There is an appropriate way to pay honor and respect to our National Anthem and the Flag which represents our great nation. That is, by STANDING at attention, with hand over heart or, if covered, a salute. We demonstrate unity by doing such. This is not a time for holding hands, or embracing each other arm in arm. Those who advocate these antics, including our Packers, show a lack of understanding of history, and what is appropriate respect.
I still like the Packers as a team; HOWEVER, MY ENTHUSIASM FOR THE TEAM HAS WANED!. I find myself NOT watching other NFL teams; and when the Packers are playing, I watch the game among other things.
I used to watch the commercials with Rodgers and thought they were kind of fun -- no longer -- I basically tune out those commercials he is in. I wish Aaron would think about the appropriate honors expected when the National Anthem is played and the flag displayed -- and take the leadership in demanding that the team render those appropriate honors.
GBass - 7 years ago
It's pretty sad for the NFL when Canadian hockey players show more respect for our flag and National Anthem, and Americans sing along with the Canadian National Anthem at hockey games both NHL and CHL alike. Roger Goodell needs to go. He has the NFL in a tailspin, and these anthem protests are only serving to divide the country even further. Until the league pulls it's head out of it's ass, I'm watching hockey. Bring on the NHL.
Linda - 7 years ago
Done with the NFL, if it’s not about disrespecting the veterans and the flag, then why do it during the anthem? That’s what the national anthem is played for and what it represents. Makes absolutely no sense what they are saying. Put their money where their mouth is and live on an average persons salary, donating the rest of their salaries to the neighborhoods that need it and get in there in the trenches and make a difference first hand. That’s when you’ll make a difference and when you show how much of a humanitarian you are. Not all this politically correct stuff where they go to places to be photographed while doing their “service work”. Goodbye NFL, it’s been fun but not anymore.
Fuck nfl - 7 years ago
Fuck the nfl and all the idiots who are addicted and waste their time.
Marg - 7 years ago
I would like to see the Anthem and fly over be done BEFORE the players come out on the field. I think they should be UNINVITED to attend the most meaningful part of the program. Do NOT ALLOW them to attend it. Then, when they come out of the tunnel, they come out arm in arm, or doing the bunny hop, or skipping along merrily - WHO CARES. Just no longer let them be a part of the opening ceremony. They do not deserve to attend.
Chris sanchez - 7 years ago
I completely agree with the protest. I hope they keep doing it. I would to see this done at the ND Bison games as well. Most of those complaing are white people using the excuse of disrespecting vets, cops and the flag. That is not what it is. It's minorities that are sick and tired of being second class citizens because of the white privaledge that still exists today. It's time for caucasians with racists attitudes realize we are equal and all deserve to be treated as such.
Tom - 7 years ago
ay, September 28, 2017
Take a little trip to Valley Forge in January. If you don't know where that is, just Google it from the sidelines. Hold a musket ball in your fingers and imagine it piercing your flesh and breaking a bone or two. There won't be a doctor or trainer to assist you until after the battle, so just wait your turn. Take your cleats and socks off to get a real experience. Then take a knee.
Then, take one at the beach in Normandy where man after American man stormed the beach, even as the one in front of him was shot to pieces...the very sea stained with American blood. The only blockers most had were the dead bodies in front of them, riddled with bullets from enemy fire.
Take a knee in the sweat soaked jungles of Vietnam. from Khe San to Saigon... Anywhere will do. REAL Americans died in all those jungles. There was no playbook that told them what was next, but they knew what flag they represented. When they came home, they were protested as well..and spit on for reasons only cowards know.
Take another knee in the blood drenched sands of Fallujah in 110 degree heat.. Wear your Kevlar helmet and battle dress... Your number won't be printed on it unless your number is up! You'll need to stay hydrated but there won't be anyone to squirt Gatorade into your mouth. You're on your own.
There's a lot of places to take a knee. Real Americans have given their lives all over the world. When you use the banner under which they fought as a source for your displeasure, you dishonor the memories of those who bled for the very freedoms you have. That's what the red stripes mean. It represents the blood of those who spilled a sea of it defending your liberty.
While you're on your knee, pray for those that came before you, not on a manicured lawn striped and printed with numbers to announce every inch of ground taken...but on nameless hills and bloodied beaches and sweltering forests and bitter cold mountains...every inch marked by an American life lost serving that flag you protest.
No cheerleaders, no announcers, no coaches, no fans...just American men and women...delivering the real fight against those who chose to harm us...blazing a path so you would have the right to "take a knee."
You haven't an inkling what it took to get you where you are; but your "protest" is duly noted. Not only is it disgraceful to a nation of real heroes, it serves the purpose of pointing to your ingratitude for those who chose to defend you under that banner that will still wave long after your jersey is issued to another...
If you really feel the need to take a knee, come with me to church on Sunday and we'll both kneel before Almighty God. We'll thank Him for preserving this country for as long as He has. We'll beg forgiveness for our ingratitude for all He has provided us. We'll appeal to Him for understanding and wisdom. We'll pray for liberty and justice for all...because He is the one who provides those things.
And there will be no protest. There will only be gratitude for His provision and a plea for His continued grace and mercy on the land of the free and the home of the brave. It goes like this...
GOD BLESS AMERICA!
tadams - 7 years ago
When Rogers asked fans to unite, there was no clarity of what fans were supposed to be united behind. If it was to unify behind so called "social injustice" and align with people who hate cops , it was clearly rejected, as well it should be. Check out the link below written by Larry Elder (a black man) with the real facts about their perceived "injustice".
I think that the Elephant in the room is that a majority of Americans are dog tired of giving, giving, giving and giving more into the demands of a never satisfied ill informed group, which more and more comes off as extortionists. Enough is Enough!
no longer NFL - 7 years ago
Disgusting lack of respect. If these privileged players want to make a difference than do something positive & do it on your own time/dime not on us fans. No more watching Pro FB for me!!!!
Miles Mike - 7 years ago
Support of inequality, and social injust? These people were blown through high school because they could play ball. Scholarships to kids that had good grades and wanted an education were pushed aside so these beauties could go on to college (For free) and visit the campus a few times over a two year period to meet class requirements and so they could go to practice and wait for the NFL to pick them up with a multimillion dollar contract. Boy, that is suffering. The behavior as professional athletes leaves a lot to be desired, with the drug arrests, the assault charges, domestic abuse and other similar charges. Such moral high ground and inspiration they have pursued for their fellow man. And when their fellow man are approached by the law they turn it into a confrontation. The one athlete said he was protesting the treatment of a thug that had an arrest record a mile long and had a gun on his person and died in the struggle to arrest him. This embraced culture is the only one making things unjust and unequal. This nonsense needs to stop. NO NFL!!!
Bob Mutters - 7 years ago
Look at the players lined up for the National Anthem, whites are generally in the minority. Why is this? Because whites are discriminated against? NO, it is because the blacks are more talented. Unfortunately many black families place greater emphasis on developing sports skills while white families stress intellectual skills over sports. Regards police shootings of blacks there are too many shooting by police PERIOD. As an old Military Policeman I think that is more a result of poor screening of police candidates; lack of adequate training;; poor supervision; than it is discrimination. Our flag and the National Anthem have nothing to do with the unwarranted police shootings.I think that football players that can not appreciate all that America has given them should go to Russia and play their football and see how they would be rewardred
Sue - 7 years ago
How many people in this country kneel to pray? I can't believe players taking a knee bother so many people. They are not disrespectful. We live in a country that gives us rights we should all be thankful for that. Besides we have so many other problems we should be focusing on.
Justin - 7 years ago
The whole football world WAS united prior to these "protests" by the NFL employees (players). The divisiveness came when the employees decided to disrespect the flag in the name of protesting an illegitimate cause.
Bob - 7 years ago
Good-bye NFL
Lisa L Lind - 7 years ago
I am VERY proud of my team! Unless you have lived what black people have lived, you don't have a clue. Just because white say there is equality doesn't make it so! No equality movement comes without educating the masses, making the status quo uncomfortable, and this one is no different. The majority if service people say they served to protect the 1st Amendment, so those of you who aren't vets shouldn't use them as your justification! I don't like Breitbart or your president's words but I will fight to ensure they have the right to so So! Why? Because I am an American, I have that right, and I don't need to move anywhere else because I choose to exercise my civil liberties! Those if you who so vehemently disagree with black athletes using their position to make social statements better get your white religious leaders to shut the hell up as well or you are nothing but a hypocrite. #GoPackGo #ISupportNFL
R. Hudson - 7 years ago
The point is this: we live in the United States of America; we have the freedom to peacefully demonstrate or protest anyway we choose, including linking arms doing the national anthem. I for one, thank God that we have that privilege and right so whether I agree with the Packers or not they have the right.
Paul Geyer - 7 years ago
So they showed us that they are united with Colin K in hate for our police and country. Thus nightmare keeps getting worse, Pack should hire Colin to replace Rodgers. It would SSD be the liberal PC thing to do as fterall!!!
Paul Schaeffer - 7 years ago
The fans pay way too much too be entertained.
They shouldn't have to hear OR see ANY of that.
Paul - 7 years ago
The problem isn't racism it's just that blacks are committing crimes and getting caught. Then they react incorrectly and get beaten or shot. The problem is culture not race. As long as your culture says you can break the laws of the land then you may have problems with the police. I don't care what color you are. So until you fix your misguided culture you will have police in your face. Obey the law and you don't have problems. Every time you burn down a neighborhood because of a verdict of innocence on the police do you ever stop to think about the loser that was killed and why he was killed? Was it because he was black or because he broke the law and didn't submit to the police? Fix your culture.
Keith - 7 years ago
They are simply unaware of their actions. They want to protest Injustice. But they do it in a disrespectful way to the flag and to the anthem. I would hear their protest if their disrespect wasn't so loud. Stop using the flag and the anthem as protest props. If you really believe in your protest, get together make a commercial for have it program that talks about it. You guys have the money to do that. Your actions of disrespect are the reason why nobody hears what you are actually protesting. I would like to have a conversation and listen to your side of the protest. But not until you start respecting the United States of America flag and anthem.
Paul - 7 years ago
I'm stunned by the poor writing skills of those that are posting messages here. Appalling. This country is in trouble.
Terry - 7 years ago
I respect African American's concern that they are not being treated fairly. I believe everyone should be cared for the same regardless of the color of their skin. However, I do not respect the NFL holding the flag or our anthem hostage. I don't care what someone says, it's a blatant show of contempt and disrespect for our country and what it stands for. They have made a mistake and either too proud to admit it, or afraid of being seen as 'politically incorrect.' No more NFL for me. Hopefully college football won't make the same mistake.
