I was a steeler fan since 65 ,but when they disrespect the flag I don't watch them any more, and the people that do should be ashamed that you support these spoiled millionaires. Who should all be made to serve in the military. Then See how they fill ,bring back the draft
Bill - 4 years ago
If you kneel during the national anthem you disrespect every man and women that served under it for the United States of America and all it stands for, the NFL as a whole should respect and stand proud for the Flag and National Anthem. If it wasn't for our country and the men and women that gave their all for it the NFL players would not being paid more in one year than alot people make in a life time. Compare what the lowest paid player makes in a year to one of our soldiers that is willing to put their life on the line for you and our country
jennifer - 4 years ago
The flag represents our freedom....that also includes the freedom to express their views thoughts and feelings ...to stand kneel...either is their choice ..isnt that the point ?
Greg Dee - 4 years ago
Private businesses are creating a hostile work environment for those that do not agree with protesting while they are trying to earn a living, that's a federal law also pushed by Democracts.
Some players already have big contracts, but protesting could hurt lesser players from getting similar contracts. And the fans are disgusted by it.
Shella - 4 years ago
CLAIMING to be social justice "warriors" while wearing C-H-I-N-A owned nike gear! I think that says it ALL! Bet
some of you thought you all were oh so cleaver "forcing" cust svc to put FREEHONGKONG on the jerseys! I am oh so fer ser that the slaves loved putting in every stitch! & for all the idjits out there, no, it doesn't make a bad cop shooting/killing ok because nike has a SLAVE shop - although I'm positive blake's RAPE VICTIM just loves you moron's turning him into some kind of folk hero!! Side note on that: Don't know if there was a weapon IN the vehicle (although there are pictures of him with one), but the VEHICLE was a potential weapon & those babies WERE in the vehicle! Was he supposed to be allowed to drive off with those babies while high? I can see the headline now, "Evil cops knowingly allow high dad to drive off & murder innocent babies!" & have you heard his dad's claim of allegiance to louis farrakhan who claims hitler was a great man? I see where jr gets it. Social justice my rear end! colincancer crapperdick has a mutimillion $$ contract with nike. I've not bought a single item since nike stepped in. Kneel & I'm done! Yeah. Social justice my azzzz!!
Marcela - 4 years ago
My heart is broken, I will begin removing all of my STEELERS items from my truck and home.
What message are you Sending to the Rape or Abused victims!!! "Your Life Doesn't Matter !"
With the millions these players get, they should be assisting abuse shelters instead of making the Abuser a hero!!!
I was saving up to get a new tattoo for my birthday...
I will but it WON'T be steelers.
I'm from the Great state of Texas, NFL has lost a fan.
Marcela - 4 years ago
My heart is broken, I will begin removing all of my STEELERS items from my truck and home.
What message are you Sending to the Rape or Abused victims!!! "Your Life Doesn't Matter !"
With the millions these players get, they should be assisting abuse shelters instead of making the Abuser a hero!!!
I was saving up to get a new tattoo for my birthday...
I will but it WON'T be steelers.
I'm from the Great state of Texas, NFL has lost a fan.
Harry Ballsonya - 4 years ago
If anyone wants to kneel during the anthem keep on a knee an kiss my ass on the way out I’ll be done with NFL just like I’m done with NBA and NCAA !
Anita Barmore - 4 years ago
There is a time and place for all things....football field is for playing football not for political platform. Separate the two. I will not support the Steelers or any other NFL team until this can be done. No fan = No money!
Sheila Willey - 4 years ago
I already have all my Steeler gear cleaned up and ready to sell when I see the first knee. It's not about Veteran's or blacks to me, it's about this is your job you get paid to do and it's not the right venue to protest something. I can't go to my work place and protest anything I am not happy with like the way Native Americans are still treated in the country we own so why should these overpaid babies get to use television and their job to whine about the way things are in this country? There are many ways you can make a difference without using your job to do it.
Don T - 4 years ago
God, Nation and Steelers as I was taught going up in South Park PA. I went to church every week, I joined the US Navy when I was 17 and watched almost every Steelers game since I was 9 or 10 years old. I started a Steelers fan club chapter in Hawaii in the 90s. If any Steelers disrespect our county or the Rooney's by kneeling during the National Anthem, i will de done with football. I will take my money, my family and my friends and go somewhere else on Sundays. Goodbye!!! It will be one of the saddest days of my life so I pray the Steelers owners, coach's and players to the right thing. Go Steelers!!!
WVRidgeRunner - 4 years ago
I am a retired Marine, I have been a Steelers fan since 1965, if one player takes a knee I am through. I have no respect for Mike Tomlin who did not support Villanueva a veteran of three tours in Afghanistan. Instead chastised him for not adhering to his wants in 2019. Tomlin and the Steelers don a costume and provide theatrics for a period of time one or two times a week. If they cannot support someone who respects the wonderful aspects of this country, and the lucrative lives it has enabled them. Then they need to be bankrupt and all those millionaire haters can figure another way of making a living, it sure as heck will not be wearing a uniform because they have no respect for that either.
Quinn R - 4 years ago
Football is my life .....one Nealdown and I’m done
Keith H. - 4 years ago
That flag and anthem mean so much more than any NFL organization. I love my Steelers but I will not support any protests against something so many fought and died for so I could set at home on Sundays, Monday’s and Thursdays in a FREE country to watch my beloved Steelers. Please don’t use the NFL and the Organization for any type of political platform. I will gladly support you away from the sport I dearly love. Thank you Stephon Tuitt for doing what is right. Sir if you want to protest equality away from Football, I support you 100%.
Brad - 4 years ago
I am a veteran and I loved the Steelers since I was a child. I remember reading books for the MS Readathon with Franco Harris and even raised enough money to meet him in Pittsburgh. I always loved them but when all but one cowered in the tunnel for the anthem that changed. It was a slap in the face to their fans and to me personally. I turned off the game and have barely watched since. I quit buying their gear and still feel betrayed. I looked forward to moving past it this year and getting Sunday ticket since I moved to SC. Now I decided against getting the Sunday ticket because I don’t trust them to have any respect for their fans. If pushing politics is what they want to do then they will do it without me. I have decided to skip the opening weekend of the NFL including the Steelers opener. If any of them kneel and show contempt for the country that has blessed them so much then I will skip the rest. This generation of players and hopefully the coach as well will pass and I will come back then. Maybe they will be making less money and have more love of the sport then.
John R Caldwell - 4 years ago
I am orginally from south western penna, Today i live in Salt lake city Utah . and am apart of a steeler fan club of about 200 to 300 fans. We meet every sunday to do a tailgate party and than go into a club to watch the steeler game ,Every time the steelers get a sack we put money into a big plastic rolling rock beer bottle. at the club at the end of the year we donate it to primary childrens hospital . Last year we donated just over $ 2,000.00 '.If the steelers take a knee the the donations go away. and the fans go away ,Mr. Rooney the chief and the Steelers of the 70s were Pros and conducted them selves as such.Mr, Rooney , Like your grand father would do ,tell your steelers to stand during the national anthem.Mr. Rooney stand with them. Save the steeler fans across this country,God Bless the steelers.heres to chief Arthur Rooney.
Greg Wyandt - 4 years ago
I along with my entire family have been a Steelers Fan forever. I served in the US Army, my sons, one retired from the Marines, another is a Police Chief and my youngest is a Pennsylvania State Trooper. I respect and stand for our National Anthem and Country that has given me and also all the Steeler Players so much to be thankful for. I always thought the Rooneys felt this way also.
