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PieluvinTexan

Athletes and Politics

57 posts in this topic

I want to start this by saying, I get it, our country is FUBAR. 

It is absolutely ridiculous that an athlete can’t understand why fans at a sporting venue would boo them when they protest on the field. I’m sure I’m like most fans out there when I say I don’t want to see that shit during a sporting event. I use sports as a getaway from the everyday stresses and overall bullshit in life. I want to be entertained for 3 hours and forget about all the other crap.The last thing I want to see or think about while watching a football game, basketball game or baseball game is politics! These athletes are getting paid a huge amount of money to play a sport and entertain those who attend or watch the games on TV. Once they are done with their athletic career then by all means, take up politics and make a difference in this world. I recently read where most of the owners of these sports teams are standing behind their players, but I guarantee if fans stop showing up at the these games and these owners start losing money they will change their stance in a hurry.I’m sure there are people out there that totally disagree with me on this subject, but I would say to those people that they aren’t interested in sports for what is is meant to do for a true sports fan. 

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Not just sports,the Emmys just had its lowest ratings ever due to political attitudes. Agree with what you say 100 %.

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I do not object to athletes espousing their political opinions OFF THE FIELD!  Call a press conference; say what you want. 

But when you're on the field, stick to business. 

As for entertainment awards shows, I stopped watching them years ago. 

Edited by Bit Banger
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It doesn’t matter what these athletes are getting paid or how much you don’t want to see it. It’s literally their 1st Amendment right to protest ANYTIME they choose to do so. What’s crazy is so far it’s the most nonviolent form to spring up and people are up in arms about it. Not pissed about what’s happening in the country and the truth these guys speak but how they protest and when they choose to do it because those 5 minutes leading into several hours of a game is an inconvenience. Not pissed at others choosing to mass protest, and spout some of the most vile retortic possible because what they protested “is part of our history and those statues are important and because they had their paperwork in order!” It sickened me to defend those bitches’ rights to protest and march despite the pure nonsense coming out of their mouths that I sure as shit didn’t agree with or sympathize for, and sickens and disgusts me even more that any and everyone ok with that bullshit is now suddenly distraught, annoyed, and demanding these players change their tune or choose an alternate venue or avenue to speak their mind. Where is the unwavering defense of these players’ rights? 

It’s absolutely mind blowing...and sad that most people would rather turn their head and shut it out instead of actually listening. If it were in a press conference how many of you would watch it? 

And to anyone thinking they should be fired or forced to behave a certain way do you apply that to yourself? I know companies can fire you for their own reasoning, but that’s not what I’m asking before anyone reminds me how they must behave according to company standards and so on. Because if that’s the case those participating in an illegal practice would be totally ok with their company firing them for said participation. 

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47 minutes ago, JoDoe27 said:

It doesn’t matter what these athletes are getting paid or how much you don’t want to see it. It’s literally their 1st Amendment right to protest ANYTIME they choose to do so. What’s crazy is so far it’s the most nonviolent form to spring up and people are up in arms about it. Not pissed about what’s happening in the country and the truth these guys speak but how they protest and when they choose to do it because those 5 minutes leading into several hours of a game is an inconvenience. Not pissed at others choosing to mass protest, and spout some of the most vile retortic possible because what they protested “is part of our history and those statues are important and because they had their paperwork in order!” It sickened me to defend those bitches’ rights to protest and march despite the pure nonsense coming out of their mouths that I sure as shit didn’t agree with or sympathize for, and sickens and disgusts me even more that any and everyone ok with that bullshit is now suddenly distraught, annoyed, and demanding these players change their tune or choose an alternate venue or avenue to speak their mind. Where is the unwavering defense of these players’ rights? 

It’s absolutely mind blowing...and sad that most people would rather turn their head and shut it out instead of actually listening. If it were in a press conference how many of you would watch it? 

And to anyone thinking they should be fired or forced to behave a certain way do you apply that to yourself? I know companies can fire you for their own reasoning, but that’s not what I’m asking before anyone reminds me how they must behave according to company standards and so on. Because if that’s the case those participating in an illegal practice would be totally ok with their company firing them for said participation. 

I never said they didn’t have the right to protest. I said they shouldn’t be surprised if they are booed by doing so. I would bet that the vast majority of people sitting in those venues are there to enjoy themselves and have fun. Nothing about politics and political beliefs is any fun.

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19 minutes ago, H2Opieluver said:

I never said they didn’t have the right to protest. I said they shouldn’t be surprised if they are booed by doing so. I would bet that the vast majority of people sitting in those venues are there to enjoy themselves and have fun. Nothing about politics and political beliefs is any fun.

