On Thursday night, both the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers stood and locked arms during the national anthem, while the Denver Broncos released a statement saying players would be standing for the anthem on Sunday.
Also on Sunday, the New Orleans Saints and the Miami Dolphins will meet in London. So what are those teams planning to do, considering they’re on foreign soil and guests of the United Kingdom?
Saints quarterback Drew Brees has a solution that he thinks “shows respect for all” — though we’ll confess, we still think standing for the anthem is the best way to show respect for all.
As a way to show respect to all, our #Saints team will kneel in solidarity prior to the national anthem & stand together during the anthem.
— Drew Brees (@drewbrees) September 29, 2017
OK, so the team will stand for the anthem, but first kneel in solidarity. In solidarity with what, though? Each other? The Black Lives Matter movement? Will someone please explain if this protest is still about police shootings, or if it’s now about white supremacy, unity, or just another anti-Trump statement?
“Kneel in solidarity” for what? Are you joining with Kaepernick and others in protest of police violence? Then say it! https://t.co/U0eW8aOg80
— Tᴵᴹ Rᵁᴾᴾᴱᴿᵀ ? (@tmruppert) September 29, 2017
In solidarity with what, Drew? You have to say, "with the struggle against racism and systemic police violence" or it doesn't mean anything. https://t.co/mtOoewDS8n
— skooks (@skooks) September 29, 2017
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Make sure the kneeling is supposed to be against social injustice and police brutality. Stop playing both sides. That’s doesn’t help https://t.co/QDrO87MGFX
— Jontrey (@fla8sh) September 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/jnsanchez/status/913727540325478401
https://twitter.com/AsteadWH/status/913725981520777216
Seems to be the PC move for all NFL teams now. https://t.co/2r7Y2A2CGh
— Neal Surrena (@KnightfanNeal) September 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/NickCapozzoli/status/913755200216817665
Yeah, this thing has jumped the shark https://t.co/XxDzhmHCqO
— Griselda Records A&R (@el_budget) September 29, 2017
“Showing respect for all” doesn’t seem to be sitting well with either side; it waters down the protest angle, and does nothing to appease those who think millionaire sports stars have little reason to protest inequality.
This is the Kendall Jenner-Pepsi commercial of the NFL. https://t.co/CpmH5HXdPT
— Ethan W. (@ethinsays) September 29, 2017
Well said. “Everyone in the board room thought it was a great commercial!”
UGH. Why are none of you listening? https://t.co/MakW2Nb7rZ
— While Supplies Last (@corrcomm) September 30, 2017
"In a cowardly attempt to appease both sides, we will spit on the flag, then salute it. Wait, why aren't you guys happy now?" https://t.co/pkCq5wuTBb
— Renna (@RennaW) September 30, 2017
this shows no respect for anything. y'all would make more of a point if you literally sat on a fence https://t.co/d16pDyfTUu
— geoff tate (@geofftate96) September 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/DrewLiquerman/status/914045226016161792
https://twitter.com/RafaelCasal/status/913832849354088448
How about you stand the whole time like real men and keep political statements off the field! #StandForOurAnthem ?? https://t.co/BBWWi4x9al
— realPolitiDiva™️ ????? (@realPolitiDiva) September 29, 2017
Keep kneeling. We'll keep boycotting. https://t.co/HA077c7Yhf
— SilentNoMore ?? (@lorinda1434) September 30, 2017
https://twitter.com/SnowysGal/status/914106539874689024
https://twitter.com/DesireeAaron/status/914044354091798529
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Related:
Broncos announce they'll stand for anthem Sunday; Bears, Packers tweet GIFs of players standing https://t.co/YIKMQG2vaV
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) September 29, 2017
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