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The NFL Has a Pretty Bizarre Take on Freedom of Speech
Posted On 25 Sep 2017
NFL owners, players, and even the commish himself mounted their high horses this weekend to defend their right to free speech from the criticism of President Donald Trump. Apparently not aware that the majority of their fans – and the majority of American citizens – agree far more with Trump on this subject than with these thug millionaires who want to make a spectacle of themselves, they’ve decided that they will back the “constitutional rights” of the players until the cows come home. Or, you know, until fans stop coming through the turnstiles. Which may be sooner than they think.
The idea that a private company like the NFL has to uphold the “constitutional rights” of their players on the field is, of course, absurd. By that reckoning, you could just throw out the whole rule book, since a player could claim that any rules they broke were just a manifestation of their right to free expression. Let’s please not forget that this is the same league that cracked down on excessive touchdown celebrations not that long ago, so let’s be serious.
In fact, we don’t even have to go that far to show how twisted the NFL’s take on free speech really is. We can just look to last year, where the NFL threatened to fine players who wanted to pay tribute to the five Dallas police officers killed by a Black Lives Matter psychopath. The Cowboys wanted to wear a small decal on their helmets honoring the fallen officers, but the organization said no way, Jose.
A few months later, some players wanted to pay tribute to the Americans who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks. Tennessee linebacker Avery Williamson was one of those who wanted to wear a special pair of cleats to memorialize the victims, but the demonstrations were once again shut down by league officials. Suddenly, the NFL’s uniform code was more important than the players’ right to free speech.
Or what about in 2013, when Chicago wide receiver Brandon Marshall wore green shoes to draw awareness to the issue of mental health? He was fined more than $5,000 for exercising his constitutional rights.
The examples go on and on. The NFL has been very selective in when and where they allow these supposed constitutional rights, and we find it interesting that they seem to show much more support for anti-American, anti-police demonstrations than their opposite. Extremely interesting.
Fans are beginning to wise up and realize exactly what they’re supporting when they give their money to this organization. The NFL should have gotten out in front of this disaster when they had the chance. After Sunday’s shameful displays, many fans may not be coming back.
Simple. Rules do not apply to leftist ideals. NFL = supporting leftist ideals = loss of revenue
I like what a person state yesterday. “If they keep it up, NFL will stand for NO FANS LEFT.”
What else can one expect from a bunch of uneducated overpaid BLACKS who had been raised on FOOD STAMPS…..ALL BRAIN DEAD !!
It is really strange that they refuse players the right to support our country and the flag,but support their right to disrespect them,is it not? Celelbrations or praying on the field are a punishable offenses,but trashing our flag,our country and all that it stands for are ok? No wonder so many real Americans are turning away from,this non-American game.
They’ve lost me. I have season tickets but will gladly hand them over.
Oh please Stephanie tear your season tickets up and send the scrapes back to the league officials. The big shot bullies that really control these overpaid wimpy cowards. Why do we the people pay for their stadiums when they disrespect our country like this. I understand the NFL is a non profit? They collect billions so do not have to pay taxes per their non profit status? SHAME ON THEM AND SHAME ON US FOR ALLOWING THIS CRAP TO CONTINUE. THEY ALL ARE A BUNCH OF CORRUPT CROOKS. I HEAR they beat their wife’s also no surprise there why would they respect women when they do not even respect the United States of America.
I would, but my husband usually sells them. I will try to persuade him!!
Let us not be sheep. Do not watch NFL, buy their shirts, or purchase products of tv sponsors. We can do it! And then see what happens.
Love football but LOVE MY COUNTRY MORE, wont be watching anymore football this season,,, SAD !!
Totally agree. These primadonna’s making millions should be ashamed. I wish the musicians and actors would all simply ply their trade and keep their political opinions to themselves.
WAKE UP, FUK THE NFL, NBA and ESPN!
