Poor Sportsmanship in the NFL

[Gracie09]

Serious question - I see and hear a lot about BLM but are Kapernick and Company doing anything about cities like Chicago and Baltimore? Or other inner cities with similar problems?

Chicago has had roughly 358 black citizens murdered this year (478 total and 75% are black according to my buddy Google) while Baltimore has had 200 homicides (not sure of the breakdown).

well 84 percent of white people murdered are murdered by other white people. From 1980 - 2008 the gang related crimes were committed by whites. The vast majority of violent crimes are committed by whites.
Where is the concern about white on white crime?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kerry-coddett/white-on-white-crime-an-u_b_6771878.html

 

[JoeA]

I think this sports journalist has a better answer for you than anything I could ever come up with:

49ers' Colin Kaepernick sat during national anthem and sparked national debate; what's your contribution?

http://blogs.mercurynews.com/thomps...ing_wp_cron=1472600291.6964480876922607421875

Not really sure where he wanted to go with this, to be honest.

Volunteer? Help veterans? Faux patriots? His wife is afraid he'll get shot for driving while black?

 

[Magpie]

Not really sure where he wanted to go with this, to be honest.

Volunteer? Help veterans? Faux patriots? His wife is afraid he'll get shot for driving while black?

You asked what Kaepernick did - he peacefully protested and sparked national debate. (Not to mention his various charitable works for sick children, etc.)

The author pointed that out, and then asks his readers, "What have YOU done?"

It's a fair question, I think. If you're concerned about the murder rate in the two cities you named, then you should do something about it. Kaepernick is no more obligated to tackle that particular problem than anyone else.

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

Well, I for one, am happy that I live in a country where patriotism isn't enforceable. Slippery slope that is...

I find it interesting that no one was talking about him before. Certainly not anything regarding football in a some time. Now we are... Kind of looks to me like someone was in need of some attention and it's blown up.

Like I've seen things about the NY Giants ALL standing in response to him. Problem is, they started that week one of the preseason so it's just another way to fuel the media fires.

 

[JoeA]

well 84 percent of white people murdered are murdered by other white people. From 1980 - 2008 the gang related crimes were committed by whites. The vast majority of violent crimes are committed by whites.
Where is the concern about white on white crime?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kerry-coddett/white-on-white-crime-an-u_b_6771878.html

You sure do like your stats, gotta give you that much.

 

[Magpie]

Like I've seen things about the NY Giants ALL standing in response to him. Problem is, they started that week one of the preseason so it's just another way to fuel the media fires.

I'm confused... does that mean that before all this blew up, many of the NY Giants didn't stand for the anthem? They sat through it? Took care of other business while it played? (I googled it, but the only media outlets that are reporting it are seriously dodgy, like the "Tribunist" and "Epoch Times".)

I suppose, if nothing else, Kaepernick's protest got some folks who'd otherwise have ignored the anthem to start paying attention. For a little while, anyway. I expect they'll all go back to their usual way of doing things, once the dust settles.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

well you brought up freedom of expression and federal govt ergo constitution. Civil rights is a constitutional issue

You're getting way off track.

 

[pat fan]

How sad nfl players have been convicted of crimes ranging from domestic violence to rape to murder to drug dealing to animal cruelty but a man sitting down is what gets people's panties in a twist.

You have to be kidding. There was plenty of people with their knickers in a twist during AP's saga, and there was a huge broo-haha over Rice. If you want to point a finger for shady punishment, point right at Goodell. He runs that circus and makes no sense how he metes pout punishment.Fans, on the other hand, are pretty clear.

 

[JoeA]

You have to be kidding. There was plenty of people with their knickers in a twist during AP's saga, and there was a huge broo-haha over Rice. If you want to point a finger for shady punishment, point right at Goodell. He runs that circus and makes no sense how he metes pout punishment.Fans, on the other hand, are pretty clear.

Don't forget how upset people were over Tom Brady's balls.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

well 84 percent of white people murdered are murdered by other white people. From 1980 - 2008 the gang related crimes were committed by whites. The vast majority of violent crimes are committed by whites.
Where is the concern about white on white crime?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kerry-coddett/white-on-white-crime-an-u_b_6771878.html

If there were a white lives matters group acting like police were their greatest threat, yours would be an excellent question.

But, its not because the #1 concern for safety among whites is, always has been, and probably will always be criminals (of all colors).


Despite the fact that twice as many whites are killed by police as are blacks, the vast majority of Americans (of all colors) can't name even one of these people. I can't.

 

[bcla]

Which brings us back around to my original point: the US Government isn't in the business of employing local police officers.

Depends on the reason. The federal government does provide specialty local law enforcement, whether it's law enforcement park rangers or BIA Police that serve in place of tribal police. There can be tension over the Feds doing this though.

 

[therealdjt]

True, but you could also move to a place that is just the way you like it

Or, if you're unhappy that people can safely and peacefully protest in this country, you could also move to a place where that isn't allowed. I have no intention of leaving my home just because you're unhappy that I'm here, exercising my rights, and I will not be bullied into silence.

 

[Geoff_M]

well 84 percent of white people murdered are murdered by other white people. From 1980 - 2008 the gang related crimes were committed by whites. The vast majority of violent crimes are committed by whites.
Where is the concern about white on white crime?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kerry-coddett/white-on-white-crime-an-u_b_6771878.html

Politifact took a look at this sort of logic, advanced by Huffpo et al, and found it be highly flawed.

