FWST: Will Big 12 players kneel during the anthem? Bob Bowlsby calls it ‘ongoing topic’

[Pharm Frog]

Maybe players have a right to kneel, and fans have a right to criticize those who kneel. Fans also have the right to spend their time and money as they see fit. Everyone has the right to free speech and everyone has the right to their opinions, no matter how unpopular or offensive they may be. And everyone has the right to criticize everyone else’s opinions for whatever reason.

This used to be true. Not anymore. You don't even have the right to remain silent anymore because silence is violence. So I've been told.

 

[Pharm Frog]

But for some historical context about why the anthem (pre-anthem actually) and sporting events....Is history.com a credible source?

https://www.history.com/news/why-the-star-spangled-banner-is-played-at-sporting-events

 

[Peacefrog]

Can we all agree to peacefully protest the “go frogs” guy?

 

[Fosterpark Squatter]

 

[Pharm Frog]

Can we all agree to peacefully protest the “go frogs” guy?

I will not commit to "peacefully" protesting that.

 

[TCUdirtbag]

I agree with everything you said here and with what Dirtbag said. All of what you said can be true and at the same time people can think it a bit odd that the anthem is trotted out at sporting events.

Btw, I personally like having the anthem before games. I sometimes have a tear or two during the performance thinking about all the sacrifices so many made. I just understand where Dirt is coming from in wondering what exactly the connection is between the flag and any random sporting event. And I don't think we have to question his patriotism just for wondering it.

This is well said. Yeah, I don’t appreciate my patriotism being questioned - but I wouldn’t expect anything more from Dog, who seems to have a deep disdain for me personally.

Patriotism takes many forms. I believe Dog’s is very genuine and very traditional. I, too, have many extended family members who have served and some who have died for this country. So I likewise celebrate and honor the country I live in, mourn those who have died for it, and respect those who serve. My patriotism is less about traditionalism and reverence and respect for what was and is, and instead more about the story of and love for a country built on the promise of progress. A country that has continued to improve over generations because people relentlessly fought against entrenched systems and beliefs in order that it could do so. To me, progress and the fight for progress are the very manifestation of patriotism. My views and Dog’s differ on most everything, but in some ways my exercise of patriotism doesn’t exist but for his. I hope he can respect my perspective, but my patriotism certainly doesn’t rely on his doing so.

Perhaps uniquely, my family and history bring a different set of experiences to America and our patriotism. Like most all of us, my ancestors came here from elsewhere. Many were citizens of a country they once loved—that once welcomed them and offered safe refuge, but one that ultimately turned on them and slaughtered them. I acknowledge this likely colors my perspective of patriotism as something that can’t stand still but instead must continue the fight to be better (the “more perfect union”).

So yes, I am skeptical of the corporatization of patriotism. I am skeptical of the ways the flag is used to quash or condemn progress. While the flag and American symbols often are used to reflect the patriotic ideals for which they were designed, they have at times also been weaponized to suppress and shame. Our symbols, like our country, are and have been used imperfectly. So it’s intriguing to me when they are leveraged for progress instead of against it. That to me an inherently patriotic act.

I respect and understand the attitudes and patriotism of those who feel tied to America’s symbols. I don’t question their patriotism or the genuineness of their beliefs. But I also expect the same respect and attempt for understanding to be afforded to my reasonable beliefs and the way my patriotism manifests as well.

Anyways, ‘’merica.

 

[CountryFrog]

My question: if you are busy yourselves honoring the flag during the anthem, how do you even notice what anyone else on the field is doing? NFL made a change a few years ago to bring the players on the field before the national anthem for publicity and PR reasons. College has yet to make that change.

A lot of fake patriotism being levied on this whole process to me. It means something different to all of us. As long as my way doesn’t interfere w your way and vice versa, have at it. IMO. I’ll stand and fight for you to stand at full attention with hand over heart (or at salute if covered) as much as I’ll fight for someone else’s right to quietly kneel. I see those as equal rights and a sign of the greatest parts of our nation.
Do you get as offended when you see someone at salute who’s not wearing a hat? How about women still wearing their caps but hand over heart? How far down the offensive trail do these get before it’s a problem for anyone?

Pharm alluded to it but the media absolutely shoves this stuff down our throat. I think it's possible for people to mostly avoid it if they really want to but even if you don't see it at the stadium you're probably going to hear about it later or see it if you re-watch the game on tv.

