Sean Dyer, Miami Herald Beat Writer – Oct. 17, 2016
If you have been watching NFL games this season, you likely have noticed that the hot topic during pregame is the fact that San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has started a movement.
During the NFL preseason, Kaepernick remained seated during the playing of the National Anthem. Once the regular season started, Kaepernick’s protest evolved into him kneeling during the Anthem.1 Kaepernick explained the motivation for his protest, saying, “I am not going to stand to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.”2
There are facts to back up what Kaepernick is saying. Various studies, referred to by President Barack Obama, show that African-Americans are nearly twice as likely to get shot by police than whites and twice as likely to be arrested.3
This injustice in America has caused several NFL players to join Kaepernick in protesting during the Anthem. Players across the NFL have either knelt or raised their fists in the air in protest of the National Anthem this season.4
These protesters have had their share of critics. Many feel these players are disrespecting the flag and those who fought for it. Kaepernick received backlash from law enforcement who were outraged at Kaepernick’s actions.2
Supermodel Kate Upton felt that protesting NFL players were not using the right channels. “Protest all you want and use social media all you want. However, during the nearly two minutes when that song is playing, I believe everyone should put their hands on their heart and be proud of our country for we are all truly blessed.”2
Kaepernick has since gained support from veterans and others around the country. U.S. Army veteran Richard Allen Smith said, “there are veterans who not only agree with Colin Kaepernick’s right to do that, but also agree with the substance of the action, and are willing to stand up and say Black Lives Matter and this is an important issue that we need to address in this country.”5
These players say that they are not trying to disrespect anyone. They are just trying to bring attention to an issue that they feel needs to be addressed. About two-thirds of NFL players are black and as the Kansas City Chiefs said, “It’s our jobs as professional athletes to make a positive impact on our communities and to be proactive when change is needed.”6
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills joined Kaepernick’s protest and spoke out to defend himself and his fellow protesters. Stills said, “In no way was my action intended to be a sign of disrespect to anyone. I love my country. And I have the utmost respect for the servicemen and women who have – for hundreds of years – sacrificed on our behalf. It is because of them that we have the freedom to help give a voice to the voiceless.”7
Kaepernick and the rest of the protesters have created plenty of controversy, but they have started a conversation about the injustice and inequality in the United States. Other players are also getting involved with their local governments to create change in their communities. Many agree with the protesters’ message, but the opinion is split on how they are voicing their message.
The injustice in this country needs to be addressed. Kaepernick will continue his protest until he sees change. “When there’s significant change and I feel like [the American] flag represents what it’s supposed to represent, [and that] this country is representing people the way that it’s supposed to, I’ll stand.”1
Only time will tell if this protest leads to significant societal change.
Notes:
- Morrison, A. (2016, September 16). Why are athletes kneeling during the national anthem? Here’s what you need to know. Retrieved from https://mic.com/articles/154349/why-are-athletes-kneeling-during-the-national-anthem-here-s-what-you-need-to-know#.SB9haILBo
- McCartney, C. (2016, September 9). Updated: Kate Upton Disapproves of Athletes Kneeling During the National Anthem. Retrieved October 17, 2016, from http://www.papermag.com/athletes-kneel-during-the-national-anthem-in-solidarity-with-colin-kae-2001510862.html
- Statement by the President. (2016, July 07). Retrieved October 17, 2016, from https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/07/07/statement-president
- NFL players who protested during the national anthem in Week 6. (2016, October 17). Retrieved October 17, 2016, from http://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/217920/nfl-players-who-protested-during-the-national-anthem-in-week-6
- Walker, R. (2016, September 02). An open letter from American military veterans in support of Colin Kaepernick. Retrieved October 17, 2016, from http://theundefeated.com/features/an-open-letter-from-american-military-veterans-in-support-of-colin-kaepernick/
- Skinner, C. (2016, September 11). A raised fist, more kneeling players as NFL anthem protest spreads. Retrieved October 17, 2016, from http://www.reuters.com/article/us-nfl-anthem-idUSKCN11H0LA
- Coppinger, M. (2016, September 13). Dolphins’ Kenny Stills explains kneeling for national anthem. Retrieved October 17, 2016, from http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/dolphins/2016/09/13/kenny-stills-miami-dolphins-wr-national-anthem-kneel/90325222/
