I don't have strong feelings about Kaepernick one way or another. I did, and still do, respect his right to sit or kneel during the national anthem. I also respect a team's right to have a rule about it and punish violations proportionately. I thought his comments and reactions at first were reasonable, if wrong. I didn't get the sense that he was trying to spark any sort of movement or become a spokesperson, nor a martyr. He did come to embrace it somewhat, and I guess that's ok, too.
I sort of think that if an athlete (or even an entertainer....anyone with high viz) has very strong feelings about something...a real conviction - that maybe they should feel obligated to leverage their position and profile for what they believe. It might even be more a weakness than good discretion sometimes. As long as it is done without inciting violence, illegal activity or physical harm to others. I don't hate when hollywood types make bold political statements I disagree with...I may not respect their point of view, but I respect their right to voice it.
I think less of Kap much more for the pig socks than for the kneeling.
I also think that 'blackballing' is probably ok, if legal and the decisions were made in keeping with the best interest of the league. Just be prepared to deal with any backlash...and maybe choose to 'own it', too.
BTW, what was the settlement Kap reached with the NFL? He's already been paid not to play, hasn't he? And how did the flag-shoe news get out that it was attributed to him? WSJ is behind a paywall and I won't pay....I don't see any other sources with much info.
dstieger wrote:
