It was reported recently that some Miami Dolphins players were planning to protest during the national anthem during the season opener Sunday. The Dolphins season opener just so happened to land on 9/11, a day many Americans were killed at the hands of radical Islamic terrorism.
The Dolphins protest was led by Arian Foster but even several weeks ago Foster himself wasn’t all in on the new trend that 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick was setting.
“I don’t necessarily see that as a solution to anything,” Foster said then. “This is me talking. This is Arian talking. If that’s what he felt, that’s his form of protest, I support his right to protest. Those are his thoughts, his opinions.”
Foster continued, “Would I not stand up for the pledge [of allegiance]? Me? No. I don’t see the correlation, in my opinion. But I understand what he’s doing.”
Jelani Jenkins, Michael Thomas, Kenny Stills and Foster stood during the observance of the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks that preceded “The Star-Spangled Banner,” then took a knee and placed their hands over their hearts, reported The Washington Post.
Bob Holtzman first reported that Arian Foster was going to kneel in a post prior to that game.
“Dolphins RB Arian Foster just told me he plans to take a knee and raise his fist during the national anthem today in Seattle. He said some of his teammates will join him. Foster said Dolphins players met on Friday and agreed to make their own decision on how to handle today’s anthem,” Holtzman posted.
Dolphins RB Arian Foster said taking a knee for the flag is not disrespectful. They are… https://t.co/lGpRi9EXiM pic.twitter.com/fAgfc3BpjI
— James Walker (@JamesWalkerNFL) September 11, 2016
The Miami Dolphins organization released a statement on the protest:
We encourage all members of our organization to stand at attention during the national anthem out of respect and appreciation for the freedoms we are afforded as Americans. We also recognize that it’s an individual’s right to reflect during the anthem in different ways. We respect these liberties and appreciate the sacrifices that everyone has made for our country, especially on this day of remembrance. We hope today’s events will continue a respectful and thoughtful dialogue in our community on unity inclusiveness and togetherness.
Even Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Kate Upton had something to say about what the Dolphins players did. “In my opinion, the national anthem is a symbolic song about our country. It represents honoring the many brave men and women who sacrifice and have sacrificed their lives each and every single day to protect our freedom. Sitting or kneeling down during the national anthem is a disgrace to those people who have served and currently serve our country,” read part of her Instagram post.
In my opinion, the national anthem is a symbolic song about our country. It represents honoring the many brave men and women who sacrifice and have sacrificed their lives each and every single day to protect our freedom. Sitting or kneeling down during the national anthem is a disgrace to those people who have served and currently serve our country. Sitting down during the national anthem on September 11th is even more horrific. Protest all you want and use social media all you want. However, during the nearly two minutes when that song is playing, I believe everyone should put their hands on their heart and be proud of our country for we are all truly blessed. Recent history has shown that it is a place where anyone no matter what race or gender has the potential to become President of the United States. We live in the most special place in the world and should be thankful. After the song is over, I would encourage everyone to please use the podium they have, stand up for their beliefs, and make America a better place. The rebuilding of battery park and the freedom tower demonstrates that amazing things can be done in this country when we work together towards a common goal. It is a shame how quickly we have forgotten this as a society. Today we are more divided then ever before. I could never imagine multiple people sitting down during the national anthem on the September 11th anniversary. The lessons of 911 should teach us that if we come together, the world can be a better and more peaceful place #neverforget.
A photo posted by Kate Upton (@kateupton) on
Sep 11, 2016 at 4:12pm PDT
What are your thoughts about what the Miami Dolphins players did? Is it justified, or are there other ways in which they can get their message across to people?
(H/T – Miami Herald)
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