Postgame Press: Kneeling is a right, whether right or wrong

Two weeks ago I wrote some background information about Trump’s comments and national anthem controversy. Today, after recent developments, I find it important to share my own opinions on the matter.

Kneeling is freedom of speech, pure and simple. There is no law that states that people must stand for the national anthem, which is why no one gets arrested when they stay in their seats as they watch the game on TV. The Constitution gives the right to protest to any U.S. citizen, and athletes are no exception. I find it especially disturbing when people treat a respectful protest with such disdain. Eric Reid, one of the first players to kneel alongside the infamous and unemployed Kaepernick, recently wrote that kneeling was chosen purposefully.

“We chose to kneel because it’s a respectful gesture. I remember thinking our posture was like a flag flown at half-mast to mark a tragedy.”

It is a tragedy that people in our beautiful country are not treated equally, and it is an even bigger tragedy that those who used their platform to bring attention to it have now been ostracized, from their own former fans to the president.

Do I think that kneeling has become, at least to the public, less about inequality and more controversial (and thus less effective) an action? Yes. Does it make me want to stop watching the NFL? Or call the kneeling players “sons of b*****s”(the President using the term b***h in regards to his own citizens is something that no matter how this is resolved will still haunt me)? No. Players can do what they want to bring attention to the issues that they think deserve attention. If we are going to give professional athletes the amount of coverage and influence that they have, they should be able to use it.

Also, Vice President Mike Pence planned a publicity stunt when he walked out of the Colts game after the players knelt. While I think it was problematic tospend around $200,000 on flights just to make a point, I did read a valid, yet unusual for my own social circles and news sources, response asking “Why are some publicity stunts more equal than others?” That is something to think about.

The NAACP has made statements about the topic, most recently in regards to Cowboy's owner Jerry Jones’ threat to bench players who “disrespect the flag.” If he does, it will result in a lawsuit, and rightfully so. Maybe next year, if the league changes the rules this offseason so players have to stand, he could do so. Until then, his players can do whatever they would like within current rules, and if he tries to suppress their freedom of speech he will find himself in some hot water with the NAACP and the law.

Some fans are going to stop watching. Some will yell and tweet at the players. Some may support them. Kneeling is going to keep happening on NFL sidelines. And I am sure that players have the right to do so, whether you agree with the action or not.