He Stands So You Don't Have To

Politics

So this is covered to the nth degree… 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick caused a huge controversy after choosing to sit down during the National Anthem on Friday night.

When Kaepernick was asked about why he did it, he responded:

“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”

So why am I writing and why are you reading another Colin Kaepernick hit piece?

Has to do with this picture my friend Soren K. sent me that just made me think about this whole "trending" story and why it hit a nerve and created all this interest.

 

You stand for the anthem in respect to those who fought for what it should represent, not for what it sometimes does… or doesn’t in this case. Kaepernick was wrong in his delivery. He is protesting the wrong symbols of America. The American flag and National Anthem represent the highest of American ideals, not the flaws of American society failing a large group of people in the country. 

So for arguments sake let’s say he is not doing all this for vanity, publicity and attention (i.e. the same way he has his idiotic signature kissing of his biceps after a touchdown celebration) – and he truly wants to help the cause and fix the problems he is protesting. Is this really the way to fix it? For sure not. Does this show the intelligence, leadership skills and maturity of let’s say a Payton Manning (that helps at-risk youth across the country with his Peyback foundation) – not even close. Payton puts his time and money where his mouth is… as well as all these other athletes that know what instilling change is in a positive way (by the way there are many others, just wanted to showcase some personal favorites):

Derek Jeter: Turn 2 Foundation (10 Million to programs encouraging young people to turn away from drugs and alcohol)

Peyton Manning: Peyback foundation (Giving over 1.5 Million to at-risk youth causes)

Jerry Rice: The Jerry Rice 127 Foundation that provides financial support to agencies and organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond dedicated to helping children and their families. The 8 to 80 Zones project is a collaboration between Jerry Rice and Steve Young that provide youth living in underserved communities the skills to pursue careers in technology and media. March of Dimes a nonprofit organization that works to improve the health of mothers and babies. Omega Boys Club/Street Soldiers aims to provide San Francisco youth with educational opportunities and support that will keep them away from violent and criminal circles, and help them aspire to grow and progress in life.

Mike Mussina: Mike Mussina Foundation financing college scholarship for underprivileged Pennsylvania high school seniors

Andy Roddick: Andy Roddick foundation (Handing out 3.5M focusing on at-risk youth across the united states… not to mention fundraising for UNICEF and the helping the tsunami victims in southeast Asia)

Alonzo Mourning: His Alonzo Mourning Charities, Inc. was started in 1997 as a way to help children and families living in at-risk situations. Mourning’s campaign Zo's Fund for Life was begun after he was diagnosed with Focal Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), and raises funds for research and education in the fight against the disease, as well as providing funding for those not able to afford treatment. 

Brett Favre: Fourward foundation (Over 2M donated to support underprivileged children in Mississippi and Wisconsin)

Dikembe Mutombo: One of the most charitable athletes and recipient of multiple awards including the J. Walter Kennedy award and a Presidential Service Award for his work through the Dikembe Mutombo foundation (that also included a 15M personal contribution). Contrast what Dikembe (a true leader in my opinion) said when asked about his tireless work: “I have been blessed to have the opportunity to make a good living playing the game of basketball and I feel it is my duty to help give back to those who were less fortunate,” Mutombo said. "I believe there are many other athletes that feel like I do and I think it is great that they are beginning to receive credit for their efforts. There is a proverb in Africa: When you take the elevator to go up, you always must remember to send it back down. This is my way of sending it back down"

Kaepernick: By not standing up for the anthem just shows us how lazy he is as protestor as he is a humanitarian, quarterback and as a  leader (also most likely the reason he will be likely cut by the 49ers)…

Meanwhile, Twitter has already spoken — loud, clear and with a few good zings!

 

 

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Post-Script

Thoughts on the NFL on the Kaepernick-Gate:

Don’t want the NFL off the hook…So far the NFL stands pat and isn’t cracking down on this controversy. So the NFL is OK with this while denies the Cowboys request to wear helmet decals honoring Dallas police? Or even not allowing running back DeAngelo Williams to wear pink gear all season in honor of his mother, who passed away from breast cancer? In both cases they said the cause was too political or in violation of the strict uniform policies… I say BS NFL. Read the story here on Fox Sports.

 

Related posts and good reads:

'Colin Kaepernick Should Find a New Country' - Trump

Nicholas Taleb on Fundamentalist "Religions"

Eagle Shot At 150 times And Still Survives

 

 

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