So if the Steelers (any of them)must kneel for our National Anthem i assure you that me and my family and many, many others will not support them. Good by to the Steelers as we knew them.
aymee genatt - 4 years ago
i already cancelled my NFL Sunday package for the first time since it came out... sports and politics dont mix. i do not support an organization that allows their employees to dictate what will be portrays on the job. Each overpaid ATHLETE has plenty of time and money to do what they want or support during their OFF time... i psy to watch a game
Matt Belt - 4 years ago
Roger Goodell is a moron. When Kaepernick started kneeling he should have handled it back then. He should have provided a platform to allow them to make their statements /protest other than during the Anthem. He runs an entertainment business, but only cares about part of his audience. He either doesn't care or isn't smart enough to figure it out. I will not watch if the National Anthem is not respected. It means more to me than football.
John R Caldwell - 4 years ago
1 more comment . The 5 Sullivan brothers all of them were killed on board the USS Arizona, in ww2 . at Pearl Harbor dec 7 1942 I wonder if they are taken a knee . only for GOD their spirits are still standing for the Flag and the National Anthem. You under privilege millionaires . need to stand for the national anthem and the Flag . If you can not do that. Than get the Hell out of the Country ! USAF VET .
John R Caldwell - 4 years ago
Have the respect for the men and women who died for your freedom. Have the character it takes to be a professional, Have the courage that those men and women had when they gave their lives for your freedom; and have knowledge to know difference . and if you can not do that .God Help You !!! USAF VET.
chukk - 4 years ago
I am sad that this will be the first in over 50 years to not watch a Steeler game. Kneel if you want. You have this freedom because veterans have died so that you are free to be millionaires. I won't watch you nor any other team that kneels.
Robb Covey - 4 years ago
100% I Will Not Watch Any NFL Football if they kneel and that sucks for me. But Our Country means more to me than the years spent watching with my dad and traveling to games from Oklahoma to see them together. BTW Goodell SUCKS!!!!! He’s ruined the NFL!
S Maurer - 4 years ago
I stopped watching Steeler football on 9/24/17 when they refused to be on the field for the National Anthem. Players can protest all they want, just do it on your own dime, and on your own time. My employer would never allow me to conduct a protest during business hours, I would lose my job. Three years later and I have yet to see any of these "heroes" create a movement on their own. Sports exists for entertainment, not for controversy and for division. If the want to be true activists, try turning down the millions of dollars from companies like Nike who producer their products in sweat shops!! If one of them had the "balls" to do that, I might just respect them!
John R Caldwell - 4 years ago
Its pathetic when millionaires can not show respect for the Anthem and the flag. You are laughing at the Men and Women Black,White Brown ,Red and Yellow who gave there lives so that you could live free; I think you all should recieve the academy award for not being men who could not shine the shoes of men and women who died for this country. What a disgrace you are! I will always be a steeler fan. A fan of the men who were Pittsburgh steelers. Not of the oppressed millionaires of today ( if you take a knee. or anything other than respect).for the minute and a half it takes to play the Anthem and raise the flag, USAF Vet ,
Robert Bracy - 4 years ago
I am sick of the Kapernac crap. And yes I'm sure I spelled it wrong. As a nine year old in South Carolina I was literally kicked out of a white only rest-room. The next day at school I stood with my classmates and faced the flag, with my hand over my heart. Why, because no one is going to hijack my patriotism. The flag and anthem are meant to unify all of us. That white attendant that kicked me is not part of that. Our nation's symbols are there to unify us as a United front to those who threaten our nation. Can you be counted on to defend not just our symbols but our way of life. I am a proud Black Veteran from a line of Black warriors. I will never turn my back on my country. I don't care how you spin it. Kneeling pleases our enemies. And a kneeler is there to celebrate the good times but disappear when the Nation needs them. Yes we have problems, many problems. But we have come so far. When I see the violence and destruction going on across our nation I am deeply troubled. So if they kneel will I watch. NO WAY IN HELL. And anyone who kneels is kneeling on the graves of our brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice that these spoiled brats might live in peace. I wish folks would read more. Kap's only struggle in life was hsd to drive a used car to high school. To him and the rest of the kneelers, " shame shame not in my name ". Go Steelers. I'll be back when you stand. Like men. Like Patriots.
Joe Fields - 4 years ago
I tune in..to tune out the craziness going on..I pay for tickets and steelers items as a fan..so I dont want political statements made on my dime
Maggiej - 4 years ago
I'm so sick of hearing "It's not about disrespecting the flag or the anthem." Then why are players kneeling during the anthem? I completely agree with the need for police reform but not this way. That flag and anthem represent the ideals we as a nation are supposed to aspire to be for ourselves and each other. The fact that far too many people have fallen shamefully short of that ideal does NOT make it okay to declare open season on the flag and the anthem.
Brad - 4 years ago
I proudly served in the Marines and my attitude for the Steelers changed after they cowered in the tunnel for the anthem. I met Rocky Bleier as a kid as well as Franco Harris through a school MS Read a thon. I even got a Steeler tattoo after we beat Seattle for the Super Bowl, but if they choose to start every game by slapping me in the face as a patriot then they need to do it without my viewership. I quit buying NFL gear when they hid. I’ll quit watching when they kneel. I’ve been a Steeler fan for about 45 years. I can wait these players and their coach out. Maybe the next generation can appreciate their fans more, and hopefully make less money. Who knew NFL would become like the Hollywood elitists?
Scott - 4 years ago
No way I will watch every service member past or present be disgraced. Goodbye NFL.
Tim Kinkeade - 4 years ago
My comments where cut short earlier so I’d like to finish my thoughts. I come from a service family past and present. They’ve fought and survived so that I can sit here and tell my thoughts. I am a white little old woman. I shouldn’t have had to say that but I imagine most believed I was black. Being from a military family I’ve been told of the sacrifices and hardships that they suffered. I was told so many times when a troop was in danger and there was no way to tell anyone they where in danger as in no radios or computers to warn they where in trouble and needed help they looked to the one symbol they knew would get the attention of anyone who was looking for them. They went to their flag. The one thing many would have died for before they’d allow it to be taken or damaged in anyway. They went too that flag and turned it upside down. It’s the universal sign of distress and crying for help. It wasn’t the material of the red white and blue it was the symbol embedded in the hearts and minds of those who believe in what it stands for. Freedom. Protection. Scarifies. Love of God and Country. It is respected through out the world as to say the people flying that flag are Americans and the world knows what that flag represents. The culture now trying to send a message to the world is this. We are in danger, we are being killed and beaten til there will be none of us left to fight. We’ve used everything we know to do to get attention in seeing we need help. We need protection. We need help from our forces to come and rescue us from this life of fear and not knowing if I’ll be alive when the next day begins. So the representation the flag gives is you will be protected and can live under the laws of the constitution that states all men are created equal. I hope you open your hearts and minds to think for yourself and not be influenced by others. You have a brain and you know your heart. I hope your heart has the knowledge that your brothers and sisters of a different skin color are begging you to be treated fairly and equally. Never better just the same. How would you be heard if you where surrounded by evil, death and discrimination. Maybe take a knee or turn a flag upside down to mean. Please. Help me live. Please stop letting us be hurt, beaten or killed. I’ve tried to help you see we are dying and no one is interested and no one is listening. Please see these people only want to do one thing. Live. That’s something we all want. And again I’ll be watching the Steelers till I die and when I die I’ll have a front row above to watch them again. I pray that all of you will see we’re all here to live, love and grow. In this world that’s all any of us want.
poco nono - 4 years ago
This is the Nfl. N= National. This is NOT the blmfl. im tired of blm saying it was never about disrespecting the flag. Yet you chose to kneel when everyone rises to commemorate those who fought for our Nation that is represented by the national flag. Thats like if white people decided to start wearing pointed white hoods to support blm. Its the same, a non harmful action at the wrong time. blm LEADERS are a racist group too, everything the push for is for blacks. Not for any of the other minority groups latinos, native americans, or asians. How does it help showing special treatment to 1 minority group while ignoring latinos, natives americans, asians. NFL has a HUGE population of Latino Fans. How is supporting blm going to unite everyone when the title itself segregates themselves from all other groups of people. Supporting a segregated movement by one race will only show Black Priveledge, something Latinos and Native Americans see clearly here in the US. UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL. All Lives Matter. I am a minority and will never follow examples created by racist LEADERS in blm.
