Here's the deal: the debate between whether it's OK to kneel during the anthem or not isn't an easy one. Every time I try to decide how I feel about the situation I realize an argument to my way of thinking.

First thing's first. There's the argument that kneeling during the anthem is disrespectful to soldiers. My dad was in the Air Force, and this is a debate he gets heated talking about. He's on the side of pro standing during the anthem, but I've talked to other veterans who are on the side of those kneeling. I'm not sure which side I stand on.

Those who fight for us have died in the name of the USA and all that the USA stands for. That being said, one of the biggest things we stand for (pun not intended) is freedom. The reason those brave men and women have fought and died is so we retain the right to choose to stand or kneel.

Another common argument is the fact that kneeling politicizes the entertainment business of sports. Some people watching football complain that they are there for the sport, not the politics. Being the football addict that I am (Go Pack, go!), I understand this argument. When I sit down to watch a game, I want to watch my favorite players play a game I love, not people causing heated debates. That being said, I also understand that football is one of the most events on a weekly basis, so it makes sense that it's the perfect place to bring an issue to a LOT of people's attention.

As of May 23rd, the decision has been made that, if any players kneel, the team will be fined. This decision is being met with about 50/50 support and disdain. Those who support it say that standing during the anthem is patriotic and respectful. Those who don't support it say that it's silencing the voices that are speaking out for those who can't be heard.

It seems a bit unfair to the team itself. I couldn't find exactly how much the fine would be, and I understand that these teams are all worth millions of dollars, but if 20 players kneel each game, those fines start to add up very quickly.

There seems to be no end in sight for this debate, and the more I think about it, the more often I change my mind. At the end of the day, to each their own. You retain your right to kneel just as I retain my right to stand. I will do my best to not judge those who kneel because many are doing it for the right reasons, to bring voices to those who don't have a voice, but, as far as I know, there will never be a day when I don't stand.

Moral of the story: Freedom is freedom, and to each their own.