Poor Sportsmanship in the NFL

[pryncess527]

Not sure what that has to do with what I said, and you quoted me. Sporting events I have been to from local high school to NFL to county fair demo derby's all play the anthem first. I don't believe the government is involved in any of them. Yes I know about the pay thing for NFL military tributes, but I bet you there are some teams who would do it anyway, and did it before it was that way. Regardless, as someone else said, great time to hit the concessions or bathroom if it offends you so (general you, not you personally). And wanting to work to better your country is GREAT, I do that too, because I LOVE my country but I may not agree with some politicians who are running it at any given time. Patriotism is not a four letter word and I'm proud to be an American and will put my hand over my heart when the anthem is played and pay my repsects. See my signature as well

Well said.
I can't speak to the intent of the organizers. Perhaps they are "faux" because they paid for patriotism. I don't know. What I do know, is that the way I feel when I stand and sing the National Anthem with 92,000 fellow Bulldogs on Gameday isn't faux in the least. I love our anthem and I welcome any chance to hear it, especially in a crowd. I love our anthem, the words, the story it tells.

I love this country because we allow people like Kap to voice his displeasure with our government through peaceful protest. It's what has always made us great, and why we will continue to be great.

 

[Magpie]

That's not his sport

So? His "skill set" is athleticism. In the US, he plays American football. In another country, he'd have played another game.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Considering the total lack of international participation in American football, I guess I totally missed your point

That WAS my point. As an NFL player, there's only one country where he could earn such a salary.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

So? His "skill set" is athleticism. In the US, he plays American football. In another country, he'd have played another game.

It's a minute possibility, but highly unlikely.

 

[sam_gordon]

What does any of this have to do with "sportsmanship" (in the title of the thread)?

 

[nkereina]

The only problem I have with him is that he is a contradiction. Not that long ago, he got in trouble for calling someone the N word. Continuing to use that word is only contributing to the oppression he is now taking a stand against. He's also biracial and adopted by white parents. Taking a stand against oppression is a commendable thing to do, but to make your point by disrespecting everyone else in the country (especially military) is not the way to make your point.

 

[Shmily1]

He's a joke as a QB and that's why he's not starting this year. He's pouting about that first, then he hollers oppression and makes this grand statement about he's within his rights. Yep, he sure is, as all of those that have fought and/or died for that right could attest. I really hope they have so much backlash that they drop him and his endorsers do too. I couldn't find a list of who pays him for endorsements so I could email them. There may not be any to start with. They may want a QB that can actually play the game without pouting.

 

[Magpie]

I think it would be more of a statement if he sat out the season or refused to play in this so called oppressive country. But no, he wants to collect is huge paycheck. Just another Mediocre Professional Athlete looking for attention.

I really don't understand this.

The NFL is not a gov't organization. People from all over the world play in the NFL (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_foreign_NFL_players), and they're not playing for "America". They're just doing their job. So how would refusing to work send any kind of "message" about wanting to see real change in his own country?

He doesn't play for the USA. He plays for the NFL. (Though I do wonder if the patriotic displays sometimes confuse people on that point?) He trained hard to get to a level where he could collect that "huge paycheck", and - as a result of all that hard work and sacrifice - he's looking at disability and a shortened lifespan down the road. I may think NFL players are overpaid, but I sure don't scorn them for actually accepting the pay that's offered. And I may not agree with his choice of protest... but I respect that he's doing so peacefully and legally and he's fulfilling the terms of his contract with his employer. I also respect the fact that he didn't contact the media and announce that he was doing this. He just started quietly sitting, and after several games people began to notice.

Finally, I don't think it's my place to tell anyone else what they should do with THEIR money, regardless of how much they make and whether or not I happen to agree with their views on things.

I really hope certain Americans don't take it on themselves to try, in the name of Patriotism to a) bully him into standing, b) bully the NFL into cutting him from the team, or c) bully the league into creating a rule requiring all players to stand during the anthem. But, in today's climate, I wouldn't be terribly surprised if any or all of that happens.