Terry - 4 years ago
The first time they kneel in protest and/or put BLM on the helmets is the day I stop watching the NFL .... and believe me when I say I know a lot of fans who feel the same way !!!!
Ronald A LaFrazier - 4 years ago
I have friends that serve and the Army Navy and airforce I understand why these players would do the kneeling and people still don't get it it's not about disrespecting the flag of people that serve it it's about the social injustice and police brutality going on in this country come on people let's get it together and Unite
Nico A - 4 years ago
Keep the players in the locker room like they do in some college football towns and this point is mute. This country doesn’t need another controversy to divide it further. I am a veteran and I will stand. I love football, it’s a great game, not a political playing field, so I will continue to watch.
Joe Lawlor - 4 years ago
I am a Viet Nam veteran and I would be very disappointed if the Steelers knelt for the anthem. I was at the game when Harris made the Immaculate Reception and I am positive no member of that team would have knelt for the National Anthem.
Mike - 4 years ago
If u serve over seas and have fought in the military sure i think you have the right too kneel, but if you are a average citizen like my self you should stand up and honor those who are fighting for you and some who have died on your behalf too keep us free. I love this country, protest all you want but stand and honor our troops who dont even know you but fight for your freeddom anyway
Michelle - 4 years ago
I will watch them anytime! Kap was right and was told by a soldier to kneel because that's what they do at their fellow soldiers graves honoring them. This is not politics it's football and these players can do what they please. Has anyone not watched the news or payed any attention to this movement? Things need to change and they have for a while now. We've got people in the streets calling for change and times they are a changin'! You must really not like football if you choose to hold this against the players. Damn! I mean even Roger Goodell came out and said he was wrong. That's what I have to say! If you don't like it fine, I really don't care.
Tim Kinkeade - 4 years ago
I’ve been a Steeler fan for over 50 years. I’m in Mo. so that’s not too popular. And I’ve went a few rounds with Chiefs and Rams fans a few times. I just say 6. That’s all it take. I also say when you see 6 rings then you and I can talk. That just shows the passion we feel for our teams and the game. The men who go out on that field every Sunday, Monday or Thursday and even Thanksgiving and Christmas are saying to us look we’re living in a world with fear and anger in our lives outside these stadiums. And after having given their blood, sweat, tears and body parts and even some have given up their minds from too many concussions and we’ve invite into our homes are now asking for our support and our understanding. They are paid big bucks. But those big bucks don’t matter as some have found out. It could have been a family member, friend or colleague and maybe even themselves that have come face to face with the realization that a person with a badge doesn’t watch those games and probably doesn’t know who they are even after being cheered with ovations at a fantastic play they made that afternoon. Who are they to turn too?? No one has listened to their cries of fear and anger. They have their representatives that don’t want to rock the meal train. They have Twitter and Facebook but that’s all talk and opinions and nothing gets done. Then they have a few that kneel to show support of what they’re not sure of. No one wants to rock the pay boat too much. They like the money they’ve worked their lives to get and don’t want too lose it. You can’t blame them for that. Some are stronger than others and stand or kneel for what they believe. No one has heard their cries of pain and fear. No one cared. As long as they played the game and and kept their politics to themselves no one cared what they had too say. Then a kneeling during the anthem got everyone’s attention. How dare they. Who did they think they where. They never served their country. And they have no respect. Respect. That’s a 2 sided word there. Was it to disrespect the flag and our country or was it the last ditch of hope that was left for them to use to be heard. The freedoms of our constitution are for all of us. Not just the few. How else would they have been able to make people hear this. Look we are dying out here. We are beaten out here. We are discriminated against out here. We are afraid out here. When will anyone listen to our cries for help and understand if we don’t get their attention. No one cares that we are dying daily for no other reason than the shade of their skin and the fear of that skin is embedded into the minds of the people who are supposed to protect and defend. Our blood is all red. It’s just the blood of a colored person (black, asian, indian) other than white is thought to be unimportant and expendable. The fear the law is from all the years of abuse they know has been given and they are afraid the abused may become the abusers. That’s the biggest problem. Fear. Years of oppression won’t go away. And I say again, the law is afraid that the abused may want to become the abuser. They’d have reasons too. Their families have told them of the brutality they’ve endured so that their families won’t see the same. So the knee has become their voice. And do we take that voice away again. Will anyone listen to them without it. I think not. So I will never stop watching my Steelers. My blood on Sunday’s, Monday’s Thursday’s and Christmas and Thanksgiving will always be black and gold. Even in Chiefs territory till I die. I ask you to put yourself in the protester lives. How else would you get anyone to listen when they’ve never listened for years. Judgment is left to God. I hope you keep your judgements too yourselves and let God handle that part. Like I said. If you where living in fear for your life and for the lives of your families and no one was listening too those fears what would you do to be heard?? I’m a little old white women which I shouldn’t ha
nicky vantrease - 4 years ago
I will watch. The protest have nothing to do with patriotism or the military, it's about racial injustice. Recent events have proven kap to be right. The last person I would ever take advice on what is patriotic and what isn't would be a draft Dodger that insults POWs.
don miller - 4 years ago
We have been taught from little up that you stand for the flag, kneeling is ignorant and disrespectful, the football field is a place of business, I'd like to see the average person protest at work and see what happens, so yes IAM done watching football, there is a time and place for everything
Joey Campbell - 4 years ago
It's something lost. I loved honoring my country where every American no matter their race could stand together to honor our great nation during the anthem. Now it seems it will be a time of divisiveness and anger going forward. I think some people underestimate how deeply offensive kneeling for the flag is to some of us. It is like a grieving in my spirit. You can say anything you want about what it means but in my heart, it is disrespect and I can't bare to watch it. I am a huge Steelers fan much more than most of you. I am passionate about them and never miss a game. When the kneeling started a few years ago, I couldn't bare to watch it. It wasn't just me. Every Steeler fan I knew here in Texas (I know lots) all quit watching. They couldn't bare to watch it either. I never came to the point where I said I would never watch again. This is because I felt like it was unfair to the Steelers because none of them had knelt. If they kneel, it is goodbye forever. Even though I bleed Black and Gold, I can't bare to watch my team disrespecting the nation I love. And no, I am not racist, I love African Americans. I am against racism and police brutality but also can't bare to see people protesting during a time that is supposed to show respect. It is an inappropriate time. If you chose a different time, it would not cause more disunity but you actually might see that a lot of people are on your side.
Michael Miller - 4 years ago
If anything makes me stop watching it’ll be the ridiculous rule changes that are never consistently enforced. They’ve managed to turn this game into a joke. That said, I don’t mind the protesting one bit.
