The Philadelphia Eagles aren’t shedding tears over Trump’s decision.
The NFL announced recently that it would fine teams if players kneel during the playing of the National Anthem.
I’ve long argued that players have a constitutional right to free speech. Private companies also have the right to make decisions that are best for their bottom line.
But in enacting this new rule, the NFL put a foot in its mouth by adding more flame to the fire.
But something is true, for sure: the NFL caved to the Dictator-in-Chief. OMG!
Let’s keep it real. The NFL is scared of displeasing its white fanbase, even though the NFL fanbase isn’t exclusively white and NFL players are 70% black. Like the long dark history of America, the NFL hasn’t reckoned with separating from appeasing white supremacy. This is among a litany of reasons why the NFL has struggled in the TV ratings.
Courtesy: Washington Press
The media may have you thinking that the #BoycottNFL was spearheaded by white anger targeted at black players who chose not to stand during the Anthem. But the truth is that black activists and fans against censorship began this movement because the NFL sought to silence black players for speaking out against police brutality.
Players understand the violation of being falsely accused of a crime or being assault just because their skin is dark. Michael Bennett (Philadelphia Eagles), for example, had a gun pulled on him in Vegas by a police officer. Bennet hadn’t committed a crime; in fact, he was running to safety after thinking he had heard a gunshot.
There there’s the former football player, Desmond Marrow, who was choked by the police for existing while black.
Trump’s sudden decision to disinvite the Eagles team wasn’t about the Anthem, despite protestations otherwise: “The Philadelphia Eagles Football Team was invited to the White House. Unfortunately, only a small number of players decided to come, and we canceled the event. Staying in the Locker Room for the playing of our National Anthem is as disrespectful to our country as kneeling. Sorry!”
Courtesy: ABC6 Action News
Philadelphia mayor, Jim Kenney, sees it differently. He’s right, too. The president didn’t want to be embarrassed by a small number of players planning to attend. Anyone with a hint of Trump’s reputation knows he’s a narcissist who demands unconditional love and devotion.
Trump is also desperate to distract attention from the many controversies surrounding his presidency, such as the impending Russian collusion investigation and the outrage of him pardoning cronies, such as conservative firebrand and campaign finance violator, Dinesh D’Souz.
Activists have stated ad nauseam that kneeling during the Anthem isn’t about disrespecting the military. They see that rationale as a farce accusation made by the alt-right. Almost two seasons later, activists are still pleading the case: while they respect the men and women in uniform, they will not stand for inequality in law.
And while several military personnel have affirmed their support for the right to kneel during the Anthem, likeminded people continue to disregard that forced patriotism isn’t freedom.
Activists, like Colin Kaepernick, fight an ongoing battle to get white fans to understand the reason behind the movement.
But they find it’s like talking to deaf ears. But that’s exactly as Trump wants it — a disassociation from the truth.
There’s some good news, though. The Philadelphia Eagles aren’t crying tears over being disinvited. They’ll always be Super Bowl champions!
