Patriotism in Professional Sports has been at the forefront over the past year especially in professional football. Colin Kaepernick refused to stand for the National Anthem last season as quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers. This year the quarterback finds himself unemployed as there have been repercussions.
There are two sides to every argument and yes America is a free country and therefore one should have the freedom to choose what he wants to do. However, this action is also seen as disrespect towards the country for which these athletes play by making that kind of choice.
Furthermore, these athletes funding comes from the fan base and fans have certain expectations for earning those millions of dollars.
Fans don't want to see sport become political
When your typical fans pay to see these players perform they don’t want to see these highly paid players disrespecting their country. There’s enough politics outside of sports and the news media hardly ever presents the news without a political viewpoint. So fans don’t want to pay to see political platforms and stands by athletes. That is precisely why so many were infuriated last year by Colin and why he can’t find work now. He’s a political powder keg ready to explode.
Many fans have been boycotting the NFL for not taking a stand on those players.
Refusing to stand shows disrespect for our armed forces who earned these players the freedom to earn and play their game. The anthem and the flag are more important than ever as tensions mount around the globe.
Many believe that if they can’t have the gratitude and respect of the flag and country perhaps they should try to find another that’s better.
These players often fail to see through the eyes of the fan, concerning themselves only with themselves and their next contract. Of course, most Professionals are professional and are very giving to the communities in which they live.
History, culture, and sport
History and culture play into this setting. Today extremists are tearing down statues that stood for well over a hundred years on the east coast.
But in the Coney Island section of Brooklyn, there’s a statue of Jackie Robinson, who on that famous day in 1947 was the first black player to set foot on a major league baseball diamond. Pee Wee Reese thwarted any racism when Robinson took the field by walking up and putting his arm around Robinson.
Contrary to popular belief this isn’t about race it’s about our country. The heart of the matter is do you love it or not?