The NFL had a Four Year Head Start….and Blew it.
Four years ago Colin Kaepernick stood at his locker and explained, clearly, why he was peacefully protesting during the national anthem.
Instead of paying attention the NFL decided to ignore Kaepernick and cozy up to an administration that would later call players “sons of b*tches” and use taxpayer dollars for a publicity stunt to rile up their base. Owners would, and still, continue to donate money and resources to politicians and causes that feed directly into the issues, systematic racism and police brutality, that Kaepernick protested again.
Meanwhile Colin was blackballed and hasn’t played a snap in the NFL in four years.
Well, there was that workout debacle the NFL tried to use as an “opportunity” for Kap to get back in the league.
Since that day in 2016 the following people have died needlessly at the hands of the police.
There’s no doubt that this list is longer and there are stories that we haven’t even heard. It also doesn’t include the victims that have died senselessly to the hands of white supremacy like Ahmaud Arbery.
Floyd’s death has sparked a wave of protests throughout the country demanding that police officers be held accountable and shouldn’t have impunity when they invoke violence against the people they’re sworn to protect.
And it appears that it’s working.
- The LAPD has discussed cutting over $100 million from the police budget.
- The Robert E. Lee statue in Richmond, VA is coming down.
- Philadelphia has taken down a statue of an ex-mayor who encouraged people to “vote white.”
- The University of Minnesota has cut ties with the MPD.
- The Michigan Senate has passed a bill requiring officer’s implicit bias and de-escalation training.
- Minneapolis’ City Council has started talks on ways to dismantle the police department.
- Congress has started talking about ways to stop local police departments from getting military gear from the Pentagon.
Are these changes enough? Not even close but it’s a starting point.
Corporations and celebrities from all over the world are releasing statements on the protests. For the most part they are the same. “We stand against racism and social injustice. We will strive to do better blah blah blah.” There aren’t many places, or people that are really saying something worthwhile and the NFL and their teams fit in that category.
Quick note: if you’re going to make a statement about a specific topic then make sure you mention that topic in said statement. “Standing” with the black community without mentioning systematic racism and police brutality is the equivalent of giving someone an empty water bottle in the desert.
UPDATE: Since this article posted the NFL posted a more in-depth statement.
Specifically, who do you owe an apology to, Roger? Will you keep this energy when players talk about police brutality in your individual conversations?
NFL teams posted black squares on June 2nd in solidarity with #BlackOutTuesday. A hashtag used to support the protests happening in our country. An empty grand gesture used to get clout with their fans.
The Washington racial slurs are posting about racial inequality? LOL.
The Patriots took it a step further.
This is the same Patriots team that has the following QB depth chart.
- Jarrett Stidham
- Brian Hoyer
- Brian Lewerke
- J’Mar Smith
Broncos coach Vic Fangio took this converstation in another direction.
A friendly reminder that in 2003 the NFL had to implement the Rooney Rule in an attempt to get minority coaches/coordinators opportunities to become head coaches. Also note that the rule is now an item on a checklist more so than an opportunity for minority coaches to advance their career.
Exhibit A: Kevin Stefanski and Joe Judge are head coaches before Eric Bienemy.
You know Jerry Jones had to get in on the action.
Remember that time Jerry threatened to bench any player if they kneeled during the anthem?
Some teams have decided to put their money where their mouth is and donated funds to the cause.
I won’t criticize teams donating money but be cautious. Is the money going to local organizations that are really making sure that money goes back into the community? Last year the NFL and owners agreed to donate $89 million to “causes that were important to the African American community.” Upon further investigation we learned that deal is shady, at best.
The Ravens seem to be getting ahead of that by talking to players who live and experience these communities.
The Patriots, Cowboys, Broncos, and racial slurs aren’t the only teams that should be criticized. All 32 owners and GMs deserve to be called out for blackballing a man who tried to tell them about these issues four years ago.
A lot of white players have also spoken out support as well.
On one level it’s greatly appreciated that white players, specifically quarterbacks, are using their voice to speak but there’s a question that deserves to be asked.
Where have you been?
Again, it’s great that these high profile players are saying something but did it really have to take seeing a black man being choked to death on camera for the light bulb to go off? Have you not listened to your black teammates over the years? It’s trendy to say Black Lives Matter now but why was it so hard to say four years ago?
That especially applies to Drew Brees.
A few days ago when asked about the events going on in our country and Kap’ intial protest Drew decided to go on a bit of a tangent.
A day later, after backlash from the public and players, Brees walked that statement back.
A few hours later, after more backlash from the public and players, Brees felt the need to make a video of him apologizing.
Listen, my gut tells me that Drew, and these other players are just paying lip service and really don’t mean these things. But, for now, all we can do is take them at their word and hope their actions match their statements. Better late than never I suppose.
UPDATE: After the article was posted the president tweeted about “old Glory” and Brees. Drew issued the following statement.
When black people talk about allyship this is part of it. It’s now Drew’s responsibility to keep learning and listening. His actions moving forward will show if he’s really onbaord or not.
The NFL has always been late to the party *cough domestic violence cough* *cough the Rooney rule/their hiring processes cough* and this is no different. Will these protests change the hearts of the billionaires at the top? Doubtful but at least we have evidence that they know what’s going on and will “commit” resources to make significant change.
So if you’ve made it this far I’m going to assume that you’re a decent human being and are looking for ways to help.
I got you.
First: If you can donate to local bail funds. A lot of peaceful protesters are being thrown in jail and need help getting out.
Second: Education. To quote the great Lil’ John: read a book. Here’s a great list to get started.
Third: Check your friends and family when they say something reckless. This is the hardest step and I guarantee you’ll lose some people that are close to you. Remember; if they’re comfortable enough to say that stuff around you then they think you feel the same. The need to know otherwise.
Fourth: Listen to people who are sharing their experience. You don’t need to interject and you don’t need to make it about yourself. Just listen.
Don’t forget to wash your hands and wear your mask. The rona is still out here.
As always, thanks for reading.
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