Trump and the NFL?

[Hooter]

Why even stick your nose in this? For cryin out loud!     

[Serk]

As long as he's just saying his opinion and doesn't move to "I've directed the Attorney General to...." I've got no problem with him stating his opinion.

I do NOT want the government itself getting involved, but I don't mind the president using his bully pulpit to state his opinion on the matter...

And not just the NFL any more, not Baseball's getting in on the act:

http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/oaklands-maxwell-mlb-player-kneel-anthem-50050694

I do wish some owners would fire these clowns. And THAT is well within their rights as business owners. Just don't try to make this illegal.

[cookiedough]

I think trump is right, FIRE them and then maybe they will think twice when they loose their multi-million dollar jobs in sports.  WE all do do things at work we do not like to do, but unfortunately have to do them.  Standing up while playing the anthem should be one of them period!  I saw Bennett from the Seahawks sitting down a week or so ago and felt that he should be fired as well.  Screw freedom of this or that,  just do it already or get the ax. 

[Reb]

I agree with Serk,

It is a right for players to do so. Regardless, if player use Trumps remarks to retaliate, I see the NFL ratings dropping more than they already have.

The crap show has already started between the Ravens and Jaguars in London. Kneeling for the national anthem but standing for God Save the Queen.

When the American people don't buy tickets and turn the TV off and it starts to effect wallets, change might happen.

[Rams]

Personally, I wish President Trump would lose the Tweet account but that doesn't mean I don't support his right to speak out.   I agree with Serk.

Reference the NFL protestors.   I consider their act as very disrespectful similar to pissing on someone's grave at the funeral.    Pretty disgusting and really meant to just tick people off and get attention.   Won't do squat to help what ever social injustice they are protesting. 

Those same entertainers have tremendous resources they could put into their social injustice issue but, no.   They would rather insult our flag, our anthem and those who have served, fought and died for their right to speak out.   Yes, they can legally do this.    But, I refuse to financially support such disrespectful jerks.   No, I won't watch any game or show that starts off with such unacceptable behavior.   Screw them.

[Patrick]

I feel these jerks [ trying to be polite] are disrespecting the country that has provided them the opportunity to earn millions of dollars.

If they wish to display castro or che as hero's, then, I think they should move to that country.

Oh, ya, I think they should be fired and their contracts voided. Let them try to go to work like us normal folks.

I don't think our President should say anything about this. But, I think we all know that he would. He is entitled to his opinion, especially since I agree.

[big d]

Why even stick your nose in this? For cryin out loud!     

Interesting observation. Where was this observation when obama spoke out about every shooting that a black person was injured or killed. He even said if he had a son he might be Trayvon martin. Outrage=none. Obama then spoke out about the officer who arrested a black man in  Boston. Ends up the officer was correct and did his job correctly. Had to have a beer in rose garden with both men.

The big difference between the two presidents is obama did most things with a racist slant. My perspective. Trump, while I don't agree with everything he does and says tends to say what the average American is thinking. His spoken words are not polished like obamas.

[Alpha Dog]

There may be no win for anyone on this.  If the kneelers want to create something positive, Jim Brown showed them the way. Robert Craft, owner of the Patriots, told players if you are going to kneel, stay in the locker room, and he would support their efforts ( whatever that is? ) with some funding.   The NFL suffered last year when ratings dropped 8 percent ( at least in the early part of the season, not sure what it was for the whole season ).  This year it is easy to predict they will suffer more, maybe dramatically.  Last week the two LA teams, Rams and Chargers ( how can you move from San Diego in good conscious ) attendance together was about what the day before USC vs Texas game at the Colesium was.  Head several sports talking heads last year discuss the decline and for the most part ignored the elephant.   For me I have been a huge football fan since playing Pee Wee through high school ( could have played college, but scholarship was for baseball ).  Last year my watching of the NFL fell off the charts and even college fell a lot,  this year maybe more. Perhaps when the winds of November blow cold I will curl up in the recliner and watch and maybe not, I am quite disgruntled.

[bill-jr]

Steelers say they wont even be on the field during the anthem. . . . .

[Alpha Dog]

Steelers say they wont even be on the field during the anthem. . . . .

