“This isn’t a protest. They want to be specific that this is a sign of unity.” – NFL Network analyst Michael Robinson on the Seattle Seahawks plan for the National Anthem today, the 15th anniversary of 9/11.
It started with Colin Kaepernick’s peaceful protest. Then United States Women’s National Team star Megan Rapinoe joined the movement. Right now, the national anthem is a very hot button issue topping the all the current talking point lists.
Today, on the National Football League’s opening season, the Seattle Seahawks made a gesture that jumped them into the fray of the discussion.
NFLN’s Ian Rapoport on the Seattle Seahawks ’ plans for the National Anthem today:
“This actually was not the original plan for the Seattle Seahawks. What they were going to do was all kneel together with their hands over their hearts. That was the original plan for the demonstration. The problem is there were a couple of players who are particularly close with the military; guys like Jimmy Graham have taken tours with the military.
Just did not feel comfortable doing that on September 11 and as Doug Baldwin has told people, if all 46 men on the active roster are not doing the same thing we are not doing it. That is why they decided to all stand up and interlock arms as their show of unity today.”
Is the National Anthem the Right Time to Make a Statement? – On NFL GameDay First, Michael Robinson, Shaun O’Hara, Brian Billick and Melissa Stark discuss the Seattle Seahawks ’ plans for the National Anthem. NFL media video linked here
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication and Bold Global.
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