You know, people see and read headlines and assume something without actually reading the message that’s under the headline.
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While the reasons for the protest begun by Colin Kaepernick have gotten muddied in conversations about the sanctity of the American flag, the American military, and various other tangentially related topics, Kaepernick made his own reasons for kneeling during the anthem – police brutality against black citizens, and other racial inequalities that persist in America – quite clear from the beginning.
On Friday, Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins indicated that his team had planned a demonstration for the national anthem on Monday night. “In fact, the police are a key part of the solution in this issue”, Jenkins said after practice Saturday. “So sometimes you’ve got to rock the boat to get a little bit of change, and that’s fine, and obviously you’re seeing more and more guys using that platform to do just that”.
Demonstrations like Monday’s have been popping up at National Football League games and other sporting events after San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick began taking a knee during the anthem in an exhibition game in August. “If it comes down to making somebody uncomfortable by speaking the truth, then I’ll always make you uncomfortable with the truth, [rather] than make you feel comfortable with a lie”. Malcolm and I have talked about this, and it’s going to happen regardless of what I decide or say, and I respect the players’ decisions on it. “That’s really just drawing attention to it … to push those things to the forefront”.
Eagles coach Doug Pederson said last week that he would join in a protest if the entire team chose to take part. “Like I said, I’ve had multiple conversations with Philadelphia police”. By no means would I do anything to disrespect them.
Eagles players discussed protesting before their season opener.
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“We wanted to make sure that we didn’t do anything to take away from the folks, the families that suffered from 9-11”, Jenkins “We didn’t want to mess with that day, so we left last week alone”. Ultimately, according to Jenkins, they didn’t in deference to it coinciding with the 15th anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001, because they believed that would upset people for a wrong reason.