I don’t think anyone is so much “surprised” these players are being booed even the players themselves. But you are saying they shouldn’t protest when you’re watching because that’s not the entertainment you’re looking for. You are in fact saying they should choose another time and place to do so. I fail to see a difference of you dictating when it’s appropriate, and the outright denial of constitutional rights. These players are breaking no laws, but in fact upholding the rights and freedoms people fought and died for. If anything they should be viewed as the most patriotic of the bunch because of this. 

These athletes are getting paid a huge amount of money to play a sport and entertain those who attend or watch the games on TV. Once they are done with their athletic career then by all means, take up politics and make a difference in this world.”

Also, the argument is they’re paid to play a sport, but that’s exactly what they’re doing. They play football when the time calls for them to play. They aren’t out on the field in the middle of plays taking a knee,  unless it’s an actual play to do so. They do exactly what they’re paid to do when the clock starts or at least what people say they’re paid to do which is “play a sport.”

Are you guys equally upset when players and the NFL do their breast cancer awareness drive? That has absolutely dick to do with football, right? “Damn all that pink! You’re not allowed to raise awareness of an issue killing millions of women because that’s not what I’m here to see!” 

Edited by JoDoe27
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while one of the cornerstones of this country is the right to protest, it is also a right to disagree with that protest. i support the right of these athletes to kneel during the singing of the national anthem. however, as i understand it they are doing this to protest the killing of african americans by the police. i would like to know how many killings were prevented by an athlete kneeling before a game. i would like to know how much more freedom tibetians have now after all of the protests here to free them. the protesting that is going on now and that has been going on for some time is nothing more than something for the media to report on, none of it has made a positive difference.

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3 minutes ago, IRsparky said:

while one of the cornerstones of this country is the right to protest, it is also a right to disagree with that protest. i support the right of these athletes to kneel during the singing of the national anthem. however, as i understand it they are doing this to protest the killing of african americans by the police. i would like to know how many killings were prevented by an athlete kneeling before a game. i would like to know how much more freedom tibetians have now after all of the protests here to free them. the protesting that is going on now and that has been going on for some time is nothing more than something for the media to report on, none of it has made a positive difference.

That is my understanding of the protests as well. I don’t care what color your skin is, if you don’t obey the directions of the officers, something bad might happen. There are Whites, Hispanics and Asians that are being shot by police officers as well after acting in a threatening manner. I haven’t once heard of anybody of any race being hurt or killed by authorities when they act respectful and follow directions.

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34 minutes ago, IRsparky said:

while one of the cornerstones of this country is the right to protest, it is also a right to disagree with that protest. i support the right of these athletes to kneel during the singing of the national anthem. however, as i understand it they are doing this to protest the killing of african americans by the police. i would like to know how many killings were prevented by an athlete kneeling before a game. i would like to know how much more freedom tibetians have now after all of the protests here to free them. the protesting that is going on now and that has been going on for some time is nothing more than something for the media to report on, none of it has made a positive difference.

You are absolutely right that people can disagree. That’s irrefutable. I haven’t once said people are not allowed to do so.

Whether or not it’s made a positive change is besides the point and almost undermine the protest as a whole, and again begins to cross into the lane of telling them they shouldn’t do it.

You know the actual positive to me with this whole situation? It’s brought out the true nature of our president and put it on full display for those that questioned where he stood before. In what world do we live in when it’s practically impossible for our president to take a nice steaming shit on radically intolerant speech and violence by nationalist extremists, even referring to them as “very fine people” but guys silently taking a knee are “sons of a bitch” and deserve all the negative they receive and should be without jobs? 

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Well, I decided to not read everyone's response so I would not be influenced on my position. 

This is simply my opinion and I expect no one to agree but this opinion is based on my personal values.

First, we all have the right to disagree. I agree on that.

As U.S. citizens we all have the right to free speech, right to protest etc. If protests and civil disobedience had been squelched by our founding fathers, Starbucks would be a chain of tea shops and all out cars would be right-hand drive.

