When quarterback Colin Kaepernick decided to protest the National Anthem, Americans took a knee on the NFL. Ratings and revenue have sunk for the first time in decades – and it appears no one is learning their lesson.
The now-unemployed San Francisco 49ers signal caller expressed a level of disdain for the flag and what it stands for in an interview after launching the anthem snub.
“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” Kaepernick reportedly told NFL Media. “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.”
But many Americans have expressed outrage at the manner of Kaepernick’s’ protest, not necessarily his message. Police officers in the San Francisco Bay area initially threatened a protest of their own, not providing game security. In the end, officers fulfilled their duty to community safety. Military personnel and veterans have also taken great exception and view sitting during the National Anthem as an affront to their service.
But the greatest protest may not be the NFL millionaires on the sidelines. NFL fans have hit back by tuning out and not supporting the league through ticket sales.
Americans Withhold Millions
The Sporting News and Forbes reported that the NFL has lost millions in revenue as a result of player protests. Last season, as many as one-third of TV viewers tuned out because of the Kaepernick-led anthem snub.
The decline in NFL viewership is unprecedented in recent years. Fans have been tremendously attentive and enthusiastic for decades, with the exception of the 1982 strike season when replacement players took the field. The league had previously expressed that the ceiling of TV rating had not been fully enjoyed. The addition of Thursday night and overseas games were adding revenue until the Kaepernick issue arose.
The major problem for NFL owners is not just Kaepernick. The anthem protests spread to the majority of team sidelines and are impacting fan support nationwide. Some players have chosen to raise a fist or sit in the rear on a bench. Many fans simply see a bunch of spoiled millionaires that are disrespecting the flag, as well as the very country that provided them opportunity and made them wealthy.
Former Players Speak Out
Several prominent former NFL players have been brave enough to push back in their own industry.
Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown led the charge by stating that the sidelines of an NFL game are not an appropriate forum. He’s on the record pointing out that such actions hurt the game while doing little to further awareness about social injustice. Other former players have been critical of the sideline issues as well.
Former Oakland Raiders running back Clem Daniels called the flag snub “just a lot of grandstanding.” Daniels was one of two dozen players that boycotted the 1965 AFL All-Star game after experiencing racism in New Orleans. Players joined with existing organizations such as the NAACP. The game was moved to Houston and had real impact on the national discussion about race in America.
Poor Role Models
Adults have seized on the issue to impose their views on susceptible youths. In Illinois, the Cahokia Quarterback Club did not stand for the National Anthem in connection with the riots in St. Louis. The 8-year-old children were featured on ESPN. While coaches and several parents appeared to support the protest, the move angered parents across the country that see it as manipulating children.
A reasonable person should understand that 8-year-olds are not well enough informed to make this decision.
During the 2016 season, Chesterfield, VA, coaches were disciplined for leading a similar youth anthem snub. Parents were furious that their children would be taught to disrespect the flag and their country in this fashion — and that highlights the chain reaction that football fans are having. Once the Kaepernick-style snub infects the actions of youth leagues, it’s time to tune out and invest passion and dollars in other things.
Perhaps the ultimate slap in the face was Cleveland Browns players not standing saluting the flag. Last season, the team won only a single game. Ticket sales hit an all-time embarrassing low. “Fans” could purchase a seat for as low as $4, and enjoy an end zone view for $10. They stayed home.
No NFL team has signed the former 49ers quarterback this season. While certainly talented enough to make a roster as a backup, owners understand the bottom-line consequences. If you hire the man that started American sideline disrespect, fans will find something else to do on gameday.
~ Liberty Planet
