Dozens of NFL players have chosen to kneel during the National Anthem at their various NFL games in recent weeks, and a lot of people went ballistic. But Mike Rowe wasn’t one of them.
In light of the controversy, a fan of Rowe’s asked him via Facebook, “[W]hat’s happening to professional football, and what do you make of Trump’s comments about those who refuse to stand during the National Anthem?” And Rowe issued a level-headed response that a lot of us should take to heart.
“In my view, the real controversy here isn’t about patriotism, social justice, racial inequality, or free speech,” Rowe wrote. “It’s not even about the flag or the National Anthem. It’s really only about one thing – what we will tolerate, and what we won’t.”
He continued:
The fans of professional football are not powerless – they’re just not yet offended enough to turn the channel. Should that ever change in a meaningful way – if for instance, a percentage of football fans relative to those players who chose to kneel during today’s games, chose to watch something else next Sunday – I can assure you…the matter would be resolved by Monday.
Read the entire post below – it’s well worth your time.
S1:E1 Operation Combat Bikesaver
Mike Rowe visits a garage in Indiana to surprise Jason, a former Army engineer who runs a therapeutic bike building program for veterans.
Posted by Returning The Favor on Monday, August 28, 2017
Rowe’s post hits the nail on the head. The NFL players who choose to kneel during the National Anthem have every right to do so, but ultimately it’s the fans who have the power to determine whether the protests will continue. If you don’t like it, don’t whine and moan and threaten to fire them; just change the channel. If enough fans stop watching, the NFL – and the players – will take note. Because when it comes down to it, I’m willing to bet the players care a lot more about their hefty paychecks than they do their protests.
H/T: Rare
Do you agree with Mike Rowe? Share this post to Facebook if you’ll stop watching football!