I read   'Civil Disobedience'  (1849) By Henry David Thoreau 50 years ago and to me still rings true today. I believe that our countries ability too allow protest and a show of defiance is what will keep this country going. Whether it happens on 1600 Pennsylvanian avenue or a football stadium makes no difference. In my opinion our country is in deep despair and  few will notice a display of protest at that 1600 address than they will at an NFL game. I'm no sports buff and have never watched a football or other sports game but I applause these men willing to help wake up a country with their actions. Yes, a sports game is a joyful distraction from our world issues. Sometimes escaping our problems is not a priority and addressing them are. Some men in our past had little time for an escape from problems,  John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and George Washington were to busy for that at a certain time some 241 years ago. I would support and entire stadium not rising for our anthem. I believe that things are so bad that we must do all we can to correct wrongs and move our country forward. 

On November 22, 1963  I remember watching the news that our president had been killed, I've watched Nixon resign, in 1972 I was assigned draft lottery number 195 with my anticipation of being sent to Vietnam, we have been at war in Afghanistan 15 years, 11 months, 2 weeks and 2 days.....I'll stop here. 

Civil Disobedience - By Henry David Thoreau  (1849)

This is where we are at IMO:

US-flag-upside-down+copy.jpg

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7 hours ago, jj254 said:

I was in the army for a bit. Went to war a few times. People said I protected the country. Defended their rights. These guys are using their rights. That I defended. Don't bother me a bit. It's why they're rights. So you can use 'em when people disagree. 

EXACTLY!!!  Marine here, super proud of my service and patriotic as hell but guess what???  I served so people can protest this way, like it or not.  

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If you're one of those "politics has no place in sports" guys why in the name of sweet baby Jesus is it so hard to understand that it (politics) should have no place on a hooker board too? If you hold no place for politics and sports to intermingle what makes you think the audience here wants to hear your  disdain of that same thing on an escort board? 

If y'all are so upset about it you should stop giving the NFL their ratings by watching. Orrrrr just continue to use your privilege and not hold space for anything that does not directly affect you - and keep complaining. Yolo! 

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Ps after Trumps comment about the athletes beings "sons of bitches" you can bet your sweet ass that you'll be seeing about 50-100 more kneeling athletes today. Just didn't want anyone to be super surprised with an extra chapped ass ;) 

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13 minutes ago, Just Jos said:

If you're one of those "politics has no place in sports" guys why in the name of sweet baby Jesus is it so hard to understand that it (politics) should have no place on a hooker board too? If you hold no place for politics and sports to intermingle what makes you think the audience here wants to hear your  disdain of that same thing on an escort board? 

If y'all are so upset about it you should stop giving the NFL their ratings by watching. Orrrrr just continue to use your privilege and not hold space for anything that does not directly affect you - and keep complaining. Yolo! 

Nah, not going to let politics take away one of my simple pleasures. I will just start tuning into the games after all of the pre-game bullshit is over with.

Newsflash Just Jos, there are all kinds of subjects that pop up on this forum that have nothing to do with the hooker biz.

I usually refrain from engaging in any kind of political conversation because it is such a hot button and no one is ever going to change anybody else stance on most political subjects when folks are dug in so deep. Once again I will say my original post was not about the right to protest. I was just saying there should not be any surprise when the people attending those games show their disdain for their conduct.

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My point was only that it's useless to just simply complain about it. And especially here. And especially if you aren't willing to stop watching. What are we really talking about it for then? 

News flash H2O - these athletes have lives and struggles outside of sports and if there is a time and place for them to respectfully make a statement about that why does it chap your ass so much? 

I think lots of people take your stance. Pissed about it but unwilling to do anything but complain about it. You support them every time you watch a game FYI. No ones going to stop watching football over it. No one cares that much! 

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9 hours ago, JoDoe27 said:

 

Are you guys equally upset when players and the NFL do their breast cancer awareness drive? That has absolutely dick to do with football, right? “Damn all that pink! You’re not allowed to raise awareness of an issue killing millions of women because that’s not what I’m here to see!” 

   Apples and Oranges. They sell stuff (tshirts,hats etc )  during that cancer awareness drive that they donate the money from to cancer research.

  BIG difference.

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9 hours ago, H2Opieluver said:

... I haven’t once heard of anybody of any race being hurt or killed by authorities when they act respectful and follow directions.

It is my understanding that the young black man shot by a Hispanic officer in MN was being respectful. But times were stressful (LEOs being assasinated) so the officer overreacted when the driver announced he had a CCW and was carrying. Was there reasonable doubt that the officer feared for his life? Probably.

But your point is valid. On the whole, if you are respectful & follow instructions, LEOs are not a threat. I imagine that the above incident added another hour to CCW instruction. 

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First Amendment rights allow me to express my opinion that protesting during the National Anthem is disrespectful & wrong. POTUS has that same right to express his opinion.

