NFL - time to boycott

Return to Forum

Please with your WRAL.com account to comment on this story.

Oldest First
  • StunGunn Dec 17, 2017
    Sports Legend

    View quoted thread


    Yes - times 1,000!

  • DIAMONDBISHOP Dec 16, 2017
    Towel Boy

    View quoted thread


    Well said.

  • Maxwell Silver III Dec 16, 2017
    Bench Warmer

    I as most in the military say they have the right to make an arce out of themselves on National TV, the majority except for a few in the military also will strongly disagree with their stance-I have not and will not watch any NFL this year, will go on you tube and watch previous college games this year-I do this to honor the over 58000 men with their names on a wall and others from all other wars- these men had the same flag (that NFL players disrespect) draped over their coffin- it is the least I can do!! - my 2 cents

  • DIAMONDBISHOP Dec 16, 2017
    Towel Boy

    View quoted thread


    +1000 Gunny

  • StunGunn Dec 15, 2017
    Sports Legend

    A lot of people - myself included - can't separate the flag from our military. Just as those who choose to voice their opinion/displeasure by not standing for the anthem, I have the same right to voice my opinion by saying that to kneel/sit, anything other than standing during the anthem is disrespectful to our military and country.

  • DIAMONDBISHOP Dec 14, 2017
    Towel Boy

    And Snowflake? See that mirror? That one made me laugh. That'd be a negative.

  • DIAMONDBISHOP Dec 14, 2017
    Towel Boy

    "I'll stand for the anthem and I'll give those who serve the respect they are due, but their opinions don't carry more weight just because they are in the military. We as humans have the ability to reason and we as Americans have a constitution. I mean, come on; a lot of the people in the military support a guy who has unequivocally disrespected our military. Just because you fight, doesn't mean you have a brain." Mitt&F

    Glad to see you stand & I don't recall saying we're perfect, Mitt. Far from it! Takes time, but people have to meet in the middle on things. As for the boycott thing, started mine the day 200 took a knee (based on a report I saw). As that started to fade a little, my opinion on it started to change. After weeks w/o watching, saw the Panthers/Saints recently. I'm too much of a sports junkie to stay away but there are certain lines, imo, that should not be crossed. Flag & country should not be "middle fingered" prior to a sporting event. Time & a place...imo

  • DIAMONDBISHOP Dec 14, 2017
    Towel Boy

    View quoted thread


    Still a "little boys" game, imo. How many players play pro ball compared to those competing in youth leagues around the US? Couldn't tell ya but there is no comparison. Besides, the pro's had to start somewhere. I don't know of too many who woke up one day & said, "Think I'll play some pro ball today", and just showed up & started doing their thing. Many started at a very young age & have devoted years to their respective sports. With that said, it's easier to hitch your athletic wagon to football & hoops compared to baseball. And yes, I'm aware of the discussions taking place regarding concussions and glad to see it. Once knocked a teammate out in practice one afternoon during a hitting drill and we were only 12 at the time - true story. These days, people are paying more attention to that sort of thing, and rightfully so.

    Didn't say there was a rule requiring players to stand. It's the NFL's policy.

  • DIAMONDBISHOP Dec 14, 2017
    Towel Boy

    View quoted thread


    Alleging? Just an opinion but an opinion that's shared by many.

    Race relations - you must be referring to the party of former Senator Robert Byrd.......;)

    If you folks can't see that kneeling during the anthem is disrespectful, not sure what to tell you. I believe in honoring flag & country while also paying my respects to all of those who made it all possible, the military, & that ain't gonna change going forward. We've covered this before but there is a time and a place for it. Spin it all you like but it's very insulting to many.

    Have you seen the FBI's crime report for 2016? When the police start backing off, the homicides increase. Is what it is.

  • mittnfriends Dec 14, 2017
    Veteran

    B,

    Do you think the game of football was originally played by kids? Can you link me to the history on that one? Is there not a major discussion happening throughout the nation about parents not allowing their children to play the game? Why is that? Easy answer is because it's not a kids game.