It is way past time that the crack-like addicted sheeple start to smell the roses and I don’t mean Rose Bowl roses; they have been forking over and getting a good fuking overpaying to sit on their fat asses and worship a bunch of over-paid, tattooed, women beating, un-American (many of them) drug taking thugs play a child’s game! They and the country would be much better off if the fans took their money and supported a much better cause at a much less cost such as their high school football teams; the money they would be saving could be better spent on themselves going out to eat and buying some sort of sporting or exercise equipment and then they would become sports participants rather than just sports fanatics thinking that it is so cool to attend the N – egro F -inancial L – argess and made to be fools, same goes propagandistic enterprises! The same can be said for “Hollow-wood” . These pompous, arrogant, stupid-ass, un-American know-it-alls need to take a hit where it would hurt most for them – in their pocketbooks!; but I realize that most of the dumb-downed, drugged-up, PC bullied and brainwashed dumb-(m)asses haven’t the fortitude, willpower or sense of sacrifice to put these super-rich crybabies in their place so they will go on being made fools of while thinking that they are hip – they couldn’t be more wrong!
Damn now THAT was a comment. Damn right.
If the NFL doesn’t get a handle on this quickly, they are going to lose a lot of money, then, they’ll take a stand to stop it.
It’s already begun. Just read an article where a couple of bars/grills won’t be playing the football game Sundays on their TVs. Best way to get the point across is to hurt the NFL in their wallets.
I saw a restaurant in my state on the news tonight that had 2 jerseys taped to the foot mats outside the doors of their restaurant so people could wipe their feet on them. I thought that was awesome!
To late, they really did what they did, LET’S SEND ALL OF THEM TO THE WAR ZONE. THEY ARE A BUNCH OF MORONS. THEY DO NOT KNOW THEIR ASS FROM A HOLE IN THE GROUND.
IF THOSE JERKS WHERE LEFT IN AFRICA THEY WOULD NOT BE ALIVE TODAY!!!!! THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN BOILED ALIVE FOR DINNER BY THERE KIN FOLKS !!!!!!!!!!!!!DONT DISRESPECT OUR BELOVED AMERICAN FLAG!!!!!!!! IF YOU DO MAKE SURE AM NOT AROUND BECAUSE I WILL PUT MY FOOT UP YOUR ASS!!!!!!!!!! OR SHOOT YOU IN THE NUTS!!!!! US ARMY VET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just read Alejanro’s comments of what his Steelers teamates REALLY felt. EVEry one of the Steelers Players would have loved to Stand for the flag – but because of the controversy, just the Controversy going on – they felt they had to stay out of it and stay in the locker room. Get it? The ‘controversy’, the ‘stirring up the pot’ kind of thing that the Left was trying to do in trying to make the Steelers turn against Trump. Trying to make the Steelers a “Tool” to use to turn our citizens to dislike The President of the United States. Shameful leftist media. I hate them!
So I get it. Instead they decided to sit on the fence and see what way the wind would blow then jump in. Bull Crap! They took their stand and all the proof you need was in their owners statements. I refuse to make excuses for them. Alejanro is a man among those Prima Donnas. I hate to see him hurt by any of this because he did the right thing. He didn’t learn his courage, honor and integrity from NFL. He learned it from family and the Army. Every football player should have to serve in the military!
Good point Btty…
Thank you Rick. God Bless you.
Yes! I agree. DRAFT THEM ALL.
Don’t believe that whole story. Many of the Steelers wanted to kneel, Tomlin didn’t want a controversy, Villanueva asked Roethlisberger to be at the front of the line in the tunnel that day which is unusual, most likely so he could stand while the others could hide. But Villanueva got in trouble, maybe they threatened to fire him ($24 million contract) so he had to apologize for embarassing the team. Re-read those news reports and think about it. I’m sure Steelers owners are thinking very hard about how to get their team to not insult the country. But don’t think that team is all that patriotic because of Villanueva.
Alejanro was the ONLY person that walked out and stood, with hand across his heart. So please Mr. Alejanro, I thank you for your service in the military, but they are handing you a bunch of BS. I had a family member, and some friends that died in Viet Nam and will NOT EVER look at another football game. We as Americans need to bring back the DRAFT, no excuse if you are in college, put your asses in a WAR ZONE.
