Trump’s right: Fire NFL players

So let’s get this straight: The National Football League threatened to levy fines against players who wore cleats commemorating the 9/11 attacks, but not only permits, but indeed encourages, entire teams to protest during the National Anthem.

Talk about a massively blown call.

And in a league with a history of inexcusable playcalling, such as standing on the sidelines when players commit crimes, and meting out slap-on-the-wrist penalties only when forced – that’s saying something.

The silver-lining is that, despite the loud but small minority that thinks players disrespecting America is somehow “social progress,” the vast majority think the NFL should punt its position on this issue and, instead, inject common sense and dignity into the league.

Commissioner Roger Goodell just doesn’t get why people are furious at the NFL and its players – though in all fairness, why would he? The sole responsibility of the league’s $300 million man seems to be looking the other way on everything from domestic assault to concussions, all so that the owners’ billions continue to flow. (And yes, that’s Roger’s package over a mere seven years – especially lavish given that, up until recently, the NFL was a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization).

But the players really don’t get it. Their life inside the bubble – the result of being pampered from grade school, creating a mentality that they can do as they please with no consequences – keeps them aloof, and far removed from real life.

Then we have the many media commentators who are, as usual, wandering aimlessly on the wrong end of the field, focusing on the wrong issues. Not surprisingly, that incompetence continues to incur penalties in the form of declining ratings and a stunning lack of credibility.

Last, but not least, President Trump most certainly gets it, at least on this issue. He may not have tactfully articulated his opinion that players refusing to stand for the anthem be fired, but the message came through loud and clear.

Now, many who don’t consider themselves “pro-Trump” nevertheless find themselves in agreement with him. And for good reason.

America isn’t perfect, but it is the freest, fairest, and most generous nation in history, where opportunities remain endless and past mistakes are both acknowledged and atoned. Therefore, showing respect for the National Anthem is as close to scoring an uncontested touchdown as it gets.

This has absolutely nothing to do with “freedom of expression.” The NFL and its teams, as private entities, set forth myriad requirements by which players and coaches must abide – or risk punishment, including termination. During working hours, players are, unequivocally, not allowed to express themselves any way they want, but in the manner set forth by the employer. In other words, there are rules, just like in any other job.

The NFL and individual teams are legally permitted to mandate that players stand for the national anthem; therefore, those claiming it’s a “right” to sit, kneel, turn one’s back, or, most cowardly, stay in the locker room, are grossly misinformed.

And unlike baseball with its guaranteed contracts, an NFL team can release any player, for any reason, whenever it wants. That should be the hammer to let players know, in no uncertain terms, that defiance of rules will not be tolerated.

In a nod to Americans’ patriotism, it was incredible to see the jersey of Pittsburgh Steeler Alejandro Villanueva become an instant best-seller because he had the courage to stand near the field during the anthem, hand over heart – while his teammates remained in the shadows.

Especially amazing is that the former Army Ranger, who served combat deployments in Afghanistan, is an offensive lineman – a position that never ranks near the top in merchandise sales.

Villanueva’s jersey became an overnight sensation for one reason: Americans reward loyalty and guts, a lesson the NFL should heed since those traits are sorely lacking in the League these days.

An owner unafraid to take a stand for what is right, and who demonstrates that principle is more important than money, would, along with his team, become something infinitely bigger than Super Bowl Champion. Heroes. Otherwise, will the last NFL owner please turn out the lights?