Off-Topic Forum

Patriots winning the Super Bowl

Even though I don't really believe it, I'm gonna go ahead and follow the trend here and pick the Cubs.

Screw the NFL!!! I won't watch any games again this year. I hope viewership drops again. If players can't stand for the anthem, SCREW THEM!!!! Yes, i realize it's their right. I lost some good friends for them to have that right. If they don't like it here, LEAVE!!!! See if they can make all that money anywhere else. 

I will still watch NFL games this year. You can't make a few peoples' decision to be disrepectful of the National Anthem your basis for ignoring an entire sport! Not a single Carolina Panther joined in the thing that Kaepernick was doing last year and none have done it so far this year either. I will not abandon the sport I love just b/c a few random people want to protest something.

IMO, all these recent protests about the Confederate statues needing to come down is just as ridiculous as people protesting the National Anthem at sporting events. I have no bias towards either side of EITHER of these current national uprisings. I will say this though: The Confederate Statues throughout the country support all the freedoms that the current military still fights to protect! The U.S. Civil War in the US was no different than any civil war in any other part of the world that is still currently happening. The U.S. Civil War was not entirely about slavery and many of the Confederate soldiers actually were slaves themselves. They were all fighting for their freedom to do what they wanted to do.

If a bunch of football players kneeling during the national anthem instead of standing tall with hands on their chest is a problem to someone, you missed the point of freedom in America!

Let them be FREE in another country (and no, not Canada).  If you can't respect the symbols of the country you live in, then move away.  I have nothing against civilised protests of governments but do not disrespect a country's flag or their anthem. Many of us have fought so that we can fly those flags and sing those anthems. Others should give their respect.

Thank You, USMC_2831.  One watch, One vote, but not my vote.  No other employer would allow their employees to use their stage for personal protests.  Imagine McDonalds employees performing the same kind of protests on the job.  It might be the players right to protest on their own time, but it is also the NFLs right to fire employees not properly representing their company.  For some reason, the NFL allows its players to protest against America, its military, and its police force.  Until they see a drop in ratings and income, the NFL doesn't seem to be motivated to clean up their sport. The Houston Astros GM constantly reminds his players that it's not him that pays their salaries, but the fans (according to recent interviews after Hurricane Harvey).  Understand the power of your vote.

I stated that i understand it's their right. If the NFL won't do anything to nip that crap in bud, then it's MY RIGHT as well to not watch. I put my life on the line TWICE for them to have that right. How come all those spoiled cry babies that do protest the anthem, still stay here if they hate it so much?? Same with celebrities saying they would leave if Trump was elected? They love the money they are making HERE, that's why.

Wow, I sure don't want to dive in too deep here. But I can't resist saying a little. First, I sincerely thank all military past and present for your service. Whatever you did in the military, it's courageous and honorable. Thank you.

And now my rant: One of the greatest rights this country has is freedom of speech. I seriously doubt any of the NFL protesters dislike America. I also seriously doubt any of you think America is perfect and have never complained about something the government has done. These players chose to speak out (or take an action -- same thing) to protest how minorities are treated in this country (at the possible risk of their careers, it seems, I might add). I never served in the military, nor am I a minority, but I spent twenty years working for (mostly minority) poor people (still do, in a way), and saw first-hand how they are treated by the system, by the government, by people more fortunate than they are. The short answer is: very poorly. If players want to protest that, more power to them. And if you don't want to watch the game because they chose a public forum to make their protest seen and meaningul, more power to you. But I can't say people who are afraid for their children's and friend's children's and their own lives just walking down the street because they are black are crybabies or bad Americans or anything else negative. I've been incorrectly stopped by police twice in my life. Never feared death for a second, even with my hands on the hood of my car. Got apologies on the spot both times. I bet many or even most black NFL players have much less pleasant stories of wrongful police contacts. Walk a mile in someone else's skin before you judge them. Protest all you want, NFL players. I'll watch the games if I feel like being entertained.

Bringing this back to sports, the NBA and WNBA had no problems with their players protesting. And having been to many an Orioles game, I consider it far more disrespectful of the National Anthem to scream "O!" toward the end of it, than it is to quietly protest actions of your government by kneeling or praying. I also consider it highly disrespectful of the United States Flag to wear it as shorts, or other clothing. But I do not wish or tell Orioles fans or people who use the flag as attire to leave the country. Nor do I think they are bad or disloyal Americans. I just disagree with their choices.

I follow the NFL less than I used to be because it doesn't care about concussions or domestic violence, because the likelihood of life-altering injury is so high. Not because a few players have a conscience.

My Bears will be bad. Brady will finally show a little age and the Falcons will win it all.

Peace, everyone.

v3

Anyone except the Patriots. I have been sick of them ever since they changed their logo from Pat Patriot to the oddball profile of Pat Patriot in Silhouette or the length of Tom Brady's career which is about the same thing 20 years more or less. They robbed the Falcons last year. OH wait the Falcons just gave up after the first half thinking they had it made.

It's gonna be an old time cowboy vs indians fight, with the Chiefs on top!!!