Roger Goodell has finally weighed in on the hottest of the hot-button issues surrounding the NFL: Colin Kaepernick’s protest of the national anthem.
Speaking with the Associated Press, the NFL Commissioner said he embraced players taking a stand for change, but wasn’t thrilled with how Kaepernick chose to protest.
“I support our players when they want to see change in society, and we don’t live in a perfect society,” Goodell added. “On the other hand, we believe very strongly in patriotism in the NFL. I personally believe very strongly in that.”
“We have to choose respectful ways of doing that so that we can achieve the outcomes we ultimately want and do it with the values and ideals that make our country great,” said Goodell, whose late father, Charles, was a U.S. senator.
Silently protesting isn’t a respectful stand? Kaepernick didn’t go out if his way to say “screw America.” His message isn’t about patriotism. It’s about how minorities are actively oppressed. Of course, Goodell sees it as a respect issue.
“I think it’s important to have respect for our country, for our flag, for the people who make our country better; for law enforcement; and for our military who are out fighting for our freedoms and our ideals.”
Goodell doesn’t want to piss off prominently white owners and executives who don’t understand what Kaepernick is doing. He’s deflecting the issue to make it seem like it’s about patriotism when it’s not.
Goodell is a hypocrite. Saying he supports players taking social stances and proceeding to make Kaepernick’s silent protest about the country and military puts the commissioner in the camp of folks who just don’t get it. Is that at all surprising?
