In Donald Trump’s most recent instance of polarizing behavior, he interjects himself into yet another sphere of beloved American culture: sports. During a speech on Friday in Huntsville, Alabama, Trump scoffed at the silent protest that many National Football League players have made during the Star Spangled Banner at the beginning of games.
In his speech, Trump calls for owners to “get that son of a b**** off the field” and goes on to say that “for a week [that owner would] be the most popular person in this country.” Colin Kaepernick, one of the most publicized players to kneel, hasn’t been able to sign a contract since the event in August of last year, and defended his protest by saying that he will not “stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.”
Roger Goodell, the NFL commissioner, responded in defense of his players Saturday morning. Goodell did not mention Trump specifically but said that “divisive comments” show “a failure to understand the overwhelming force for good our clubs and players represent in our communities.” Through this statement, Goodell does well to recognize that these players are much more than players in the American social sphere. To many, they are icons and role models, and they hold much power in media through their words and actions on and off the field. Players being able to take this stand reaches demographics that might not be fully aware of racism or intolerance.
New NFL statement pic.twitter.com/XHPgVvPPfH
— Brian McCarthy (@NFLprguy) September 23, 2017
Trump’s attack on this expression of speech is toxic and unnecessary for a myriad of reasons. In what seems to be a recurring subject for his administration and campaign, Trump refuses to allow people who think differently retain their right to freedom of speech. He takes offense to men kneeling before the American flag but let’s slide the dangerous and arguably illegal speech of known white supremacists. Calling out the stance of Kaepernick and others is nothing but more evidence of the intolerance and one-sidedness of the Trump administration.
Not only was this a show of intolerance, but this event had almost nothing to do with Trump. Let’s not forget that Kaepernick’s original kneel took place more than a year ago; why bring it up now? Trump’s decision to interject himself and exhume this conflict is confusing and almost childish.
Many other athletes of color have joined Kaepernick’s stand of solidarity as well; including Stephen Curry, of the Golden State Warriors. Curry and the Warriors recently won the National Basketball Association Championship and were invited to the White House. Curry on Friday during the Warriors media day remarked, “I don’t want to go. That’s the nucleus of my belief,” regarding the invitation. Many of Curry’s teammates and even his coach, Steve Kerr, reiterated Curry’s feelings on the matter. Without fail, Trump had a response typed and tweeted out by Saturday morning; revoking his invitation because of “hesitation”.
