As most of you are probably aware, Trump has essentially waged war against America’s most well-known sports league, the NFL. A few weeks ago, while Trump was attending a rally—roughly September 22—he made a pretty harsh statement about the NFL players who were taking a knee during the National Anthem, calling them "sons of bitches" and saying they should be fired. Then, in response to Trump’s harsh words, many teams and their owners were seen taking a knee or locking arms during the Anthem. This has certainly been a very popular topic in the media for the past few weeks but, in order to fully understand the story, here’s a little background information.

Last year, the quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers Colin Kaepernick made a public statement of supporting the Black Lives Matter movement by refusing to stand during the National Anthem. This had sparked a lot of controversy and by the end of the 2016 season, Kaepernick hadn’t been signed by any other teams and was released from the 49ers. Ever since then, a few NFL players have been seen sitting or taking a knee during the National Anthem in support of either Kaepernick or the Black Lives Matter movement. Then, as mentioned before, Trump made his position very clear on how he views this situation.

Because a lot of people are either very upset by this whole “taking a knee” situation or are in support of it, I myself have found it a little difficult to be angry. Personally, I will always stand for the National Anthem. While I do recognize police brutality and the fact people of color aren’t being treated justly in many situations, I don’t think taking a knee or refusing to stand during the National Anthem is the best way to protest. I also acknowledge the First Amendment which gives every American the right to do and say as they please. However, I think if Kaepernick really wanted to make some kind of difference and really wanted to show he stood with the Black Lives Matter movement, he would have found a better way to make his position known. Many NFL players, including Tom Brady, Jay Cutler, Drew Brees, and Brandon Marshall, have started or support various foundations and charities dedicated to certain causes. In my opinion, Kaepernick could have certainly started his own foundation to show his support for Black Lives Matter instead of refusing to stand for the National Anthem.

As mentioned before, I will always stand for the National Anthem. Not because I don’t recognize police brutality or because I don’t support Black Lives Matter, but because I personally know people and have relatives who have fought for our country. But, I also don’t necessarily see taking a knee or locking arms as being disrespectful to the flag; not standing is another thing entirely. As for the NFL players who took a knee or locked arms after Trump’s "sons of a bitches" comment, I don’t think they were out to disrespect the flag. I think they were angry and very offended that the President of the United States disrespected them in such a way. When they took that knee and locked arms with their owners who were past Trump supporters, I think they were taking a stand against Trump’s very inappropriate comment. They were standing together as a team and showing they will not be disrespected in such a way.

So while sitting during the National Anthem, in my mind, is still disrespectful, I don’t think taking a knee or locking arms is. Religious peoples genuflect during prayer or ceremonies as a sign of respect and locking arms generally means people stand together. While I have my own views and will stand for the Anthem, I understand it is within the First Amendment for people to express themselves in any way shape or form.