And maybe that is the best solution and I think other teams will follow.  Shall see.

[Rams]

Steelers say they wont even be on the field during the anthem. . . . .

That is sad................

[bill-jr]

It sucks because i want to watch the games,
 And i dont want to . . . . .
 

[The emperor has no clothes]

Why even stick your nose in this? For cryin out loud!     

I don't know. Maybe he just can't control his impulsive behavior. Or, maybe we just don't have any pressing issues for him to think about.

[baldo]

Why even stick your nose in this? For cryin out loud!     

I don't know. Maybe he just can't control his impulsive behavior. Or, maybe we just don't have any pressing issues for him to think about.

He's proven that his mouth is big enough to put both feet in.

[old2soon]

Since that thursday night opener-chiefs at pats-I've Only checked the scores on my local nightly news. And if my local nightly news shows those dumb azzez disrespecting The FLAG I flip the channel. Steelers can stay off the field for the kick off and forfeit for all I care. New edict for the not fer longs-Disrespect The FLAG and yer fired and NO/NONE/NADA/AINTGONNAHAPPEN rehire in the not fer longs! But that might could be like MY opinion.  How far would Any of these cry baby sumbitches git if they disrespected the n k flag or the chinese flag or the ruushin flag or the isis flag in those regimes? YEAH-kinda what I thought too.  RIDE SAFE.

[mrtlc]

If I see one Packer not respect our flag. That will be it for me and pro sports. What they do on there time Is up to them. When I pay over $500 to bring my family to a game, That's my time! And I'll be Damed if I'm going to pay you to disrespect this country and what it stand for.

[cookiedough]

Why even stick your nose in this? For cryin out loud!     

I don't know. Maybe he just can't control his impulsive behavior. Or, maybe we just don't have any pressing issues for him to think about.

He's proven that his mouth is big enough to put both feet in.

Maybe he is RIGHT and we all know it.  So sick whether at work or in general in life being politically correct when we all know Trump is right.  He spoke his mind and is right whether we agree with his Presidency in being politically correct or not.    People in this world need to get their heads out of their _sses and wake the F up!    How is that for NOT being politically correct?  

[baldo]

Maybe he is RIGHT and we all know it.   

I'll thank you to not include me in this train wreck.

[Oss]

in school and wherever I stand for the national anthem

At the Olympics (where I have never been ) you stand for the national anthem of the winners as played

It is called respect

Anyone who knows me knows I am BIG on respect.  Player or team does not want to stand....they are dead to me

[art]

I believe they should fired. This is not a free speech thing. They are employees with a job to do an part of it is to stand up for playing the National Anthem. They are PAID to do this. Don't want to do your job? You're fired. The whole show from when they enter the field to when they leave is a part of their job. The owners are responsible and letting the player do as they please. Owners ans sponsors are responsible. How disrespectful is it to go to England and kneel for our National Anthem and stand for God save the qween.

[Hooter]

PLAYERS: Take a knee...Racial protest was the initial reason. White cop shot a black perp and was exhonerated of all charges or wrong doing. As of now they have turned this into disrespect for the good ol U.S.A. Where is the relativity between the shooting and professional sports?
 One has absolutely  nothing to do with the other IMHO.

A couple of things said here I agree with. Don't bring politics into sports. Even though internally they may be? And, if a player ops to not stand, he or even she should be fired. I'm torn on that?? Seems anyone that endorses these players condones what they are doing or endorsement would be gone. I belive this is how it should be handled. Endorsements taken away.  Take Trump's tweet acount away? I've said that forever. Quit taking everything as a personal attack and feel you need to respond! For him to feel he has to respond to every little thing is counter productive and makes his look like an ass. I think Meathead said it: isn't there something more pressing to deal with than this issue? Maybe something that may involve the welfare of this country would be something to hang your hat on.

I agree that these athletes have the right to express themselves. But, has this gone to far? I  belive this to be true on either side involving the athletes and Trumps parts. If atheletes want to do it on their own time, great. But to use professional sports as their PERSONAL platform is wrong. The atheletes alone have brought  additional racism into professional sports.