    The NFL as an organization would like the players to stand for the anthem, but it is not a rule. If there is but a fraction of the players kneeling, and the authority figures of the NFL believe in standing for the anthem, then why are y'all snowflakes so quick to tune out?

    I'll stand for the anthem and I'll give those who serve the respect they are due, but their opinions don't carry more weight just because they are in the military. We as humans have the ability to reason and we as Americans have a constitution. I mean, come on; a lot of the people in the military support a guy who has unequivocally disrespected our military. Just because you fight, doesn't mean you have a brain.

  • mittnfriends Dec 14, 2017
    Veteran

    View quoted thread


    Y'all are alleging these players are disrespecting/ discrediting the military. Y'all have no evidence of this. They have clearly stated they are protesting police brutality and the inequitable treatment of minorities. They have also made it clear that it has nothing to do with the military.

    Is it just a coincidence that the vast majority of the people who either can't grasp this or are dishonestly misrepresenting the truth of the protests happen to align with the side of the political spectrum that has a terrible track record on race relations?

  • DIAMONDBISHOP Dec 12, 2017
    Towel Boy

    View quoted thread


    Agree with ya 100%, Max. Attempting to discredit the military is about as pathetic as it gets. Truth is, those who do that couldn't defend the nearest Kool-Aid stand & you can bank it. LOL

    Moving on...

  • Maxwell Silver III Dec 12, 2017
    Bench Warmer

    kneeling has a become the latest gimmick thing the players do in the NFL-standing for the anthem holding hand over heart, glazing at the flag- many in the stands do not do this but not do it on purpose, players are doing it on purpose to upset people, as I have stated they have the RIGHT, I have the right to not watch which I don't buy any products or support any establishments which I do not either, sad that some have to make a derogatory statements about our military men and women

  • DIAMONDBISHOP Dec 11, 2017
    Towel Boy

    "The thing is, these protests have no ill-intent; yet, you and lots of other people don't care about anything but your own idea of how everyone should act. That ain't what the USA is about!"

    No disrespect intended here, folks. Move along! Kneeling, according to some, is cooler than the Last Alaskans. Move along! lol

    " You do know just because you serve doesn't mean you own some moral superiority over your fellow citizens or the right not to be made uncomfortable, right?"

    And you do know that the opinions of those who served and continue to serve carry more weight on this topic than those who didn't serve, right? IMO... If it's all the same to y'all, think I'll just keep showing the military, our flag, and our country the respect they deserve.

    #RIGHTASUSUAL....Stand with me, Mitt&F!

    Coddling the military? Negative, big guy! The military can stand on it's own and they definitely do not need me to do that. The military coddles the rest, not the other way around. Think about it!

  • DIAMONDBISHOP Dec 11, 2017
    Towel Boy

    "Do you see any irony in calling football a "little boys game", as you go on to have a discussion about the life-changing dangers inherent to the game?"

    Are you suggesting that "little boys" can't get injured on a football field? No "life-changing dangers" in Pop Warner, for example? Concussions? Broken bones? Over the years, pretty sure I've heard lots of individuals associated with sports refer to 'em as I did. Where ya been? So serious! You don't have a difficult time ordering Jumbo Shrimp, do you? I just order 'em. Anyway.....

    #FIGUREOFSPEECH

    "Does being wrong hurt this bad, B? This has to be the most nonsensical thing I've read from you." In reference to my "Job contract" remark.

    Not at all, Brosef! I'm right as usual. Back to that "NFL Policy" memo that went out 'round Halloween. The policy is the policy & I don't make the rules. The NFL thinks all players should stand for the anthem, as do millions of fans.

    #RIGHTAGAIN....Stand with me, Mitt!

  • mittnfriends Dec 11, 2017
    Veteran

    "Oh, Mitt! Tell it to those who have served & continue to serve. Tell it to the millions who support the anthem & what it stands for."

    Without hesitation. They serve the country, not their own ideas of how people should exercise their constitutional rights. You do know just because you serve doesn't mean you own some moral superiority over your fellow citizens or the right not to be made uncomfortable, right?

