Every player on both sides of the field stood during the national anthem ahead of Thursday night’s NFL game.
Players, coaches and staff on the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears were all linked arm-in-arm, and some with hands on their hearts, as American country singer Tyler Farr sang.
Cameras panning around Lambeau Field in Wisconsin showed fans locking arms with one another as well. Some could be seen waving American flags while others were saluting the large one being stretched out over the field.
After the song was over, the entire stadium erupted in cheers and applause.
The show of solidarity comes after a tumultuous week of protests throughout the league after President Donald Trump criticized players who knelt during the anthem.
At a rally in Alabama last week, Trump said, “Wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, say, ‘Get that son of a b—- off the field right now, out, he’s fired!”
On Tuesday night, quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the entire Green Bay Packers teamreleased a statement, asking fans to stand and lock arms with each other during the national anthem before Thursday night’s game. The players said the team coaches and staff were going to join them as well.
“This is about equality,” Rodgers told ESPN. “This is about unity and love and growing together as a society and starting a conversation around something that may be a little bit uncomfortable for people.”
On Sunday, most of the team stood on the field together with linked arms, except three players, Lance Kendricks, Martellus Bennett and Kevin King, who chose to sit instead.
All of the Chicago Bears players stood on the field on Sunday during the anthem, with most of them linked arm-in-arm, according to the Chicago Tribune. Chairman George McCaskey released a statement, saying, “This divisive political situation has unified our franchise for the present and future.”
http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2017/09/28/packers-bears-stand-during-anthem-before-nfl-game.html
I like football, but I feel a responsibility not to watch. So, I do not. It’s not only because of the kneeling BS. Does anybody else feel the same?
I don’t feel a responsibility to not watch, yet I do think it is a waste of time. I would listen to it on radio while getting a task accomplished that needs to be done.
I quit watching football when I found out that ALL major sports are fixed.
Good Idea Katie. By responsibility I mean it’s almost like buying a bottle for a drunk who needs help, not another drink. Thanks for your reply.
IMHO the player protests are not about protesting oppression or genocide or police brutality or war or anything else worthy of protesting. These protests are about meaningless issues like “protesting the fact that Colin Kaepernick is unemployed” or “protesting” the “deplorable-ness” of many of the fans who they have been brainwashed to believe all these fans voted for Trump (really Patriots players? In Libtard-chussettes? Really Chargers and Rams players, in Libtard-fornia? Really Seattle Seahawks players, in Libtard Central aka Seattle?). Mostly though it is about calling attention to themselves…gee if that’s all they want they need to leave the NFL and become rap or rock stars! Or join the Hollywood crew of crapola.
Sick of their self entitlement
And how special they request to be treated
I never wasted my time with any people like that
No matter if they played games all their life or even had a real job
I just don’t get into giving spoiled brats my love or money
So this is an easy one for me , they can all kiss off for all I care
They all took 10th grade over 4 times in College just so the could play football. Basketball players too they are corrupting a whole lot.
Now think of a conglomerate buying your company where you work.
With a NFL or NBA team in its portfolio. Your wages are dead before you even start working it is going to these bastards. Look up the legal word divest you are in the Business of losing money look who is getting it.
I’m done with the millionaire crybabies. No more Sunday game watching for me. I even ordered some Calvin Piss On The NFL stickers to put on my vehicles. Every driver behind me will now get a snarky reminder of the controversy. NFL = No Fans Left, soon to become No Funds Left.