I thought these NFL protests were about racial equality. I thought the players were denigrating the National Anthem as a means to further ‘social justice.’ Or that they were kneeling to object to police brutality.
Marshawn Lynch, running back for the Oakland Raiders and previously with the Super Bowl XLVIII champion Seattle Seahawks, gave us a glimpse of what the protests are truly about.
Lynch was seen sporting a t-shirt that simply read “Everybody vs Trump” as he arrived for his team’s game in Denver this past weekend.
Raiders RB Marshawn Lynch wearing an “Everybody vs Trump” T-shirt: pic.twitter.com/7aiCUbjLUD
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 1, 2017
For a movement struggling to find a message, Lynch’s shirt only serves to prove that the NFL kneelers have no idea what they’re really protesting.
What had previously been a form of protest started by Colin Kaepernick to bring attention to perceived issues with American law enforcement, has expanded to simply protesting President Trump.
Not exactly the most noble of causes. Is Trump Derangement Syndrome really worthy of spitting in the face of the men and women in our military who fought for the American flag, fought for the National Anthem, and fought for the people of our nation?
Guy thinks everybody is against #trump? Another living in the bubble genius. #MAGA
— Tim Vrieling (@EPN562) October 1, 2017
Love the RAIDERS, but I’m w Trump on this one.
— Jim Garrett (@777ktm450) October 1, 2017
Perhaps the best response we’ve seen so far is an interpretation of what ‘everybody’ means … As in, a majority of the counties in the United States that voted for and swept President Trump into office.
— Marcus Reaves (@Reaves9) October 1, 2017
Simple, yet effective.
Karma came back to bite Lynch a bit when his team lost to the Denver Broncos, 16-10, in part due to his weak performance. Lynch had 12 yards on nine carries. It must have seemed like it was ‘everybody’ against Lynch every time he touched the ball.
Even better, during the playing of the anthem prior to the game, Lynch took his now customary seat on the bench. Raiders staffers, seemingly not wanting the media to continue covering his protests, surrounded Lynch and blocked any photos.
Small hoard of Raiders staffers are standing around Marshawn Lynch during national anthem. No photo opps. He’s only Raiders player sitting.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) October 1, 2017
Raiders and Broncos sidelines during the national anthem pic.twitter.com/Gon8DUDXpG
— SB Nation (@SBNation) October 1, 2017
Even your own team is embarrassed by your antics, Mr. Lynch. Perhaps they should start wearing t-shirts with your name on them instead of the President’s.
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