 

[Magpie]

It's a minute possibility, but highly unlikely.

How so? If he's been born in the UK, he could have joined the local rugby club and followed that path. And made good money, too.

I don't know a ton about football, but it looks like it requires strength, endurance, dexterity and speed. Take a young child with those qualities, put him in boxing and he'll be a boxer. Or he could be a pro-wrestler. Or just about anything else. It's entirely possible the NFL has the most ridiculously over-paid athletes (I really don't know), but that doesn't mean you can't become wealthy as an athlete anywhere else in the world.

 

[chicagodisneyfan]

I am very confused by the title? I see no evidence of bad sportsmanship??
Protesting is so VERY American.

 

[3Gsandme]

Hopefully the defense will knock some sense into him. Maybe make him paralyzed than he will have a reason not to stand. Anyone who doesn't stand who can should be given a one way ticket to the country of their choice.

This is a disgusting thing to say. So, this man peacefully protests and you wish life altering disability and early death on him? What is wrong with you?

Gabby didn't do anything that dozens of others didn't also do. The reason it stuck out was she didn't cover her heart while standing next to 4 girls who DID. Had she been up there by herself, nobody would have noticed.

As for Cap, well he's always been a douche and a bonehead to boot, so no shock here. I'm curious exactly what official US policy it is that he feels is oppressive toward minorities. And how ironic that the US is the only nation on earth where could earn his current salary with his very specific skill set.

I think if you don't understand what Kaepernick is protesting, you've literally had your head stuck in the stand for three years. He" isn't going to stand for the flag of a country that oppresses black people and people of color". He's really really clear. He may suck as a football player and be a serious d-bag, but if you don't know what he's talking about you're being purposely obtuse.

I really don't understand this.

The NFL is not a gov't organization. People from all over the world play in the NFL (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_foreign_NFL_players). How would refusing to work send any kind of "message" about wanting to see real change in his own country?

He doesn't play for the USA. He plays for the NFL. (Though I do wonder if the patriotic displays sometimes confuse people on that point?) He trained hard to get to a level where he could collect that "huge paycheck", and - as a result of all that hard work and sacrifice - he's looking at disability and a shortened lifespan down the road. I may think NFL players are overpaid, but I sure don't scorn them for actually accepting the pay that's offered. And I may not agree with his choice of protest... but I respect that he's doing so peacefully and legally and he's fulfilling the terms of his contract with his employer. I also respect the fact that he didn't contact the media and announce that he was doing this. He just started quietly sitting, and after several games people began to notice.

Finally, I don't think it's my place to tell anyone else what they should do with THEIR money, regardless of how much they make and whether or not I happen to agree with their views on things.

I really hope certain Americans don't take it on themselves to try, in the name of Patriotism to a) bully him into standing, b) bully the NFL into cutting him from the team, or c) bully the league into creating a rule requiring all players to stand during the anthem. But, in today's climate, I wouldn't be terribly surprised if any or all of that happens.

I think Americans are forgetful. We are a nation founded by men who dumped tea into a harbor to protest taxation. That wasn't that peaceful, overall, but the idea that you shouldn't protest something you perceive as wrong in America is just...tone deaf. You lack understanding. This man is upset about the current race situation in America. Honestly, we should ALL be upset about it. I'm upset about it and I'm literally as lily white as they come. It's upsetting. It's sad. It's worrisome. Every single blessed one of us should be worried about it. All of us.

We don't know what his charitable donations are. Frankly, it's not of our business, first, how he spends his money and second, even the freaking bible tells you to do your good works quietly. Talking about how much you donate to charity is gauche and it's nothing but a humblebrag, to be honest. Do your good works without looking for fanfare and accolades. That's the way it's supposed to be. You do them because they are good, not so you get attention and head pats.