Joe - 7 years ago
I pay my cablegs bill to watch football. If I want to watch a political event, I would watch MSNBC. I realize this country has a lot of problems, but don't interrupt my intertainment. I too am done with the NFL
Tarie Zimmerman - 7 years ago
The teams that kneel during the national anthem are showing extreme disrespect for fans and fellow citizens. This country has afforded them the greatest opportunities available on the planet and if they have a multitude of ways to express their position that do not disrespect our country. I have no interest in watching or following the NFL any longer. Life is too short to muck it up with such things. Time spent better elsewhere!
Jim Barton - 7 years ago
I agree with David Leland.
Peaceful protests are a democratic right in this country.
I'm exercising this right by not supporting the NFL.
No more watching or going to games...period!
Quality time better spent with family and friends.
See ya NFL!
Bruce - 7 years ago
I’ve been a proud Packer fan since the 60's. I've cheered as we've won Championships and Super Bowls, however I’ve never been prouder of “my” Green Bay Packers and to call myself a Green Bay Packer fan then last night when the organization as a whole respectfully exercised “our rights” as Americans to peacefully protest a social injustice that has plagued our country and society for way too long. Wake up America! This issue is bigger than football, it’s about how we treat each other. Last night the Packers respectfully made a positive statement to promote social justice and equality in America. I whole heartedly support the Packer’s and the NFL’s right to protest.
In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. shared his dream with America … "I still have a dream, a dream deeply rooted in the American dream – one day this nation will rise up and live up to its creed, "We hold these truths to be self evident: that all men are created equal." I have a dream..."
Oh, so that doesn’t move you, then how about this …“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” - the 1st Amendment of the United States Constitution
I’m still a proud American longing for the day of social justice and equality in American. I still believe that the “Dream” lives on. I still believe in the Constitution of the United States!
… and oh yes, I’m still a proud Green Bay Packer fan! Go Pack Go!'
David Leland - 7 years ago
The moment we lose our right to protest is the moment we lose our democracy. The players are just showing solidarity against authoritarianism and inequality.
Laura - 7 years ago
I have lost all respect for the NFL! You are already backpedaling, and it boils down to the bottom dollar, not patriotism or any other reason. Too little, too late.
Tom - 7 years ago
Disgraceful I used to watch NFL games every week, will not watch another game or buy sponsors products until NFL puts stop to this nonsense
Susan shepersky - 7 years ago
My husband and I are appalled that the "overpaid, self-indulgent NFL players and staff have chosen this lack of patriotism to our country in dishing the National Athem. If they are so unhappy with the "top" government and racism they should go into they go into the communities they feel are dished and apply their fortune to helping these people.
The NFL is no more in our home.
Also the ranger who stood for his flag should not have gotten in trouble. He was showing respect for the flag and the many who have come home in flag covered caskets.
Denny Sirbaugh - 7 years ago
If they are so disgruntled, book an hour on ESPN. Present your case. Any other gestures are pure treason. People need to stop patronizing these mal-contents. Turn off the NFL and NBA!
IronHorse - 7 years ago
The NFL is not the appropriate place for the message. The original message has been mangled by the emotions of both sides of the issue. Leave the game to be the game and pursue the message in a forum that will attract a positive response! These NFL players make enough money to donate some serious money to organizations that will directly affect a change in racial bias and discrimination. Players, put your money where your mouth, fist, and knees are! Leave the game, the anthem and the recognition of the country that gives you the right to peacefully protest, alone!
David - 7 years ago
The actions of the NFL players are totally disrespectful. They should be ashamed of themselves!
Raye - 7 years ago
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pFXNAdHmno
It was disrespectful
Mary - 7 years ago
Thank you for standing together. If there is anyone in the USA that says they don't see it,feel it, every day, needs to wonder what everyone else around them understands. There is only respect. If it doesn't look just like your version of respect,then what does it say about you? Thank you Packers for continuing making me proud! A veteran's wife and a veteran's Mom. This is our country and we've let some evil in that wants to break us apart. This woman won't have it! I love USA!
Luis Cantu - 7 years ago
My two tours in Vietnam was to protect the freedom of our country and to have these players have the freedom to play football and Iall i asked for them to stand and for one minute place their hand on their heart.
Denny Woolley - 7 years ago
Well...the consistency of the poll shows it. 2/3 of Commentors, consistently for the last few hours, do not agree with the actions of the Packers. One of the commenters said it best-don't they realize we show unity by standing and saluting the very symbol under which we have freedoms and liberties not granted by any other country?
This is not about Trump, and if you are going to post that it is then you are wasting your time. This was created long before Trump. Trump has the courage to speak out in a way my grandparents generation would have, but we have devolved into this PC culture that insists on identity politics to promote power. That's liberal thinking. That's wrong. For TC, I don't care what the race issues you think exist, cuz they don't...but this was not started as a race issue, and it directly afronta our national heritage.
So if you are not American, or won't respect our flag and anthem, please leave. Let us know where you can go that will afford you the freedoms to twist this disrespect into a social cause.
Joseph - 7 years ago
At least they didn't kneel. That being said,players are still missing the point. They say it's not about disrespecting the military and that assertion is supposed to make everything all right. However, if someone in society uses a word the player considers offensive, even when done completely innocently, those same players get outraged. They seem to want to enjoy a double standard. And furthermore, if this is about inequality and social justice, can they please explain what is so socially just about grown men being paid millions of dollars for playing a game when firemen and police risk their LIVES for, on average, $60k dollars a year? (according to the Bureau of Labor Satistics).
I am done with the NFL until the players begin to appreciate and demonstrate their appreciation for just how privileged they are.
Callinan - 7 years ago
NFL no longer exists as far as I and many others are concerned. I will now devote my time and money to sports such as NASCAR since NASCAR knows where its bread is being buttered. NFL will cease existing altogether when Americans who demonstrate their appreciation and gratitude for all we have been blessed with, most importantly the sacrifice our courageous veterans have made to ensure that we can live in freedom, take a stand, and THAT is already occurring. Maybe when NFL players, owners, sportscasters no longer have revenue from hardworking Americans who are dealing with real-life problems they will be required to have jobs that really contribute to society and responsibilities that require a less cavalier, lackadaisical, disrespectful attitude.
Wendell Cates - 7 years ago
I have been a pro football fan for years, but not anymore. Pick another place to protest. I am through with pro football and I will not use the products they advertise. The military and all the men in uniform deserve more respect. If they don't like what is going on, run for office. Without the police and military, we would be like Iran/Iraq or God forbid like old Natzi Germany.
Ron Burton - 7 years ago
The NFL just doesn't get it. They already were a unifying force and they have killed that. People of all colors, sizes and sexes joined together to watch your game and cheer for you. Then some idiots decided they want to protest something with no definable end state.
Here is what we ex-fans are looking for. When the anthem is playedl...... stand, put your hand over your heart...remember the folks who gave their lives so you can play a game for a living and give thanks that you live in the United States..........and then play the game. Feel free to protest all week wherever you want but don't expect me to pay to watch you.
Pat A Mercaitis - 7 years ago
I want to do a "PS" People do realize I hope that the ones that complain about the" overpaid players, seem to be missing the point that Trump is making millions of dollars with his being in office that HE SHOULDN'T BE MAKING-AND IS ACTUALLY ILLLEGAL--and somehow we think that's ok??? There are things wrong with a lot of systems in the U.S. but we can't fix them unless we identify them. The peaceful way is hopefully the way that a country that defines itself as Christian and open spirituality-will respond and that's what the Packers did. If you disagree---just don't go ,watch, buy.
Randy - 7 years ago
I do not tune in to sports to watch protests, if you want to protest do it outside of the game. Take the politics out of sports. I will not be watching the rest of the year I have better things to do than watch these self important players act like children. Goodbye NFL!
Pat A Mercaitis - 7 years ago
I wholeheartedly agree with what the Packers did. As so many have commented before me---this is NOT disrespect for the flag,the servicemen(and I know quite a few)--it's about trying to right a wrong in a peaceful way---of which fortunately ---we in this country have a right (and safety hopefully) to do GO PACK
Pat Webster - 7 years ago
"Divisiveness from the top" - I thought it was about the blacks/black men being targeted/killed by cops. Its amazing how this was not a problem for the NFL/NBA, etc when Obama was President...although it was certainly being highlighted by the mainstream media then. I as a white woman was targeted by a black man, held up with a gun to my temple and he threatened to kill me - he was never caught for that incident. Work on the primary crimes that are being committed. I have shut off the NFL games - which I hate to do & am going to relatively no movies. The Hollylites & sports folks have a bully pulpit - they are entertainment to me strictly - I do not hang on their opinions.
Bruce Hering - 7 years ago
The flag represents freedom, including freedom of speech. Peaceful protest is part of that. We may disagree with HOW someone is peacefully protesting or WHAT they are peacefully protesting, but in this country we MUST respect their right to do so, or we are not who we say we are. Go USA! Go Pack!
FChris - 7 years ago
One more thought, don’t forget the NFL is simply entertainment, it certainly isn’t life or death. If I decided to go to a movie to escape for a couple hours, would I want all of the actors to stand together in unity during the opening credits in some misguided act of protest? Hell no, I would walk out. I don’t need any overpaid liberal actors in my face pushing their agenda. Now you have the NFL players doing this? What message is this sending to our children? Do you want your seven year old kneeling during the National Anthem? This is embarrassing the U.S. to the entire world. Screw the NFL. This has no place on the field.
GB FL FAN - 7 years ago
Another smokescreen played by Trump! The guy is brilliant... more comments by a president that is creating more divisions in this country instead of unity. Creating problems to coverup all the issues we should be paying attention to! He tweets rants and people jump on his bandwagon. The Packers did not kneel, they promoted unity like the president should be. If they were disrespecting the flag, our country, rest assured most of the Packers fans there would have booed and protested. Don't fuel the fire, if your are upset about the players being overpaid, then don't watch, don't buy their merchandise, don't go to the games. Separate issue all together...
FChris - 7 years ago
This is ridiculous, I am done with the NFL. These overpaid players are disrespecting our country, our flag, and our national anthem. I call BS on their claims about showing unity. I don’t agree with everything that is coming out of the White House, but I don’t need the NFL to stick in my face. The NFL front office especially Goodell is 100% clueless and are hypocrites. They fine players who put a 9 / 11 Memorial on their shoes, but support and allow this? NFL, I’m done. Screw you guys.
