during NFL games. And I will not attend any. Several teams do not allow this. So I will listen when they play. But the NFL is starting to feel the crunch. And it will get worse. IMO the players that took a knee in London should be held up at the airport, while TSA does a thorough inspection of there stuff.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2017 5:51 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 17:51:44 -0400

It's just entertainment. Too many folks get wrapped around the axles worrying about what others think and do.
I don't see how it effects my own patriotism if someone else acts contrary to my opinion

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2017 6:01 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 18:01:11 -0400

Fine with me if the Prima Dona Assholes never run onto a field again!!!

Response by SGT Matthew Sesar made Sep 24 at 2017 6:09 PM

SGT Matthew Sesar — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 18:09:38 -0400

Wish it wasn't in my city.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2017 6:13 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 18:13:45 -0400

My perspective of those kneeling during our National Anthem:

Those in the media (NFL commentators included) tell those of us upset or down right mad that we are misunderstanding the protest. We are told it has nothing to do with patriotism, veterans or the flag. And in their mind that may be so. But to a vast majority of veterans we feel slighted and that they are disrespectful especially to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Yes, WE ARE OFFENDED BY YOUR ACTIONS!

Or do we not have a right to be offended?

That does not make us heartless. It doesn’t mean we don’t understand the grievance of the protest. It doesn’t make us racist. It doesn’t mean we support oppression. But we believe there are other methods or alternatives to voice or show their frustrations and anger.

In today’s America it has become quite apparent you cannot offended people (removal of offensive statues) but in this case it’s okay to offended and hurt a section of Americans, veterans in particular. They have to get their message out at all cost regardless of who is hurt by their actions.
Today was a real show of disrespect by the Pittsburgh Steelers staying in the locker room during the playing of our National Anthem. Of course that is my opinion. Although offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva, a veteran came out to show his respect for his fellow veteran brothers and sisters and America. Thumbs up to him!

America has done things in the past that we are not proud of and we must not repeat those mistakes from our past. But we should and we do learn from history. We must remember we are Americans first and foremost and together we make America great. So just maybe they can take a different approach to their protest. And not step on the strong feelings veterans have for our flag and the National Anthem. And just maybe thank a veteran for the sacrifices they have made so we as Americans can have those rights we all cherish.

"The colors of the pales (the vertical stripes) are those used in the flag of the United States of America; White signifies purity and innocence, Red, hardiness and valor, and Blue, the color of the Chief (the broad band above the stripes) signifies vigilance, perseverance & justice."

Response by Maj John Bell made Sep 24 at 2017 6:17 PM

Maj John Bell — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 18:17:00 -0400

I don't give a damn what their political view is. I pay to be entertained not "politically enlightened." I like it about as much as my mechanic walking over to my table in my favorite burger joint and putting ketchup on my burger and fries.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2017 6:22 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 18:22:00 -0400

I feel it is each person's right to stay in the locker room, or stand in respect, or take a knee. That is what our country is about. FREEDOM. That said I am free to react to those that do not show proper respect as I see fit.

Response by AA Joseph Moody made Sep 24 at 2017 6:24 PM

AA Joseph Moody — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 18:24:00 -0400

I use to collect comics and they have gotten so SJW that this year I took my collection out to the lake to put them to rest. And now football is dead to me as well.
But you know what, I think this is a good thing. For to many years people have been utterly dependant on mass media for their opinions, culture and entertainment. And I would like to think that this is the start of a mass movement away from canned entertainment.

Response by LTC John Griscom made Sep 24 at 2017 6:28 PM

LTC John Griscom — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 18:28:55 -0400

How about fans staying out of the stadium and no media coverage? Total boycott of any team that does this.

Response by MAJ Don Bigger made Sep 24 at 2017 7:09 PM

MAJ Don Bigger — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 19:09:03 -0400

Very entertaining reading the comments of the armchair constitutionalists. They (NFL players) are just exercising their ‘First Amendment’ rights. Of course they are. How could the cretins among us think otherwise?

Once you put on ANY kind of uniform—whether it be a military uniform, sports uniform, shirt and tie, in essence whatever kind of ‘uniform’ that your employer requires—you give up the ‘right’ to do any number of things.

Take a knee on base during the National Anthem while wearing a military uniform. Let me know how far that gets you while you simply exercise your 1A rights.

Go to your office at the bank (as an example) and use any language you want when speaking to the public, your fellow employees, or your boss, and let me know how that goes. “Hey, boss, I was just exercising my 1A rights!” Or “What do you mean I can’t bring my gun to work? The 2A says I can!”

The examples of proscribed ‘rights’ could go on for some time. In fact, some team owners do prohibit team members from kneeling, so clearly it’s not an absolute right, free to be exercised anywhere and anytime.

If you’re in the stands as a fan, have at it. Sit, stand, kneel, stand on your head. No problem. Will it bother me? Yeah. It bothers me when people stand during the National Anthem and laugh and talk. But I get their right to be disrespectful troglodytes.

