As the National Football League continues to disintegrate into barely recognizable, anti-American pieces, fans are up in arms.
Controversy has been abound in the league for well over a year now, as a social statement made by former NFL backup quarterback Colin Kaepernick went viral during the 2016 season. Kaepernick, then with the San Francisco 49er’s, attempted to disparage American policemen and women by kneeling during the playing of the National Anthem. Worse yet, Kaepernick used his anti-cop facade to garner attention and headlines via the newly politicized ESPN network. Being successful, a number of otherwise forgettable players joined suit, creating a league-wide culture of disrespect that was exacerbated just weeks ago when President Donald Trump weighed in.
Trump, predictably and correctly, demonstrated his embarrassment and frustration at the NFL’s apparently lack of concern over the protests that were now overshadowing the play on the field. After interjecting himself into the fray, a great many Americans followed the President’s lead, boycotting the NFL altogether.
TV ratings plunged. Merchandise sales stagnated. Teams were playing to half-empty stadiums across the country. The NFL botched their response extraordinarily, and have been paying the price ever since.
Now, one upset fan has decided that his boycott is not enough.
“A former Jacksonville Jaguars fan decided to take his grievances with national anthem protests to the sky Sunday, hoping the players on the field would see his message 1,000 feet above.
“Terry Smiley said he was disgusted by Jaguars players who took a knee during the national anthem in London last month, and he decided he needed to make his voice heard.
“So Smiley hired a pilot to fly his banner, which read ‘BE AMERICAN. BOYCOTT THE JAGS AND THE NFL,’ over EverBank Field on Sunday before the Jaguars faced off against the Los Angeles Rams.
“As part of his campaign against the NFL, Smiley is giving away bumper stickers in hopes other supporters will join him.”
Smiley’s message has been on the tip of Americans’ tongues for months, and his unique approach to advocacy has struck a chord with disenchanted former fans the nation over.
The NFL recently recanted an earlier proposal to invent rules designed to keep players respectful of the National Anthem and the American Flag. Commissioner Roger Goodell, who has repeatedly defended the anti-American actions of his players, will need to come down from his ivory tower and converse with his league’s fans if he hopes to salvage what’s left of his tarnished legacy.
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