DrewBrees - 4 years ago
I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America or our country.
jerry - 4 years ago
kneel for god stand for the flag
Gforce - 4 years ago
I was already quite annoyed with all the namby pamby BS going on and was already on my way out as a fan. I have sold some stuff and will give away the rest. I am quite over the spurred conflicts that promote tension between AMERICANS!!!!!
Maurice scott - 4 years ago
I think it’s disrespect or racist if you don’t Understand what is going on here. It is clearly no disrespect to the military or country. You mean to tell you don’t get it..we wanna change and grow because that’s “WHAT WE DO”..BUILT ON PROTESTING..” Tea Party...” There are cops “humans” who do commit homicides on different races and don’t even try to prevent death... at all.. on purpose.. and that needs to change.. if the was killing whites how would u feel?
Anonymous - 4 years ago
Those players have the right to protest any which way they feel. There is absolutely no disrespect to any veteran or soldier, it is a way of simply emphasizing their desire for getting equality for all.
Debra Eley - 4 years ago
Disrespect me all you want..My father fought under the American flag in the Nam.you kneel it would kill his soul..
Been a fan since the 6th grade. i'm 57 now..Kneel i'm through with the Steelers
Steve - 4 years ago
I respect their rights to exercise their freedoms to protest in a manner they feel appropriate. I have fought for their rights to do so and will continue to support and defend their right to do so - but I do not have to agree with it and I do not have to support the manner in which they choose to do so - even though I believe in their cause. As such, I will not watch NFL games (including my beloved Steelers). There are better and more effective ways to do this than to kneel during the flag - and they could choose to do so and not alienate their fellow countrymen.
Daniel Patrick - 4 years ago
I know in these arguments it’s impossible for people to see things objectively but let me give a shot at reason. Let’s start with some simple stuff. Everyone who is saying “they get paid good money!” Or the like, as a reason not to kneel, can we just cut that argument out? It’s clearly not about the money. If they made $15 per hour then it would be ok to kneel in the anthem? Thought not. Secondly, this isn’t about our great military. The men and women in uniform are fantastic but they don’t “own” the anthem. The anthem is for all Americans. And it’s about the county as a whole. Not just the military. It’s OK that some of the players want to peacefully protest their America during a song that honors America. Before they sing it they say “please honor America (not our troops) with the singing of our national anthem.” Can we not at all see the players side about their America? America has a nasty checkered history for African Americans that while improving likely has some ways to go. (We can debate about how far) Even if you disagree with them and believe America is perfect (which it isn’t) or great (which it is) can you not at all see why they may beg to differ? I mean we just saw why on a in Minnesota. You can be super patriotic and still respect others right to stage their views for change they desire. I know many in the military do. My dad was 5th special forces, silver star recipient in Nam and he doesn’t feel slighted. He respects their right. Give it a shot. Everyone wins.
ScottyD - 4 years ago
The NFL will not show the National Anthem this year, I have already stopped watching football, unless it's raining and I can't get out to shoot guns. Not my circus, not my clowns. RIP NFL
Chip Bickel - 4 years ago
I believe you disrespect the men and women who sacraficed their lives for us to enjoy our freedom that we have. Without our freedom and their sacrafice we would probably not have football today. We owe them a great deal. None of which we can repay. So give them and the American flag the respect they deserve with peace and maturity. STAND UP!
Paul - 4 years ago
A lot of narcissistic completely oblivious complainers in the comments who think that a player kneeling somehow hurts them even though it has zero impact on them
Joe - 4 years ago
I would stop watching football all together if they do not allow the fans to come in the stadium this year
Chuck Massart - 4 years ago
I find it disrespectful to those of us who served and those that gave their lives for our country. Have a 2 or 3 minutes of silence will players can protest all they like. Or don't play the anthem. If it's played and millionaire players disrespect the anthem then I'm done. We can all agree to disagree but it's my remote and I will choose to change the channel.
Josh G. - 4 years ago
Read what Greg McIntosh wrote (second comment in). First, thank you for your service! It is because of people like Mr. McIntosh that we have earned the right to protest. This country was founded on protests...and yes, some of those protests occurred on the job. I will always support the right to peacefully protest even if I violently disagree with the reason. Thanks again Mr. McIntosh!
There is such an easy solution here but neither side looks for common ground. Anyone who wants to take a knee should be able to wither before or after the National Anthem is played. In fact, it would be good to have the pre-game set up with time for it. A moment of silence for 30 seconds would be great. It does not have to be during the National Anthem which regardless of people who feel it is ok does offend many of us who believe that is also a sacred time.
MIKE R. - 4 years ago
IF IT WASNT FOR THIS GREAT COUNTRY THAT SO MANY PEOPLE SEEM TO DISLIKE THEY WOULDNT HAVE THE RIGHT TO PROTEST. FROM A VERY EARLY AGE WE ARE TOUGHT STAND FOR THE FLAG AND TAKE A KNEE FOR THE LORD.
I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THEM TRY THIS CRAP IN RUSSIA OR ANYOTHER SOCIALIST COUNTRY THEY WANT TO BE LIKE.
Anonymous User - 4 years ago
The people who are saying that they won’t watch the team because of the players kneeling are clearly fair-weather fans. They were obviously not true fans to begin with. That’s my opinion so deal with it!
Linnea Borter - 4 years ago
All things considered, I have no issue with any player that takes a knee during the playing of the national anthem. It has nothing to do them doing their "job" or with how much money they make. This is their opportunity and right to peacefully make a statement. For that matter, how many of us are required to hear/play/sing the national anthem when we go to work everyday, or to a concert or a movie. What makes this any different? I would have no issue with removing the anthem from the current program. In light of the state of our country and some of our leaders, a lot of work needs to be done to gain back the respect that has been lost.
carol - 4 years ago
You can protest all you like on your OWN TIME!!!! You are being paid VERY well play the game and protest on your own!
Paul Maurer - 4 years ago
I have been a Steeler fan for 50 years and appreciate the way the Rooney family runs the program, but my philosophy is "Protest on your own time", not when you are getting paid huge sums of money to do a job. If I see any Steeler kneel and disrespect our flag and country, I will not watch the game. If players think they are better than the rest of us, they need to think again.
Samuel Richardson - 4 years ago
Football players are citizens. Those who wish to exercise their rights as citizens must be allowed to do so. Anything else is a denial of constitutional rights.
Joe - 4 years ago
You people are payed to play football. Keep your opinions to yourself. Also, the league is pridominetley minorities. You guys are making millions. Please tell me how you are oppressed and if you feel oppressed, change your life. Pathetic
Diane Baldwin - 4 years ago
The NFL shouldn't be involved with this. I work all week just waiting to these boys on Sunday I dont want to hear or see any of this political crap while watching the game I love so much. Put out a statement if you must on off season but leave the games alone !
Tonia Miller - 4 years ago
The football field is not the place to protest. The players are payed extreme amounts of money to PLAY FOOTBALL not participate in politics. The players that kneel could spend some of their money on youth programs and put their feet in action to help society live peacefully. I do not support this disrespect.
Jamar Lackson - 4 years ago
If they kneel BEFORE the national anthem, i could care less. They just cannot kneel DURING the national anthem. I find it funny how these people are so offended by almost everything, yet they do not care about offending half the nation. They are blind and oblivious to their own hypocrisy.
Greg McIntosh - 4 years ago
In response to the comment left by Ot, If all they are there to do is play a game, then what does the anthem has to do with that? It shouldn't matter if I sit, stand, kneel, come out of the locker room because the anthem has nothing to do with participating in a sports game.