Richard - 7 years ago
This is again a case where the majority of commenters are getting their news and opinions in a twisted way from inside the bubble of right-wing fake news promoted by Fox News, Trump and his fake news promoters. They would like their listeners and base followers to believe that this is a protest against the flag and the United States, when this is obviously and clearly a protest against Mr. Trump and his devisive comments. Within the Bubble that his followers get their news, he is obviously being successful. Before Trump made his inflammatory comments calling anyone who peaceably promotes the “black lives matter” cause by bending the knee on the field “sons of a bitches”, there was only a handful of such knee-benders. After Trump’s immature statements, now there are hundreds — and again, they are now protesting Trump being our President, as are about 70% of our Citizens. Trump is an incredibly poor President who is trying to snub the rights of all American Citizens of these United States to peaceably protest whenever HE believes they shouldn’t protest. He is egotistical, and unfortunately is now the most powerful man-child on the planet. He is so egotistical, unintelligent, narrow-minded and impatient that he cannot make the effort to understand any view other than his own. He should (and will) be impeached within the year. Thank God!
Riley - 7 years ago
Very sad! Agree with Aaron Rogers 100%. Outstanding football player. Great American. Most of these comments can only represent the thinking of people who grossly uninformed about Civil War Reconstruction, Jim Crow, and lynch mobs. I am an 80 year old white man.
Mic - 7 years ago
Spoiled overpaid (based on their contributions to society), athletes. Honor our nation via the flag or leave. If you begin to follow the basketball shoe scandal, you see just how rotten and corrupt sports has become, and professional football is no different.
Ryan Krenke - 7 years ago
The anthem is and always will be a tribute to those who put their lives on the line everyday to keep this country free. Specifically, it is a recounting of the battle of Ft McHenry: the rockets bombs and perseverance to keep the flag still flying over our homeland. Yes, this freedom gives people the right to air their grievances, kneel, lock arms or make an ass out of themself. The correct and honorable venue is sometime other than this tribute to our brave men and women in uniform - past present and future.
Marie Brosnan - 7 years ago
People get your heads out of trumps butt.... I have known both sides of this coin. My son is getting ready to deploy for the 4th time for you idiots ! His words " mom I do it for the people, the country, NOTTHE FLAG... that's what his wife and children will get if he doesn't come home... read the anthem... no where does it state to stand !! Once again y'all choose to follow the orange man whose trying to cause a smoke screen against his own shady business... equality is in the constitution they shouldn't Havre to be peacefully protesting for it !! I have biracial grandchildren and nieces I know the hurt they have felt ... and seen my wonderful friends and family of color hurt by words and actions... take a knee, lock arms... true Americans ( not the racists) would understand...
George Bogenrief - 7 years ago
Not just NO, but HELL NO. I'm Finished with fhe NFL and their Overpaid Bums.
Alex H - 7 years ago
I believe the NFL is leading the way in a misguided message. These acts are are being copied by athletes all over, pro and amateur just because their teammates are doing it, they do not want to be alienated by the media or their peers. It will soon get to a point where the fans and general public will just see it as something to do. My thoughts are that everyone should respect the national anthem the star spangled banner just the way it was in the past. After all this is the greatest country in the world! How can I say this? Well, no other country is called home by so many people of different ethnic backgrounds and cultures. That says it all!
Tony - 7 years ago
We are such a divided country right now. And the world is noticing! Including our enemies. Let us listen to one another in love. Don't assume you understand someone that you've never walked in their shoes. The veterans, military, and police that defend our freedom. The black men that are labeled and discriminated against daily by those in authority. If you can't say something positive........don't say anything at all. Some of you are part of what is tearing our country apart. Please have a conversation with someone outside of your race or comfort zone. Our children are watching us. Don't teach hate, show love.
Robert Guay - 7 years ago
The unpatriotic antics of these overpaid protesters make me sick. Hope it results in the NFL and NHL being taken down.
Ziffle - 7 years ago
What they did was a protest by locking arms. It's no different than taking the knee. Get your protests off the field!
steven - 7 years ago
The thing these players need to wrap their arms around is the football and put it in the end zone.
Leave the politics off the field. Who do they think they are GOD! They get paid to play football and make huge money in a free country. Don't like it ? Go to North Korea and on the way out send your multimillion dollar salary to Puerto Rico. Sick of all of you. Bunch of big babies! Done with the NFL.
Homer Bishop - 7 years ago
I have stopped watching pro football until the players discontinue the recent actions. College football only until it spreads to the college venue.
TC - 7 years ago
It seems that many white Americans have a problem with NFL players kneeling or locking arms because the majority of them are African American and they refuse to accept the fact that there are numerous incidents involving innocent African-American men being killed by law enforcement. These situations have reached a point where African American men and African-Americans in general have had enough. For many white Americans, it seems as if they have the “master/slave mentality when they could treat African Americans as they saw fit. Those days are long gone yet many white Americans have been taught this mindset for generations and they continue to teach it to their children. The kneeling and locking of arm by NFL players, staff and owners goes deeper than what all of us see at the surface. If you are a white American who opposes social justice and fairness for all races, put yourself in the place of an African-American male whose had doors slammed in his when trying to find a job, whose been lied on by those in society who don’t want to see the African-American male progress; and whose had every stereotype by white America placed on so much so that it results in police officers killing and tagging them like animals as a form of domestic genocide. It’s okay for white America to embrace urban music, slang and dress but not one white American cares to be African American because they know what comes with it everyday a Black man wakes up in the morning. Stop thinking that this issue is an affront to the flag or America or veterans. The bottom line is that African- Americans and particularly African-American males are treated unfairly and they are not all criminals, thieves and drug dealers. Stop pre-judging all of us as African-Americans and have dialogue with us instead of judging us based on learned bigotry. Just as you don’t care for us fighting for injustice, we don’t care for the wrongs that have and continue to happen to us by white society. Take time to ask questions and dialogue with us so all of us as a nation can positively progress collectively and individually. To those white Americans who hate and despise the African American male: stop the hatred and stop teaching it to your children once and for all. In your mind try being an African-American for one day. There’s a saying of “You don’t know where I’ve been unless you’ve walked in my shoes.” Try walking in our shoes for a day.
Brad - 7 years ago
I respect the players opinions and know that they stand for the Constitution more than the snowflakes whining about facing racism and inequality in 2017
Rodgers is the man leading this movement and extending his voice.
Go Pack Go
Randy Anderson - 7 years ago
I have given up on professional football. These disrespectful demonstrations have crossed a red line for me. There are some things in life we hold dear-God, Family, Country. There are lots of ways to demonstrate your views without spitting on my beliefs. My demonstration is now to avoid the NFL.
Lloyd Batchelor - 7 years ago
How ironic! Are these guys not smart enough to figure out that we already have a sign of unity? It's standing up and respecting our flag and what it represents during the playing of the National Anthem. I also wonder how many of these guys have ever served their country in the military. For those of us who have and truly understand the sacrifices, it's very hurtful. I have zero respect for these guys!
Jeff - 7 years ago
The NFL is doing nothing but taunting the fans and citizens of this great country. Their showmanship is unwanted or appreciated as their platform is sports and not forcing their political views on the public. I refuse to ever watch the NFL again.
Charles Andre - 7 years ago
WHY we keep chanting the national anthem before a sport ENTERTAINMENT event.
Professional Sports is entertainment that's it , do they chant the national anthem before a Cher concert, a cirque du soleil show , a gun and roses performance, before movie presentation in a theater
the answer is NO
It's purely entertainment like sports today. When am paying a minimum of $100 the to see professionals sports performance it's to see performance, breaking record or just a good battle between teams and individuals.
Life is tough today ! For the average people they need distraction something to make us happy to forget about those political, social and economical problem we have every day.
So pleased professionals athletes and owners just focus on your performances cause this is what we are looking and paying for.
The NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL should seriously considering to stop playing or singing the national anthem before games.
Don't get me rong I love the national anthem but this is not not the place this not what am looking and paying for when I go see a entertainment sporting event.
Charles Andre
Pedro - 7 years ago
I'm 44 yrs old & been watching MN Vikings and NFL Football since I was a kid . This blatant show of disrespect for our national anthem has got my entire family to keep the tv off when there is a game on. NFL is going to be out of buisness if this is the road they take. Nothing short of standing, with your hand over your heart, during the anthem will do! I had $230 tickets for a Vikings game next week but we have cancelled that plan due to this nonsense.
Steve A - 7 years ago
As far as I'm concerned, the NFL is history, along with their sponsors. Condining disrespect for out National Anthem, Flag, Country and ultimately the first responders (INCLUDING POLICE) and out military is deplorable. The NFL has barely survived its numerous controversies, including its black athelites who were convicted of crimes, OJ, Vick, etc., and now this BS, all because police had to shoot some black thugs that failed to comply with lawful orders, ENOUGH. I live near Mobile, Al. And there are numerous crimes committed there, and criminals shot. More than 95% are black, it's not profiling, it's fact. Many criminals don't want to go to jail so they run, fight or try to shoot their way out of the arrest. Police have to be able to defend themselves and us by not agonizing over whether they should shoot or not if confronted by these criminals, black, white, Hispanic, whatever. This was all started by a guy who was abandoned by his black father, given up for adoption by his white mother and raised by loving white parents whom he has totally embarrassed by this BS. Where was BLM when his black father abandoned him? Apparently black lives didn't matter much to him.
Dave - 7 years ago
Let's get this straight. It was The Donald who crossed the line this week and played the patriotism card with yet another divisive rant a week ago ambushing the NFL just before the Sunday games, unnecessarily further politicizing and elevating this issue to rile us all up. There would have been no locking of arms this week without The Donald Aaron Rogers call for the linking of arms as a show of love and unity was gutsy. No disrespect intended to those who serve. In fact it is because of those who serve that it is even possible to link arms- imagine what would have happened at one of Hitler's rallys if conscientious Germans had linked arms. Loved the photo Rogers shared on Twitter showing that someone else besides Trump can play the Twitter game: https://www.instagram.com/p/BZjpUNpF7iA/
chris rose - 7 years ago
Who cares, way too little and too damn late. Done with the NFL
Denny Woolley - 7 years ago
Joe Coehlo- you miss two key points.
1) I haven't noticed, heard or read anyone, any American, that indicates that social injustice doesn't exist in these United States...but all that disagree with you, and I included, will remind you the the flag and the national anthem is NOT the occasion to make any kind of protest on this country. This country is not perfect, but the freedoms that you say are not shared by everyone, actually are shared in our collective desire to improve and become better. THAT is what this country is about, and THAT is what makes us different AND BETTER than any other country in the world. Slavery, social injustice did not start with these United States, but did you know that slavery ended under Republican rule in these United States and we as a society continue to identify and address Social Injustice?
Liberal minded people are losing their hold on this country...more than 1200 political offices lost by Democrats since Obama was elected. To try and maintain a hold of powert, they would fool you into thinking things are in chaos under our new president, whom himself was not president when Kapernick started this absurdidty, and who daily fights for forgotten Americans, including those under social injustice. This is the 2nd point you fail to understand. For being black, Barack Obama was a devisive force in this country and you would do well to recognize it and be part of a positive change for good, and not for a rhetoric that is slowly dying. Have a nice day!
Mike - 7 years ago
I just love the way these football players are stepping up and taking a stand against how badly blacks are treated in this country.
If you see a black dude that just finished committing a crime, and then refuses to obey police commands, like show me your hands, and then makes a stupid move, that gets them shot, what's to be aspected??? Some are just too dumb to live!!
Frederick Seaholm - 7 years ago
If the black players are united against the police in this nation, put the word out to their black fans & counterparts, "STOP COMMITTING CRIMES!!!"
david - 7 years ago
This talk of unity is a revisionist retake on what CK originally started. For him and those others who first started these protests, these were acts meant to show anger and contempt for the country and its flag due to the incidents of police on black violence. I have no issue with protesting that, but I did with them insulting our Anthem and Flag. This was not, to them, a act of 'unity' to bring others together. That didn't start until the backlash it. Now, they are dancing around trying not to look like the jerks they really are. I have no respect for a bunch of privileged millionaires who want to act as if the country that gave them fame and wealth is somehow mistreating them. If they had brought this up on their own time without indicting the entire nation, I would have respected their efforts.
Elis Malaj - 7 years ago
Million $ contracts to play football not for personal opinions. If they really want to get the message out, why not do it on their own time and dime? Donate some of that big money they make?
William Schmidt - 7 years ago
I was going to add my two cents worth, but the people that already posted have it covered pretty well. Especially the Rockettes guy. Perfect. I am surprised that the NFL as a whole, players owners, Goodell, don't see the incredible disconnect between themselves and their fans. That they don't see it means it is very unlikely that things will ever be like it was. And that is very sad, because the Packers had something special with their fans.
Luke Kelley - 7 years ago
Donald Trump does not put his hand on his heart. Just pointing that out. By the way, those of you who say they are gonna stop watching the NFL are quite similar to the people who said they were gonna move Canada. Well, did it happen? Once this is over... The tide wil change.
Al - 7 years ago
This is just another attempt to show disrespect to the USA and showing the arrogance of the NFL and its players. They expect us to follow them as if they are leaders and setting examples for us to follow. Where were they when Tebow was chastised, Adrian Peterson in child abuse, the player who beat his girl friend,
Adam Scott - 7 years ago
First time I can ever remember purposely not watching a Packer game. As usual, it's just symbolism over substance. What they did last night solved NOTHING. Someone needs to tell Rodgers it's Lambeau Field and not Woodstock.
You want unity at Lambeau Field? This was unity at Lambeau:
http://www.packers.com/media-center/videos/Alumni-Spotlight-Chris-Gizzi/f41aed6d-e630-4c2b-b894-1f3f817bdf3c
Ron Fisher - 7 years ago
Shut up and play football. Hold your own event for issues that offend you and see how many fans show up!
Christopher Hastings - 7 years ago
How could any intelligent person disagree with unity, When it refers to equality for "All" Americans? I Love the message ,and now would like to see action towards erasing racism and racist attitudes that have recently revealed itself since the election.
Scott A. - 7 years ago
Not that complicated. Although I understand that the protest is not against the military, it becomes that way the second they disrespect the flag and the anthem. Amazing players can be so out of touch. Canceled Sunday ticket. Done with them. Sat is for football, Sunday is for family!
Chuck moffe - 7 years ago
Screw the NFL. Yes, they do have the right to protest all they want, just not during the two minutes the national anthem is being played. If you asked 75% of the players what are you protesting, very few could give you an answer. Spoiled young men who have been spoiled all their life. Right from small fry football til now, just because they had athletic talent. They were enrolled in college, never went to class, had other students write required papers for them and then never graduated. Most of them are as dumb as a box of rocks. Not all, but the majority. Keep politics out of the game. Protest on your way home to your million dollar homes as you drive your BMW's thru neighborhoods that you're suppose to be protesting for but don't have a clue.
Randy - 7 years ago
Never watching NFL or NBA again. 50 year packer and bucks fan. No more. Not another dime. Canceled NFL DIRECTV package. My deceased veteran father loved the packers but loved his God and country so much more. Keep your politics out of the game. Entire Packers organization owes their devoted and yes, patriotic fans an apology. Only then would I consider coming back. They should be ashamed of how they are dismissing the fans that built Lambeau field. Until then, I will enjoy time with my family in other venues, like I did last night. Green Bay who? Don't care.
Kate - 7 years ago
I disagree with kneeling or locking arms but not because I think either are overly nonpatriotic but because it is still bringing politics into our sports which until now has pretty much been a place where America was getting this right. It was a place where people from all different races and religions came together with one common goal which was to win. The fans came together from all different races and religions to cheer these people on who were collectively better than any individual and politics, race and religion did not matter. Now when we watch we start with politics. We start with one or two saying this country doesn't treat my race or religion fair so I am going to sit or kneel so people ask me why but I'm going to offer zero solutions to fix the problems. I'm just going to make sure to bring a problem to the one place in America it wasn't broken, and I'm going to break that too because why should America ever have it right. Why should these few people put aside race, religion and politics for even a few hours a week to demonstrate to America that together we are better when we work for a common goal and divided is where we fall.
Chris - 7 years ago
I am OK with this compromise because ALL the players stood. Even the President was OK with the locking arms do the fact all players stood. The people who are still whining need to get over themselves. Players for years stood on the sidelines for the anthem with their hands behind their backs and nobody said boo. Now all of a sudden you are disrespectful if you doing anything other than stand with your hand held over your heart? I applaud Aaron Rodgers for getting ALL players to stand. It's called a compromise. I would rather have them all stand regardless of where they have their arms or hands instead of the divisive BS the NFL pulled with the kneeling and their general tone deafness to the issue. Aaron showed he is listening unlike the moron in the Commish office. I applaud you, Aaron!
Chad Owen - 7 years ago
The correct way to honor our Veterans, our nation and the flag itself is to bend the right arm and place your hand over your heart.
Locking arms is a selfish act that continues to defy honoring the flag, country and the Veterans who defend it.
Do it right and stop half assing it!
Kim Cairy - 7 years ago
Since Aaron aRodgers is the team leader and apparently spokesman for the team, I think someone should ask to go to a funeral where military rights are conducted. Maybe he would like to lock arms while taps are being played as well. Let them demonstrate before or after the national anthem, nit during. They can still get their point across and nit disrespect the flag that is draped over soldiers and veterans caskets.
derek weaver - 7 years ago
These guys just don't get it.We fight and suffer and the get sacked for millions.FUCK THE NFL
Sherry Markiewicz - 7 years ago
They're protesting a false narrative during a time I would not feel right counter protesting. Until they bring their protest to a fair field I am done. You will never get rid of all racism anymore than you will get rid of all murderers or child molesters, war or religious persecution. There are bad people we cannot escape that, but to claim the US is an inherently racist country is B.S. Go to any family picnic these days and look around because I am sure it didn't even occur to you that Susie white girl has a black husband and Johnny black man has a white wife they all have kids and nobody blinks an eye because nobody cares what color anyone is they are family and skin color is irrelevant to most people.
Pablo ThoMas - 7 years ago
Liberal Democrats hate America, kill unborn babies, and repress minorities via fake news and lies. They are hell bent on destroying our country in every conceivable way and at any cost! They can't win elections honestly so they try to divide and conquer our population at every chance and the NFL is another such effort. The players for the most part are merely useful idiots thinking and doing what their told. While the owners are foolishly yielding to Left's Political Correctness stratagem designed to muzzle any disagreement with them.
Albert - 7 years ago
How is linking arms or kneeling during the anthem disrespectful? Do folks know that Kaepernick changed to kneeling rather than sitting specifically after consulting with a former Green Beret, Nate Boyer? Do folks understand there are plenty of veterans who have no issue with kneeling or linking arms to bring awareness to the racial inequalities that still persist to this day?
Kathleen Kampschmidt - 7 years ago
Very disappointed in Chico native - NFL players are employees paid to do a job - I agree they should just play football on the field - they are free to do whatever they like when NOT working. If the team owners support their employees disrespecting the flag so much, why hasn't one of them hired Kaepernick. Hopefully when all this hits their pocket books, they will change their position. And come on players, where else in the world could you get paid so much to PLAY with a ball.
Don Hinkelman - 7 years ago
I wholeheartedly support the show of unity by the players, owners, coaches of the this game. The problem is the disrespect shown by fans and some of our leaders who mock the conscientious concerns that some lives don't matter in the USA. I feel this dramatically by the open bitterness and hate shown in the comments on this poll.
Karen V - 7 years ago
Been to more Packer games than I can count, including divisive Favre Viking games (FUN divisiveness!) and I have been a diehard fan of the Packers, seeing them as the origin of football and face of midwestern values. Always proud of how loyal our fans were....never an empty seat. We truly were unique. Not anymore! We've joined the ranks of politically correct pansy boy Libtards, afraid to be different from the rest even when the cause is so ambiguous! Wtf are they locking arms for?? Kneeling for? Where are these white supremacists and Nazis they speak of? I've never met nor seen a one in my whole white ass life! And I grew up in Milwaukee and then moved to a small town. There weren't any in either place. Are we protesting carriers of the medieval bubonic plague next week? Stop making up shit that ain't even a problem coz you don't like our President! And just play damn football, you overpaid arrogant pricks! Go work in a soup kitchen or women's shelter if you give a shit about the unjust treatment of others! They think locking arms like Radio City Rockettes makes them social justice warriors?! Rodgers is a Coward and a shit stirring pansy ass in my opinion. Quarterback's the leader, then you get the blame, you pussy! I'd rather see Favre's dick poking out of his Wranglers than watch another Green Bay Pansies game!
Mike - 7 years ago
Didn't watch but had to check in to see what happened. Fake News CNN reported fans and Packers holds hands for Anthem. They show a picture of 2 Bears' and 2 Packer's fans holding hands. Video proves "Fake News"!!! Never a doubt about the folks in Green Bay. Majority shouted USA, USA. Country First! Games with spoiled players come last. Keep Politics out of Football. I can't express my political opinion at work. Not allowed to place bumper sticker on my car even. When you're on the payroll appeal to all. Goodell is just an idiot without any business sense. Also Trump originally said "wouldn't it be nice to see the owners say "Get that S.O.B. off the field, you're fired". And yes, I'd love to see it! If I worked at J.C. Penney and told a customer, "you're too fat to wear that skimpy dress" I should and would be fired! Even it if might be true. Hollywood and NFL can express their opinions when their not on my payroll. I am the customer and don't want to hear it! Will boycott NFL and sponsors until the players apologize for picking the wrong thing to disrespect, my country!!!
