JAYFORCE

New NFL policy will require players on the field for the anthem to show the anthem and flag “appropriate respect”. Teams, not players, can be fined for not adhering. Will allow players to stay in locker room for the anthem, teams to set their own rules under conduct detrimental.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) May 23, 2018

Well, would you look at that? Not even claiming to be all that surprised or shocked that the NFL and owners found a way to appease the majority (White apathetic/unsympathetic Americans) AND get all those who #TakeAKnee with Kaep off the field.

So they have found a way to eliminate a peaceful, yet impactful, protest method (wow). What’s more, it looks like they have cleared the way for teams to ‘deal with’ players who choose not to stand during the National Anthem and presentation. To be clear: The option to stay/observe in the locker is a cop-out in the weakest way. It’s an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ attempt, plain and simple.

But this is NOT out of our minds. We can watch and be mindful of who is NOT on the field during the anthem and presentation of the flag (e.g. those who are still protesting unjust treatment of Black people by the authorities). And what about the core issue; the motivation that drove Colin Kaepernick to take a stand by taking a knee? Wonder if the NFL will call a special meeting, assemble a subcommittee, etc. to enact new policy that speaks to or acts against law enforcement’s abuses of power, brutality, and murder?

I wouldn’t hold my breath.

– @ojones1