Ot - 4 years ago
They are being paid to participate in a sports game and that is all. If the player wants to make any other statement, it SHOULD NOT be observed on the playing field. His or her personal or political preferences have no place at game time. If they can't stand for the anthem then they can't play period!
serial66 - 4 years ago
You have to be a real dolt to stop doing something you would otherwise enjoy because politicians are trying to deflect away from the issue of police brutality. Kneeling or no kneeling it's not going away as long as nothing is done to fix it, so you might as well continue to support your local team.
A Pounds - 4 years ago
irrelevant to my viewing practices
Greg McIntosh - 4 years ago
ONCE AGAIN KNEELING DURING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH DISRESPECTING THE FLAG, THE COUNTRY, OR THE MILTARY!! (in all caps on purpose). I am retired military and do not feel disrespected at all.
Kevin Pearson - 4 years ago
I wont stop watching because of kneeling. It's a peaceful protest that doesn't hurt anyone. If it offends you, you need to realize the flag is symbolic of different things to different people. What they are doing is not offensive.
I will stop watching because cable costs too damn much, for just football. They should really break away from cable and lower their damn prices.
I was a steeler fan since 65 ,but when they disrespect the flag I don't watch them any more, and the people that do should be ashamed that you support these spoiled millionaires. Who should all be made to serve in the military. Then See how they fill ,bring back the draft
If you kneel during the national anthem you disrespect every man and women that served under it for the United States of America and all it stands for, the NFL as a whole should respect and stand proud for the Flag and National Anthem. If it wasn't for our country and the men and women that gave their all for it the NFL players would not being paid more in one year than alot people make in a life time. Compare what the lowest paid player makes in a year to one of our soldiers that is willing to put their life on the line for you and our country
The flag represents our freedom....that also includes the freedom to express their views thoughts and feelings ...to stand kneel...either is their choice ..isnt that the point ?
Private businesses are creating a hostile work environment for those that do not agree with protesting while they are trying to earn a living, that's a federal law also pushed by Democracts.
Some players already have big contracts, but protesting could hurt lesser players from getting similar contracts. And the fans are disgusted by it.
CLAIMING to be social justice "warriors" while wearing C-H-I-N-A owned nike gear! I think that says it ALL! Bet
some of you thought you all were oh so cleaver "forcing" cust svc to put FREEHONGKONG on the jerseys! I am oh so fer ser that the slaves loved putting in every stitch! & for all the idjits out there, no, it doesn't make a bad cop shooting/killing ok because nike has a SLAVE shop - although I'm positive blake's RAPE VICTIM just loves you moron's turning him into some kind of folk hero!! Side note on that: Don't know if there was a weapon IN the vehicle (although there are pictures of him with one), but the VEHICLE was a potential weapon & those babies WERE in the vehicle! Was he supposed to be allowed to drive off with those babies while high? I can see the headline now, "Evil cops knowingly allow high dad to drive off & murder innocent babies!" & have you heard his dad's claim of allegiance to louis farrakhan who claims hitler was a great man? I see where jr gets it. Social justice my rear end! colincancer crapperdick has a mutimillion $$ contract with nike. I've not bought a single item since nike stepped in. Kneel & I'm done! Yeah. Social justice my azzzz!!
My heart is broken, I will begin removing all of my STEELERS items from my truck and home.
What message are you Sending to the Rape or Abused victims!!! "Your Life Doesn't Matter !"
With the millions these players get, they should be assisting abuse shelters instead of making the Abuser a hero!!!
I was saving up to get a new tattoo for my birthday...
I will but it WON'T be steelers.
I'm from the Great state of Texas, NFL has lost a fan.
My heart is broken, I will begin removing all of my STEELERS items from my truck and home.
What message are you Sending to the Rape or Abused victims!!! "Your Life Doesn't Matter !"
With the millions these players get, they should be assisting abuse shelters instead of making the Abuser a hero!!!
I was saving up to get a new tattoo for my birthday...
I will but it WON'T be steelers.
I'm from the Great state of Texas, NFL has lost a fan.
If anyone wants to kneel during the anthem keep on a knee an kiss my ass on the way out I’ll be done with NFL just like I’m done with NBA and NCAA !
There is a time and place for all things....football field is for playing football not for political platform. Separate the two. I will not support the Steelers or any other NFL team until this can be done. No fan = No money!
I already have all my Steeler gear cleaned up and ready to sell when I see the first knee. It's not about Veteran's or blacks to me, it's about this is your job you get paid to do and it's not the right venue to protest something. I can't go to my work place and protest anything I am not happy with like the way Native Americans are still treated in the country we own so why should these overpaid babies get to use television and their job to whine about the way things are in this country? There are many ways you can make a difference without using your job to do it.
God, Nation and Steelers as I was taught going up in South Park PA. I went to church every week, I joined the US Navy when I was 17 and watched almost every Steelers game since I was 9 or 10 years old. I started a Steelers fan club chapter in Hawaii in the 90s. If any Steelers disrespect our county or the Rooney's by kneeling during the National Anthem, i will de done with football. I will take my money, my family and my friends and go somewhere else on Sundays. Goodbye!!! It will be one of the saddest days of my life so I pray the Steelers owners, coach's and players to the right thing. Go Steelers!!!
I am a retired Marine, I have been a Steelers fan since 1965, if one player takes a knee I am through. I have no respect for Mike Tomlin who did not support Villanueva a veteran of three tours in Afghanistan. Instead chastised him for not adhering to his wants in 2019. Tomlin and the Steelers don a costume and provide theatrics for a period of time one or two times a week. If they cannot support someone who respects the wonderful aspects of this country, and the lucrative lives it has enabled them. Then they need to be bankrupt and all those millionaire haters can figure another way of making a living, it sure as heck will not be wearing a uniform because they have no respect for that either.
Football is my life .....one Nealdown and I’m done
That flag and anthem mean so much more than any NFL organization. I love my Steelers but I will not support any protests against something so many fought and died for so I could set at home on Sundays, Monday’s and Thursdays in a FREE country to watch my beloved Steelers. Please don’t use the NFL and the Organization for any type of political platform. I will gladly support you away from the sport I dearly love. Thank you Stephon Tuitt for doing what is right. Sir if you want to protest equality away from Football, I support you 100%.
I am a veteran and I loved the Steelers since I was a child. I remember reading books for the MS Readathon with Franco Harris and even raised enough money to meet him in Pittsburgh. I always loved them but when all but one cowered in the tunnel for the anthem that changed. It was a slap in the face to their fans and to me personally. I turned off the game and have barely watched since. I quit buying their gear and still feel betrayed. I looked forward to moving past it this year and getting Sunday ticket since I moved to SC. Now I decided against getting the Sunday ticket because I don’t trust them to have any respect for their fans. If pushing politics is what they want to do then they will do it without me. I have decided to skip the opening weekend of the NFL including the Steelers opener. If any of them kneel and show contempt for the country that has blessed them so much then I will skip the rest. This generation of players and hopefully the coach as well will pass and I will come back then. Maybe they will be making less money and have more love of the sport then.
I am orginally from south western penna, Today i live in Salt lake city Utah . and am apart of a steeler fan club of about 200 to 300 fans. We meet every sunday to do a tailgate party and than go into a club to watch the steeler game ,Every time the steelers get a sack we put money into a big plastic rolling rock beer bottle. at the club at the end of the year we donate it to primary childrens hospital . Last year we donated just over $ 2,000.00 '.If the steelers take a knee the the donations go away. and the fans go away ,Mr. Rooney the chief and the Steelers of the 70s were Pros and conducted them selves as such.Mr, Rooney , Like your grand father would do ,tell your steelers to stand during the national anthem.Mr. Rooney stand with them. Save the steeler fans across this country,God Bless the steelers.heres to chief Arthur Rooney.
