The Steelers walk the line between unity, patriotism

President Trump put NFL teams in an

impossible position this past weekend, regarding a specific reaction to our national anthem.

The Pittsburgh Steelers decided to remain indoors in an attempt to avoid a political situation they couldn’t win. Their goal was to show unity as a team. Even though they were not all in agreement, they wanted to act as one.

When the time came to play the national anthem before the game, the Steelers remained inside. All but one. I get it. Alejandro Villanueva was the patriot. When the time came, he was the only player stabnding outside.

The optics were terrific for Villanueva, but he has expressed regret for unintentionally throwing his team under the bus. I would expect many others on the team are just as patriotic as he is but felt that on this day it was important to show unity.

I honor and am grateful for Villanueva’s service to our country. I applaud his devotion to our flag, but I still would not want him on my team. Greg Miller

Chattanooga, Tenn.

Do I respect football players, actors or any

other entertainers? No! I respect firefighters, police officers and the U.S. armed forces. They’re people who are grossly underpaid and still choose to protect us and our freedoms.

The American flag symbolizes these brave Americans and the freedoms they protect every day. My father fought in World War II to protect our freedom. I enlisted in the Navy in 1982 to protect our freedom. Friends of mine have been terribly injured in Iraq and Afghanistan protecting our freedom. I have stood up with my hand over my heart, swearing allegiance to our flag and country since I was a small child in school. It makes me so sad that people would choose to watch athletes who disrespect our flag and our nation.

I, for one, will not watch another professional football game in the future, while athletes disrespect our country. Shame on you, athletes. And shame on the people who idolize and watch them! Ian Howard

Bradenton, Fla.