The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Kneeling might not be widespread this season
NFL players who want to kneel during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racism have far more support than Colin Kaepernick did four years ago.
Still, it might not be widespread for a few reasons.
If organizations insist on unity, as some coaches and front-office executives have mentioned, that could be a hurdle.
Another potential drawback is the growing belief among some players that kneeling is no longer necessary to raise awareness because George Floyd’s death has ignited nationwide protests over racial injustice and police brutality.
Lastly, some owners might still have an issue with it despite the league’s support of the players.
“Whatever our team ends up doing, we’re gonna support. But we’re gonna do it together as a team,” Colts general manager Chris Ballard said.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski, Packers coach Matt LaFleur and several other coaches also expressed their support of the players, but mentioned they want it to be a team decision.
“That’s something that I promise you we will spend as much time as necessary as an organization listening to each other, understanding each other, and then we’ll make a decision together,” Stefanski said.
Said LaFleur: “We’re gonna support them and what they wanna do, provided that it’s peaceful.”
Redskins running back Adrian Peterson and Bears safety Jordan Lucas have already said they plan to take a knee for “The StarSpangled Banner” this season. Other players, white and black, are waiting to discuss it with their teammates.
Getting an entire roster to agree collectively is a tough task regardless of the topic. Starting quarterbacks Jared Goff of the Rams and Matt Ryan of the Falcons, both white, recognize the importance of standing together.
“I stand fully behind whatever it is that’s decided, and I do want to push for change, so I’m fully behind whatever the leaders on the team decide to do, and I’ll be part of that discussion as well,” Rams quarterback Jared Goff said. “We’ll come to a decision collaboratively.”
Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is eager to have those conversations.
“It’s about unity within our team and having that discussion and creating an open forum for teammates to talk about what that means to them and how they’re going to act appropriately,” Ryan said.
Many players have said they’re willing to do whatever their team decides. But not everyone agrees it has to be a team decision.
“It should definitely be left up to the individual,” Lucas said.
Richard Sherman understands all of his 49ers teammates aren’t going to handle it the same.
“To each their own,” the three-time All-Pro cornerback said. “People will empathize with one another and have that brotherhood even if they don’t protest the same way.”
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes looks at the bigger picture.
“It’s not about who kneels and who doesn’t, it’s about having the right to peacefully protest, and knowing that racial inequality happens every day, and I just want the community to be where everybody, including the black community, can be safe,” he said. “Whatever that takes.”
When Kaepernick began his peaceful demonstration in 2016, he wanted to highlight the problems of police brutality and racial injustice. He faced immense pushback and was ostracized from the league. President Donald Trump criticized Kaepernick and other players who took a knee and still insists they’re disrespecting the flag, the country and the military.