I along with my entire family have been a Steelers Fan forever. I served in the US Army, my sons, one retired from the Marines, another is a Police Chief and my youngest is a Pennsylvania State Trooper. I respect and stand for our National Anthem and Country that has given me and also all the Steeler Players so much to be thankful for. I always thought the Rooneys felt this way also.
So if the Steelers (any of them)must kneel for our National Anthem i assure you that me and my family and many, many others will not support them. Good by to the Steelers as we knew them.
i already cancelled my NFL Sunday package for the first time since it came out... sports and politics dont mix. i do not support an organization that allows their employees to dictate what will be portrays on the job. Each overpaid ATHLETE has plenty of time and money to do what they want or support during their OFF time... i psy to watch a game
Roger Goodell is a moron. When Kaepernick started kneeling he should have handled it back then. He should have provided a platform to allow them to make their statements /protest other than during the Anthem. He runs an entertainment business, but only cares about part of his audience. He either doesn't care or isn't smart enough to figure it out. I will not watch if the National Anthem is not respected. It means more to me than football.
1 more comment . The 5 Sullivan brothers all of them were killed on board the USS Arizona, in ww2 . at Pearl Harbor dec 7 1942 I wonder if they are taken a knee . only for GOD their spirits are still standing for the Flag and the National Anthem. You under privilege millionaires . need to stand for the national anthem and the Flag . If you can not do that. Than get the Hell out of the Country ! USAF VET .
Have the respect for the men and women who died for your freedom. Have the character it takes to be a professional, Have the courage that those men and women had when they gave their lives for your freedom; and have knowledge to know difference . and if you can not do that .God Help You !!! USAF VET.
I am sad that this will be the first in over 50 years to not watch a Steeler game. Kneel if you want. You have this freedom because veterans have died so that you are free to be millionaires. I won't watch you nor any other team that kneels.
100% I Will Not Watch Any NFL Football if they kneel and that sucks for me. But Our Country means more to me than the years spent watching with my dad and traveling to games from Oklahoma to see them together. BTW Goodell SUCKS!!!!! He’s ruined the NFL!
I stopped watching Steeler football on 9/24/17 when they refused to be on the field for the National Anthem. Players can protest all they want, just do it on your own dime, and on your own time. My employer would never allow me to conduct a protest during business hours, I would lose my job. Three years later and I have yet to see any of these "heroes" create a movement on their own. Sports exists for entertainment, not for controversy and for division. If the want to be true activists, try turning down the millions of dollars from companies like Nike who producer their products in sweat shops!! If one of them had the "balls" to do that, I might just respect them!
Its pathetic when millionaires can not show respect for the Anthem and the flag. You are laughing at the Men and Women Black,White Brown ,Red and Yellow who gave there lives so that you could live free; I think you all should recieve the academy award for not being men who could not shine the shoes of men and women who died for this country. What a disgrace you are! I will always be a steeler fan. A fan of the men who were Pittsburgh steelers. Not of the oppressed millionaires of today ( if you take a knee. or anything other than respect).for the minute and a half it takes to play the Anthem and raise the flag, USAF Vet ,
I am sick of the Kapernac crap. And yes I'm sure I spelled it wrong. As a nine year old in South Carolina I was literally kicked out of a white only rest-room. The next day at school I stood with my classmates and faced the flag, with my hand over my heart. Why, because no one is going to hijack my patriotism. The flag and anthem are meant to unify all of us. That white attendant that kicked me is not part of that. Our nation's symbols are there to unify us as a United front to those who threaten our nation. Can you be counted on to defend not just our symbols but our way of life. I am a proud Black Veteran from a line of Black warriors. I will never turn my back on my country. I don't care how you spin it. Kneeling pleases our enemies. And a kneeler is there to celebrate the good times but disappear when the Nation needs them. Yes we have problems, many problems. But we have come so far. When I see the violence and destruction going on across our nation I am deeply troubled. So if they kneel will I watch. NO WAY IN HELL. And anyone who kneels is kneeling on the graves of our brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice that these spoiled brats might live in peace. I wish folks would read more. Kap's only struggle in life was hsd to drive a used car to high school. To him and the rest of the kneelers, " shame shame not in my name ". Go Steelers. I'll be back when you stand. Like men. Like Patriots.
I tune in..to tune out the craziness going on..I pay for tickets and steelers items as a fan..so I dont want political statements made on my dime
I'm so sick of hearing "It's not about disrespecting the flag or the anthem." Then why are players kneeling during the anthem? I completely agree with the need for police reform but not this way. That flag and anthem represent the ideals we as a nation are supposed to aspire to be for ourselves and each other. The fact that far too many people have fallen shamefully short of that ideal does NOT make it okay to declare open season on the flag and the anthem.
I proudly served in the Marines and my attitude for the Steelers changed after they cowered in the tunnel for the anthem. I met Rocky Bleier as a kid as well as Franco Harris through a school MS Read a thon. I even got a Steeler tattoo after we beat Seattle for the Super Bowl, but if they choose to start every game by slapping me in the face as a patriot then they need to do it without my viewership. I quit buying NFL gear when they hid. I’ll quit watching when they kneel. I’ve been a Steeler fan for about 45 years. I can wait these players and their coach out. Maybe the next generation can appreciate their fans more, and hopefully make less money. Who knew NFL would become like the Hollywood elitists?
No way I will watch every service member past or present be disgraced. Goodbye NFL.
My comments where cut short earlier so I’d like to finish my thoughts. I come from a service family past and present. They’ve fought and survived so that I can sit here and tell my thoughts. I am a white little old woman. I shouldn’t have had to say that but I imagine most believed I was black. Being from a military family I’ve been told of the sacrifices and hardships that they suffered. I was told so many times when a troop was in danger and there was no way to tell anyone they where in danger as in no radios or computers to warn they where in trouble and needed help they looked to the one symbol they knew would get the attention of anyone who was looking for them. They went to their flag. The one thing many would have died for before they’d allow it to be taken or damaged in anyway. They went too that flag and turned it upside down. It’s the universal sign of distress and crying for help. It wasn’t the material of the red white and blue it was the symbol embedded in the hearts and minds of those who believe in what it stands for. Freedom. Protection. Scarifies. Love of God and Country. It is respected through out the world as to say the people flying that flag are Americans and the world knows what that flag represents. The culture now trying to send a message to the world is this. We are in danger, we are being killed and beaten til there will be none of us left to fight. We’ve used everything we know to do to get attention in seeing we need help. We need protection. We need help from our forces to come and rescue us from this life of fear and not knowing if I’ll be alive when the next day begins. So the representation the flag gives is you will be protected and can live under the laws of the constitution that states all men are created equal. I hope you open your hearts and minds to think for yourself and not be influenced by others. You have a brain and you know your heart. I hope your heart has the knowledge that your brothers and sisters of a different skin color are begging you to be treated fairly and equally. Never better just the same. How would you be heard if you where surrounded by evil, death and discrimination. Maybe take a knee or turn a flag upside down to mean. Please. Help me live. Please stop letting us be hurt, beaten or killed. I’ve tried to help you see we are dying and no one is interested and no one is listening. Please see these people only want to do one thing. Live. That’s something we all want. And again I’ll be watching the Steelers till I die and when I die I’ll have a front row above to watch them again. I pray that all of you will see we’re all here to live, love and grow. In this world that’s all any of us want.
