Coming season

Regarding “Still not signed, former 49er Reid opts to sue NFL” (Page C8, Thursday), it’s interesting to note that another NFL kneeler, Eric Reid is going unsigned with very little interest. It doesn’t take a genius to recognize that kneeling during our American national anthem and trying to explain it away does not go well with the NFL viewing public — nor with NFL owners and coaches.

The young UH grad student (“McNair misses the point on national anthem protest,” Page A15, Friday), while expressing himself well and showing composition skills, is glaringly revealing his youth and naiveté. He doesn’t seem to understand that the national anthem is to honor our country, America, our flag, our veterans and service personnel. One does not show disdain for our flag and our country with this type of exhibitionism. Regardless of the reasoning, NFL players might think they have a platform but it’s not for use while “The Star-Spangled Banner” is playing. Demonstrations and protests, while certainly permitted, must seek the appropriate venue.

And, by the way, NFL owners have spent millions to purchase their franchises and have every right to spell out proper behavior and protect their investments. In my opinion, it would be much better if more owners had the intestinal fortitude to stand up and speak out. Their freedom of speech is also protected. Coincidently, players can be replaced. Vern Wilson Jr., Houston