Back to the question in the original post.
The NFL is an entertainment organization. They sell entertainment. Oftimes controversy results in more people buying entertainment. It's not their business to please you in your values. It's their business to sell entertainment.
Precisely!
I'm guessing that they've lost some viewers over this sitting out the anthem. I'm guessing they've gained a few from the associated publicity. They're still doing business and my guess is that most of the people expressing disgust are still watching.
Can't speak for anyone else but they've lost one viewer for sure.
Changed the channel the first game of the season when a Chiefs player would not stand for the National Anthem. Haven't been back and won't be unless this behavior is addressed.
Growing up and attending school, I learned the Pledge of Allegiance in school. Every morning at the beginning of class, the teacher would lead the class in standing with hand over heart and recite the pledge. That is no longer done in most schools. I'm told that it was stopped because some were offended by the reference to God. I haven't researched that but, it would not surprise me to learn that is true.
The players doing this are not accomplishing anything to address the supposed issues of their concern but are in fact driving a deeper wedge in this country. Race relations will not improve by pissing on the graves of those who defended this nation. That is how I see this behavior.