The NFL had barely recovered from Deflategate before Colin Kaepernick’s protest thrust them back into another scandal. The NFL predictions against the spread are quickly taking a back as all eyes turn to the NFL PR Machine.
Some people believe that Colin’s actions, his refusal to stand during the playing of the National Anthem could spur other NFL stars to make similar protests, though such a reaction seems unlikely at this point.
Important as some social issues might be, most NFL fans have very little patience for individuals who inject politics into their beloved sport. Colin has done little to assuage angry fans and sponsors, telling Steve Wyche of NFL media recently that he would not respect the flag of a country that was oppressing black people.
And the possible consequences to his career, especially his endorsements, do not seem to frighten him; the fact that he hasn’t exactly broken any NFL rules might only further embolden him.
While they are discouraged from bringing politics into the game of football, the NFL does give its players the freedom to express themselves, though Colin shouldn’t be too surprised if others use this same freedom to chastise him.
At the moment, the 49ers have chosen to support Colin; or at the very least, they have chosen to support his right to express his opinions. It is should be noted that a lot of people expect Colin’s tenure with the 49ers to come to an end very soon, possible even before the preseason game on Friday Night.
Chip Kelly could decide that he doesn’t want such a headache in his first season with the franchise as head coach. Some people have criticized Colin for making statements that impact, not only his career but the future of his team and the league as a whole.
Colin isn’t the first athlete to use his position as a platform to make a public statement; in fact, the paradigm is becoming common. Sports stars like LeBron James and Chris Paul used the opening minutes of the ESPN ESPY telecast to call for social change.
However, it would be a mistake to put Colin in the same boat as LeBron James. His decision to remain seated during the playing of the national anthem is considered by many to be respectful to his country and the men and women in the military that not only wear the flag proudly on their shoulders but who also protect the nation.
For the most part, the NFL and patriotism in the U.S go hand in hand. It is also worth noting that the new season will kick off on the anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks. The NFL embraces and encourages all the basic tenets and ideals of the United States.
You see this through all the flags on display by fans during big games. Colin’s approach to protesting social injustices as he sees them might be interpreted as a rejection of the American flag.
The families of those Americans who have risked their lives to protect the flag will be offended by Colin’s actions. Sufficing to say, for all his intentions, Colin might have bitten off more than he realized.
