Donald Trump is back at it again.
Tuesdays used to be for new music, but with the evolution of social media and the rise of Trump, it has apparently become his day for directing his ignorant Twitter venom at either one of his existing targets or at a target which can help satisfy his ego while fanning the flames of a base hungry for his hate-filled foolishness.
A few weeks ago he decided to take on the NFL and its athletes, who were silently protesting against social injustice and racism during the national anthem by flipping the narrative into one of players disrespecting the flag, veterans and the country.
WATCH- Athletes vs Trump
Athletes vs Trump
But sports fought back immediately, with teams and athletes like LeBron James, Steph Curry and many NFL players responding to his hate-tinged venom with their own statements, further proving that sports and politics have always had a relationship despite the denials and heated “stick to sports” announcements.
As a result, players began to plot ways in which they could show team unity, implementing demonstrations of support through hands on shoulders, linking arms or kneeling right before the anthem and standing when the music started to play.
While Trump’s targeting of the NFL and its players quieted down, you knew he wasn’t done because he’s an attention hoarding egomaniac who thirsts for the spotlight in every way. So yesterday, jumping on the news that ESPN had suspended Jemele Hill, Trump fired up Twitter and renewed his ignorant attacks on Hill, ESPN and the NFL once again.
Donald J. Trump on Twitter
Why is the NFL getting massive tax breaks while at the same time disrespecting our Anthem, Flag and Country? Change tax law!
Donald J. Trump on Twitter
With Jemele Hill at the mike, it is no wonder ESPN ratings have “tanked,” in fact, tanked so badly it is the talk of the industry!
Fans took to Twitter in response to his tweets, voicing both displeasure and support of his ridiculous tweets, including not being able to reference the correct “mic.” Many took to Twitter to show their support of Jemele Hill, who has, inadvertently, become another leading face kneeling next to Kap in being unabashed and unapologetic in her words against social injustice, oppression and Trump. It got her suspended, but it also elevated her position and respect among those who were raised right and hold basic common sense and decency.
But apparently two people on the NFL side punked up and side stepped back towards Trump, as Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones and Redskins’ owner Daniel Snyder made statements basically stating that players who disrespect the flag would not play.
Oh, but weren’t these the same owners who, just a few weeks ago, marched arm in arm with their players onto the field in a show of solidarity? My how quickly they forget.
Adam Best on Twitter
Before we celebrate Redskins owner Dan Snyder locking arms with players, remember he donated $1M to Trump and refuses to change team’s name.
Both of these owners, who make their money off of the hard work of many, many Black players, have now fallen prey to Trump’s false narrative that taking a knee or raising a fist is about disrespecting the flag.
“If there is anything disrespecting the flag, then we will not play,” he said, “Period. We’re going to respect the flag and I’m going to create the perception of it.”
“We cannot in anyway give the implication that we tolerate disrespecting the flag,” Jones continued. “We know that there is a serious debate in this country about those issues, but there is no question in my mind, that the [NFL] and the Dallas Cowboys are going to stand up for the flag.
“But let me be real, real clear: The thing that the National Football League needs to do and the Dallas Cowboys are going to do is stand for the flag. We’re going to do that. It’s the rules that are on the book in my opinion.”
This exemplifies the belief that money sticks together; both owners donated $1 million to Trump’s campaign and now, after a short, hollow show of unity, the owners are back to their old ways and back with their old friend. Even the Dolphins’ Adam Gase has jumped into the misguided conversation, saying that if a player is on the sidelines for the anthem, they must stand, but they do have the option of staying in the locker room or team tunnel during the anthem as well.
Three grown men falling for the okey doke that Trump played them with.
Then the NFL released their own statement in regards to the protests against social injustice taking place during the anthem.
The Shadow League on Twitter
Here is the statement Roger Goodell sent to NFL owners.
The League will be meeting with team owners in a previously scheduled meeting next week in New York, and the issue of players kneeling during the anthem will be discussed. Some have wondered whether there are rules about the anthem in the NFL, and Joe Lockhart, the NFLs executive vice president of communications and public affairs, while not answering the question directly, did provide some interesting thoughts about it.
Per The Washington Post, Lockhart said that the manual states that players must be on the sideline for the anthem and should be standing and failure to be on the sideline could result in some sort of discipline. But, interestingly enough, “It doesnt say the players must stand. It says the players should stand. said Lockhart.
This is a perfect example of how sports and politics have always held an intimate relationship, but most refuse to acknowledge it. As Trump continues to spread his seeds of ignorance, there’s no way to deny this fact. It’s just more hypocrisy that surrounds Trump and everything he brings with him. Hopefully those who truly understand the meaning and essence of the protests will stand strong and not allow the ignorance to sway them from the point of protest, which is to create discomfort in order to facilitate discussion and eventually change.
The movement has had enough interpretations and adaptations from Kap’s original intent and to be ended now because of the words of a man who represents none but himself would be gut wrenching.
Trump has now punked two owners with his false narrative. Let’s see how many more fall victim to his ignorance and stab their players in the back.
But, more importantly, let’s see how many have the courage to stand up and fight back by taking a knee or raising a fist.
