One standard, apply it to both sides of that commentary. Did free speech, on either side encourage violence? The answer is no, from everything I’ve read. Therefore, it’s my belief neither Thomas or Jenkins didn’t need to address that behind doors, I wouldn’t have. That is not a “straw man”..., in any way, shape or form. The entire discussion revolves around the commentary from Jenkins and Thomas, it’s 100% proper to ask the very simple question:

“Did either side encourage violence through their social media platforms?”

Spare me the drivel about “straw- man” arguments, lol. Everything you’ve ever stated is some form of formal/informal fallacious arguments..., same for me. It’s just opinions, they’re neither right..., nor wrong.

You're just repeating yourself. I'm not making any fallacious arguments. I never said they advocated for violence, and neither did anyone else. I've said that at least three times now. You seem to be confused in thinking that the argument is about making those two players stop the death threats. That's not the point. The point is that if they hadn't overreacted and made it such a public display, no one would have cared. It's the mob mentality. I'm sure you've heard of it. One prominent person decides to take issue with something, and a bunch of people follow. For some, they resort to violence, or threats of violence. I agree that neither of those players can be held DIRECTLY responsible for any specific threats. But by showing a united front, publicly, while handling your disagreements behind closed doors, goes a long way toward diffusing the mob. Again, that's how that mob mentality works. They tend to follow the lead of those they look up to. Sometimes taking it to the extremes.

“Overreacted” is subjective. It’s how you view it, no doubt others. I don’t discount your view on things, I just see there are other views, including mine, that it was passionate and emotional commentary. It very well could also be seen as a “backstabbing” comment from teammates of all colors inside the locker-room. Regardless of what was said three years previously, the situation in that locker-room and the NFL in general is different now, than it was before. I evaluate Thomas’ and Jenkins’ comments in the appropriate time frame, which is right now.

Mobs are wrong, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks out of the year, all mobs, along with all socially motivated “boycotts”. I’ll never buy into that mentality, either side. And that includes the “I’m boycotting the NFL bc..., race reasons” mob. I’m just not of that mindset, but to each their own.

It's fine to play the "I just listen and don't rock the boat" position, if that's your thing, man. I happen to believe it's passive and unproductive. People are out there spreading absolute lies that are poisoning people's minds, and leading to the kind of idiotic reaction that Brees got. What he said was perfectly valid. Because it's obvious most people don't care for the time and place that the protests were happening. He wasn't commenting on their cause, itself. So if he can't have that opinion, why do the players deserve a pass for theirs, and acting like children?

I believe it is the responsibility of every adult to stand up for what he believes is right. I also believe it is the responsibility of every adult to know what they believe and why. The players cannot defend, with any logic, the kind of people they are propping up as victims in their petty social justice war. And short of being able to do so, they don't have the right to just get what they want from everyone else. It matters not whether they feel differently now then they did three years ago. Nothing has changed in three years to support their cause. A black man gets shot by the police, and it doesn't matter that there is video evidence of the suspect resisting arrest. It doesn't matter that more white people are killed by police, despite the black population accounting for the majority of crime in this country. These are little things called facts and reason. So I supported Drew's initial stance. I do not support his decision to crawfish.

Nothing wrong with your choices and/or actions. Nothing wrong with mine, or others either, so long as no laws are being broken. I’ve put boots on in combat, proudly retired from the Army, miss it, a lot, lol..., but I really don’t need anyone intimating what my “responsibilities” are, or “should” be. My guess is D.Brees, M.Thomas and M.Jenkins feel the same..., but I won’t speak for them. They’ve done it themselves already.

Actions have consequences, whether those actions are breaking the law or not. The false narrative being driven in this country is driving a mob that IS breaking laws. And before you say it; I'm not assigning direct blame to any one individual for acts of violence by others. This is about taking a stand against this culture. It's very much a culture war, right now, as well as a spiritual war. We won't get anywhere saying "well, free speech is dead, racial wars are being igniting on false premises, and cops are being defunded... But as long as no one is getting hurt, it's just opinions. Nothing more."

I'm sorry, man. But I can't get on board with that. And I didn't "intimate" what your responsibilities should be. I'm giving my personal opinion on what I think is our collective responsibility. I you think it's cool for people to spout things without facts, and have a raging fit over someone else's opinion, then I'm not sure what you're even about.

By the way, I don't know if Jenkins and Thomas feel the same as you about not needing anyone to tell them what their responsibilities should be, but I CAN guarantee that if they do, they don't apply that standard to others. Their reaction to Drew Brees being exhibit A. Not just telling him what his responsibilities are, but essentially telling him how to think.

I thought we were talking about a conversation between M.Thomas, M.Jenkins, and D.Brees and whether D.Brees lost the locker-room bc of that issue, or if he lost the locker-room bc of his play? Culture War Smultcher-War, who cares, it won’t change how I feel about things. Like I said before, you would be surprised to find out that I probably agree with you on many of the things you are stating. Only difference is I think there are valid arguments to be made against them also..., bc we are all different. The things that make up my beliefs are defined by everything that has happened to me in the past and what’s going on currently. I guarantee you that each person’s histories are different, and may very well be vastly different. Drew Brees, and the others involved, did what he/they felt needed to be done or said, based on their current team and peers, the current culture in that very specific locker room, among many other items. I can’t understand that dynamics bc I wasn’t there, I wasn’t a player in that locker-room, I am not a member of that culture in that organization. So, it’s not fair for me to say: “he shoulda done this”.

Virtue signaling has two faces, I’m a fan of neither.