This is the Nfl. N= National. This is NOT the blmfl. im tired of blm saying it was never about disrespecting the flag. Yet you chose to kneel when everyone rises to commemorate those who fought for our Nation that is represented by the national flag. Thats like if white people decided to start wearing pointed white hoods to support blm. Its the same, a non harmful action at the wrong time. blm LEADERS are a racist group too, everything the push for is for blacks. Not for any of the other minority groups latinos, native americans, or asians. How does it help showing special treatment to 1 minority group while ignoring latinos, natives americans, asians. NFL has a HUGE population of Latino Fans. How is supporting blm going to unite everyone when the title itself segregates themselves from all other groups of people. Supporting a segregated movement by one race will only show Black Priveledge, something Latinos and Native Americans see clearly here in the US. UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL. All Lives Matter. I am a minority and will never follow examples created by racist LEADERS in blm.
The first time they kneel in protest and/or put BLM on the helmets is the day I stop watching the NFL .... and believe me when I say I know a lot of fans who feel the same way !!!!
I have friends that serve and the Army Navy and airforce I understand why these players would do the kneeling and people still don't get it it's not about disrespecting the flag of people that serve it it's about the social injustice and police brutality going on in this country come on people let's get it together and Unite
Keep the players in the locker room like they do in some college football towns and this point is mute. This country doesn’t need another controversy to divide it further. I am a veteran and I will stand. I love football, it’s a great game, not a political playing field, so I will continue to watch.
I am a Viet Nam veteran and I would be very disappointed if the Steelers knelt for the anthem. I was at the game when Harris made the Immaculate Reception and I am positive no member of that team would have knelt for the National Anthem.
If u serve over seas and have fought in the military sure i think you have the right too kneel, but if you are a average citizen like my self you should stand up and honor those who are fighting for you and some who have died on your behalf too keep us free. I love this country, protest all you want but stand and honor our troops who dont even know you but fight for your freeddom anyway
I will watch them anytime! Kap was right and was told by a soldier to kneel because that's what they do at their fellow soldiers graves honoring them. This is not politics it's football and these players can do what they please. Has anyone not watched the news or payed any attention to this movement? Things need to change and they have for a while now. We've got people in the streets calling for change and times they are a changin'! You must really not like football if you choose to hold this against the players. Damn! I mean even Roger Goodell came out and said he was wrong. That's what I have to say! If you don't like it fine, I really don't care.
I’ve been a Steeler fan for over 50 years. I’m in Mo. so that’s not too popular. And I’ve went a few rounds with Chiefs and Rams fans a few times. I just say 6. That’s all it take. I also say when you see 6 rings then you and I can talk. That just shows the passion we feel for our teams and the game. The men who go out on that field every Sunday, Monday or Thursday and even Thanksgiving and Christmas are saying to us look we’re living in a world with fear and anger in our lives outside these stadiums. And after having given their blood, sweat, tears and body parts and even some have given up their minds from too many concussions and we’ve invite into our homes are now asking for our support and our understanding. They are paid big bucks. But those big bucks don’t matter as some have found out. It could have been a family member, friend or colleague and maybe even themselves that have come face to face with the realization that a person with a badge doesn’t watch those games and probably doesn’t know who they are even after being cheered with ovations at a fantastic play they made that afternoon. Who are they to turn too?? No one has listened to their cries of fear and anger. They have their representatives that don’t want to rock the meal train. They have Twitter and Facebook but that’s all talk and opinions and nothing gets done. Then they have a few that kneel to show support of what they’re not sure of. No one wants to rock the pay boat too much. They like the money they’ve worked their lives to get and don’t want too lose it. You can’t blame them for that. Some are stronger than others and stand or kneel for what they believe. No one has heard their cries of pain and fear. No one cared. As long as they played the game and and kept their politics to themselves no one cared what they had too say. Then a kneeling during the anthem got everyone’s attention. How dare they. Who did they think they where. They never served their country. And they have no respect. Respect. That’s a 2 sided word there. Was it to disrespect the flag and our country or was it the last ditch of hope that was left for them to use to be heard. The freedoms of our constitution are for all of us. Not just the few. How else would they have been able to make people hear this. Look we are dying out here. We are beaten out here. We are discriminated against out here. We are afraid out here. When will anyone listen to our cries for help and understand if we don’t get their attention. No one cares that we are dying daily for no other reason than the shade of their skin and the fear of that skin is embedded into the minds of the people who are supposed to protect and defend. Our blood is all red. It’s just the blood of a colored person (black, asian, indian) other than white is thought to be unimportant and expendable. The fear the law is from all the years of abuse they know has been given and they are afraid the abused may become the abusers. That’s the biggest problem. Fear. Years of oppression won’t go away. And I say again, the law is afraid that the abused may want to become the abuser. They’d have reasons too. Their families have told them of the brutality they’ve endured so that their families won’t see the same. So the knee has become their voice. And do we take that voice away again. Will anyone listen to them without it. I think not. So I will never stop watching my Steelers. My blood on Sunday’s, Monday’s Thursday’s and Christmas and Thanksgiving will always be black and gold. Even in Chiefs territory till I die. I ask you to put yourself in the protester lives. How else would you get anyone to listen when they’ve never listened for years. Judgment is left to God. I hope you keep your judgements too yourselves and let God handle that part. Like I said. If you where living in fear for your life and for the lives of your families and no one was listening too those fears what would you do to be heard?? I’m a little old white women which I shouldn’t ha
I will watch. The protest have nothing to do with patriotism or the military, it's about racial injustice. Recent events have proven kap to be right. The last person I would ever take advice on what is patriotic and what isn't would be a draft Dodger that insults POWs.
We have been taught from little up that you stand for the flag, kneeling is ignorant and disrespectful, the football field is a place of business, I'd like to see the average person protest at work and see what happens, so yes IAM done watching football, there is a time and place for everything
It's something lost. I loved honoring my country where every American no matter their race could stand together to honor our great nation during the anthem. Now it seems it will be a time of divisiveness and anger going forward. I think some people underestimate how deeply offensive kneeling for the flag is to some of us. It is like a grieving in my spirit. You can say anything you want about what it means but in my heart, it is disrespect and I can't bare to watch it. I am a huge Steelers fan much more than most of you. I am passionate about them and never miss a game. When the kneeling started a few years ago, I couldn't bare to watch it. It wasn't just me. Every Steeler fan I knew here in Texas (I know lots) all quit watching. They couldn't bare to watch it either. I never came to the point where I said I would never watch again. This is because I felt like it was unfair to the Steelers because none of them had knelt. If they kneel, it is goodbye forever. Even though I bleed Black and Gold, I can't bare to watch my team disrespecting the nation I love. And no, I am not racist, I love African Americans. I am against racism and police brutality but also can't bare to see people protesting during a time that is supposed to show respect. It is an inappropriate time. If you chose a different time, it would not cause more disunity but you actually might see that a lot of people are on your side.
If anything makes me stop watching it’ll be the ridiculous rule changes that are never consistently enforced. They’ve managed to turn this game into a joke. That said, I don’t mind the protesting one bit.
I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America or our country.
kneel for god stand for the flag
I was already quite annoyed with all the namby pamby BS going on and was already on my way out as a fan. I have sold some stuff and will give away the rest. I am quite over the spurred conflicts that promote tension between AMERICANS!!!!!
