My Thoughts on the NFL Fining Players who don't Stand for the Nat'l Anthem

So the NFL recently came down with its decision to fine players and/or teams who sit or take a knee during the National Anthem this year.  I have to say, I’m truly disappointed with the NFL’s decision.  Their feelings on the matter were made very clear with this decision; Roger Goodell and the NFL owners care more about Profits than the human rights violations committed against Black NFL players and People of Color around the country.  At the same time, I’m not surprised they reached this decision; I mean we all knew Goodell is WEAK.  So we have to ask ourselves; where does this leave us fans of Professional Football?  How can we stand by and support a league that says Screw You to the U.S. Constitution and Freedom of Speech in favor of protecting their own personal business interests?  Not to mention, ignores 4 centuries of hardship, suffering, and the pain of a large population of the United States.

Win, Lose, Tie, Stand, or Kneel I support the Patriots!

Well, I’m not sure if the NFL is aware of this, but they’re not the only show in town anymore.  Next season we will have the upstart Alliance of American Football League, and the rebirth of the XFL.  All though, both leagues are significantly smaller in size than the NFL, I think if they have a less strict policy on the National Anthem that it could cause many star black athletes to defect to one of those leagues.  Let’s not forgot another widely popular spring football league that has been around even longer than the NFL, I of course am talking about the Canadian Football League (CFL).  The CFL has only 9 teams, and they still broadcast a few games a year on Television (at least where I live).  Oh and let’s not forget about College Football too!   I’d rather spend money to go see a college football team and give money to an Institution of Higher Learning instead of some greedy corporate fat cats.

So here are some possible predictions I see happening for this NFL Season.

·         Players will still kneel during the anthem regardless.  And I could see Fan Organized Groups raising money to pay off player’s fines.

·         Black NFL players who are fined (or even suspended or cut) will defect and sign with an AAF or XFL (or CFL) team and bring much needed attention to those leagues.  Seriously, if one of these teams manages to steal away someone like Cam Newton, Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliot, Devin McCourty, or someone with similar star power, it could have some serious implications.  Depending on the other leagues stance on the National Anthem protest, they could say that they are a “More Progressive League”, that cares about the players and fans and not just the profits, and distance themselves further from the Old and Outdated NFL-style of football.  They can give off the perception that they are more youthful and open-minded league.

·         The News Media will continue to not interview Active and Retired Military, and actual NFL fans to get their thoughts on the Anthem Protests and will only ask for the opinions of Pissed off Racists who just want to call Colin Kaepernick an “Ungrateful N-Word”, and Social Justice Warriors who know absolutely nothing about football and want to act like they are better than everyone else.