This is only just the beginning of the widescale backlash of the NFL’s decision on the new anthem rule.
Throughout the summer and especially throughout the regular season, viewers from all backgrounds and professions will continue to publicly voice their opinions on what players do once the national anthem begins playing before games.
Those on the right will question their own countryman’s patriotism while those on the left will fight for their right to freedom of speech. What’s worse, those in the middle that try to bring about a bi-partisan unity between both groups will likely go completely unheard.
New York Congressman blasts the Jets over anthem stance, asks whether they would allow "players giving Nazi salutes" https://t.co/OkcQjljwaj
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) May 26, 2018
New York Jets CEO Christopher Johnson and brother of team owner Woody, recently stood in support of his players stating that he would pay all fines his team accrued as a result of a violation of the NFL’s new anthem policy.
Republican congressman Pete King was obviously opposed to Johnson’s promise.
Disgraceful that @nyjets owner will pay fines for players who kneel for National Anthem. Encouraging a movement premised on lies vs. police. Would he support all player protests? Would he pay fines of players giving Nazi salutes or spew racism? It’s time to say goodbye to Jets!
— Rep. Pete King (@RepPeteKing) May 26, 2018
And so the agitation increases as one man’s decision to back his players ignites another man’s escalated rhetoric about Nazis. Does it make any sense? Of course not. For a country that has “United” in its name, it’s incredibly disappointing that many consistently demonstrate the opposite on this given issue.
The vicious cycle continues and the league’s goal of trying to find a middle ground between two sides is turning out to be a complete failure at this point.
And it’s only May.
