The NFL’s national anthem protests have turned off some fans from the sport, as ratings and stadium attendance continue to decline.
But the league has failed to take any hard action against the kneeling players, prompting other people who feel strongly about the debate to get involved.
Yesterday on a Sunday, Oct. 22 game between the New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packers, a plane circled Lambeau Field with a large banner attached to it. It read: “Real men and NFL owners should stand for our country!”
The plane’s message would resonate with President Donald Trump, who has been an advocate for standing and respecting the American flag during the anthem.
Just recently Trump commented on the continued NFL protests.
“Two dozen NFL players continue to kneel during the National Anthem, showing total disrespect to our Flag & Country. No leadership in NFL!” he tweeted on Mon, Oct. 23.
According to the Associated Press 22 players protesting during the anthems in some way before the games. Some took a knee, others sat on the bench, stayed in the tunnel, or raised a fist.
On Sunday, the Seahawks and 49ers had the most protesters. Seattle defensive end Michael Bennett and seven Seahawks teammates did not stand during the anthem before their game with the New York Giants, AP reported.
In San Francisco, about a half-dozen 49ers kneeled, led by Eric Reid, Marquise Goodwin, rookie linebacker Reuben Foster, Eli Harold, Adrian Colbert, and K’waun Williams.
All the Dallas Cowboys stood, but defensive tackle David Irving raised his fist after the anthem ended, AP reported.