John E - 7 years ago
Until the NFL apologizes for Dissing my country's flag, i will not watch. In the 1970's they called spitting on soldiers freedom of speech. Just because it's your right to do, does not make it right to do. As the son of a WWII veteran I honor his service by honoring the flag. If this country is so wrong, find one that is right and move to it.
Jore - 7 years ago
Watching the game as I wanted to see how fans dealt with this! Kudos to 90% of fans who did not link arms as requested by Rodgers and the other spoiled brats!! The USA rules the day the NFL looks like a band of fools! So ashamed of these current packers from top to bottum! I love the game , the tradition and the team! I am so happy I do not own an article of clothing promoting any current packer player!! Boo to the current packer team! Hooray for the packers past and future ...I think these goofballs should go play a game in some Muslim country! Shame on you NFL except for the likes of Villanueva and a few patriots who play! you players are not political social justice or cultural leaders stick to the game at hand! If you can do better than the president then leave the game and run for office and also use the power of your vote to vote in some Liberal leader who supports your beliefs! Gosh these nfl and nba players suck as people/ as Americans!!
brian abel - 7 years ago
fuck rogers the coach the packers and the whole nfl, god bless donald trump ,done watching football, the only sport i liked.
There is an appropriate way to pay honor and respect to our National Anthem and the Flag which represents our great nation. That is, by STANDING at attention, with hand over heart or, if covered, a salute. We demonstrate unity by doing such. This is not a time for holding hands, or embracing each other arm in arm. Those who advocate these antics, including our Packers, show a lack of understanding of history, and what is appropriate respect.
I still like the Packers as a team; HOWEVER, MY ENTHUSIASM FOR THE TEAM HAS WANED!. I find myself NOT watching other NFL teams; and when the Packers are playing, I watch the game among other things.
I used to watch the commercials with Rodgers and thought they were kind of fun -- no longer -- I basically tune out those commercials he is in. I wish Aaron would think about the appropriate honors expected when the National Anthem is played and the flag displayed -- and take the leadership in demanding that the team render those appropriate honors.
It's pretty sad for the NFL when Canadian hockey players show more respect for our flag and National Anthem, and Americans sing along with the Canadian National Anthem at hockey games both NHL and CHL alike. Roger Goodell needs to go. He has the NFL in a tailspin, and these anthem protests are only serving to divide the country even further. Until the league pulls it's head out of it's ass, I'm watching hockey. Bring on the NHL.
Done with the NFL, if it’s not about disrespecting the veterans and the flag, then why do it during the anthem? That’s what the national anthem is played for and what it represents. Makes absolutely no sense what they are saying. Put their money where their mouth is and live on an average persons salary, donating the rest of their salaries to the neighborhoods that need it and get in there in the trenches and make a difference first hand. That’s when you’ll make a difference and when you show how much of a humanitarian you are. Not all this politically correct stuff where they go to places to be photographed while doing their “service work”. Goodbye NFL, it’s been fun but not anymore.
Fuck the nfl and all the idiots who are addicted and waste their time.
I would like to see the Anthem and fly over be done BEFORE the players come out on the field. I think they should be UNINVITED to attend the most meaningful part of the program. Do NOT ALLOW them to attend it. Then, when they come out of the tunnel, they come out arm in arm, or doing the bunny hop, or skipping along merrily - WHO CARES. Just no longer let them be a part of the opening ceremony. They do not deserve to attend.
I completely agree with the protest. I hope they keep doing it. I would to see this done at the ND Bison games as well. Most of those complaing are white people using the excuse of disrespecting vets, cops and the flag. That is not what it is. It's minorities that are sick and tired of being second class citizens because of the white privaledge that still exists today. It's time for caucasians with racists attitudes realize we are equal and all deserve to be treated as such.
ay, September 28, 2017
Take a little trip to Valley Forge in January. If you don't know where that is, just Google it from the sidelines. Hold a musket ball in your fingers and imagine it piercing your flesh and breaking a bone or two. There won't be a doctor or trainer to assist you until after the battle, so just wait your turn. Take your cleats and socks off to get a real experience. Then take a knee.
Then, take one at the beach in Normandy where man after American man stormed the beach, even as the one in front of him was shot to pieces...the very sea stained with American blood. The only blockers most had were the dead bodies in front of them, riddled with bullets from enemy fire.
Take a knee in the sweat soaked jungles of Vietnam. from Khe San to Saigon... Anywhere will do. REAL Americans died in all those jungles. There was no playbook that told them what was next, but they knew what flag they represented. When they came home, they were protested as well..and spit on for reasons only cowards know.
Take another knee in the blood drenched sands of Fallujah in 110 degree heat.. Wear your Kevlar helmet and battle dress... Your number won't be printed on it unless your number is up! You'll need to stay hydrated but there won't be anyone to squirt Gatorade into your mouth. You're on your own.
There's a lot of places to take a knee. Real Americans have given their lives all over the world. When you use the banner under which they fought as a source for your displeasure, you dishonor the memories of those who bled for the very freedoms you have. That's what the red stripes mean. It represents the blood of those who spilled a sea of it defending your liberty.
While you're on your knee, pray for those that came before you, not on a manicured lawn striped and printed with numbers to announce every inch of ground taken...but on nameless hills and bloodied beaches and sweltering forests and bitter cold mountains...every inch marked by an American life lost serving that flag you protest.
No cheerleaders, no announcers, no coaches, no fans...just American men and women...delivering the real fight against those who chose to harm us...blazing a path so you would have the right to "take a knee."
You haven't an inkling what it took to get you where you are; but your "protest" is duly noted. Not only is it disgraceful to a nation of real heroes, it serves the purpose of pointing to your ingratitude for those who chose to defend you under that banner that will still wave long after your jersey is issued to another...
If you really feel the need to take a knee, come with me to church on Sunday and we'll both kneel before Almighty God. We'll thank Him for preserving this country for as long as He has. We'll beg forgiveness for our ingratitude for all He has provided us. We'll appeal to Him for understanding and wisdom. We'll pray for liberty and justice for all...because He is the one who provides those things.
And there will be no protest. There will only be gratitude for His provision and a plea for His continued grace and mercy on the land of the free and the home of the brave. It goes like this...
GOD BLESS AMERICA!
When Rogers asked fans to unite, there was no clarity of what fans were supposed to be united behind. If it was to unify behind so called "social injustice" and align with people who hate cops , it was clearly rejected, as well it should be. Check out the link below written by Larry Elder (a black man) with the real facts about their perceived "injustice".
https://www.creators.com/read/larry-elder/09/17/the-national-anthem-protests-do-facts-matter
I think that the Elephant in the room is that a majority of Americans are dog tired of giving, giving, giving and giving more into the demands of a never satisfied ill informed group, which more and more comes off as extortionists. Enough is Enough!
Disgusting lack of respect. If these privileged players want to make a difference than do something positive & do it on your own time/dime not on us fans. No more watching Pro FB for me!!!!
Support of inequality, and social injust? These people were blown through high school because they could play ball. Scholarships to kids that had good grades and wanted an education were pushed aside so these beauties could go on to college (For free) and visit the campus a few times over a two year period to meet class requirements and so they could go to practice and wait for the NFL to pick them up with a multimillion dollar contract. Boy, that is suffering. The behavior as professional athletes leaves a lot to be desired, with the drug arrests, the assault charges, domestic abuse and other similar charges. Such moral high ground and inspiration they have pursued for their fellow man. And when their fellow man are approached by the law they turn it into a confrontation. The one athlete said he was protesting the treatment of a thug that had an arrest record a mile long and had a gun on his person and died in the struggle to arrest him. This embraced culture is the only one making things unjust and unequal. This nonsense needs to stop. NO NFL!!!
Look at the players lined up for the National Anthem, whites are generally in the minority. Why is this? Because whites are discriminated against? NO, it is because the blacks are more talented. Unfortunately many black families place greater emphasis on developing sports skills while white families stress intellectual skills over sports. Regards police shootings of blacks there are too many shooting by police PERIOD. As an old Military Policeman I think that is more a result of poor screening of police candidates; lack of adequate training;; poor supervision; than it is discrimination. Our flag and the National Anthem have nothing to do with the unwarranted police shootings.I think that football players that can not appreciate all that America has given them should go to Russia and play their football and see how they would be rewardred
How many people in this country kneel to pray? I can't believe players taking a knee bother so many people. They are not disrespectful. We live in a country that gives us rights we should all be thankful for that. Besides we have so many other problems we should be focusing on.
The whole football world WAS united prior to these "protests" by the NFL employees (players). The divisiveness came when the employees decided to disrespect the flag in the name of protesting an illegitimate cause.
Good-bye NFL
I am VERY proud of my team! Unless you have lived what black people have lived, you don't have a clue. Just because white say there is equality doesn't make it so! No equality movement comes without educating the masses, making the status quo uncomfortable, and this one is no different. The majority if service people say they served to protect the 1st Amendment, so those of you who aren't vets shouldn't use them as your justification! I don't like Breitbart or your president's words but I will fight to ensure they have the right to so So! Why? Because I am an American, I have that right, and I don't need to move anywhere else because I choose to exercise my civil liberties! Those if you who so vehemently disagree with black athletes using their position to make social statements better get your white religious leaders to shut the hell up as well or you are nothing but a hypocrite. #GoPackGo #ISupportNFL
The point is this: we live in the United States of America; we have the freedom to peacefully demonstrate or protest anyway we choose, including linking arms doing the national anthem. I for one, thank God that we have that privilege and right so whether I agree with the Packers or not they have the right.
So they showed us that they are united with Colin K in hate for our police and country. Thus nightmare keeps getting worse, Pack should hire Colin to replace Rodgers. It would SSD be the liberal PC thing to do as fterall!!!
The fans pay way too much too be entertained.
They shouldn't have to hear OR see ANY of that.
The problem isn't racism it's just that blacks are committing crimes and getting caught. Then they react incorrectly and get beaten or shot. The problem is culture not race. As long as your culture says you can break the laws of the land then you may have problems with the police. I don't care what color you are. So until you fix your misguided culture you will have police in your face. Obey the law and you don't have problems. Every time you burn down a neighborhood because of a verdict of innocence on the police do you ever stop to think about the loser that was killed and why he was killed? Was it because he was black or because he broke the law and didn't submit to the police? Fix your culture.
