NFL Continues To Commit Brand Suicide: Players Say Fans Can Stay Home
Will this presidential election be the most important in American history?
The NFL player protests continue to harm the league.
Comments, as well as actions by players, show there is no end in sight to the controversy.
During last night’s Thursday Night Football game, players from the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears stood with locked arms while the National Anthem was played.
The teams wanted to show solidarity for social justice.
The Packers issued a statement explaining the team’s position:
This Thursday during the national anthem at Lambeau Field, Packers players, coaches and staff will join together with arms intertwined—connected like the threads on your favorite jersey. When we take this action, what you will see will be so much more than just a bunch of football players locking arms. The image you will see on September 28th will be one of unity. It will represent a coming together of players who want the same things that all of us do—freedom, equality, tolerance, understanding, and justice for those who have been unjustly treated, discriminated against or otherwise treated unfairly.You will see the sons of police officers, kids who grew up in military families, people who have themselves experienced injustice and discrimination firsthand, and an array of others all linking together in a display of unity.
Individual players are also making matters worse.
Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker said the fans are welcome to stay home if the protests bother them.
The Tennessean reports:
“And the fans that don’t want to come to the game? I mean, OK. Bye. I mean, if you feel that’s something, we’re disrespecting you, don’t come to the game. You don’t have to. No one’s telling you to come to the game. It’s your freedom of choice to do that.”
Titan player Logan Ryan echoed his teammate’s sentiments:
“That’s their choice. That’s the beauty of this country,” Ryan said. “Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and everyone’s opinion is equal. So right, wrong or indifferent, that’s the beauty of this country – that everyone should have equal rights and equal opinions on what they want. If they don’t want to watch, that’s their choice. That’s perfect.”
Meanwhile, the league met with players to discuss the controversy.
The NFL is committing brand suicide.