    The innocent lives of U.S. citizens, regardless of race, are more valuable than the national anthem and the flag. End of story. Stop trying to coddle our service people just because they can't handle uncomfortable truths.

  • mittnfriends Dec 11, 2017
    Veteran

    "Nice try but we all know they get paid millions to play a "little boys" game."

    Do you see any irony in calling football a "little boys game", as you go on to have a discussion about the life-changing dangers inherent to the game?

    "And there is no rule in their JOB contract that requires them to kneel during the national anthem. Pretty sure of it."

    Does being wrong hurt this bad, B? This has to be the most nonsensical thing I've read from you.

    "There is a time & a place for it. That time & place isn't just before kickoff & during the national anthem. Easy to understand!

    #USAUSAUSA"

    As I mentioned before, there is no objective measure that says kneeling during the national anthem isn't an appropriate way to protest the inequitable treatment of its citizens. All you can do is state your opinion. The thing is, these protests have no ill-intent; yet, you and lots of other people don't care about anything but your own idea of how everyone should act. That ain't what the USA is about!

  • StunGunn Dec 10, 2017
    Sports Legend

    View quoted thread


    True, B. It didn't look that bad when Shazier made the hit/tackle, but like you said, he did lead with his head, and that was a very costly mistake. What a shame to happen to anyone, especially someone like Shazier, who is held in such high regard by teammates and other players.

  • DIAMONDBISHOP Dec 9, 2017
    Towel Boy

    View quoted thread


    +1.....Never like to see stuff like that & hope he recovers. Players shouldn't lower their heads like that when slamming into other players. Too much pressure on the neck/spine. Just a bad deal.

  • DIAMONDBISHOP Dec 9, 2017
    Towel Boy

    View quoted thread


    Hate to see players suffer career ending injuries. Saw the hit by Shazier and I'll never understand why players lower their heads like that when delivering a hit. Neck injury waiting to happen. Hope he recovers but his football career is over. A very unfortunate situation for Shazier. Classy move by the Ravens.

  • StunGunn Dec 8, 2017
    Sports Legend

    View quoted thread


    Heard the same about the Ravens. Unfortunately, things have gotten a lot worse for Shazier. the doctors performed a "spinal stabilization" on him yesterday, and it was reported on ESPN that not only will he not be back this season, he may never play football again. Very sad, and I can only hope Shazier recovers and returns to the Steelers' roster next season.

  • Toddler10-21 Dec 7, 2017
    Sports Legend

    Gronk has taken some nasty hits and that's what they were nasty. Not laying face down when the play was clearly over. I just don't get the one game suspension.

    AB said karma and that's what it was for Burfict. When Burfict took AB out in the playoffs that year Pac Man Jones said AB was faking and would be back the next week against Denver but he wasn't. Jones did try to apologize. I kind of wish he hadn't said it.

    I read where the Ravens said a prayer before practice for Ryan Shazier. Both are big time rilvaries, but the Ravens have more class.

  • DIAMONDBISHOP Dec 7, 2017
    Towel Boy

    View quoted thread


    Amen!

  • DIAMONDBISHOP Dec 7, 2017
    Towel Boy

    View quoted thread


    It was a dirty play but Gronk has been on the receiving end of some nasty hits as well. For him to react that way, there could be some bad blood between 'em. With that said, those plays can't be allowed. Can end a guy's career doing stuff like that. I do recall a time when defensive players were wrapping their arms around QBs & deliberately slamming them on their shoulders in an attempt to injure them. Easy to make stuff seem legit while having bad intentions on a football field. Burfict had it coming, imo.

  • DIAMONDBISHOP Dec 7, 2017
    Towel Boy

    View quoted thread


    We're on the same page, T. I doubt most players are sincere when stuff like that happens & they have to "apologize". They issue a statement, attempt to say the right thing, & probably joke about it behind the scenes. Players should not be going off on their coaches in front of 75,000 fans & the SB rings matter not to me.