They are simply unaware of their actions. They want to protest Injustice. But they do it in a disrespectful way to the flag and to the anthem. I would hear their protest if their disrespect wasn't so loud. Stop using the flag and the anthem as protest props. If you really believe in your protest, get together make a commercial for have it program that talks about it. You guys have the money to do that. Your actions of disrespect are the reason why nobody hears what you are actually protesting. I would like to have a conversation and listen to your side of the protest. But not until you start respecting the United States of America flag and anthem.
I'm stunned by the poor writing skills of those that are posting messages here. Appalling. This country is in trouble.
I respect African American's concern that they are not being treated fairly. I believe everyone should be cared for the same regardless of the color of their skin. However, I do not respect the NFL holding the flag or our anthem hostage. I don't care what someone says, it's a blatant show of contempt and disrespect for our country and what it stands for. They have made a mistake and either too proud to admit it, or afraid of being seen as 'politically incorrect.' No more NFL for me. Hopefully college football won't make the same mistake.
I pay my cablegs bill to watch football. If I want to watch a political event, I would watch MSNBC. I realize this country has a lot of problems, but don't interrupt my intertainment. I too am done with the NFL
The teams that kneel during the national anthem are showing extreme disrespect for fans and fellow citizens. This country has afforded them the greatest opportunities available on the planet and if they have a multitude of ways to express their position that do not disrespect our country. I have no interest in watching or following the NFL any longer. Life is too short to muck it up with such things. Time spent better elsewhere!
I agree with David Leland.
Peaceful protests are a democratic right in this country.
I'm exercising this right by not supporting the NFL.
No more watching or going to games...period!
Quality time better spent with family and friends.
See ya NFL!
I’ve been a proud Packer fan since the 60's. I've cheered as we've won Championships and Super Bowls, however I’ve never been prouder of “my” Green Bay Packers and to call myself a Green Bay Packer fan then last night when the organization as a whole respectfully exercised “our rights” as Americans to peacefully protest a social injustice that has plagued our country and society for way too long. Wake up America! This issue is bigger than football, it’s about how we treat each other. Last night the Packers respectfully made a positive statement to promote social justice and equality in America. I whole heartedly support the Packer’s and the NFL’s right to protest.
In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. shared his dream with America … "I still have a dream, a dream deeply rooted in the American dream – one day this nation will rise up and live up to its creed, "We hold these truths to be self evident: that all men are created equal." I have a dream..."
Oh, so that doesn’t move you, then how about this …“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” - the 1st Amendment of the United States Constitution
I’m still a proud American longing for the day of social justice and equality in American. I still believe that the “Dream” lives on. I still believe in the Constitution of the United States!
… and oh yes, I’m still a proud Green Bay Packer fan! Go Pack Go!'
The moment we lose our right to protest is the moment we lose our democracy. The players are just showing solidarity against authoritarianism and inequality.
I have lost all respect for the NFL! You are already backpedaling, and it boils down to the bottom dollar, not patriotism or any other reason. Too little, too late.
Disgraceful I used to watch NFL games every week, will not watch another game or buy sponsors products until NFL puts stop to this nonsense
My husband and I are appalled that the "overpaid, self-indulgent NFL players and staff have chosen this lack of patriotism to our country in dishing the National Athem. If they are so unhappy with the "top" government and racism they should go into they go into the communities they feel are dished and apply their fortune to helping these people.
The NFL is no more in our home.
Also the ranger who stood for his flag should not have gotten in trouble. He was showing respect for the flag and the many who have come home in flag covered caskets.
If they are so disgruntled, book an hour on ESPN. Present your case. Any other gestures are pure treason. People need to stop patronizing these mal-contents. Turn off the NFL and NBA!
The NFL is not the appropriate place for the message. The original message has been mangled by the emotions of both sides of the issue. Leave the game to be the game and pursue the message in a forum that will attract a positive response! These NFL players make enough money to donate some serious money to organizations that will directly affect a change in racial bias and discrimination. Players, put your money where your mouth, fist, and knees are! Leave the game, the anthem and the recognition of the country that gives you the right to peacefully protest, alone!
The actions of the NFL players are totally disrespectful. They should be ashamed of themselves!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pFXNAdHmno
It was disrespectful
Thank you for standing together. If there is anyone in the USA that says they don't see it,feel it, every day, needs to wonder what everyone else around them understands. There is only respect. If it doesn't look just like your version of respect,then what does it say about you? Thank you Packers for continuing making me proud! A veteran's wife and a veteran's Mom. This is our country and we've let some evil in that wants to break us apart. This woman won't have it! I love USA!
My two tours in Vietnam was to protect the freedom of our country and to have these players have the freedom to play football and Iall i asked for them to stand and for one minute place their hand on their heart.
Well...the consistency of the poll shows it. 2/3 of Commentors, consistently for the last few hours, do not agree with the actions of the Packers. One of the commenters said it best-don't they realize we show unity by standing and saluting the very symbol under which we have freedoms and liberties not granted by any other country?
This is not about Trump, and if you are going to post that it is then you are wasting your time. This was created long before Trump. Trump has the courage to speak out in a way my grandparents generation would have, but we have devolved into this PC culture that insists on identity politics to promote power. That's liberal thinking. That's wrong. For TC, I don't care what the race issues you think exist, cuz they don't...but this was not started as a race issue, and it directly afronta our national heritage.
So if you are not American, or won't respect our flag and anthem, please leave. Let us know where you can go that will afford you the freedoms to twist this disrespect into a social cause.
At least they didn't kneel. That being said,players are still missing the point. They say it's not about disrespecting the military and that assertion is supposed to make everything all right. However, if someone in society uses a word the player considers offensive, even when done completely innocently, those same players get outraged. They seem to want to enjoy a double standard. And furthermore, if this is about inequality and social justice, can they please explain what is so socially just about grown men being paid millions of dollars for playing a game when firemen and police risk their LIVES for, on average, $60k dollars a year? (according to the Bureau of Labor Satistics).
I am done with the NFL until the players begin to appreciate and demonstrate their appreciation for just how privileged they are.
NFL no longer exists as far as I and many others are concerned. I will now devote my time and money to sports such as NASCAR since NASCAR knows where its bread is being buttered. NFL will cease existing altogether when Americans who demonstrate their appreciation and gratitude for all we have been blessed with, most importantly the sacrifice our courageous veterans have made to ensure that we can live in freedom, take a stand, and THAT is already occurring. Maybe when NFL players, owners, sportscasters no longer have revenue from hardworking Americans who are dealing with real-life problems they will be required to have jobs that really contribute to society and responsibilities that require a less cavalier, lackadaisical, disrespectful attitude.
I have been a pro football fan for years, but not anymore. Pick another place to protest. I am through with pro football and I will not use the products they advertise. The military and all the men in uniform deserve more respect. If they don't like what is going on, run for office. Without the police and military, we would be like Iran/Iraq or God forbid like old Natzi Germany.
The NFL just doesn't get it. They already were a unifying force and they have killed that. People of all colors, sizes and sexes joined together to watch your game and cheer for you. Then some idiots decided they want to protest something with no definable end state.
Here is what we ex-fans are looking for. When the anthem is playedl...... stand, put your hand over your heart...remember the folks who gave their lives so you can play a game for a living and give thanks that you live in the United States..........and then play the game. Feel free to protest all week wherever you want but don't expect me to pay to watch you.
I want to do a "PS" People do realize I hope that the ones that complain about the" overpaid players, seem to be missing the point that Trump is making millions of dollars with his being in office that HE SHOULDN'T BE MAKING-AND IS ACTUALLY ILLLEGAL--and somehow we think that's ok??? There are things wrong with a lot of systems in the U.S. but we can't fix them unless we identify them. The peaceful way is hopefully the way that a country that defines itself as Christian and open spirituality-will respond and that's what the Packers did. If you disagree---just don't go ,watch, buy.
I do not tune in to sports to watch protests, if you want to protest do it outside of the game. Take the politics out of sports. I will not be watching the rest of the year I have better things to do than watch these self important players act like children. Goodbye NFL!
I wholeheartedly agree with what the Packers did. As so many have commented before me---this is NOT disrespect for the flag,the servicemen(and I know quite a few)--it's about trying to right a wrong in a peaceful way---of which fortunately ---we in this country have a right (and safety hopefully) to do GO PACK
"Divisiveness from the top" - I thought it was about the blacks/black men being targeted/killed by cops. Its amazing how this was not a problem for the NFL/NBA, etc when Obama was President...although it was certainly being highlighted by the mainstream media then. I as a white woman was targeted by a black man, held up with a gun to my temple and he threatened to kill me - he was never caught for that incident. Work on the primary crimes that are being committed. I have shut off the NFL games - which I hate to do & am going to relatively no movies. The Hollylites & sports folks have a bully pulpit - they are entertainment to me strictly - I do not hang on their opinions.
The flag represents freedom, including freedom of speech. Peaceful protest is part of that. We may disagree with HOW someone is peacefully protesting or WHAT they are peacefully protesting, but in this country we MUST respect their right to do so, or we are not who we say we are. Go USA! Go Pack!
One more thought, don’t forget the NFL is simply entertainment, it certainly isn’t life or death. If I decided to go to a movie to escape for a couple hours, would I want all of the actors to stand together in unity during the opening credits in some misguided act of protest? Hell no, I would walk out. I don’t need any overpaid liberal actors in my face pushing their agenda. Now you have the NFL players doing this? What message is this sending to our children? Do you want your seven year old kneeling during the National Anthem? This is embarrassing the U.S. to the entire world. Screw the NFL. This has no place on the field.
Another smokescreen played by Trump! The guy is brilliant... more comments by a president that is creating more divisions in this country instead of unity. Creating problems to coverup all the issues we should be paying attention to! He tweets rants and people jump on his bandwagon. The Packers did not kneel, they promoted unity like the president should be. If they were disrespecting the flag, our country, rest assured most of the Packers fans there would have booed and protested. Don't fuel the fire, if your are upset about the players being overpaid, then don't watch, don't buy their merchandise, don't go to the games. Separate issue all together...
This is ridiculous, I am done with the NFL. These overpaid players are disrespecting our country, our flag, and our national anthem. I call BS on their claims about showing unity. I don’t agree with everything that is coming out of the White House, but I don’t need the NFL to stick in my face. The NFL front office especially Goodell is 100% clueless and are hypocrites. They fine players who put a 9 / 11 Memorial on their shoes, but support and allow this? NFL, I’m done. Screw you guys.
