NFL PLAYERS VS. TRUMP
Debating national anthem protests
Re: “Joseph: ‘Politics and football don’t mix,’” Sept. 26 sports story.
I am extremely disappointed in all of the NFL coaches and players who refuse to stand for the playing of the national anthem. They and not President Donald Trump have made this issue a political football which is being kicked around for no reason at all. Many men and women have sacrificed their lives so that we can enjoy the great game of football. It has been the custom from the beginning of time to stand when the playing of the national anthem begins. If there are any gripes about how certain peoples are treated — and yes, there are many — those gripes should be addressed at town meetings, private meetings with your elected officials, and/or letters to your local newspaper editors. When the national anthem is being played and the flag is on display, all should stand and have their right hand over their heart. Dennis Reuss, Aurora
Re: “NFL, Broncos choose unity,” Sept. 26 editorial.
The Denver Post got it spoton right in its editorial. The taking of a knee is not about patriotism, despite the comments to the contrary. Colorado has a history of bigotry and division, from the 1920s KKK right up to when revered black entertainers were welcome to fill our night clubs and concert halls, just not white hotels. And while team owners are to be commended for their show of solidarity, I’ll play devil’s advocate and ask: What if every professional athlete of color were to not show up on game day until the hypocrisy of racism was confronted? Dollars or human decency? Taking a knee is a reminder that we are still not living up to the ideals our flag is supposed to represent, and what better venue to illustrate that sad truism than on any given NFL Sunday? Denis Gessing, Castle Rock
I immigrated to the United States in 1968. To use football as a forum for disrespecting the U.S. flag or national anthem is beyond my comprehension. I have been very lucky and given many opportunities in this great country, but not in my wildest dreams would I do such a protest. We are a country of immigrants, and the daily recital of the Pledge of Allegiance or playing of the national anthem in every school room, at sports events and meetings such as the Rotary Clubs has helped to make people feel like Americans and not like citizens of the country where they were born. I hope that these misguided, wealthy NFL players will apologize during a football game for their behavior. Hanspeter Spühler, Castle Rock
Does anyone need reminding that the flag is a piece of material, and the national anthem is a bunch of notes on music paper? Yes, their symbolism is not lost on most of us; but enough of the lectures on their “sacred” status. I am much more concerned about what we (and certainly the president) are doing about the catastrophic conditions in a U.S. territory, namely Puerto Rico. These people are at the end of their rope, and we’re listening to whining about a flag and a song? Leading his “special contingent” of supporters, the president has spent most of his airtime bemoaning the “disrespect” of NFL players, while Puerto Rico gets a late mention, way after their horrible assault by Hurricane Maria. And Texas and Florida: Are they already ancient history? I won’t answer my own questions; I leave that to your esteemed readers. Please, let’s get a grip. Anne Culver, Denver
NFL owners and players need to start listening to their fans. Many, many Americans agree with President Donald Trump concerning the protests by NFL players. Yes, players are entitled to their opinions, but the football field is not the place to protest. The football field is where players earn their salaries (huge ones!), and these protests have become a major distraction. Fans are disgusted and are booing players from the stands. I know diehard Bronco fans who are refusing to watch games because of the behavior of many players. Beware, franchise owners! These protests can begin to affect your pocketbooks. Beware, players! Maybe the day will come when some of you will not receive your exorbitant salaries. Karen Zollars, Denver
I’m frankly not surprised that the draft-dodging president gets it wrong, but his divisive comments, causing angst and division in our country, once again, should not confuse others. I served our country in the military not so people would stand during the national anthem. I served to ensure our freedom: the freedom of choice, freedom of religion (or not), the freedom to speak up and demonstrate if necessary, and the freedom of not having to fall in line with someone of differing opinion. I, as an honorably discharged veteran, salute and honor the professional sports players taking a stand against injustice. The humble act by one brave NFL player has opened an avenue for discussion and healing; let’s use this rare opportunity constructively. Jeffery Hammerberg, Denver
When the week is over, one of the things we look forward to are football games. We want to watch the players on our favorite team play a game, not be forced to watch spoiled children squatting on the field during the national anthem, showing disrespect for our country. This is unacceptable behavior, and we will not support it. We will be glad to watch football games again, both in person and on television, when we are no longer forced to watch this unacceptable display. Rich Morton, Parker
When we stand for the national anthem, we are paying tribute to the country we love and call home. We love our country for a number of reasons, including the fact it stands for “justice for all.” The NFL players who kneel before games chose a visible way to remind all of us that, unfortunately, “justice for all” is a goal, not a reality. It was not to condemn the military, it was not to condemn the entire law enforcement community. It was to exercise their rights as citizens to participate in peaceful protests. Surely our national conscience can accept citizens holding up a mirror to remind us there is still work to do before we truly have “justice for all.” Melissa Dukes, Westminster
I am the wife of a retired airman. During his career, my children and I have sacrificed for our American flag and the national anthem. When my husband was on isolated assignments, I had less money; I was married, yet single; I was also mother and father. With each transfer, our savings were depleted. The president’s words did not divide nor hurt my heart. But to see important men kneel, and show disrespect for our flag and our anthem at a football game — that hurt me. In the past, men and women have been wounded, became MIA/ POWS, and have died for this country. They did this for a flag, a song, and a country. Today, men and women are still serving as they march to the same rhythm of patriotism. May God bless all Americans in our hour of need. Fern C. Hamilton, Englewood
My family bought season tickets the year the Broncos built the movable east stands back in the 1960s at the old baseball stadium. This year we decided to give them up. Two of my uncles, my brother-inlaw and myself are all Navy vets — World War II, Vietnam. No way will we support players who disrespect our country and our flag that we proudly served under. It amazes me that they think that America is racist when that very same country that gave them every opportunity to succeed and become rich beyond most people’s dreams has become the target of a very disrespectful act. I know giving up our tickets won’t make any difference in the Broncos’ bottom line, but they’d better hope there aren’t thousands more like us. Frank Canino, Denver