They are not understanding the constitution because they do not like (especially the leftists owners and management) the constitution and see it as a bump on their side. They use it at convenient times including the Democrats in congress. In fact they don’t have the right to demonstrate on the premise of their employer and the NFL is their employer. I don’t think the players don’t know what it is going on. They are just pons who are dancing to the owners and managements.
They are big boys and know full well what they are doing. They could have all stood strong together and refused to be used if you think that’s what happened. You can’t tell me they didn’t realize what they were doing. They knew.
Leftists are the most racist, hypocritical, lying, violent bullies out there. We let it go too far and it’s hurt at least one (if not two) generations of kids. By being too nice and constantly being told how we had to be “politically correct” at all times, it got to this point. Acadamia is lost and we need to start over with new teachers that don’t want to turn our kids into indoctrinated drones. God Bless Trump for being strong enough to speak out when most others would hide. We need to stand behind him as these spoiled jerks who get paid millions to play a game think that somehow this nation is oppressing them? A lot of them have criminal records, but are arrogant enough to think so highly of themselves because they can play a sport? Legends in their own minds. May they and Hollywood all move out of the country – it would be a huge step toward MAGA!
I am seriously considering canceling our Annual Superbowl Party. We’ve thrown one consecutively since 1985. I’d certainly hate to see the party break into some kind of melee should this ridiculous, poor excuse to disrespect our flag, our Anthem and our Country in the guise of a protest, continue. This is just another way to keep us divided.
Not so long ago,before our world went crazy,you could watch a game or a movie and not have to worry about politics,you could forget about your cares and just enjoy yourself. it didn’t matter what race or political party your favorite team,player or actor was,because it wasn’t so centered on racial or political themes,now,that has been taken away from us and if you still want to watch you are being forced to take sides. I can do without football or movies,but I refuse to disrespect my country or to watch anyone who does. They have entered into the world of politics and lost what made them entertainment,now,they are just a bunch of un-American whiners.
Annual Nascar race party (lots of big races). Annual NHL Stanley Cup (4-7 games) party. Annual Indy500 party (lots of other Formula 1 races).
Love seeing these snot nosed overpaid spoiled brats disrespecting our national anthem and thinking they are doing what we want them to do. Well, for years I watched the game and now I’m so disgusted at you bunch of brain dead zombies, I refuse to watch or buy merchandise or tickets from now on. Remember this, we American patriots don’t need your sorry asses, you sure need ours.
Nobody that I see among NFL leadership “cracks down” on freedom of speech – only that, if you break your contract, or behave in a detrimental manner to the team’s reputation – you’re fired. That ALSO is a right, by God, unions be damned. As a professional pilot, I assumed that my behavior in uniform MUST be exemplary and good for the company.
Ah, but they don’t teach logic anymore, do they?
THEY WERE AFFRAID IF THEY MADE AN EXAMPLE OF LIL COLIN THAT AL SHARPENCIL AND THE NAACP WOULD GET THEM AND 80% OF THE PLAERS WOULD BE GONE. LETS JUST QUIT PUSSYFOOTIN AROUND THERE GOODALL TELL IT STRAIGHT
You’re a Racist misogynist Ignorant MF…
Tell it like it is.
I HAVE WRITTEN TO THE NFL AND TOLD THEM TO STUFF THEIR GAMES, SPONSORS AND I WILL NEVER WATCH OR SUPPORT FOOTBALL ANY LONGER, THEY CAN STUFF THEIR MULTI MILLION DOLLAR CONTRACTS UP THEIR BUTTS !!! THY AREN’T WORTH WATCHING AND I HOPE ALL AMERICANS AND MAYBE SOME LIBERALS WILL BOYCOTT THE GAMES COMPLETELY !!!! EMPTY STADIUMS WOULD BE GREAT !!!! VIETNAM VET
Done with the nfl and the other sport of morons with the round ball and a hoop. F… them all….oh and their sponsors won’t be getting any of my money either.