This is again a case where the majority of commenters are getting their news and opinions in a twisted way from inside the bubble of right-wing fake news promoted by Fox News, Trump and his fake news promoters. They would like their listeners and base followers to believe that this is a protest against the flag and the United States, when this is obviously and clearly a protest against Mr. Trump and his devisive comments. Within the Bubble that his followers get their news, he is obviously being successful. Before Trump made his inflammatory comments calling anyone who peaceably promotes the “black lives matter” cause by bending the knee on the field “sons of a bitches”, there was only a handful of such knee-benders. After Trump’s immature statements, now there are hundreds — and again, they are now protesting Trump being our President, as are about 70% of our Citizens. Trump is an incredibly poor President who is trying to snub the rights of all American Citizens of these United States to peaceably protest whenever HE believes they shouldn’t protest. He is egotistical, and unfortunately is now the most powerful man-child on the planet. He is so egotistical, unintelligent, narrow-minded and impatient that he cannot make the effort to understand any view other than his own. He should (and will) be impeached within the year. Thank God!
Very sad! Agree with Aaron Rogers 100%. Outstanding football player. Great American. Most of these comments can only represent the thinking of people who grossly uninformed about Civil War Reconstruction, Jim Crow, and lynch mobs. I am an 80 year old white man.
Spoiled overpaid (based on their contributions to society), athletes. Honor our nation via the flag or leave. If you begin to follow the basketball shoe scandal, you see just how rotten and corrupt sports has become, and professional football is no different.
The anthem is and always will be a tribute to those who put their lives on the line everyday to keep this country free. Specifically, it is a recounting of the battle of Ft McHenry: the rockets bombs and perseverance to keep the flag still flying over our homeland. Yes, this freedom gives people the right to air their grievances, kneel, lock arms or make an ass out of themself. The correct and honorable venue is sometime other than this tribute to our brave men and women in uniform - past present and future.
People get your heads out of trumps butt.... I have known both sides of this coin. My son is getting ready to deploy for the 4th time for you idiots ! His words " mom I do it for the people, the country, NOTTHE FLAG... that's what his wife and children will get if he doesn't come home... read the anthem... no where does it state to stand !! Once again y'all choose to follow the orange man whose trying to cause a smoke screen against his own shady business... equality is in the constitution they shouldn't Havre to be peacefully protesting for it !! I have biracial grandchildren and nieces I know the hurt they have felt ... and seen my wonderful friends and family of color hurt by words and actions... take a knee, lock arms... true Americans ( not the racists) would understand...
Not just NO, but HELL NO. I'm Finished with fhe NFL and their Overpaid Bums.
I believe the NFL is leading the way in a misguided message. These acts are are being copied by athletes all over, pro and amateur just because their teammates are doing it, they do not want to be alienated by the media or their peers. It will soon get to a point where the fans and general public will just see it as something to do. My thoughts are that everyone should respect the national anthem the star spangled banner just the way it was in the past. After all this is the greatest country in the world! How can I say this? Well, no other country is called home by so many people of different ethnic backgrounds and cultures. That says it all!
We are such a divided country right now. And the world is noticing! Including our enemies. Let us listen to one another in love. Don't assume you understand someone that you've never walked in their shoes. The veterans, military, and police that defend our freedom. The black men that are labeled and discriminated against daily by those in authority. If you can't say something positive........don't say anything at all. Some of you are part of what is tearing our country apart. Please have a conversation with someone outside of your race or comfort zone. Our children are watching us. Don't teach hate, show love.
The unpatriotic antics of these overpaid protesters make me sick. Hope it results in the NFL and NHL being taken down.
What they did was a protest by locking arms. It's no different than taking the knee. Get your protests off the field!
The thing these players need to wrap their arms around is the football and put it in the end zone.
Leave the politics off the field. Who do they think they are GOD! They get paid to play football and make huge money in a free country. Don't like it ? Go to North Korea and on the way out send your multimillion dollar salary to Puerto Rico. Sick of all of you. Bunch of big babies! Done with the NFL.
I have stopped watching pro football until the players discontinue the recent actions. College football only until it spreads to the college venue.
It seems that many white Americans have a problem with NFL players kneeling or locking arms because the majority of them are African American and they refuse to accept the fact that there are numerous incidents involving innocent African-American men being killed by law enforcement. These situations have reached a point where African American men and African-Americans in general have had enough. For many white Americans, it seems as if they have the “master/slave mentality when they could treat African Americans as they saw fit. Those days are long gone yet many white Americans have been taught this mindset for generations and they continue to teach it to their children. The kneeling and locking of arm by NFL players, staff and owners goes deeper than what all of us see at the surface. If you are a white American who opposes social justice and fairness for all races, put yourself in the place of an African-American male whose had doors slammed in his when trying to find a job, whose been lied on by those in society who don’t want to see the African-American male progress; and whose had every stereotype by white America placed on so much so that it results in police officers killing and tagging them like animals as a form of domestic genocide. It’s okay for white America to embrace urban music, slang and dress but not one white American cares to be African American because they know what comes with it everyday a Black man wakes up in the morning. Stop thinking that this issue is an affront to the flag or America or veterans. The bottom line is that African- Americans and particularly African-American males are treated unfairly and they are not all criminals, thieves and drug dealers. Stop pre-judging all of us as African-Americans and have dialogue with us instead of judging us based on learned bigotry. Just as you don’t care for us fighting for injustice, we don’t care for the wrongs that have and continue to happen to us by white society. Take time to ask questions and dialogue with us so all of us as a nation can positively progress collectively and individually. To those white Americans who hate and despise the African American male: stop the hatred and stop teaching it to your children once and for all. In your mind try being an African-American for one day. There’s a saying of “You don’t know where I’ve been unless you’ve walked in my shoes.” Try walking in our shoes for a day.
I respect the players opinions and know that they stand for the Constitution more than the snowflakes whining about facing racism and inequality in 2017
Rodgers is the man leading this movement and extending his voice.
Go Pack Go
I have given up on professional football. These disrespectful demonstrations have crossed a red line for me. There are some things in life we hold dear-God, Family, Country. There are lots of ways to demonstrate your views without spitting on my beliefs. My demonstration is now to avoid the NFL.
How ironic! Are these guys not smart enough to figure out that we already have a sign of unity? It's standing up and respecting our flag and what it represents during the playing of the National Anthem. I also wonder how many of these guys have ever served their country in the military. For those of us who have and truly understand the sacrifices, it's very hurtful. I have zero respect for these guys!
The NFL is doing nothing but taunting the fans and citizens of this great country. Their showmanship is unwanted or appreciated as their platform is sports and not forcing their political views on the public. I refuse to ever watch the NFL again.
WHY we keep chanting the national anthem before a sport ENTERTAINMENT event.
Professional Sports is entertainment that's it , do they chant the national anthem before a Cher concert, a cirque du soleil show , a gun and roses performance, before movie presentation in a theater
the answer is NO
It's purely entertainment like sports today. When am paying a minimum of $100 the to see professionals sports performance it's to see performance, breaking record or just a good battle between teams and individuals.
Life is tough today ! For the average people they need distraction something to make us happy to forget about those political, social and economical problem we have every day.
So pleased professionals athletes and owners just focus on your performances cause this is what we are looking and paying for.
The NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL should seriously considering to stop playing or singing the national anthem before games.
Don't get me rong I love the national anthem but this is not not the place this not what am looking and paying for when I go see a entertainment sporting event.
Charles Andre
I'm 44 yrs old & been watching MN Vikings and NFL Football since I was a kid . This blatant show of disrespect for our national anthem has got my entire family to keep the tv off when there is a game on. NFL is going to be out of buisness if this is the road they take. Nothing short of standing, with your hand over your heart, during the anthem will do! I had $230 tickets for a Vikings game next week but we have cancelled that plan due to this nonsense.
As far as I'm concerned, the NFL is history, along with their sponsors. Condining disrespect for out National Anthem, Flag, Country and ultimately the first responders (INCLUDING POLICE) and out military is deplorable. The NFL has barely survived its numerous controversies, including its black athelites who were convicted of crimes, OJ, Vick, etc., and now this BS, all because police had to shoot some black thugs that failed to comply with lawful orders, ENOUGH. I live near Mobile, Al. And there are numerous crimes committed there, and criminals shot. More than 95% are black, it's not profiling, it's fact. Many criminals don't want to go to jail so they run, fight or try to shoot their way out of the arrest. Police have to be able to defend themselves and us by not agonizing over whether they should shoot or not if confronted by these criminals, black, white, Hispanic, whatever. This was all started by a guy who was abandoned by his black father, given up for adoption by his white mother and raised by loving white parents whom he has totally embarrassed by this BS. Where was BLM when his black father abandoned him? Apparently black lives didn't matter much to him.
Let's get this straight. It was The Donald who crossed the line this week and played the patriotism card with yet another divisive rant a week ago ambushing the NFL just before the Sunday games, unnecessarily further politicizing and elevating this issue to rile us all up. There would have been no locking of arms this week without The Donald Aaron Rogers call for the linking of arms as a show of love and unity was gutsy. No disrespect intended to those who serve. In fact it is because of those who serve that it is even possible to link arms- imagine what would have happened at one of Hitler's rallys if conscientious Germans had linked arms. Loved the photo Rogers shared on Twitter showing that someone else besides Trump can play the Twitter game: https://www.instagram.com/p/BZjpUNpF7iA/
Who cares, way too little and too damn late. Done with the NFL
Joe Coehlo- you miss two key points.
1) I haven't noticed, heard or read anyone, any American, that indicates that social injustice doesn't exist in these United States...but all that disagree with you, and I included, will remind you the the flag and the national anthem is NOT the occasion to make any kind of protest on this country. This country is not perfect, but the freedoms that you say are not shared by everyone, actually are shared in our collective desire to improve and become better. THAT is what this country is about, and THAT is what makes us different AND BETTER than any other country in the world. Slavery, social injustice did not start with these United States, but did you know that slavery ended under Republican rule in these United States and we as a society continue to identify and address Social Injustice?
Liberal minded people are losing their hold on this country...more than 1200 political offices lost by Democrats since Obama was elected. To try and maintain a hold of powert, they would fool you into thinking things are in chaos under our new president, whom himself was not president when Kapernick started this absurdidty, and who daily fights for forgotten Americans, including those under social injustice. This is the 2nd point you fail to understand. For being black, Barack Obama was a devisive force in this country and you would do well to recognize it and be part of a positive change for good, and not for a rhetoric that is slowly dying. Have a nice day!
I just love the way these football players are stepping up and taking a stand against how badly blacks are treated in this country.
If you see a black dude that just finished committing a crime, and then refuses to obey police commands, like show me your hands, and then makes a stupid move, that gets them shot, what's to be aspected??? Some are just too dumb to live!!