I think it’s disrespect or racist if you don’t Understand what is going on here. It is clearly no disrespect to the military or country. You mean to tell you don’t get it..we wanna change and grow because that’s “WHAT WE DO”..BUILT ON PROTESTING..” Tea Party...” There are cops “humans” who do commit homicides on different races and don’t even try to prevent death... at all.. on purpose.. and that needs to change.. if the was killing whites how would u feel?
Those players have the right to protest any which way they feel. There is absolutely no disrespect to any veteran or soldier, it is a way of simply emphasizing their desire for getting equality for all.
Disrespect me all you want..My father fought under the American flag in the Nam.you kneel it would kill his soul..
Been a fan since the 6th grade. i'm 57 now..Kneel i'm through with the Steelers
I respect their rights to exercise their freedoms to protest in a manner they feel appropriate. I have fought for their rights to do so and will continue to support and defend their right to do so - but I do not have to agree with it and I do not have to support the manner in which they choose to do so - even though I believe in their cause. As such, I will not watch NFL games (including my beloved Steelers). There are better and more effective ways to do this than to kneel during the flag - and they could choose to do so and not alienate their fellow countrymen.
I know in these arguments it’s impossible for people to see things objectively but let me give a shot at reason. Let’s start with some simple stuff. Everyone who is saying “they get paid good money!” Or the like, as a reason not to kneel, can we just cut that argument out? It’s clearly not about the money. If they made $15 per hour then it would be ok to kneel in the anthem? Thought not. Secondly, this isn’t about our great military. The men and women in uniform are fantastic but they don’t “own” the anthem. The anthem is for all Americans. And it’s about the county as a whole. Not just the military. It’s OK that some of the players want to peacefully protest their America during a song that honors America. Before they sing it they say “please honor America (not our troops) with the singing of our national anthem.” Can we not at all see the players side about their America? America has a nasty checkered history for African Americans that while improving likely has some ways to go. (We can debate about how far) Even if you disagree with them and believe America is perfect (which it isn’t) or great (which it is) can you not at all see why they may beg to differ? I mean we just saw why on a in Minnesota. You can be super patriotic and still respect others right to stage their views for change they desire. I know many in the military do. My dad was 5th special forces, silver star recipient in Nam and he doesn’t feel slighted. He respects their right. Give it a shot. Everyone wins.
The NFL will not show the National Anthem this year, I have already stopped watching football, unless it's raining and I can't get out to shoot guns. Not my circus, not my clowns. RIP NFL
I believe you disrespect the men and women who sacraficed their lives for us to enjoy our freedom that we have. Without our freedom and their sacrafice we would probably not have football today. We owe them a great deal. None of which we can repay. So give them and the American flag the respect they deserve with peace and maturity. STAND UP!
A lot of narcissistic completely oblivious complainers in the comments who think that a player kneeling somehow hurts them even though it has zero impact on them
I would stop watching football all together if they do not allow the fans to come in the stadium this year
I find it disrespectful to those of us who served and those that gave their lives for our country. Have a 2 or 3 minutes of silence will players can protest all they like. Or don't play the anthem. If it's played and millionaire players disrespect the anthem then I'm done. We can all agree to disagree but it's my remote and I will choose to change the channel.
Read what Greg McIntosh wrote (second comment in). First, thank you for your service! It is because of people like Mr. McIntosh that we have earned the right to protest. This country was founded on protests...and yes, some of those protests occurred on the job. I will always support the right to peacefully protest even if I violently disagree with the reason. Thanks again Mr. McIntosh!
they are way over paid
There is such an easy solution here but neither side looks for common ground. Anyone who wants to take a knee should be able to wither before or after the National Anthem is played. In fact, it would be good to have the pre-game set up with time for it. A moment of silence for 30 seconds would be great. It does not have to be during the National Anthem which regardless of people who feel it is ok does offend many of us who believe that is also a sacred time.
IF IT WASNT FOR THIS GREAT COUNTRY THAT SO MANY PEOPLE SEEM TO DISLIKE THEY WOULDNT HAVE THE RIGHT TO PROTEST. FROM A VERY EARLY AGE WE ARE TOUGHT STAND FOR THE FLAG AND TAKE A KNEE FOR THE LORD.
I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THEM TRY THIS CRAP IN RUSSIA OR ANYOTHER SOCIALIST COUNTRY THEY WANT TO BE LIKE.
The people who are saying that they won’t watch the team because of the players kneeling are clearly fair-weather fans. They were obviously not true fans to begin with. That’s my opinion so deal with it!
All things considered, I have no issue with any player that takes a knee during the playing of the national anthem. It has nothing to do them doing their "job" or with how much money they make. This is their opportunity and right to peacefully make a statement. For that matter, how many of us are required to hear/play/sing the national anthem when we go to work everyday, or to a concert or a movie. What makes this any different? I would have no issue with removing the anthem from the current program. In light of the state of our country and some of our leaders, a lot of work needs to be done to gain back the respect that has been lost.
You can protest all you like on your OWN TIME!!!! You are being paid VERY well play the game and protest on your own!
I have been a Steeler fan for 50 years and appreciate the way the Rooney family runs the program, but my philosophy is "Protest on your own time", not when you are getting paid huge sums of money to do a job. If I see any Steeler kneel and disrespect our flag and country, I will not watch the game. If players think they are better than the rest of us, they need to think again.
Football players are citizens. Those who wish to exercise their rights as citizens must be allowed to do so. Anything else is a denial of constitutional rights.
You people are payed to play football. Keep your opinions to yourself. Also, the league is pridominetley minorities. You guys are making millions. Please tell me how you are oppressed and if you feel oppressed, change your life. Pathetic
The NFL shouldn't be involved with this. I work all week just waiting to these boys on Sunday I dont want to hear or see any of this political crap while watching the game I love so much. Put out a statement if you must on off season but leave the games alone !
The football field is not the place to protest. The players are payed extreme amounts of money to PLAY FOOTBALL not participate in politics. The players that kneel could spend some of their money on youth programs and put their feet in action to help society live peacefully. I do not support this disrespect.
If they kneel BEFORE the national anthem, i could care less. They just cannot kneel DURING the national anthem. I find it funny how these people are so offended by almost everything, yet they do not care about offending half the nation. They are blind and oblivious to their own hypocrisy.
In response to the comment left by Ot, If all they are there to do is play a game, then what does the anthem has to do with that? It shouldn't matter if I sit, stand, kneel, come out of the locker room because the anthem has nothing to do with participating in a sports game.
They are being paid to participate in a sports game and that is all. If the player wants to make any other statement, it SHOULD NOT be observed on the playing field. His or her personal or political preferences have no place at game time. If they can't stand for the anthem then they can't play period!
You have to be a real dolt to stop doing something you would otherwise enjoy because politicians are trying to deflect away from the issue of police brutality. Kneeling or no kneeling it's not going away as long as nothing is done to fix it, so you might as well continue to support your local team.
irrelevant to my viewing practices
ONCE AGAIN KNEELING DURING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH DISRESPECTING THE FLAG, THE COUNTRY, OR THE MILTARY!! (in all caps on purpose). I am retired military and do not feel disrespected at all.
I wont stop watching because of kneeling. It's a peaceful protest that doesn't hurt anyone. If it offends you, you need to realize the flag is symbolic of different things to different people. What they are doing is not offensive.
I will stop watching because cable costs too damn much, for just football. They should really break away from cable and lower their damn prices.
I want the Steelers to do what they can to help fix the problem of racism