[art]

I agree on Trumps tweets, he should cut back a lot. I still don't condone the disrespect of the flag, too many soldiers have died protecting this country and came back with it on their coffins. The so called hero athletes can protest on their own time. The next olympics should be a real riot of disrespect.

[DirtyDan]

It is the NATIONAL football league

I'm a nationalist

Dan

[Patrick]

Why even stick your nose in this? For cryin out loud!     

I don't know. Maybe he just can't control his impulsive behavior. Or, maybe we just don't have any pressing issues for him to think about.

He's proven that his mouth is big enough to put both feet in.

Well, I'll agree with that. But, I've certainly done the same on occasion.

[baldo]

Why even stick your nose in this? For cryin out loud!     

I don't know. Maybe he just can't control his impulsive behavior. Or, maybe we just don't have any pressing issues for him to think about.

He's proven that his mouth is big enough to put both feet in.

Well, I'll agree with that. But, I've certainly done the same on occasion.

You and me both.....I try not to make it a habit ...

[cookiedough]

Steelers say they wont even be on the field during the anthem. . . . .

That is sad................

the ONLY Steelers was a lineman who served our country who came out and stood up, now that is sad.  Maybe re-instate the draft and wake the fools up??

Man, I hate to say it, but glad for a change to see da Bears win one over the Steelers today, but that fool before 1/2 walking into the end zone for the Bears only getting a field goal vs. a TD sort of reminded me of Jay Cutler former QB for the Bears always blowing it.  Maybe NO Cutler = more wins for da Bears this season?

[scooperhsd]

Why even stick your nose in this? For cryin out loud!     

I don't know. Maybe he just can't control his impulsive behavior. Or, maybe we just don't have any pressing issues for him to think about.

He's proven that his mouth is big enough to put both feet in.

And still have room to spare....

[NewValker]

I rode all day today. Did not see any disrespect for our flag or country.
Not planning to watch highlights tonite either.
STFU and stand and I'll be back.
Craig

[baldo]

I rode all day today. Did not see any disrespect for our flag or country.
Not planning to watch highlights tonite either.
STFU and stand and I'll be back.
Craig

You missed another great Patriots comeback!

[signart]

Wouldn't it be better for the country if they didn't play the National anthem at a football stadium? Then, the protesters wouldn't be protesting, instead would be playing happily. Then, the folks who love to watch millionaires play a boys game wouldn't have to see anyone disrespectful and could watch, happily. This should make the whole country happy.

[Hooter]

Then, they win! Is that what this is about?

[signart]

It's a win, win. Everybody involved in playing or watching wins. Players are happy they don't have to be subjected to patriotism and the watchers don't have to pay money to see players disrespect our country. I don't watch myself, but I hate to see people unhappy when it's just a game anyway, isn't it?

[Reb]

It's a win, win. Everybody involved in playing or watching wins. Players are happy they don't have to be subjected to patriotism and the watchers don't have to pay money to see players disrespect our country. I don't watch myself, but I hate to see people unhappy when it's just a game anyway, isn't it?

Not to pull an example from the show South Park, but what if before the anthem is played, the announcer says.
"Will everyone please stand as you are able or kneel and remove your caps for the playing of our national anthem"

This So called "protest" is obviously about getting attention, remove the physical notion that is causing the controversy and the movement dies. I don't think it's win/lose situation.

[cookiedough]

It is a game, although a billionaire payout just like most pro sports are nowadays.  

I will still watch the Packers and others.  

My opinion, but I think Trump should not have been so forward in his comments being the President and all, but he is Trump and he has a way of stirring the pot even though I do think he is right and he is not against certain races, etc. and agree it is disrespectful to not stand if able to.  Kappernick should be fired for starting it all one way or the other.  If I was on the team, I would pick him up by his jock strap and make him stand up as his teammates should have done.

[The emperor has no clothes]

It is a game, although a billionaire payout just like most pro sports are nowadays. 

I will still watch the Packers and others, but I highly doubt anyone on the Packers sidelines will kneel or take a seat while the anthem is played. 