Your protests only make people angry. There are other ways of doing things right.
Work with the homeless and the poor and you will be admired. Kneeling and showing disrespect will get you nowhere. Spend some of those MILLIONs to help support the people that need help.
I will no longer be a fan until you wake up and be proud Americans. I like what cal3301 says what NFL stand for – NO FANS LEFT.
Too bad these individuals who have the right to protest weren’t afforded the same protection when they actually had something worthwhile to say. Gee Roger, what happened? When did you find out about the first amendment? You know it has been around for quite a while Roger, did you ever read the Constitution or the Amendments to Constitution? The first 2 are really important. Maybe if you come down off your high horse and listen to the people who pay your bills, the fans, and take a break and actually read some of the information, you may change your mind and actually save football from being a game no one goes to watch anymore.
I’m from a family of 9 kids. We were taught at a very young age that for every action there is a reaction. These players and owners made a decision to disrespect our flag, Country and those who fight for both. NOW they are facing America’s reaction. I say grow up, grow a set of b-lls and deal with the reaction. You’re big boys. You deserve it all. I just hope it’s a BOYCOTT that lasts at least until you stop your childish behavior and apologize. What a bunch of pampered, spoiled brats!
That one i remember and use all the time Every action has a reaction And there want be a n f l game on my T V this yr for sure and thats even if they try to fool ppl into thinking they have changed
I stand with you jerry.
The NFL doesn’t allow teams to wear something to honor murdered policemen or to honor those killed on 9/11 but will allow disrespect of our flag, anthem and all those who died to protect the freedom they have to be overpaid football players. What hypocrisy and I for one will cease watching until they stop this lunacy.
Hey whats wrong with you people youre not dealing with men with the IQ 140. I understand this motivation was about how blacks are treated on the streets. They dont like the numbers of blacks being shot and killed in the middle robberied & murders.
The families want the perpetrators gun back? I thought it was law officials jobs to take away guns that werent licenced to carry? The waving and the use of a gun in front of a police officer does create problems and not dropping their weapon would have lead to a early grave for anyone. The NFL wants to back up that kind of behavior?
Most of the football players barely possess the IQ above room temperature. (100 on the Stanford-Binet Scale is average). They’ve been led down the “primrose path” of Socialism. These cretins have been made “cat’s paws” of the left. They don’t have the mental capacity to differentiate the truth from a lie.
In the words of the Immortal Bard, “what fools these mortals be.”
nasty fucking losers
These million airs NFL thugs need to be fired like the usless SOBs they are These SOBs are fired from my T V and now to work to avoid the ppl that sponcer these thugs that support Gop killers
I am not watching the NFL this season! Make it hurt where they feel it in the pocketbook!!!!!
I would like to see the NFL destroyed. Sorry, it is all about the MONEY, when turned the TV off, then they so so sorry, People that are really true this GREAT COUNTRY, find something else to do than watching Douchball. Thank you. Honor your military, police, emergency worker, and always pray for your FALLEN SOLDIARS.
There is a very simple solution to this. If everyone would stop supporting the NFL/AFL, they would come to their centses (misspelling intentional). Money talks, and that appears to be all any of them understand. Personally, I have given up “professional” football for life. I will never watch another game or purchase anything with the NFL logo on in again. My byline……NFL, GO TO HELL!
You know so many of you are saying that you won’t be watching NFL games anymore. Since football is often all day on Sunday and you fans now have all that free time, may I suggest an hour spent in church would do everyone good. After all, football usurped church now it’s time for church to usurp football. I’d even suggest that the rules for a moral life might be reinstituted for many and we might find a reduction of domestic violence, campus rape and violence and crime in general. Hey, it’s worth a try. But don’t all rush in at the same time, we don’t want to see all those ministers dying of a heart attack all at once.
BTW to the ministers who have swung over to the left and are yellow-bellied about so many moral failures, might I suggest that you pay attention to what is happening to the NFL when they lose their sense of what is right and wrong and get back to the rules book God sent you. Again, it’s worth a try.