What are your thoughts on the NFL decision to NOT play the National Anthem this season?

CMSgt James Nolan — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 11:07:29 -0400

The NFL says it is the Corona Virus (cough cough trying not to laugh), and NOT political move.
For me, I am done with it.
If players want to show their support to a cause (any) do it, off the field.
I watched football for entertainment. Don’t give a crud what a wide receiver thinks about politics (just as they likely don’t give a crud about about what a serviceman thinks about politics).

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2020 11:12 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 11:12:02 -0400

The NFL and all sports leagues are leaving the entertainment business and going into the political business. That decision will lose them a lot of money. They will regret it, without question.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Aug 11 at 2020 11:18 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 11:18:05 -0400

I have decided not to watch any of the games, and not buy any of their merchandise.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2020 11:19 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 11:19:52 -0400

I did also just read that the National Anthem is still being played, they are just simply not doing the huge shows with hundreds of people. More than likely a pre recording which will be played before the start of the game.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Aug 11 at 2020 11:27 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 11:27:22 -0400

I think it's more odd that they ever played it to begin with. The NFL, NHL, MLB, etc... are entertainment. People playing sports for the amusement of others. Let's leave nationalism and pet causes out of it, and let's get back to adults injuring themselves for our amusement.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2020 11:39 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 11:39:17 -0400

I hope it negatively impacts their bottom line in a very significant way.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2020 11:46 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 11:46:04 -0400

I went to 7-level school at Lackland AFB right after September 11, 2001. I mean right after. My report date was September 18th. One day after class, some other TDY airmen and I were watching TV in my room at the Gateway Inn when the TV started playing the National Anthem ahead of a sporting event. There were six people in the room. To the last, every one of us rose and stood at attention in front of the TV. Because of the current events at the time and because of who we were, we needed to do that.

I have been out since 2002. I lost friends under that banner. I have risen every time someone plays the National Anthem. I have stopped the car and rendered all of the appropriate customs and courtesies when I catch the local fire department raising or lowering the colors, and have done the same on base during reveille and retreat. To my very last breath, I will continue to do that.

Colin and his cohorts can choose to sit or kneel during the National Anthem, and the NFL can chose not to play it, because we live in a constitutionally protected republic that allows them to do so. I don’t agree with it, but I completely support their right to do it. If I didn’t, everything we ever did and everything we ever said while in our country’s service was bullshit and counted for nothing.

But be advised, Colin. If I catch any of you at the table in Valhalla, I will dine on your hearts.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2020 11:50 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 11:50:01 -0400

I can see why they are doing this. When you don't play the National Anthem the players can't take a knee. They are taking the platform away from the players. I will still watch some games. I didn't watch them play the National Anthem most of the time anyway. I just want to see a game.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2020 11:53 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 11:53:29 -0400

CMSgt James Nolan I agree with you. I am also finished with the NFL.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Aug 11 at 2020 12:02 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 12:02:02 -0400

I stopped watching when the weird kid started taking a knee- if they are so concerned, pump $ out of their banks into program to keep blacks from murdering so many other blacks!

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Aug 11 at 2020 12:30 PM

LTC Kevin B. — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 12:30:21 -0400

In my opinion, this is a passive way to sidestep the whole discussion. Rather than siding with the BLM movement (and allowing the kneeling protests to occur) or siding against the BLM movement (by forbidding or trying to suppress the protests), the NFL just eliminated the opportunity for a protest to occur. Therefore, they are neither for or against the BLM movement.

Response by LCDR Joseph Richter made Aug 11 at 2020 1:45 PM

LCDR Joseph Richter — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 13:45:10 -0400

It shows me that a large organization like the NFL can be swayed by a minority group to abort their rules and customs. I've had it with this type of thought and actions and have walked away from professional sports. They forget that we are the customers, and the more they push us away, the worse it will be. It would be fitting for the NFL to fall to bankruptcy without the patronage it takes to bring in the money that they pay these athletes. Then the real poetic justice, when they can't run the ball for a million dollars, what will they fall back on the put food on the table with their under water basket weaving degrees and poor attitudes. I am not saying boycott professional sports, that is an individuals decision to make, I have made mine. I may have been retired for over 20 years now but my love of America runs deep and I still tear up at the sound of the National Anthem. All the distractions I put to the wayside while I have that moment with my country and the memories of my fellow patriots living and expired. For a handful of assholes to take that moment away from me at a sporting event really upsets me. Rather than hate, I will forget, forget they exist and not contribute any of my money you their disgusting ways. Thanks for the moment, I feel better now. God Bless the USA!

Response by MSgt Michael Bischoff made Aug 11 at 2020 2:31 PM

MSgt Michael Bischoff — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 14:31:33 -0400

Why is it played anyway? Since when is a game of chance a patriotic event.

Response by CW4 Guy Butler made Aug 11 at 2020 5:24 PM

CW4 Guy Butler — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 17:24:32 -0400

Oh dear God...

The NFL will STILL play the National Anthem. They will not be doing it with a live performance.

I am good with this. I am MORE than happy to avoid another Roseanne Barr performance EVER.

https://youtu.be/hMzIk2pUuNU

Or any of the others...

http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1889754_1889752_2046728,00.html

Roseanne Barr Sings National Anthem at Padres Game (1990) | NBC 7 San Diego

It’s been 25 years since outspoken comedienne Roseanne Barr stepped up to the microphone at a San Diego Padres game and attempted to sing "The Star Spangled ...