49ers S Eric Reid and Colin Kaepernick "believe that their original message" they wanted to convey by first kneeling during the national anthem last season has been "lost in translation," according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com. Reid and Kaepernick have "wondered what would have happened had more players joined their cause sooner." Reid yesterday referenced the mass demonstrations that took place last weekend and said Kaepernick "wishes that this many people were involved last year." Reid: "I don't think the narrative would have went in as many directions as it went if we had more solidarity. We could have focused in on these issues, but we have got to be pragmatic about it. We have this opportunity now, and it's important that we discuss the issues and make changes" (ESPN.com, 9/27). The AP's Josh Dubow notes Reid also "stressed his protest is not about Trump but about the issues he cares so passionately about." Reid: "It's not about protesting the president for me. It's about doing what's right surrounding these issues" (AP, 9/28).
EASY TO FORGET: In Houston, Jerome Solomon writes it is "fascinating that the original knee-taker" has been "so removed from the discussion that the reasons he knelt have been brushed aside." Kaepernick's message "no longer is in the headlines" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 9/28). In Dallas, James Ragland writes, "What the NFL is doing now -- the carefully orchestrated effort to blunt public criticism over players taking a knee during the national anthem by concocting self-serving schemes -- isn't an act of patriotism." It is a "cop-out" and a "polite bow to the majority of white fans and corporate sponsors who don't want to be bothered by issues that directly or indirectly" affect the 70% of its players who are black (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 9/28). In Seattle, Larry Stone wrote getting from Kaepernick’s "silent protest to the tumult of this past weekend" is a "case study of how easy it is in our modern society for a message to be co-opted and re-apportioned" (SEATTLE TIMES, 9/27). FORBES.com ran an editorial cartoon showing NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Jaguars Owner Shahid Khan and Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones interlocking arms with an American flag and the words "NFL UNITY" behind them. Goodell is making a kicking motion towards Kaepernick, who is falling out of the picture (FORBES.com, 9/27).
UNITED WE STAND? USA TODAY's Jarrett Bell writes the original point of Kaepernick's protest last year has been "so overshadowed" that is has now "morphed into a call for unity." Promoting unity is a "wonderful concept," but these gestures "underscore how the NFL and its teams are attempting to manage the messages and perceptions flowing from the pregame festivities." Unity would have "much more substance if it is demonstrated on a level playing field in our society, including the criminal justice matters and other issues raised by Kaepernick." That is the message that "needs to be heard loud and clear" (USA TODAY, 9/28). In DC, Dan Steinberg asked, "Why has the entire NFL suddenly become obsessed with Unity?" Is this "really the issue that has roiled pro football over the past year?" A "lack of unity?" Steinberg: "Is the game now more unified than it was last week -- and if so, to what end? United against whom? United for what?" The image of Redskins Owner Dan Snyder with "arms locked with his players was a memorable one." But Steinberg asks, "What was the message? What was the meaning? Why was he there? ... I still don’t know" (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 9/27).
