It's no shock that with every new football season there is a plethora of controversies. Whether it concerns the collegiate or professional level, some of these can spark nationwide debates on if the game of football has nothing but pure intentions.
Within the opening game weekend for the NFL, the world saw the ascension of a player into not just the sports world but the political world as well. Colin Kaepernick of the San Francisco 49ers made headlines when he refused to stand during the national anthem. He has continued to do so with each game, claiming to fight against the racial prejudice that exists in our country today. However, many have not taken with his stance lightly.
We have seen so many controversies in the world of sports, that it should come as no surprise that something like this would happen. Here is an athlete who is given a platform and he is choosing to use that platform to say what he feels is right. It's just a matter of whether you agree with him or not.
Something like football supposedly brings the differences we face as individuals into one celebration of an American sport. But nowadays it seems like less and less camaraderie exists and more animosity and political protest dominates the game.
The sport was never about money and it was never about politics, nor was it an excuse to write off an athlete's actions. It was about football and the fun of the tradition and we need to get back to that.
Sure, going to a college football town is amazing no matter what. Crowds of people packed on the streets, houses flooded with drunk students and raunchy signs degrading the other team are all a part of the atmosphere.
However, when I recently attended the Battle of Bristol, I felt almost unwelcome as a member of the opposing side. At one point I had to drag my friend away from being beaten up by an opposite fan's anger simply from crossing into their tailgate.
I enjoy rivalry and the antics that come along with it. Who doesn't like a wild time at a football game? But when it crosses into the realm of being in danger or just generally disrespected as a person, then it starts to cross a line.
We deserve good football and in order to do that we need to put the pettiness aside. Allow Kaepernick to protest if he wants. His stance is working either way, no matter if you agree with it or not. If you're here for the game then focus on the game. And let people have fun instead of trying to make them feel excluded from the moment.
