The owners did this to themselves. They had the chance to nip it in the bud, but they feared the liberal backlash more than the conservative anger. They were wrong.
And no, it is not a violation of 1st Amendment rights. The players are employees, the stadium is their workplace, and when Sunday rolls around they are on the clock. The Scotus has several rulings that cover political speech during work time or on the job.
The players and staff do not have a right to make politician statements without the permission of their employers, the team owners.
While they may have the RIGHT to take a knee to supposedly protest how others are being treated, disrespecting our flag in the process (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Flag_Code for details), is NOT an appropriate means to air their issues.
“Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem
When reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, all present should stand at attention facing the flag with their right hand over their heart, with the exception of those in uniform who shall salute. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 contained an amendment to allow un-uniformed service members, military retirees, and veterans to render a hand salute during the hoisting, lowering, or passing of the U.S. flag.
A later amendment further authorized hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel. This was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which President Bush signed on Oct. 14, 2008. Public Law 113-66, enacted on 26 December 2013, reaffirmed this authorization."
If the players and managers continue to disrespect our flag, perhaps you should save your money for viewing any NFL game, attending any NFL game, or buying any overpriced NFL gear, and then sending that money to a worthy veterans charity…
You’ll feel much better and perhaps then the NFL will get the message.
braindead Premium Member over 6 years ago
What controversy?
Trump Disciples and the NFL believe that black lives do NOT matter.
.
Because patriotism.
Andylit Premium Member over 6 years ago
The owners did this to themselves. They had the chance to nip it in the bud, but they feared the liberal backlash more than the conservative anger. They were wrong.
And no, it is not a violation of 1st Amendment rights. The players are employees, the stadium is their workplace, and when Sunday rolls around they are on the clock. The Scotus has several rulings that cover political speech during work time or on the job.
The players and staff do not have a right to make politician statements without the permission of their employers, the team owners.
d_legendary1 over 6 years ago
Nothing screams freedom more than fining players for practicing free speech. Congrats NFL, you just played yourself.
Daeder over 6 years ago
Does the NFL still have games?
MR P over 6 years ago
While they may have the RIGHT to take a knee to supposedly protest how others are being treated, disrespecting our flag in the process (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Flag_Code for details), is NOT an appropriate means to air their issues.
“Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem
When reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, all present should stand at attention facing the flag with their right hand over their heart, with the exception of those in uniform who shall salute. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 contained an amendment to allow un-uniformed service members, military retirees, and veterans to render a hand salute during the hoisting, lowering, or passing of the U.S. flag.
A later amendment further authorized hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel. This was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which President Bush signed on Oct. 14, 2008. Public Law 113-66, enacted on 26 December 2013, reaffirmed this authorization."
If the players and managers continue to disrespect our flag, perhaps you should save your money for viewing any NFL game, attending any NFL game, or buying any overpriced NFL gear, and then sending that money to a worthy veterans charity…
You’ll feel much better and perhaps then the NFL will get the message.