Colin Kaepernick’s recent attempt to make a statement has landed him in hot water. His decision to sit out the national anthem, for what he deems wrongdoings towards minorities in our country, has sparked a debate that stretches far beyond the football field. Kaepernick took advantage of his position as a professional athlete to spread his agenda on a worldwide platform.
Sports have always been the great equalizer; athletes are given the chance to perform in public, judged solely on their own athletic ability. Families and friends get together to watch their favorite players compete for victory. When one of those athletes decides to protest something they believe is wrong, they have every right to do so. However, when their method is to uproot one of the most historical and meaningful traditions our country has, during an athletic event that is televised nationally, there is a problem. Colin Kaepernick must seriously reconsider his method of protesting next time he decides to display his opinion.
By kneeling for the anthem, Kaepernick did not protest police brutality, racism, or ignorance; he disrespected the flag of the United States of America. His intentions may have been good—personally, I agree that the overall treatment of minorities in our country could improve significantly—but, as both an influential figure and a role model, Kaepernick’s methods are unjustified. He is entitled to his own opinions, but they do not belong on the football field.
Colin Kaepernick’s insolent “protest” was a major trespass against the game of football and the greatness of America, as any man lucky enough to play professional football should know.
Colin Kaepernick’s recent attempt to make a statement has landed him in hot water. His decision to sit out the national anthem, for what he deems wrongdoings towards minorities in our country, has sparked a debate that stretches far beyond the football field. Kaepernick took advantage of his position as a professional athlete to spread his agenda on a worldwide platform.
Sports have always been the great equalizer; athletes are given the chance to perform in public, judged solely on their own athletic ability. Families and friends get together to watch their favorite players compete for victory. When one of those athletes decides to protest something they believe is wrong, they have every right to do so. However, when their method is to uproot one of the most historical and meaningful traditions our country has, during an athletic event that is televised nationally, there is a problem. Colin Kaepernick must seriously reconsider his method of protesting next time he decides to display his opinion.
By kneeling for the anthem, Kaepernick did not protest police brutality, racism, or ignorance; he disrespected the flag of the United States of America. His intentions may have been good—personally, I agree that the overall treatment of minorities in our country could improve significantly—but, as both an influential figure and a role model, Kaepernick’s methods are unjustified. He is entitled to his own opinions, but they do not belong on the football field.
Colin Kaepernick’s insolent “protest” was a major trespass against the game of football and the greatness of America, as any man lucky enough to play professional football should know.