The players, on the other hand? Not so much. You’re under contract to your employer and in uniform.

This, at heart, is a cheap protest. These players aren’t brave and courageous, they’re lemmings following the ‘protest’ du jour.

Support them if you will, but don’t do it under the false rubric of ‘rights’.

Response by SSgt Christopher Mortell made Sep 24 at 2017 7:55 PM

SSgt Christopher Mortell — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 19:55:45 -0400

I disagree with the kneeling. I find it short-sighted and distasteful. Two reasons:

1. I served Honors at a lot of funerals. The flag does not represent the government or bureaucracy. It represents the people, all of the people. It represents all the we are and that we aspire to be. To disrespect it is to disrespect the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of everyone yearning to breathe free and the sacrifices of those who've given blood, sweat, tears, and lives to make that a reality.
2. Somewhere along the way a very large number of people have mistaken the right to speak freely with freedom from any consequences tied to that speech. The First Amendment ensures you will not, cannot be jailed or fined for your speech by the government or in any other official way. That by no means absolves one from suffering other consequences like anger and derision for saying heinous or hateful things.

It's also pointless. It causes division rather than healing. It's not a solution. It does not bring more awareness to an issue everyone knows about. It seems to be more publicity stunt than a call to action.

Response by SSgt Christopher Mortell made Sep 24 at 2017 8:05 PM

SSgt Christopher Mortell — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 20:05:59 -0400

One more thing...the cause is certainly just if over-stated. That said, police brutality should not exist at all; however, power will always be abused to some degree. That does not excuse it. It simply means that recognize it and continue to bring to justice anyone who abuses power. That said, while it seems frequent this more a function of media attention than reality which unfairly makes it seem a larger problem than it is. That doesn't mean it isn't a problem, one instance is too many, but it is far smaller an issue than the kneeler would have us think.

Response by SSG Michael Eastes made Sep 24 at 2017 8:08 PM

SSG Michael Eastes — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 20:08:52 -0400

Part of the reason that we all wore the uniforms was to keep people's rights sacrosanct. They are free to protest, and I am free to think that their protests are childish and silly.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2017 9:41 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Sep 2017 09:41:52 -0400

I hate the Dallas Cowboys but I am with Jerry Jones on this one. You want to play on my team you will not disrespect our flag or national anthem. These players are a bunch of over paid crybabies. Children across the country are seeing this crap and are thinking its cool to act like these douche bags. There are many ways players can make a difference and address their views. But that would take away from their valuable personal time so they don't bother.

Response by PO1 Don Gulizia made Sep 25 at 2017 9:47 AM

PO1 Don Gulizia — Mon, 25 Sep 2017 09:47:19 -0400

Obviously, it's their right. But, I don't like it at all. However, I'd rather them hide in the locker room than sit or kneel on the side line. They are protesting a myth.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2017 11:27 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Sep 2017 11:27:29 -0400

At the end of the day, like many of you have already conceded, they are exercising their Right of Free Speech. Free Speech in any context is always going to be championed by some, and offensive to others; that's how Free Speech works. The recent white nationalist marches were championed by some, and offensive to others. The only difference in these events between the marches and the kneeling was the method of protest.

As a U.S. Servicemember, I can't kneel for the flag even if I wanted to. However, I understand that I signed a check up to the amount of my life for every American to have freedoms to do such actions that I have mentioned above. While sometimes Free Speech can be troubling to me, at the end of the day I understand that the concept of Free Speech at its core is part of what makes this country great.

People of Color (POC) have protested police brutality and racial profiling within law enforcement and other sections of the justice system for decades. Whether you believe it is a small problem or a big problem, it is still a problem. Just like Servicemember Suicides, one instance, is one too many. In my opinion, for the first time in a long time, this is a protest that is working. Why is it working? Because the American people at large have taken notice. A simple march/rally in Washington or at a local Municipal entity may get a two paragraph mention at the local newspaper, but this protest is hitting tens of millions of Americans in the face, whether they like it or not. It will hopefully force America as a whole to finally admit that race relations are still poor in this country and racial prejudice still exists. It's a conversation that America needs to have, because the world at large still can't believe that after over 150 years since the abolition of slavery the United States of America, by many considered still the worlds only superpower, is still struggling with the color of a person's skin. It's a dark and embarrassing stain on the fabric of this great nation.

Again, I understand the method may be distasteful to some or many, but at the end of the day, we signed up to defend the right of these said Americans to have Free Speech, whether we like what they're saying and how they're saying it or not.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Sep 25 at 2017 5:11 PM

PO3 Steven Sherrill — Mon, 25 Sep 2017 17:11:19 -0400

SSgt Christopher Brose Since a picture is worth a thousand words.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2018 3:37 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 15:37:03 -0500

I think they should go back to doing that, like they did prior to the 2009 season when DoD started paying the NFL to have the players on the field.