Several weeks ago, the existence of a ten-page document submitted to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and vice president Troy Vincent by a group of eight players requesting NFL support of an initiative to highlight social activism awareness starting next season.
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@stephenasmith @maxkellerman Why don’t the NFL just come to a agreement that there’s a month to bring awareness to social injustice and pe- https://t.co/evHvjPr0Nl
Additionally, it was also reported that Malcolm Jenkins, Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith accompanied Goodell and Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffery Lurie in meetings with community leaders in Philadelphia to discuss the intricacies of the criminal justice system and how it disproportionately affects people of color. They were joined by defensive end Chris Long and safety Rodney McLeod.
Now comes news that the NFL, the NFLPA and team owners met recently to continue the somewhat surprising and rapidly increasing dialogue centered on social activism.
“The NFL and NFLPA met today to discuss the important issue of social activism by NFL players,” the statement read. “Roger Goodell, DeMaurice Smith, Eric Winston, Robert Kraft, John Mara, Art Rooney and other player leaders engaged in a productive conversation. We are all committed to an ongoing dialogue.”
It is incredible to think that the very same people who were whining about phantom disrespect of the flag and the military via players taking a knee are now three meetings into crafting what might be an official NFL stance on social activism. Colin Kaepernick, who started his protest during the preseason of last year, is still without a job.
Also, despite all the recent NFL discussion about social activism and unity, there hasn’t been one mention of police brutality or oppression. Not from Goodell or vice president Troy Vincent, nor any of the players presenting this information to the NFL and owners.
