"SNL" Opening Has Santa Taking On NFL Brain Injuries, Player Protests

Actor Kenan Thompson portrayed Santa Claus during last night’s “SNL” cold open. In the sketch, Thompson heard Christmas wishes from several children, while trying to avoid politics. One boy noted he would like a football and asked Santa why NFL players have been protesting during the National Anthem. Thompson told the child that NFL players were not kneeling because they hated the troops, but because they were “tired.” The boy then asked if players were tired because of their brain injuries. Thompson joked, “You know what, sure. Let’s just go with that. Somehow, that’s a happier version” (“SNL,” NBC, 12/9).