My opinion, but I think Trump should not have been so forward in his comments being the President and all, but he is Trump and he has a way of stirring the pot even though I do think he is right and he is not against certain races, etc. and agree it is disrespectful to not stand if able to.  Kappernick should be fired for starting it all one way or the other.  If I was on the team, I would pick him up by his jock strap and make him stand up as his teammates should have done.

How do you get fired when you are not employed ? If you were on the team ? Not only are you a pro boxer who could go a round with Mike Tyson, now you are a pro linebacker ? 

[signart]

It's a win, win. Everybody involved in playing or watching wins. Players are happy they don't have to be subjected to patriotism and the watchers don't have to pay money to see players disrespect our country. I don't watch myself, but I hate to see people unhappy when it's just a game anyway, isn't it?

Not to pull an example from the show South Park, but what if before the anthem is played, the announcer says.
"Will everyone please stand as you are able or kneel and remove your caps for the playing of our national anthem"

This So called "protest" is obviously about getting attention, remove the physical notion that is causing the controversy and the movement dies. I don't think it's win/lose situation.

That would work for me. They could also say raise your fist, or a middle finger. That would be a nice touch. As long as everyone is happy, is what matters.    I won't be watching.

[sandy]

The simple issue here is the first amendment. Whether the players are disrespectful or not. When a president says there should be repercussions, he doesn't understand the bill of rights. I served (non combat) during Viet Nam. I don't feel disrespected because I understand his cause. They're doing it in a public forum to get attention.

[cookiedough]

Kappernick should be fired for starting it all one way or the other.  If I was on the team, I would pick him up by his jock strap and make him stand up as his teammates should have done.

How do you get fired when you are not employed ? If you were on the team ? Not only are you a pro boxer who could go a round with Mike Tyson, now you are a pro linebacker ?  

no linebacker, offensive/defensive lineman....  

[Rams]

The simple issue here is the first amendment. Whether the players are disrespectful or not. When a president says there should be repercussions, he doesn't understand the bill of rights. I served (non combat) during Viet Nam. I don't feel disrespected because I understand his cause. They're doing it in a public forum to get attention.

You have a right to your opinion.

I've lost several friends, brothers in arms in Viet Nam, in peace time incidents, in the middle east and one in Central America.   To me, that flag and anthem mean more than my own life.   Many have given more than I.   Failure to show respect to the flag that my brothers in arms gave all for is equivalent to pissing on their graves.   Screw them.   

While I have been a KC Chiefs fan my entire life and I'd love to watch them play, I won't do it.   I sincerely hope these overpaid entertainers lose all their fans.   I know some won't boycott the NFL for reasons that I simply don't understand.   

Those entertainers have huge resources they could dump into education programs, community projects, child care, legal assistance, etc....   for the people they supposedly are protesting for but, they won't take from their own pocket to help those they say need help.    Screw them.   I can survive without the NFL, looks  like I may become a NASCAR observer in the near future.   At least NASCAR fans, teams and owners get it.   

[The emperor has no clothes]

The simple issue here is the first amendment. Whether the players are disrespectful or not. When a president says there should be repercussions, he doesn't understand the bill of rights. I served (non combat) during Viet Nam. I don't feel disrespected because I understand his cause. They're doing it in a public forum to get attention.

You have a right to your opinion.

I've lost several friends, brothers in arms in Viet Nam, in peace time incidents, in the middle east and one in Central America.   To me, that flag and anthem mean more than my own life.   Many have given more than I.   Failure to show respect to the flag that my brothers in arms gave all for is equivalent to pissing on their graves.   Screw them.   

While I have been a KC Chiefs fan my entire life and I'd love to watch them play, I won't do it.   I sincerely hope these overpaid entertainers lose all their fans.   I know some won't boycott the NFL for reasons that I simply don't understand.   

Those entertainers have huge resources they could dump into education programs, community projects, child care, legal assistance, etc....   for the people they supposedly are protesting for but, they won't take from their own pocket to help those they say need help.    Screw them.   I can survive without the NFL, looks  like I may become a NASCAR observer in the near future.   At least NASCAR fans, teams and owners get it.   

Ron, you would be wrong in your assumptions. There are many who give plenty.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/919472-the-most-charitable-players-in-the-nfl