If the black players are united against the police in this nation, put the word out to their black fans & counterparts, "STOP COMMITTING CRIMES!!!"
This talk of unity is a revisionist retake on what CK originally started. For him and those others who first started these protests, these were acts meant to show anger and contempt for the country and its flag due to the incidents of police on black violence. I have no issue with protesting that, but I did with them insulting our Anthem and Flag. This was not, to them, a act of 'unity' to bring others together. That didn't start until the backlash it. Now, they are dancing around trying not to look like the jerks they really are. I have no respect for a bunch of privileged millionaires who want to act as if the country that gave them fame and wealth is somehow mistreating them. If they had brought this up on their own time without indicting the entire nation, I would have respected their efforts.
Million $ contracts to play football not for personal opinions. If they really want to get the message out, why not do it on their own time and dime? Donate some of that big money they make?
I was going to add my two cents worth, but the people that already posted have it covered pretty well. Especially the Rockettes guy. Perfect. I am surprised that the NFL as a whole, players owners, Goodell, don't see the incredible disconnect between themselves and their fans. That they don't see it means it is very unlikely that things will ever be like it was. And that is very sad, because the Packers had something special with their fans.
Donald Trump does not put his hand on his heart. Just pointing that out. By the way, those of you who say they are gonna stop watching the NFL are quite similar to the people who said they were gonna move Canada. Well, did it happen? Once this is over... The tide wil change.
This is just another attempt to show disrespect to the USA and showing the arrogance of the NFL and its players. They expect us to follow them as if they are leaders and setting examples for us to follow. Where were they when Tebow was chastised, Adrian Peterson in child abuse, the player who beat his girl friend,
First time I can ever remember purposely not watching a Packer game. As usual, it's just symbolism over substance. What they did last night solved NOTHING. Someone needs to tell Rodgers it's Lambeau Field and not Woodstock.
You want unity at Lambeau Field? This was unity at Lambeau:
http://www.packers.com/media-center/videos/Alumni-Spotlight-Chris-Gizzi/f41aed6d-e630-4c2b-b894-1f3f817bdf3c
Shut up and play football. Hold your own event for issues that offend you and see how many fans show up!
How could any intelligent person disagree with unity, When it refers to equality for "All" Americans? I Love the message ,and now would like to see action towards erasing racism and racist attitudes that have recently revealed itself since the election.
Not that complicated. Although I understand that the protest is not against the military, it becomes that way the second they disrespect the flag and the anthem. Amazing players can be so out of touch. Canceled Sunday ticket. Done with them. Sat is for football, Sunday is for family!
Screw the NFL. Yes, they do have the right to protest all they want, just not during the two minutes the national anthem is being played. If you asked 75% of the players what are you protesting, very few could give you an answer. Spoiled young men who have been spoiled all their life. Right from small fry football til now, just because they had athletic talent. They were enrolled in college, never went to class, had other students write required papers for them and then never graduated. Most of them are as dumb as a box of rocks. Not all, but the majority. Keep politics out of the game. Protest on your way home to your million dollar homes as you drive your BMW's thru neighborhoods that you're suppose to be protesting for but don't have a clue.
Never watching NFL or NBA again. 50 year packer and bucks fan. No more. Not another dime. Canceled NFL DIRECTV package. My deceased veteran father loved the packers but loved his God and country so much more. Keep your politics out of the game. Entire Packers organization owes their devoted and yes, patriotic fans an apology. Only then would I consider coming back. They should be ashamed of how they are dismissing the fans that built Lambeau field. Until then, I will enjoy time with my family in other venues, like I did last night. Green Bay who? Don't care.
I disagree with kneeling or locking arms but not because I think either are overly nonpatriotic but because it is still bringing politics into our sports which until now has pretty much been a place where America was getting this right. It was a place where people from all different races and religions came together with one common goal which was to win. The fans came together from all different races and religions to cheer these people on who were collectively better than any individual and politics, race and religion did not matter. Now when we watch we start with politics. We start with one or two saying this country doesn't treat my race or religion fair so I am going to sit or kneel so people ask me why but I'm going to offer zero solutions to fix the problems. I'm just going to make sure to bring a problem to the one place in America it wasn't broken, and I'm going to break that too because why should America ever have it right. Why should these few people put aside race, religion and politics for even a few hours a week to demonstrate to America that together we are better when we work for a common goal and divided is where we fall.
I am OK with this compromise because ALL the players stood. Even the President was OK with the locking arms do the fact all players stood. The people who are still whining need to get over themselves. Players for years stood on the sidelines for the anthem with their hands behind their backs and nobody said boo. Now all of a sudden you are disrespectful if you doing anything other than stand with your hand held over your heart? I applaud Aaron Rodgers for getting ALL players to stand. It's called a compromise. I would rather have them all stand regardless of where they have their arms or hands instead of the divisive BS the NFL pulled with the kneeling and their general tone deafness to the issue. Aaron showed he is listening unlike the moron in the Commish office. I applaud you, Aaron!
The correct way to honor our Veterans, our nation and the flag itself is to bend the right arm and place your hand over your heart.
Locking arms is a selfish act that continues to defy honoring the flag, country and the Veterans who defend it.
Do it right and stop half assing it!
Since Aaron aRodgers is the team leader and apparently spokesman for the team, I think someone should ask to go to a funeral where military rights are conducted. Maybe he would like to lock arms while taps are being played as well. Let them demonstrate before or after the national anthem, nit during. They can still get their point across and nit disrespect the flag that is draped over soldiers and veterans caskets.
These guys just don't get it.We fight and suffer and the get sacked for millions.FUCK THE NFL
They're protesting a false narrative during a time I would not feel right counter protesting. Until they bring their protest to a fair field I am done. You will never get rid of all racism anymore than you will get rid of all murderers or child molesters, war or religious persecution. There are bad people we cannot escape that, but to claim the US is an inherently racist country is B.S. Go to any family picnic these days and look around because I am sure it didn't even occur to you that Susie white girl has a black husband and Johnny black man has a white wife they all have kids and nobody blinks an eye because nobody cares what color anyone is they are family and skin color is irrelevant to most people.
Liberal Democrats hate America, kill unborn babies, and repress minorities via fake news and lies. They are hell bent on destroying our country in every conceivable way and at any cost! They can't win elections honestly so they try to divide and conquer our population at every chance and the NFL is another such effort. The players for the most part are merely useful idiots thinking and doing what their told. While the owners are foolishly yielding to Left's Political Correctness stratagem designed to muzzle any disagreement with them.
How is linking arms or kneeling during the anthem disrespectful? Do folks know that Kaepernick changed to kneeling rather than sitting specifically after consulting with a former Green Beret, Nate Boyer? Do folks understand there are plenty of veterans who have no issue with kneeling or linking arms to bring awareness to the racial inequalities that still persist to this day?
Very disappointed in Chico native - NFL players are employees paid to do a job - I agree they should just play football on the field - they are free to do whatever they like when NOT working. If the team owners support their employees disrespecting the flag so much, why hasn't one of them hired Kaepernick. Hopefully when all this hits their pocket books, they will change their position. And come on players, where else in the world could you get paid so much to PLAY with a ball.
I wholeheartedly support the show of unity by the players, owners, coaches of the this game. The problem is the disrespect shown by fans and some of our leaders who mock the conscientious concerns that some lives don't matter in the USA. I feel this dramatically by the open bitterness and hate shown in the comments on this poll.
Been to more Packer games than I can count, including divisive Favre Viking games (FUN divisiveness!) and I have been a diehard fan of the Packers, seeing them as the origin of football and face of midwestern values. Always proud of how loyal our fans were....never an empty seat. We truly were unique. Not anymore! We've joined the ranks of politically correct pansy boy Libtards, afraid to be different from the rest even when the cause is so ambiguous! Wtf are they locking arms for?? Kneeling for? Where are these white supremacists and Nazis they speak of? I've never met nor seen a one in my whole white ass life! And I grew up in Milwaukee and then moved to a small town. There weren't any in either place. Are we protesting carriers of the medieval bubonic plague next week? Stop making up shit that ain't even a problem coz you don't like our President! And just play damn football, you overpaid arrogant pricks! Go work in a soup kitchen or women's shelter if you give a shit about the unjust treatment of others! They think locking arms like Radio City Rockettes makes them social justice warriors?! Rodgers is a Coward and a shit stirring pansy ass in my opinion. Quarterback's the leader, then you get the blame, you pussy! I'd rather see Favre's dick poking out of his Wranglers than watch another Green Bay Pansies game!
Didn't watch but had to check in to see what happened. Fake News CNN reported fans and Packers holds hands for Anthem. They show a picture of 2 Bears' and 2 Packer's fans holding hands. Video proves "Fake News"!!! Never a doubt about the folks in Green Bay. Majority shouted USA, USA. Country First! Games with spoiled players come last. Keep Politics out of Football. I can't express my political opinion at work. Not allowed to place bumper sticker on my car even. When you're on the payroll appeal to all. Goodell is just an idiot without any business sense. Also Trump originally said "wouldn't it be nice to see the owners say "Get that S.O.B. off the field, you're fired". And yes, I'd love to see it! If I worked at J.C. Penney and told a customer, "you're too fat to wear that skimpy dress" I should and would be fired! Even it if might be true. Hollywood and NFL can express their opinions when their not on my payroll. I am the customer and don't want to hear it! Will boycott NFL and sponsors until the players apologize for picking the wrong thing to disrespect, my country!!!
Until the NFL apologizes for Dissing my country's flag, i will not watch. In the 1970's they called spitting on soldiers freedom of speech. Just because it's your right to do, does not make it right to do. As the son of a WWII veteran I honor his service by honoring the flag. If this country is so wrong, find one that is right and move to it.
Watching the game as I wanted to see how fans dealt with this! Kudos to 90% of fans who did not link arms as requested by Rodgers and the other spoiled brats!! The USA rules the day the NFL looks like a band of fools! So ashamed of these current packers from top to bottum! I love the game , the tradition and the team! I am so happy I do not own an article of clothing promoting any current packer player!! Boo to the current packer team! Hooray for the packers past and future ...I think these goofballs should go play a game in some Muslim country! Shame on you NFL except for the likes of Villanueva and a few patriots who play! you players are not political social justice or cultural leaders stick to the game at hand! If you can do better than the president then leave the game and run for office and also use the power of your vote to vote in some Liberal leader who supports your beliefs! Gosh these nfl and nba players suck as people/ as Americans!!
fuck rogers the coach the packers and the whole nfl, god bless donald trump ,done watching football, the only sport i liked.