  • StunGunn Dec 7, 2017
    Sports Legend

    View quoted thread


    + 1,000,000
    Agree completely, B! A job is a place where you do what is in your job description. Last time I looked the NFL isn't "Meet the Press". Play the game and leave politics out of it. I watch ESPN and FOX Sports to watch sports. There are networks devoted to politics, and networks devoted to sports. Let the athletes play their game, and let the political analysts discuss politics.

  • StunGunn Dec 7, 2017
    Sports Legend

    View quoted thread


    Oh - couldn't agree MORE, T!!!! That hit by Gronk is the dirtiest thing I've seen in a long, long time. The play was OVER, and he LAUNCHED himself into a defenseless player. NOT buying the "first time he did it" either. You could use that defense for anything, and it doesn't make it right or acceptable. One game isn't a joke - it's an insult to the Bills. Heard he's out of concussion protocol, but I don't care. That could have seriously injured him. Dirty, dirty, dirty. I'll never see Gronk the same.
    Yeah, the talking heads (Tim Hasselback and others ) were criticizing the "karma" comment by AB, but I couldn't agree more. There's not many guys more deserving than Burfict to get flattened. Disgusting.
    And I get that SB rings get those guys a pass, but it doesn't make it right. I saw Pretty Boy Brady jawing at an official earlier in that game.

  • Toddler10-21 Dec 7, 2017
    Sports Legend

    Right is right and wrong is wrong no matter how many super bowls you have won. All players talk on a football field. Gronk even admitted it saying he was upset about non calls. I don't buy that apology one bit. What if a player did that to Brady or Gronk how many games would that player have to sit? Bills players didn't react. SMH! As for Burfict like AB said karma. Burfict took Bell's knew out 2 years ago and jumped up cheering and took AB out in the playoffs and still lost.

  • DIAMONDBISHOP Dec 7, 2017
    Towel Boy

    The NFL's policy on this is very clear. They want all players to stand for the anthem. I do recall a memo that was issued back in October addressing this very issue.........something about honoring "flag & country".

  • DIAMONDBISHOP Dec 7, 2017
    Towel Boy

    View quoted thread


    I don't think it's asking a lot of players to stand during the anthem. Those guys have it made. Playing pro ball & making a lot of cash in the process.

  • DIAMONDBISHOP Dec 6, 2017
    Towel Boy

    View quoted thread


    Agree that Gronk should have been suspended more than one game. That hit was about as dirty as it gets. With that said, DB's have been known to talk more trash than the law allows, hold/mug, instigate stuff, etc., but you can't have players engaging in cheap shots like the one Gronk delivered. Agree with ya about Brady as well. The difference is, he has 5 SB rings, which guarantees a little more leniency than the next guy when stuff like that occurs. I recall Kevin Greene going off on a coach years ago as well.....According to the NFL experts, "That was just Kevin being passionate."..lol

    Burfict - anybody feel sorry for him given his history of trying to injure other players?

  • DIAMONDBISHOP Dec 6, 2017
    Towel Boy

    View quoted thread


    Agree! I noticed that as well. There is a reason for that. Also appears that the cameras are avoiding the stands as well in certain situations. Generally, when stuff like that is going on, there is a reason for it. Somebody doesn't want you to see the empty seats......imo. They can get the politics out of it or I can find other sports to watch. Simple solution.....

  • DIAMONDBISHOP Dec 6, 2017
    Towel Boy

    View quoted thread


    Some folks would be more receptive if the kneeling stuff didn't have the feel of, in your face. They could have gone about it in a different, more respectful manner, imo.

  • DIAMONDBISHOP Dec 6, 2017
    Towel Boy

    View quoted thread


    Nice try but we all know they get paid millions to play a "little boys" game. Back to that "real job" thing making far less..... And there is no rule in their JOB contract that requires them to kneel during the national anthem. Pretty sure of it.

  • DIAMONDBISHOP Dec 6, 2017
    Towel Boy

    "If you find it disrespectful to protest abuse of power and inequitable treatment of U.S. citizens, then kindly take your place on the wrong side of history."

