Now that NFL training camps are "in full swing, football is following the lead of the NBA, with an increasing volume of players speaking out for an end to the violence that’s seemingly run rampant" throughout the U.S., according to Ebenezer Samuel of the N.Y. DAILY NEWS. But unlike the NBA, the NFL’s activist turnout has "been without true star power." Knicks F Carmelo Anthony, Cavaliers F LeBron James, Bulls G Dwyane Wade and Clippers G Chris Paul -- "universally known NBA faces -- led the charge at the ESPYs." But the NFL’s biggest names like Panthers QB Cam Newton, Giants WR Odell Beckham Jr. and Packers QB Aaron Rodgers have "largely been silent, chasing paydays and not much else." Several players "know exactly what they want to say," such as Cardinals S Tyrann Mathieu and Giants RB Rashad Jennings." The biggest NFL headlines in social change have "been divisive, none moreso" than Seahawks CB Richard Sherman last week, when he "delivered a perceived slight of Black Lives Matter." Football players "genuinely want to help speed healing around the country, something Jennings made clear when he said he feels an 'awesome responsibility' to work towards social change." But their actions "lack that Anthony-like presence at the front" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 8/2).
NOT MEANT TO BE DIVISIVE: Seahawks DE Michael Bennett yesterday on "SportsCenter" said that he called Newton to "apologize for intimating Newton was satisfied with making millions without affecting change in society." In Charlotte, Jonathan Jones notes Bennett on Saturday "called out" Newton specifically as "not doing enough to impact social change." Newton has "long said he doesn’t want all his private works to be public." His foundation has "donated more than $500,000 to communities and school systems in Charlotte and Atlanta." Newton last week said, "I feel that as an athlete, you have so much responsibility. ... It’s something that just comes by default. When you talk about LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, the Peyton Mannings, the Tom Bradys, the Aaron Rodgers, the Steph Currys, we all have power. And power that’s outside of sport. And doing with that power is on you personally." Bennett said that it "wasn’t his mission to create division within the NFL community" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 8/2).
ADDRESSING THE ISSUE: FS1’s Colin Cowherd said the NBA “has always been known since the ‘70s as a players’ league," while the NFL is "known as a coach and system league.” So NBA players “have much more freedom." FS1's Jason Whitlock said NFLers are "scared" to voice their opinions because they do not have fully guaranteed contracts and "are under far more control of NFL owners than NBA owners." Whitlock: "NFL players have to play a far different game to get their money than NBA players do which limits their ability to be outspoken on these issues" ("Speak For Yourself," FS1, 8/1). ESPN’s Michael Smith said black athletes are "often saddled with the burden of solving racism,” but “not everybody is willing, able, equipped or qualified ... because plenty of times the things they say can do more harm than good.” Smith noted players are hesitant to become a “distraction (to their) teammates so guys are reluctant to speak out” ("His & Hers," ESPN2, 8/1). ESPN's Field Yates said, “Teams want players to know that they are not required to step outside a comfort zone. If they just want to talk about football, that’s fully within their rights. But if you do decide to step outside of your comfort zone say what you believe and believe what you way” (“NFL Insiders,” ESPN2, 8/1).
