Dear NFL,
I want you to know that I used to support what you stood for. I grew up in a home that always had the TV on during Sunday dinner after church, blaring the Chiefs game. I watched every Superbowl for nearly every year I've been alive, and annual trips to Arrowhead stadium got my blood pumping and spirit excited as the crowd went wild after every touchdown.
But you need a reality check. Whatever "freedom of speech" gospel you're preaching, you are deceiving people everywhere. You're spreading the wrong message and leading players astray as you allow them to kneel. It was NEVER about the flag. They are protesting racism, bigotry, and police brutality. You're allowing them to divide themselves instead of unifying everyone and standing for an anthem of freedom, opportunity, and hope. You are allowing your players to protest the millions of dollars you pay them to spit back in your face and say that they are oppressed.
When Tim Tebow elected to pray on the sideline and kneel before God, where were you to defend him? Oh, that's right. He was told to stop. He was praising God for the opportunity to play for you, but you spit in his face. Where is your unity? Where is your dignity? 200 of your players have knelt in protest of soldier's lives, their privilege, and you're afraid to stand up for what's right.
When the Dallas Cowboys wanted to put a patch on their helmets in honor of five officers who lost their lives in a shooting, you sat on your hands and protested their actions. They are one of the only teams beneath you that all stand because their coach has more courage than you ever will to make them do what's right for this country.
As for me, I support their cause. I support what they stand for. However, that doesn't make their actions right. You are allowing more chaos, divide, and anger by allowing this to continue. Your "message" of unity is garbage. You don't want unity. News flash: You're losing viewers. You're causing riots. You're causing hatred. You are losing respect because of your lack of respect for your privilege in hosting America's favorite pastime.Tell them to fight for their cause, instead of making a statement. Teach them to make a DIFFERENCE. Go into the streets, go speak out, and make a new symbol for what they stand for (a ribbon, perhaps?)
It's up to you. Stand up for what's right and pay attention to the rest of the world. Remind your players that they are free and certainly NOT oppressed. I can think of a dozen more careers that deserve a higher salary than your players. I don't see any of you willing to give your lives in service to this country. I don't see any of you contributing to today's youth but the misunderstanding of what protesting actually is.
I'm disappointed and hope that you regret your actions and actually preach freedom and respect.
Proverbs 31:8-9:
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."
