This Sunday, 9/11/2016 is the 15th anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in D.C. by Islamic extremist. This Sunday also kicks off the NFL's 2016 season. Flags will be flow with pride. Jets will fly over stadiums filled to capacity with patriotic fans of every demographic poised to remember and honor the men and women in blue for their heroics when America needed them most. It all promises to be quite a spectacle.
Unfortunately, that picture perfect fantasy will be challenged by deeper concerns among many players, coaches, NFL owners and advertisers when the bands begin playing America's national anthem. All cameras will be scanning the team's sidelines to see who's standing with hands planted firmly against their hearts to pay homage to the stars and stripes and who's kneeling, sitting, looking down or simply remaining in the locker-room until the opening "festivities are over. Enquiring minds want to know.
Whether it was his intention or not, Colin Kaepernick's protest caught the NFL and America completely off guard. Few thought this issue would heat up and boil over so quickly. It became volatile, divisive and racially charged. Its garnered so much attention thus far, it's amazing nobody tried it before now. This kind of "peaceful protest" could make the sort of history you want to be on the right side of. Sadly though, many can't figure out what the right side is just yet. And lets face it, it might be costly to those who pick the wrong one.
While some players have already made up their minds how their gonna deal with this white-hot issue, others are struggling with their conscience, talking things over with teammates, family members, friends and of course their lawyers, financial advisors and public relations handlers. There could be a major price to pay for joining this major "Dis". Corporate sponsors will also be watching to see who remains marketable after Sunday's games. Multi-million dollar decisions could be made within seconds after the first coin toss.
Without a doubt, Colin Kaepernick's "peaceful protest" will weigh heavily on the minds of all parties concerned this weekend. And its because this "peaceful protest" has become so volatile, divisive and racially charged, many Black athletes suddenly have cause for pause to ponder priorities such as their country, their race and their careers. And for many Black athletes who've grown up in less than affluent circumstances, this simple decision to stand or kneel during the playing of the national anthem may be a difficult one indeed. But its a decision no one can run from.
Bottom line: Thankfully, there's a great role model for Black athletes who may be having trouble tackling this pressing social dilemma. When this man was faced with a similar situation, he didn't hesitate. He didn't consider the loss of fame, fortune and career. He didn't worry or wonder what people would think, say or write about him. And he was always prepared for what America would do to him for refusing to back down. His name was Mohammed Ali. Podcast Below!
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