With regard to the Chicago murder stat you responded to, black victims not only make up a disproportionate number of the absolute percentage, but also when looking at the proportional rate compared to the demographics (75% of victims while only 32.9% of the population.)

 

[Unas]

Kareem gives us something to consider . . . the entire piece is worth the read

What should horrify Americans is not Kaepernick’s choice to remain seated during the national anthem, but that nearly 50 years after Ali was banned from boxing for his stance and Tommie Smith and John Carlos’s raised fists caused public ostracization and numerous death threats, we still need to call attention to the same racial inequities. Failure to fix this problem is what’s really un-American here.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/post...e7987482090&wpisrc=nl_p1most-partner-1&wpmm=1

 

[therealdjt]

Our National Anthem and the Flag.... our Flag .... my Flag... that waves while being played was fought and many people have died and are dying for that flag and our way of life. People of all color, ethnic background, religious choice, man and woman, even children... have defended it for our rights. So standing and showing some respect for them and what some gave as the last full measure of devotion to me.... is very important.

Respect is earned... If he really wanted to do something important that people... all people would respect... he would do something other than sitting on his fanny...

Why doesn't he put on a military uniform and fight for his rights that he takes for granted..... because at the end of the day.... Football is a game, A Game... not some life altering, for the good of mankind changing occupation. He goes home to his million dollar house and lives the life that that Flag and Anthem gave him.

If he thinks its better anywhere else, He should get out of his contract and go to where it is that he thinks is so perfect... No-one is keeping him here...

This is our problem we need to bond together and worry about the really enemy out there... and Make America the greatest country on earth again... and Be proud to be a American.

The military swears to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America, not protect the flag. The oath of enlistment makes that quite clear. The Constitution never mentions the flag, not once!, but it does enshrine our rights, one of which is to peaceably assemble and another of which is to petition the Government for a redress of grievances, and a third of which is the prohibition against the government impeding our rights to free speech.

You can attach any meaning to the flag that you want--that is also your right--but I'll look to the Constitution as my guide. I think America is already great, in large part because I have that right, so your demands concern me because you seem to imply that in order to make us great again some undefined segment of the nation needs to erode my rights. That is how dictatorships start, not how democracies flourish.

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

Or, if you're unhappy that people can safely and peacefully protest in this country, you could also move to a place where that isn't allowed. I have no intention of leaving my home just because you're unhappy that I'm here, exercising my rights, and I will not be bullied into silence.

Or you could just start over...like with a new name......and be whoever you want to be.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

Regardless of whether you think Kaepernick should stand for the National Anthem, I don't know how this qualifies as "Poor Sportsmanship".

 

[FlightlessDuck]

True, but you could also move to a place that is just the way you like it

"If you don't like it, move" drives me up a wall. If you truly understood what makes the United States of America special, you wouldn't be saying this. The right to protest is literally part of the fabric of this country.

Boston, March 1770:
Person 1: "These British soldiers overreacted and shot at us! All because we were upset with how they treated a 12 year old!"
Person 2: "Don't like it? Move."

Random Northern State, 1800:
Person 1: "We should make slavery illegal."
Person 2: "Don't like it? Move."

Utah, 1887:
Woman 1: "The Edmunds–Tucker Act is keeping women from voting in this state!"
Man 1: "Go make my dinner!"

 

[LovesTimone]

Unless the poster comes back and says it was merely symbolic, I don't think I interpreted the language incorrectly. I've heard many words of "dying for the flag" meant with sincerity and conviction.

Yes.... I meant it in symbolic way. The Flag, The Anthem, The Constitution, Bill of Rights, The Liberty Bell, The Statue of Liberty, etc... are all symbolic to and in what our forefathers sat down then, and what our Military/ Law enforcement / men and women choose to protect / defend / stand up for everyday. I my opinion he/ she/ we/ me / you... should be supporting the things that gives he/ she/ we/ me / us those rights. Not trying to tear it down, but find a better way...

Yes...Just as he has the right to sit, I have the right to stand and place my hand over my heart.... He has the right to think and say what his beliefs are.... but I do as well.... and you have the right to agree or disagree, with all.. part ... or none... and have your own say in what you think... That does not make us all right or wrong... It just does what those symbols were/are meant to do.

Yes I am proud to be a American... Yes I think that we are still the greatest country on earth, a bit dinged up but we are still the BEST...And to stay the best we need to pull together, and stop all the in fighting, and look for ways to get along, build up each other, and stop pointing fingers.

With the anniversary of 9/11 coming up soon... maybe we should all think how we all felt that day and reflect on how all those people helped each other that day, no-one was focusing on anything but the task at hand, they just did what needed to be done, stranger helping stranger...banding together to offer comfort, and trying help save as many people they could that day and for the days to come. How people cheered when they raised our flag... not only in New York.. everywhere here in America... It was a sign of strength and hope...


Every person can make a difference...one kind act can make a difference.

Sending Pixie Dust and Love to all....

 

[Nayan]

Regardless of whether you think Kaepernick should stand for the National Anthem, I don't know how this qualifies as "Poor Sportsmanship".

Poor sportsmanship is Hope Solo having a huge hissy fit and calling the other team names because we lost fair and square. What Kap did isn't.