Donald Trump set off a firestorm over the weekend with searing remarks about the N.F.L. players protesting societal injustice at a rally in Alabama on Friday. Trump stirred up controversy and stole the weekend narrative when he opined that it would be great if N.F.L. owners fired players for kneeling during the National Anthem.
“Get that son of a bitch off the field right now, he’s fired. He’s fired,” Trump belched from the podium.
But it didn’t end there and as an encore, Trump started a pissing contest with the N.F.L., its players and even the owners.
If a player wants the privilege of making millions of dollars in the NFL,or other leagues, he or she should not be allowed to disrespect….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 23, 2017
…our Great American Flag (or Country) and should stand for the National Anthem. If not, YOU'RE FIRED. Find something else to do!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 23, 2017
A statement from the league and a response from almost every team owner in the league, whether written or demonstrative ensued.
Statement from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Donald Trump’s vulgar threats & insults to players. pic.twitter.com/19A8Zh913P
— Shaun King (@ShaunKing) September 23, 2017
The President even used Pat Tillman as a political prop in his quest to justify his position, retweeting @jayMAGA45. Deadspin debunked Trump’s convenient plea and the popular understanding of Tillman as Braveheart running into combat.
NFLplayer PatTillman joined U.S. Army in 2002. He was killed in action 2004. He fought 4our country/freedom. #StandForOurAnthem #BoycottNFL pic.twitter.com/k1FXHRoozY
— Jay 🇺🇸 (@JayMaga45) September 24, 2017
Stop using Pat Tillman: https://t.co/Z3OKXRS186 pic.twitter.com/8BDyYh9Npd
— Deadspin (@Deadspin) September 26, 2017
Robert Kraft, once a Trump supporter scolded The President for his insensitive remarks and Jerry Jones took a knee with his team in solidarity with the players. If nothing else, Trump’s offensive opinions (on just about everything) unified a collective spirit against him – strange tactics for a world leader.
Even Major League Baseball players joined the protest when Bruce Maxwell of the Oakland Athletics took a knee during the National Anthem. Maxwell’s father is a veteran and the backup catcher was born on a military base in Germany.
"I knew it was time." Bruce Maxwell on how because baseball is a "white man's sport," he felt even more compelled to kneel for the anthem. pic.twitter.com/lQfn0gFSx2
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) September 24, 2017
Just got off the phone with Bruce Maxwell. Lots to say. His thoughts on "our responsibilities as humans, as Americans, to do what's right." pic.twitter.com/SrN28X8ehk
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) September 24, 2017
Amidst the controversy, the White Sox held their own classy demonstration in honoring their own backup catcher’s father. Air Force Master Sergeant Robert Brantly Sr. took the field with his son (also Rob) for a touching ceremony honoring his final day of service after 37 years. The younger Brantly may have a career in politics after baseball since he suggested to have his father honored as the “Hero of the Game” on Monday.
.@robbrantly's Dad – Master Sergeant Robert Stuart Brantly – was honored tonight as the Hero of the Game.
It was a very special moment. pic.twitter.com/KXRr8nWt8D
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) September 26, 2017
Alright, maybe I’m pushing the boundaries a little, but his awareness of the national narrative around sports and politics, and his wisdom to shape a demonstration that can’t be opposed is impressive.
After the game, Sr. said, “When I saw my son there and gave him a big hug and he told me I was his hero, it meant the world. … I can’t express it any other way than just gratitude for this organization, this team and my family putting up with me being away for so many different occasions with the military.”
Baseball has deep military roots, as a recreational activity in the Civil War to the minor leagues sprinkled around military bases. Many vets don’t ask for recognition and whether you stand or kneel for the National Anthem, we can all agree that Brantly’s service to his country is something that deserves gratitude.
