Fletcher Bailey…
I feel like it’s a top down situation in general, because the owners of the team were not consulted before the legislation even passed. So, I feel like the government had a hand in it, it was definitely political in nature. You know we’re silenced. The whole thing is slavery complex, it’s like they give us this idea were going to give you everything, money, we’ll put your face out there, be an example of what young Black youth can aspire to, but then at the same time they’re going to make sure that we know they are in control of our destiny, be grateful, be thankful for what we are allowing you to have, this is really the over arching idea that we get from the standpoint of the penalty.
Priscilla Lewis…
My opinion about the NFL basically is we are continuing as we are in the United States, dealing with all types of challenges that need to be heard and I think it’s really important for us to continue to fight those battles so that individuals can understand how we feel. Some people don’t have the understanding because they are not in the position that we are in. But if they can take a moment and get into that position and pay close attention to the behavior and the different kind of things that are affecting our community, whether it’s sports, employment, anything that is affecting people of color, then maybe they’ll have a better understanding of what we’re feeling inside.
Deshawn Duncan…
That’s a hard one, they are definitely imposing on their first amendment rights. I don’t necessarily have an opinion on it, but I know what I would do. I would still kneel. They would just have to fine me. For myself, when it comes to me, I will not be watching any NFL games. I didn’t watch last year and I don’t plan on watching any this year. Those guys are rich, take the fine, that’s what I would do.
Johnny Hughes…
Football is an American game, and it has everything to do with America and our soldiers fight for America so I don’t see anything wrong with standing for the national anthem. I mean the NFL is a corporation they can run their business anyway they want, it’s their business at the end of the day, so for me to say they are right or wrong, I can say that. It’s an American game it has always been a tradition to do the national anthem, so I mean it’s only right to stand for it, we live here, our soldiers fight for it, it’s a respect thing for us to be able play football, that’s freedom, so that we can play and watch. I can’t say they’re right or wrong for fining players, but me personally, I think players should stand and honor everyone that fought so that we could play the game.
Marleda Singleton…
I do feel, in regards to the subject matter, in terms of the NFL and the sports industry, there shouldn’t be, the idea of ownership. I think sometime these people believe they own these young men and I don’t like that. I think with any job you should be able to make an appeal or speak your mind and socially be able to acquire some goals you’d like to reach. Corporations are a part of our society and so they need to allow people to speak what they feel. Especially if they believe in religion, I know the job is not the first place to do this, that’s not why we’re there, however, if the corporation is overstepping their boundaries as far as calling people “sons of b—-es” like our president and overstepping their boundaries in terms of making someone feel like their hostage to them because of money, it’s just like any other job they should be able to protest.
Kent Bailey…
Yes, because the players are trying to have their own voice and opinions on what’s going on. They’re not trying to make it about the flag, in which the people believe they are, but it’s not. The players are speaking out about police brutality and the players are standing up for the people who are affected by it.
Photos/Aaron Allen
