STATESIDE Stateside
Sharon Harris asks what can be learned from recent events in Las Vegas
A
I dislike being subjected to someone’s politics while attending a game or other entertainment forum.
fter a hectic G2E, I took a wonderful cruise. Vacations promote an escape from life’s daily issues and the terrific international crew easily multitasked and did their jobs without drama.
That same expectation should be true in any industry, from gaming to sports. The National Football League (NFL) is currently undergoing a loud national debate surrounding its professional players. Since September, all 32 NFL teams have been forced to decide whether to kneel or stand for the pre-game national anthem and flag unfurling on the field.
This ritual begins every U.S. game. Military and law
enforcement representatives typically participate as a designated singer performs the anthem. Millions of attendees and television viewers consider this observance a sign of gratitude for service.
Norman and I always attend our Philadelphia
Eagles home opener when four fighter jets fly over the stadium after the flag/anthem ceremony. It is a stirring moment.
What caused this
controversy? On opening day in 2016, San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick kneeled during the anthem to protest what he called American social injustice, police brutality and systemic racism. That set off a public firestorm.
Image: Mario Beauregard/Adobe Stock 8 NOVEMBER 2017
His subsequent wearing of socks portraying police officers as pigs, and some unfortunate comments from President Donald Trump, expanded the protests this year. Team after team reacted, with some owners and coaches devising creative “solutions“ to avoid offending anyone. Some collectively knelt and locked arms before rising for the anthem. Others weren’t buying into that and expected their players to stand throughout.
When Kaepernick’s contract ended this year, no
team hired him. Citing league racism, he is now suing the multibillion-dollar NFL, which employs thousands of minority players and staff. Many players and coaches, including Kaepernick, have earned tens of millions.
Also receiving more than $150 million during his
eight-year tenure is NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Overpaid in my opinion, he has repeatedly demonstrated little leadership on crucial issues and
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