Them saying that it "wasn't about the flag" was a lie, on two counts. The first being that, as I stated before, no one is arguing that the flag, itself, as in the piece of cloth, is what they were protesting. We all, including Drew, understood that the argument coming from the players is that they supposedly saw the flag has some hypocritical symbol of freedom, based on their perception of racial injustice. Which brings me to the second part. Yes, in that regard, it WAS about the flag. This was coming straight from the players mouths. And it was further evidenced by the fact that at NO OTHER point did they protest. Only during the Anthem.

And so what Drew, and many people across the country, including myself have said, is that if you have some kind of grievance, take it elsewhere to the people who you think can solve your perceived problem. The flag is about America. If you believe there is racial inequality, and you REALLY want unity, then you don't accomplish that goal by dividing people during a time when we are celebrating our collective freedom. That is divisive.

Players were vocal about many things, but Drew wasn't addressing any of those issues. He was only stating his opinion on the method. Saying "it's not about the flag" is a non sequitur. It's that you protest during the anthem and in front of the flag. So either they are lying when they say it's not about the flag (they are), or if it's not about the flag, then you don't protest at that exact time, and no other time. Because no one believes you when you do that.

And if they can't respect another's opinion enough to at least address him man to man, before blowing up on twitter, then their opinions don't deserve respect. Period.

And you've got to be kidding with the CNN link. The anthem is about patriotism. Not politics. If you aren't patriotic, fine. Go sit on the bench. People won't respect you for it, but it's a free country, after all. However, protesting during that time, is another thing altogether.