Rodgers believes the NFLPA should be able to give input on an anthem-related policygetty images
Packers QB Aaron Rodgers is "frustrated by the inconsistency between what actually happens during the national anthem at an NFL game and how the focus of attention has been taken away from what the protests actually are about," according to Kevin Clark of THE RINGER. Rodgers cited 49ers CEO Jed York, who discussed halting concessions during the anthem, and said that particular notion is "spot on." Rodgers: "If you’re going to take the focus off of what the protest was really about -- it was never about the anthem, it was never about the troops, it was about social equality and racial injustice -- then make it all about the anthem. Everybody in the stadium stands and does the exact same thing. You have people in the concession, people in the bathroom; you’ve got cameramen on their knee watching. You can’t have it one way or another." He added, "We never came out for the anthem back in the day. We were in the locker room; in my first three, four, five years, we only came out a couple of times. ... Then the DOD (Department of Defense) paid some money for demonstrations and flyovers and whatnot and it became a different policy. Again, the messaging has been changed. If the owners see it as all about the flag and the anthem, everybody should be held to the same standard." Rodgers "does not have a blanket idea in mind for an anthem-related policy." He said that he "simply would ask for the Players Association’s input" (THERINGER.com, 8/8).
SUPPORTING THE KING: NFL.com's Michael Silver noted Rodgers believes "incendiary statements" made on Twitter by President Trump about pro athletes "should not be dignified with a response." Rodgers said, "The more that we give credence to stuff like that, the more it's gonna live on. I think if we can learn to ignore or not respond to stuff like that -- if we can -- it takes away the power of statements like that." Rodgers said the fact that LeBron James "hadn't responded to Trump's attack was 'absolutely beautiful.'" Rodgers: "At a time where he's putting on display his school, which is changing lives, there's no need. Because you're just giving attention to that (tweet); that's what they want. So just don't respond" (NFL.com, 8/7). Despite Rodgers' stance, BLEACHER REPORT's Mike Freeman reports several veteran NFLers "believe players need to, and will, make some type of statement decrying" Trump's attacks on athletes. They were "particularly angered when Trump recently questioned the intelligence" of James. The majority of players may not "feel this way," but there is an "increasing sense of disgust with what players see as consistent attacks on black athletes" (BLEACHERREPORT.com, 8/8).
NOT MY PROBLEM: In West Palm Beach, Jason Lieser noted Dolphins coach Adam Gase, who is "frustrated about being caught between having to follow the owners’ rules" regarding the national anthem and "managing his players, isn’t going to discuss the issue with the team." Gase: "I’m not instructing anybody for anything." When asked what he will do if a player kneels Gase said, "Talk to somebody else about it. I’m coaching football. I’m not dealing with all this." The Dolphins have "two players who have protested" in DE Robert Quinn and WR Kenny Stills. Quinn said he planned to have his "free speech” during tomorrow's game. He was "not specific whether that meant he would continue raising a fist" (PALMBEACHPOST.com, 8/7). NBC's Tony Dungy said the NFL should "get together ... and say, 'How can we come together on this issue rather (than) separate?'" ("Megyn Kelly Today," NBC, 8/7).
STANDING UP: The AP's Tom Withers noted Pro Football HOFer Jim Brown would "never kneel during the national anthem." Brown said, "I'll never kneel and I will always respect the flag." When asked how he would resolve the anthem issue, Brown said, "If you take the bottom line, what are we talking about? We're talking about freedom to express one's self, and if you don't break any rules then you have that particular right." He added, "I am not going to denigrate my flag and I'm going to stand for the national anthem. I'm fighting with all of my strength to make it a better country, but I don't think that's the issue" (AP, 8/7).
