Last week, players for the Cleveland Browns chose to join Colin Kaepernick and others protesting the National Anthem by kneeling prior to a game against the New York Giants.
A dozen players led by veteran linebacker Christian Kirksey took a knee during the anthem, instead forming a prayer circle.
“A lot of our guys felt that it was right to do something, and that’s what we did,” Kirksey boasted.
Cleveland Browns: The most profound kneeling yet https://t.co/8cBALKg445 via @dawgpounddaily pic.twitter.com/D8UqtkCIn1
— FanSided NFL (@FanSidedNFL) August 25, 2017
Award-winning sports writer William C. Rhoden said the Browns players “presented the strongest evidence yet that NFL players will not be bullied, beaten or intimidated around the issue of freedom of speech and expression.”
That is, until legendary running back Jim Brown sent them a message.
“Do not disrespect your flag, do not disrespect your country,” Brown reportedly told the team.
They listened.
Many #Browns players had their arms locked together while standing for the national anthem behind the front row of players. pic.twitter.com/ZbN9HvkTlV
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) August 26, 2017
Now, isn’t that a much better way to show support for your fellow man, locking arms together and STILL standing to show respect for your country?
Brown, who has led the charge in spotlighting social justice issues for decades, finally put NFL players in their place.
Via WKYC:
Following a week of debate and controversy after several Browns players chose to kneel during the national anthem, every member of the team was up and standing when the anthem was played prior to Saturday night’s preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Browns play-by-play man and WKYC sportscaster Jim Donovan made reference to the players’ decision to stand during the team’s radio broadcast after the Star Spangled Banner was sung. His partner and former Browns offensive lineman Doug Dieken then gave credit to team legend Jim Brown, who met with the team before the game.
According to Dieken, Brown told the team, “Do not disrespect your flag, do not disrespect your country.” The Hall of Fame running back made headlines earlier this week when he criticized players for protesting during the anthem.
It’s amazing what can happen when a strong man that loves and respects his country stands up and demands that same love and respect from others.
Brown lambasted anthem protest leader Colin Kaepernick last week, saying he needs to start acting more intelligently and attacking his lack of patriotism.
.@JimBrownNFL32 gives us the ‘real deal’ on @Kaepernick7, flag, anthem and being an activist. pic.twitter.com/MMcLX3dteb
— ThePostGame (@ThePostGame) August 24, 2017
“I’m going to give you the real deal: I’m an American,” Brown said. “I don’t desecrate my flag and my national anthem.”
Neither do the other players on the Cleveland Browns anymore. Let’s hope they continue honoring the American flag and the National Anthem.
Thank you, Jim Brown!
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