Today is an historic day in the National Football League. In addition to today’s slate of games, there’s a media game being played by Don Trump. It’s another game he can never win.
On Friday, the President of the United States—in an effort to stir up more racial and class hatred—called NFL players who take a knee during the National Anthem “sons of bitches”.
The NFL’s owners, coaches, players, player’s families, and commentators are united in their opposition to Trump’s hateful rhetoric.
Inside these lines, we can bring out the best in each other and live united. pic.twitter.com/nQpUrKFL4T
— NFL (@NFL) September 24, 2017
Ravens and Jaguars players come together in a display of unity before kickoff in London. pic.twitter.com/dy8JDzOBas
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) September 24, 2017
Steelers coach says his team will not be on the field during the national anthem: "People shouldn't have to choose." pic.twitter.com/d1wtfqkTxi
— BuzzFeed News (@BuzzFeedNews) September 24, 2017
.@terrybradshaw: "Not sure if our president understands those rights, that every American has the right to speak out and also to protest" pic.twitter.com/PgTntwbLP9
— Tom Namako (@TomNamako) September 24, 2017
Statement from Miami Dolphins Owner and Founder of Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) Stephen Ross. pic.twitter.com/6W3mXwJO6M
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) September 23, 2017
Guess that makes me a proud bitch!
— Teresa Kaepernick (@B4IleaveU) September 23, 2017
By the way, The NFL in 2016 had a median TV viewer age of 50. Even worse news for the league, just 9% of the NFL’s audience is under 18.
…NFL attendance and ratings are WAY DOWN. Boring games yes, but many stay away because they love our country. League should back U.S.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2017
Could it be that Don Trump is doing the NFL an incredible favor?
Is asking his conservative base to turn off their TVs on Sunday during their slate of games asking too much? Let me think…football or right-wing demagoguery? For “Joe Six-Pack” this is an easy choice.
Meanwhile, a new audience for the NFL’s product could be developing, as all of a sudden the league stands for something that needs to be stood for. Strength in diversity is the real story of this nation. Together we go forward. Divided, we fall.
