49ers QB Colin Kaepernick's National Anthem protest has "undoubtedly raised the stakes when it comes to social activism by high-profile athletes," and he has "certainly advanced a national conversation," according to Jarrett Bell of USA TODAY. Kaepernick "wasn’t the first and won’t be the last NFL player to protest -- which could make" NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and other leaders at NFL HQ a "bit nervous about the idea that their carefully-crafted product will be a vehicle for social statements" (USA TODAY, 8/30). THE UNDEFEATED's Bomani Jones wrote there is an "undeniable nobility in what was an impactful -- but ultimately harmless -- display, even if one disagrees" (THEUNDEDEATED.com, 8/29). In Toronto, Morgan Campbell writes Kaepernick's "unequivocal call to confront racism distinguishes him from other high-profile male athletes to tackle the topic recently" (TORONTO STAR, 8/30). THE RINGER's Kevin Clark wrote this was the "rare example in which a player willingly took on the NFL’s no-distractions culture." Kaepernick "chipped away at something larger and much more frustrating: football’s brassbound culture about players speaking their minds." Clark: "Why don’t more NFL players speak out on social issues? Because the odds are stacked precipitously against anyone who does" (THERINGER.com, 8/29). ESPN's Ephraim Salaam said he did not think other players would protest because the "scrutiny is too great." Salaam: "A lot of guys don't want to be under that hot of a bulb alone" ("SportsNation," ESPN, 8/29). The N.Y. Daily News' Andy Martino, "I admire an athlete who's informed as Kaepernick clearly seems to be" ("Daily News Live," SNY, 8/29). But former NFLer Domonique Foxworth said activism is "not the responsibility of athletes, or rich people, or famous people, or politicians. It is the responsibility of everyone watching" ("OTL," ESPN, 8/29).
CONVERSATION STARTER: In Pittsburgh. Tony Norman writes Kaepernick is the "kind of informed citizen that Thomas Jefferson insisted we all become" (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 8/30). In Providence, Bill Reynolds writes, "Welcome to the '60s revisited" (PROVIDENCE JOURNAL, 8/30). In Toronto, Doug Smith writes this was a "mild form of protest," and he "doesn't see anything seriously wrong with it" (TORONTO STAR, 8/30). In L.A., Dylan Hernandez writes this was a "well-meaning, if not downright courageous, gesture," and "what he did worked." Kaepernick "started a nationwide conversation" (L.A. TIMES, 8/30). In DC, Deron Snyder writes his regret is that "so many people are so agitated and distracted by Kaepernick sitting down, they are incapable and/or unwilling to examine the reasons for his decision" (WASHINGTON TIMES, 8/30). In Miami, Greg Cote writes, "I hate what Colin Kaepernick is doing," but "I love that Kaepernick has reignited a national dialogue" (MIAMI HERALD, 8/30). In Tampa, Tom Jones writes, "While half the country is poking holes in Kaepernick the man, there has been little thought given to what Kaepernick is actually saying" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 8/30). Foxworth: "I don't look to Colin Kaepernick to guide me. He brought up the issue, now it's up for us to deal with. ... If we are all willing to acknowledge that there are issues, then it's our social responsibility to take action" ("OTL," ESPN, 8/29).
MODUS OPERANDI: A SACRAMENTO BEE editorial board states, "The problem isn’t his cause. The problem is the weird way he chose to fight for it. Without an initial explanation, his message has been lost in translation." Kaepernick "could become a true activist -- and he should. Sitting down during the national anthem is powerfully controversial, but it’s just one act" (SACRAMENTO BEE, 8/30). Meanwhile, in Jacksonville, Gene Frenette writes, "I can’t condemn a fellow American for the way he’s protesting, though I wish he’d find a different way to express his outrage" (JACKSONVILLE.com, 8/29). In L.A., Mark Whicker writes, "Had Kaepernick been a practice-squad guard, he might be on the street today." Whicker: "It wasn’t the type of hate speech that got John Rocker suspended and Curt Schilling fired. It was a belief that Kaepernick could have kept inside" (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 8/30). Foxworth said, "We're spending a lot of time debating the way that he delivered his opinion, which I think is a waste of time" ("OTL," ESPN, 8/29).
FOCUS ON THE ANTHEM: In Memphis, Geoff Calkins writes of the Anthem, "Why do we play it before every sporting event anyway?" (Memphis COMMERCIAL APPEAL, 8/30). In S.F., Ann Killion wrote under the header, "Is the National Anthem Even Necessary?" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 8/29). In Pittsburgh, Paul Zeise wrote, "We would be better off if we cut all the pandering, over-the-top, psuedo-patriotism at sporting events, from the national anthem to 'God Bless America' at the seventh-inning stretch to all of the other ways these leagues show just how patriotic we are and how much we love our country. It’s all just for show" (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 8/29). In Philadelphia, Bob Ford notes "habit" is the "best answer" for why the anthem is played at sporting events. Ford: "That and the unspoken belief that the two minutes it takes to perform the anthem is less trouble than dealing with the blowback were the anthem not played to consecrate each game, no matter how insignificant" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 8/29). In DC, Dan Steinberg notes the Redskins last season "started playing 'God Bless America' at the two-minute warning of the first half, a practice that has continued this season." Many fans "have stood up during this song as well, although some players seemed caught off-guard during last week’s preseason game against the Bills" (WASHINGTON POST, 8/30). Meanwhile, in San Diego, Daniel Mano noted "Madden 17" will "touch on" Kaepernick's "refusal to stand for the national anthem in an update before the season starts" (MERCURYNEWS.com, 8/29). The LEXINGTON HERALD-LEADER runs an editorial cartoon on the Kaepernick protest.
