I think you're making assumptions about fans around the world and their opinions of players...

You argue it's less prevalent in the NFL than public life but how do you know? All we do know is the NFL lies to protect it's image and therefore less cases come to light. Besides, multi-million dollar athletes committing crime isn't an apples-to-apples comparison with John Q Public. They make more in a week than most make in a year. So they should be held to a higher standard. Their gifts are physical and although admired, don't make them any better than you and me.

I wasn't referring to protests but since you brought it up, viewership did decline around the protests. Neither of us can say for certain it was solely due to protests but it's likely. You can google the data.

However, you've accurately pointed out protests didn't stop most fans (including me) from tuning in and spending money. Personally, I thought the issue was overblown.

But here's what I think you're missing:

The NFL has knowingly covered up:
- Rape
- Murder
- Domestic Abuse
- Critical Health Safety & Science
- Concussion Data
- "Pay for Performance" Hoaxes (I threw that on in because I'm still salty)

Life has a funny way of being cyclical and the NFL is not immune to history. One day, it will lose it's luster and my money is on fans finding something more entertaining to watch.