The airwaves were full of pictures of NFL players kneeling during the national anthem yesterday--or even worse, entire teams refusing to come out on the field for the national anthem. This is all real cute and makes for great television, but it is a direct violation of specific NFL rules. Guess Roger likes to enforce the rules he likes but not the others... Here is the specific rule:
The specific NFL rule pertaining to the national anthem is found on pages A62-63 of the league rulebook. It states:
"The National Anthem must be played prior to every NFL game, and all players must be on the sideline for the National Anthem.
During the National Anthem, players on the field and bench area should stand at attention, face the flag, hold helmets in their left hand, and refrain from talking. The home team should ensure that the American flag is in good condition.
It should be pointed out to players and coaches that we continue to be judged by the public in this area of respect for the flag and our country. Failure to be on the field by the start of the National Anthem may result in discipline, such as fines, suspensions, and/or the forfeiture of draft choice(s) for violations of the above, including first offenses."
Perhaps its time to levy some fines and suspensions and take away some draft choices...
Lest you think we in the world of officiating are immune to this, just think back on ITA dual matches and watching the players during the playing of the national anthem. Too many times I have watched players keep their caps on, talk during the anthem, wiggle like they need a bathroom break, and basically ignore and disrespect this special time. One time, a collegiate team from up north even refused to come out on the court for the playing of the national anthem.
To dishonor the national anthem is also to dishonor the sacrifice made by so many that bought and paid for our freedom to have a country in which we can have the national anthem. Its time to stand up for what is right...
Even a little boy knows what to do during the playing of the national anthem...
3 comments:
As an Air Force veteran, tennis official and American, I believe what's going on with the disrespectful attitude some folks in our society have adopted makes me vomit!!! The owners and CEO's of the companies (NFL teams) involved are responsible for the employees demeanor and poor showmanship. Therefore, as Jerry Jones stated, if you kneel, you're gone!! If you want to protest something, do it proactively, don't disrespect those that have fought and died for America's freedoms.
As a tennis official, I proudly pay respect to the American Flag and National Anthem (although I've asked at some events whether the National Anthem would be played prior to the matches starting, and I've been told no.........which I don't understand) and if I see someone disrespecting the National Anthem and American Flag, I respectfully talk with the coach of the team, and ask that he/she enforce what's right, and pay respect where it's due.
Someone said college players from other countries don't have to be respectful of our National Anthem. What a load of PC garbage. If they are here on a scholarship then they should honor our National Anthem.
It's like arguing that the unsportsmanlike conduct was "only a little bit unsportsmanlike". BS, call the Code, fine the player in the NFL. A rule is a rule
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