    There is a time & a place for it. That time & place isn't just before kickoff & during the national anthem. Easy to understand!

    #USAUSAUSA

  • DIAMONDBISHOP Dec 6, 2017
    Towel Boy

    View quoted thread


    Oh, Mitt! Tell it to those who have served & continue to serve. Tell it to the millions who support the anthem & what it stands for. Nice try but the fact remains....they're protesting on "organizaton" time.

    #INAPPROPRIATE

  • mittnfriends Dec 6, 2017
    Veteran

    "play football, which is what you're paid to do, or go get a real job"

    Oh, B! You obviously want them to do more than play football.

    Job; noun; a paid position of regular employment.

    There is no rule in their JOB contract to stand for the anthem, by the way.

  • mittnfriends Dec 6, 2017
    Veteran

    "I have no issues with people protesting as long as it's done peacefully and in an appropriate manner."

    Everyone can agree, the NFL protests are peaceful. There is no objective measure that says kneeling during the national anthem isn't an appropriate way to protest the inequitable treatment of its citizens.

    " Attempting to shove an agenda on folks on game day is a little much and about as disrespectful as it gets to millions."

    They aren't shoving anything on anyone. They're not keeping anyone from standing or forcing anyone to kneel. Once the anthem is over, they're up and ready to do the ONE THING everyone came to see. If you find it disrespectful to protest abuse of power and inequitable treatment of U.S. citizens, then kindly take your place on the wrong side of history.

  • Toddler10-21 Dec 6, 2017
    Sports Legend

    The anthem I respect it and the flag, but when I turn on the TV I want to watch football. Before its the kickoff and now its show the anthem so we can see who is standing who isn't. Everyone please just stand up because your protesting is useless!!

  • Toddler10-21 Dec 6, 2017
    Sports Legend

    What Gronk did wasn't even a football play. What JUJU did was a physical block with his shoulder. He got suspended for the taunting. Gronk getting only one game is a joke. The guy was defenseless laying face down and and he wound up with a brace on his arm and went after his head and neck area. Patriot fans saying he was upset for being held. Everyone is held and I'm sure Gronk has gotten away with a few push off's himself. One expert said well he dosen't have a history so one game is ok. Brady cursed his coach out and it isn't the first time but its Brady so its ok. Yes I'm going there let Cam cuss his coach out!!!

  • StunGunn Dec 6, 2017
    Sports Legend

    Do they even show the National Anthem anymore? I heard the players were going to stay inside during it, like they do in college games. This is shoving the problem under the carpet (or astro-turf, as the case may be). The NFL is a mess. They're up to their footballs in politics, some players are making possible career ending hits (Gronk), and they still can't decide what a catch is. And Goodell makes how much???

  • Toddler10-21 Dec 5, 2017
    Sports Legend

    Protesting, Boycotting, Marching etc will never do any good. Like you said b its within and some just don't want to change because its in them point blank!!!

  • DIAMONDBISHOP Dec 3, 2017
    Towel Boy

    I have no issues with people protesting as long as it's done peacefully and in an appropriate manner. Attempting to shove an agenda on folks on game day is a little much and about as disrespectful as it gets to millions. Had the NFL addressed this in the beginning, they're not having to deal with the s-storm that has followed. How are those ratings, btw? Will be interesting to see what they look like next season. I've seen a lot of empty seats. If the NFL doesn't get this under control, they're going to struggle to keep their fans going forward. After recent actions by the NFL, you still have certain players who are unhappy, voicing their displeasure, etc. Doesn't matter.....play football, which is what you're paid to do, or go get a real job. There are other ways these grievances can be addressed...not before the game & during the anthem. Just an opinion...

    #PLAYFOOTBALL....& keep the politics out of it.

  • DIAMONDBISHOP Dec 2, 2017
    Towel Boy

    I see where the NFL is going to pony up millions in an attempt to get the US haters to stand for the anthem. Poor leadership at it's finest, imo.

