We are free to disagree
In Larry Davis’ My View opinion piece, “Without changes, this fan is done with NFL” (Oct. 1, 2017), he states, “This issue [NFL players kneeling during the national anthem] is not about the First Amendment. The players are free to protest however they want off the field, but not on the field; not in front of millions of fans who come to the game or tune in to escape politics and just watch a football game. …”
It is about the First Amendment, and in fact, NFL players, like all Americans, are free to protest wherever they choose. To say otherwise is to misunderstand this constitutional right. (And to misconstrue NFL players’ protests as disrespecting the military and vets is to miss the point entirely, or deliberately, as a diversion. Freedom of expression is one of the fundamental rights the U.S. military has always believed is worth fighting for.)
NFL rules state, among other things, that players must stand during the anthem; if they do not, they can face a penalty. In other words, they have a choice, and as long as they are willing to face a possible penalty, it is their choice. NFL rules do not supersede the First Amendment rights. (Note that many team owners and coaches have backed their players in their protests, at least until now.)
Regarding Mr. Davis’ comment that players are “not free [to protest] in front of millions of fans”: Protesters, by definition, want others to be aware of the cause they are protesting for or against; drawing public attention to it is the point. NFL players could protest in the locker room, but that would achieve nothing. Mr. Davis, who was protesting other protesters, wrote his opinion piece and submitted it to the newspaper so it could be seen by the public. In effect, he exercised the same right they did (which, however, he thinks they should not be able to avail themselves of ), and he did so for the same reason: to express his opinion publicly. Otherwise, he could have simply typed it and posted it on his refrigerator. It is the reason I am sending in this response. Others are welcome to publicly disagree with my view.
During the national anthem, fans watching games on TV are free to hit mute, change the channel, leave the room or talk back to the TV. Fans at an event are free to boo at kneeling players, sing the anthem or not, or go buy a hot dog while “The Star-Spangled Banner” is being sung. All of us have a right to the free expression of our opinions, a right that is fundamental to democracy.
It would be wonderful if all Americans were on the same page, but we’re not, and we never will be. The beauty of the First Amendment is that it applies to all of us, even those with whom we disagree, and in virtually all places in America — including football fields.