Name:   Buteye - Subject:   Standing for the National Anthem Date:   9/27/2017 11:03:34 PM

It appears to me that the ongoing protests by profesional football players regarding standing for the playing and/or singing of the National Anthem is being done in such a way as to use major sports arenas to televise  the widest range of the protests to the public and thus create as much "division" as possible among the American people. At this moment as I type this I see the arguments that are taking place on this subject. The one "striking" message that sent chills down my spine occurred when hearing a man describe the American Flag as it is draped over the "casket' of our military members who have died protecting our freedoms. The body of the person inside that casket gave his or her life in the defense of their country and has nothing to do with the color of their skin. "Politicics" has no "conscience".                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 While not in the 2017 Offficial Playing Rules of the National Football League, according to NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy said the following statement is a part of the games "operation" manual which is distributed to all 32 teams. "The National Anthem must be played prior to every NFL game, and all players must be on the sideline for the National Anthem. During the National Anthem, players on the field and near the bench area should stand at attention, face the flag,hold helments in their left hand, and refrain from talking. The home team should ensure that the American Flag is in good condition. It should be pointed out to players and coaches that we continue to be judged by the public in the area of respect for the flag and our country. Failure to be on the field by the start of the National Anthem may result in discipline, such as fines, suspensions, and/or the forfeiture of draft choice(s) for violations of the above, including first offenses". It appears to me that both the coaches and owners pay little "attention" to the policy established in the games operation manual.                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Another interesting sideline to this whole subject is that the majority of the stadiums and arenas where these games ae played are financed by American taxpayers. While the average salary for NFL football players is over two million dollars, the average fan has seen drastic increases in ticket prices(over doubled), in some cases. Also, many owners are playing in stadiums that they have not had provide any financing. It is appalling that the millionaire owners are letting politics interfere with the enjoyment of one this country's favorite past times and in turn are disrespecting the American Flag and the National Anthem. It would be great if someone or other entity could lead a boycott of these "bigger" than life owners. They should pay a price for their actions regarding the "lack" of respect of "Old Glory".