I also don't think that accusing people of fake patriotism is helpful in any way.

 

[East Coast]

I can't believe we are still talking about kneeling during the National Anthem. IMO, it is far more disrespectful to talk, sit, not uncover your head, etc...than to kneel with your head down and uncovered during the anthem.

 

[CountryFrog]

This used to be true. Not anymore. You don't even have the right to remain silent anymore because silence is violence. So I've been told.

While I have no problem with the kneeling I have a real problem with the idea that going forward not kneeling might be seen as some kind of attack on an ideal or movement as opposed to simply honoring the flag.

There was a player for the Miami Heat who stood during the anthem when they started playing again at Disney and had to answer questions about why he stood. He said that he stressed out over his decision for a couple days and had to explain to his teammates before doing it why he was going to stand.

Apparently all of his teammates were totally supportive and understanding so that's good but the fact that he was stressing out over standing during the anthem represents a disturbing trend imo.

 

[Jackson]

So we are really to the point that someone may be considering making a change to the traditional college pregame that has been used for decades to give the players an opportunity to protest the national anthem just in case some want to do so? If they want to make some demonstration that is up to them but it seems a bridge too far that the schools would change the pregame to create a special protest period with the national anthem.

Will Big 12 players kneel during the anthem? Bob Bowlsby calls it ‘ongoing topic’

By Drew Davison

The Big 12 is considering an avenue that would allow football players to kneel during the national anthem this season.

Commissioner Bob Bowlsby spoke at length Monday about the conference rolling out an anti-racism and anti-hate campaign, saying players should feel empowered to speak out.

A question is whether the league will allow players to do so during the national anthem. Unlike professional players, college players are usually not on the field during the anthem. Therefore, they do not have the option to kneel as a way to protest racial injustices across the country.

Read more here: https://www.star-telegram.com/sport...niversity/article245538445.html#storylink=cpy

WHATEVER ‍

 

[Pharm Frog]

From FoxNews

“Schools are also expected to wear a social justice message on the front of their uniforms, and a Big 12-branded unity sticker on the back of their helmets.”

 

[East Coast]

From FoxNews

“Schools are also expected to wear a social justice message on the front of their uniforms, and a Big 12-branded unity sticker on the back of their helmets.”

If this is true, just another case where the "oppressed" end up just as bad if not worse than the "oppressors"

 

[NewFrogFan]

But why sports? We don't do it before movies, plays, work, eating, or anything else besides sports. Sports games are the only place I ever hear the National Anthem.

You have never been in a theatre on a military base.

 

[NewFrogFan]

You a socialist or full blown communist? BTW, Foxtrot Oscar.

 

[Dtx_Frog_Fan]

From FoxNews

“Schools are also expected to wear a social justice message on the front of their uniforms, and a Big 12-branded unity sticker on the back of their helmets.”

Would it be okay to take a page from the script of PCU and have a “we’re not going to protest” sticker?

 

[Eight]

Maybe players have a right to kneel, and fans have a right to criticize those who kneel. Fans also have the right to spend their time and money as they see fit. Everyone has the right to free speech and everyone has the right to their opinions, no matter how unpopular or offensive they may be. And everyone has the right to criticize everyone else’s opinions for whatever reason.

 

[Eight]

This used to be true. Not anymore. You don't even have the right to remain silent anymore because silence is violence. So I've been told.

thought silence was death, or is it not wearing a mask is death and silence makes you a slave owner, or.....scheiss it, i can't keep track anymore

 

[CountryFrog]

From FoxNews

“Schools are also expected to wear a social justice message on the front of their uniforms, and a Big 12-branded unity sticker on the back of their helmets.”

"[Baylor asshoe]" should be the social justice message

 

[hometown frog]

I also don't think that accusing people of fake patriotism is helpful in any way.

My comment was in no way intended to suggest anyone is faking being patriotic. apologies if anyone took it that way. As I mentioned in my post, it means something different to each of us. So I’ll never really make that argument.

The comment was more about the whole concept of the ‘show’ part of national anthems at events being put on for mostly commercial reasons and not a wholly patriotic justification like it was originally added for.

 

[Pure Purple]

Fortunately, those ordinary GIs at Normandy, Battle of the Bulge, Iwo Jima, Okinawa,

Saipan, Tarawa....didn't decide to 'take a knee' and 'sit this one out'. Gratitude?