I don't understand the idea that he should "give back his salary". What logic is at play with this statement? He is a professional athlete. He might "suck" but he's probably worlds better than anyone on this thread saying he "sucks". He's sacrificed and worked hard to be where he is. Do I think professional athletes should make more than teachers, firefighters, police officers or the President? Not really, but they do. He earns what the market has determined he's worth, just like most of us. Also, if you have a hard to find, high demand skill set it's easier for you to make more money, but you put your time and effort into sharpening that skill set. You deserve what the market will pay you. Period. His protesting has nothing to do with whether or not he is eligible for a salary. It's not even related.

 

[3Gsandme]

How so? If he's been born in the UK, he could have joined the local rugby club and followed that path. And made good money, too.

I don't know a ton about football, but it looks like it requires strength, endurance, dexterity and speed. Take a young child with those qualities, put him in boxing and he'll be a boxer. Or he could be a pro-wrestler. Or just about anything else. It's entirely possible the NFL has the most ridiculously over-paid athletes (I really don't know), but that doesn't mean you can't become wealthy as an athlete anywhere else in the world.

Absolutely.

The internet tells me that he's a quarter back and that he's a fairly fast runner. The idea that he could have played soccer or another sport shouldn't surprise anyone. No one can really say if he could or couldn't be successful at another sport. They just want to believe he couldn't because it adds to their narrative.

 

[pryncess527]

How so? If he's been born in the UK, he could have joined the local rugby club and followed that path. And made good money, too.

I don't know a ton about football, but it looks like it requires strength, endurance, dexterity and speed. Take a young child with those qualities, put him in boxing and he'll be a boxer. Or he could be a pro-wrestler. Or just about anything else. It's entirely possible the NFL has the most ridiculously over-paid athletes (I really don't know), but that doesn't mean you can't become wealthy as an athlete anywhere else in the world.

I have no doubt he could be successful in another sport.
But I'm also pretty sure that yes, the NFL has among the most ridiculously overpaid athletes and it would be unlikely, if not flat out impossible, for him to have the kind of success he's had here in any other country.

For perspective,t he average Rugby player makes $70,000 per year
Colin Kaepernick signed a 6 year, 114 million dollar contract. He'd have to be the best soccer player in the world to approach that.

I also don't think that matters. Yes, Colin could only have the life and career he's had inside the amazing country. That doesn't mean he has to keep his mouth shut. His ability to speak out (and for others to have their opinions of his opinions) is what makes us great, and the amount of money you make or the job you do doesn't increase or decrease your right of expression.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

How so? If he's been born in the UK, he could have joined the local rugby club and followed that path. And made good money, too.

I don't know a ton about football, but it looks like it requires strength, endurance, dexterity and speed. Take a young child with those qualities, put him in boxing and he'll be a boxer. Or he could be a pro-wrestler. Or just about anything else. It's entirely possible the NFL has the most ridiculously over-paid athletes (I really don't know), but that doesn't mean you can't become wealthy as an athlete anywhere else in the world.

A lot of World Class athletes completely wash out of sports that appear to require skill sets very similar to the ONE they've actually mastered. And this guy in particular was really only good at football - his specialty - for a couple of years.

 

[3Gsandme]

A lot of World Class athletes completely wash out of sports that appear to require skill sets very similar to the ONE they've actually mastered. And this guy in particular was really only good at football - his specialty - for a couple of years.

But had he been raised in Europe and exposed to rugby or soccer, he may have been as good or better. We have zero way of knowing. It makes people feel good to speculate that he should be grateful because he couldn't do anything else, but you don't actually KNOW that. No one does.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

I think if you don't understand what Kaepernick is protesting, you've literally had your head stuck in the stand for three years. He" isn't going to stand for the flag of a country that oppresses black people and people of color". He's really really clear. He may suck as a football player and be a serious d-bag, but if you don't know what he's talking about you're being purposely obtuse.



I think Americans are forgetful. We are a nation founded by men who dumped tea into a harbor to protest taxation. That wasn't that peaceful, overall, but the idea that you shouldn't protest something you perceive as wrong in America is just...tone deaf. You lack understanding. This man is upset about the current race situation in America. Honestly, we should ALL be upset about it. I'm upset about it and I'm literally as lily white as they come. It's upsetting. It's sad. It's worrisome. Every single blessed one of us should be worried about it. All of us.