    Was thinking about watching Sunday after missing several weeks. Can't say I will at this point as the US haters have no real interests in meeting NFL brass/fans in the middle. Why watch this circus? The usual BS & agendas... These guys crack me up when they start talking about change, respect, etc., given their comments and actions, both on & off the field. Real change starts within. If someone isn't willing to meet in the middle....no deal & it really is that simple.

    #COMMONGROUND

    I have some leaves that need raking tomorrow. Probably go bowling or something. Over & out.....

  • DIAMONDBISHOP Oct 29, 2017
    Towel Boy

    Still ain't watching.

    #BOYCOTT

  • DIAMONDBISHOP Oct 28, 2017
    Towel Boy

    View quoted thread


    Coaches are loyal to themselves when it comes down to it. imo

  • StunGunn Oct 28, 2017
    Sports Legend

    View quoted thread



    Some of their decisions seem cold hearted, without taking how the players may feel into account at all. Players are expected to be loyal to the team, and sometimes there's a double standard for coaches.

  • DIAMONDBISHOP Oct 28, 2017
    Towel Boy

    View quoted thread


    Coaches are far from perfect. I've seen some make decisions that just weren't right and I'm not referring to game decisions necessarily. I have seen certain things that resulted in players losing respect for certain coaches. It happens.

  • StunGunn Oct 26, 2017
    Sports Legend

    View quoted thread


    Don't remember that, but that situation sure is similar to Dean's. I think Coach Gut coached two, three years at the most before the Doherty debacle.

  • Maxwell Silver III Oct 25, 2017
    Bench Warmer

    many don't remember but Earle Edwards did pretty much the same thing, he retired with the understanding that long time asst Al Michaels would become head coach, think Michaels coached 1 year.--lot different back then, Holtz was next up.

Oldest First
Listen & Watch
Teams Score Time
Interleague
Mets   6:10pm
Guardians  
Twins   6:45pm
Nationals  
Orioles   7:45pm
Cardinals  
American League
White Sox   3:07pm
Blue Jays  
Red Sox   6:50pm
Rays  
Mariners   7:05pm
Yankees  
Tigers   7:40pm
Royals  
Angels   8:10pm
Astros  
National League
Padres   12:20pm
Braves  
Padres   6:20pm
Braves  
Brewers   6:40pm
Marlins  
Diamondbacks   10:10pm
Dodgers  
Teams Score Time
Mavericks   NotNecessary
Thunder  
Teams Score Time
Oilers   9:00pm
Canucks  
PGA Championship
Pos Name Score Thru
1 Xander Schauffele -21 F
2 Bryson DeChambeau -20 F
3 Viktor Hovland -18 F
4 Thomas Detry -15 F
4 Collin Morikawa -15 F
6 Shane Lowry -14 F
6 Justin Rose -14 F
8 Billy Horschel -13 F
8 Robert MacIntyre -13 F
NASCAR All-Star Race
Pos # Name Start Pos
1 22 Joey Logano 1
2 11 Denny Hamlin 11
3 17 Chris Buescher 5
4 5 Kyle Larson 12
5 12 Ryan Blaney 17
6 23 Darrell Wallace Jr 19
7 1 Ross Chastain 7
8 9 Chase Elliott 15
9 34 Michael McDowell 9
Crown Royal Purple Bag Project 200
Pos # Name Start Pos
1 7 Justin Allgaier 7
2 21 Austin Hill 5
3 00 Cole Custer 1
4 1 Sam Mayer 6
5 20 Aric Almirola 18
6 48 Parker Kligerman 11
7 98 Riley Herbst 9
8 2 Jesse Love 12
9 18 Sheldon Creed 3
Wright Brand 250
Pos # Name Start Pos
1 51 Corey Heim 12
2 9 Grant Enfinger 9
3 Layne Riggs 23
4 Brenden Queen 26
5 Sammy Smith 31
6 98 Christian Eckes 1
7 2 Nicholas Sanchez 2
8 26 Tyler Ankrum 21
9 Daniel Dye 18