Re: The NFL Is a Product I Refuse to Purchase Any Longer
 

I have a feeling that's on the back-burner.

Re: The NFL Is a Product I Refuse to Purchase Any Longer
 

We have a problem in this country with following rules recently. If you don't like the rule then change it.

The rules are found on pages A62-63 of the league’s game operations manual:

The National Anthem must be played prior to every NFL game, and all players must be on the sideline for the National Anthem.

During the National Anthem, players on the field and bench area should stand at attention, face the flag, hold helmets in their left hand, and refrain from talking. The home team should ensure that the American flag is in good condition. It should be pointed out to players and coaches that we continue to be judged by the public in this area of respect for the flag and our country. Failure to be on the field by the start of the National Anthem may result in discipline, such as fines, suspensions, and/or the forfeiture of draft choice(s) for violations of the above, including first offenses.

Re: The NFL Is a Product I Refuse to Purchase Any Longer
 

I still like what the Steelers did. If you want to come stand then come stand, but if you don't (and that's your right as an American) then stay inside until the anthem is done.

Simple. Problem solved.

:bng:

Re: The NFL Is a Product I Refuse to Purchase Any Longer
 

Honestley, I don't see how that is any different from what is currently happening.

Re: The NFL Is a Product I Refuse to Purchase Any Longer
 

People have a right to be whatever they want to be, but not in my front yard. That's the place I'm trying to go.

They have every right not to stand, but they don't (necessarily) have the right to broadcast it (so to speak).

Re: The NFL Is a Product I Refuse to Purchase Any Longer
 

I don't know, I thought the teams that stayed in the locker room were just as bad, if not worse. It's not the same as protesting elsewhere, instead of at the game. They are in the stadium, they are expected to be out there standing for the anthem, and yet decided to ignore the whole ceremony.

And when their teammate went out there by himself, they should have followed him. He fought for this country, and yet not one person was moved enough to join him. I don't buy this crap about them being "surprised" by him not staying in the locker room. They had no right to tell him he had to do that, and Mike Tomlin had the nerve to CRITICIZE him. So much for their phony free speech excuse for everything they do. Free speech (which doesn't even apply to the work place, anyway) apparently only works if you feel sorry for yourself.

Re: The NFL Is a Product I Refuse to Purchase Any Longer
 

If the players want to create their own platform then rock it. Protest whatever you want and try to affect a change in that thing.

But it is wrong to use the platform created by fans of the National Football League, in my very own humble opinion, to broadcast those grievances.

Re: The NFL Is a Product I Refuse to Purchase Any Longer
 

I agree with you that even though I think their "cause" is a farce, they have the right to do it, on their own time.

I just didn't find what the Steelers did to be any different from what other teams are doing. They made an act of protest by showing up in the stadium and purposefully avoiding standing for the anthem. This idea that they tried to use to excuse themselves in saying "we figured if we aren't out there, no one can see us protesting", and so that's supposed to be okay? They made their protest incredibly noticeable by being completely absent from the field during the anthem.

I saw it as a classic cop out.

Re: The NFL Is a Product I Refuse to Purchase Any Longer
 

I do not disagree. It is a cop out, but that cop out is better than allowing them on the field to use our past time to air their crap.

Re: The NFL Is a Product I Refuse to Purchase Any Longer
 

Well, you and I see this one a little different. We're 95% on the same page, but I just think that if you are refusing to acknowledge the flag, in whatever way you go about doing that, it doesn't matter if I see you are not.

When it isn't game day, and you're doing whatever on your own time and dollar, then go for it. I might still call their protesting dumb, but I won't argue their right to do it.