Name one specific thing the federal government does to deliberately oppress minority citizens.

And nobody says you shouldn't protest that which is wrong, but for crying out loud put the blame where it lies.

 

[bcla]

That makes me nutty. I was raised that you hush, hand on your heart, face the flag and hats off for men. Now, my dad was a Marine, so this was IMPORTANT. I realize people not raised with that kind of training or tradition frankly don't KNOW what they are supposed to do. ESPECIALLY this generation and the previous one. No idea what they are supposed to do. I think it's sad, but I don't look at them and think they don't care for their country, I think it's just ignorance.

Important? It's frankly pretty trivial. It's purely ceremonial. Complaining about whether or not someone does so or not appeals to patriotic emotions rather than dealing with something that is truly meaningful.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

But had he been raised in Europe and exposed to rugby or soccer, he may have been as good or better. We have zero way of knowing. It makes people feel good to speculate that he should be grateful because he couldn't do anything else, but you don't actually KNOW that. No one does.

There are no certainties in life. But, the odds are quite long here.

 

[Mokat76]

It's not a military flag. It belongs to the American people. Our flag stands first and foremost for our freedoms. I appreciate our military, but it's still just a job. Every time I hear someone say that an insult to the flag is an insult to the military, I just shake my head.

We're talking about ceremony. Standing when an anthem us being played is simple and frankly pretty trivial compared to real issues in the world. If has issues, is it easier to leave or to stay and do one's part to try and help?

When and if fasism comes to America it will not be labeled "made in Germany "; it will not be marked with a swastika; it will not even be called fascism; it will be called, of course, "Americanism."

Halford E. Luccock

I think this guy is a whiny, entitled doofus, but he's allowed to be that in this country.

I, however, take exception with your statement that military service is just a job. It is not. As one who served and who serves today as a civil servant alongside the men and women in uniform, I can assure you it is far more than just a job. Those who are only in it for a job don't stay long. Those who have served or are serving get that.

This has been the water-down comment of a veteran Now back to your regular programming.

 

[Magpie]

A lot of World Class athletes completely wash out of sports that appear to require skill sets very similar to the ONE they've actually mastered. And this guy in particular was really only good at football - his specialty - for a couple of years.

My point isn't whether or not he could pick up and play somewhere else now, it's that if he'd been born a citizen of some other country and played in that country's sports, he'd likely still be a successful athlete. He'd just have a different specialty. (And different things he'd want to see improved about his country.)

I have no doubt he could be successful in another sport.
But I'm also pretty sure that yes, the NFL has among the most ridiculously overpaid athletes and it would be unlikely, if not flat out impossible, for him to have the kind of success he's had here in any other country.

For perspective,t he average Rugby player makes $70,000 per year
Colin Kaepernick signed a 6 year, 114 million dollar contract. He'd have to be the best soccer player in the world to approach that.

I also don't think that matters. Yes, Colin could only have the life and career he's had inside the amazing country. That doesn't mean he has to keep his mouth shut. His ability to speak out (and for others to have their opinions of his opinions) is what makes us great, and the amount of money you make or the job you do doesn't increase or decrease your right of expression.

I agree completely with you about his right to speak out. It is the best quality of many of my favourite countries, and I'm glad the US still possesses it as well.

As for Colin's life and career... yes, I agree it would have been different if he'd been born in another country. Would it have been better or worse? That's impossible to say, and depends entirely on how you measure and define "success". Is it the number of dollars earned? Is it the length of your career? How healthy you retire? The admiration of your fellow citizens? Endorsements? Personal happiness? Respect? Family life?

According to the Washington Post, Germany is the best country in the world, followed by Canada and the UK with the US coming in fourth.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...-best-countries-sorry-america-youre-number-4/

So I'm glad citizens like Colin care enough about their country to take a stand (or, in this case... take a seat), though I'm sure plenty of folks would rather he just shut up and played ball.