First Amendment rights do not prevent an employer from disciplining someone for protesting during 'company time'.  Most NFL owners have elected not to discipline their protesting employees. It's my right to boycott their product.

I still remember - Lincoln Park, Chicago, Summer 1968, I'm wearing dress greens. I was telling a protester that I wore my uniform to protect his right to protest. I disagreed with what he was saying, but not with his right to express himself in a peaceful manner. 

I will give credit to the NFL protesters for acting in a peaceful manner, unlike most protesters today. 

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If a player drops to a knee during the national anthem to protest the continuing, daily, murder of African Americans, there is no question that he has the right to do so.  The presidential infant, who gets into undignified twitter fits every time he sees anything he doesn't like, has now amplified this dignified and peaceful form of protest into such a very big deal.  Even if you disagree with whether a talented athlete dropping to his knee is appropriate, I fail to see how this is going to ruin the following athletic event for you. 

The owners, who are the ones with potentially the most to lose, are showing foresight and courage by standing by their players, protesting or not, and Roger Goodell, their spokesman, has severely criticized the infant in chief for his twitstorms.  Football appears to be standing united, and I guess if you don't like that, and don't care for the first amendment, and want to have your opinions formed by a twit who never served, never has done anything even slightly patriotic, and has spent his entire life screwing other people out of their money and telling lies, well that is entirely your right.  Don't watch football games if you want to follow his orders.  Do we care? Not one little bit.

The rest of us, who either support the players or don't really care what they do before the whistle, will not let the twit in chief take charge of our opinions - if you like football, this is nothing more than a minor distraction.  If you want to get pissed off about something, how about starting with an 11:00 a.m. kickoff?

What really bothers me is that Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Un, Xi Jinping, Bashar al-Assad and various other enemies of the republic must be watching, and the fact that the twit in chief demonstrates such lack of judgment, lack of understanding of his office, and his simple immaturity likely gives them additional leverage in their dealings with us.  You might have noted how effective the twit in chief's big-mouth name-calling has been in discouraging Kim Jong Un's nuclear aspirations, for a single small example.

Trump has reinforced my long standing opinion that there is a good reason that the first four letters of twitter are "Twit."

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So many folks that can’t read or interpret what they read how they want too. So sad which is one reason why we are so screwed 😔

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13 minutes ago, H2Opieluver said:

So many folks that can’t read or interpret what they read how they want too. So sad which is one reason why we are so screwed 😔

Their protest made you think about the issue. Talk about it. Got you to write a post about it. So it looks like it's working. Maybe you disagree with the message. But you've heard it. Like millions of others. That's how change starts. 

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12 minutes ago, H2Opieluver said:

So many folks that can’t read or interpret what they read how they want too. So sad which is one reason why we are so screwed 😔

If this is something that is truly THAT bothersome to you - perhaps you aren't getting screwed enough! 🤷🏽‍♀️ It's bold of you to assume that  when people have a differing opinion than you that they can't read your already convoluted pointless (bc you don't actually want to have a discussion about anything) post. 

No one cares if your pissed at the NFL for not putting a stop to the protests.  The NFL doesn't give two shits bc they are still selling out arenas. If you want the NFL to care you have to go without your simple pleasures and get rid of the Sunday ticket or your seats.  It's not rocket science, but keep trying to make it sound as such ;) 

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1 hour ago, BadBoy said:

... there is a good reason that the first four letters of twitter are "Twit."

On this we agree! 😙

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"I was once asked why I don't participate in anti-war demonstrations. I said that I will never do that, but as soon as you have a pro-peace rally, I'll be there." Mother Teresa

I often wonder if protesters, on a wide range of issues, are more interested in getting attention than they are in solving the problem. By kneeling during the anthem they are essentially saying they have no respect for our country. Might be a better approach to embrace what is good about the country and work towards making it better - maybe going back to the community you came from and working with kids to keep them out of trouble. By the way, I think Trump, by protesting the protesters is making the problem worse as well.

Edited by FunInHR99
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Big Broncos fan here. Yuge! Ex-Marine also so I've put my money where my mouth is with respect to the flag and attendant concerns. Personally I couldn't give two fucks in a monastery if a pro-athlete decides to kneel [gasp, clutches pearls] during the national anthem. Now, if Von Miller were to suddenly kneel in protest right before sacking the qb, that might piss me the fuck off. Because my little tranquilizing distraction from the bigger problems in life would have been momentarily compromised. Boo fucking hoo. Far too much really seriously fucked up shit has gone on in this country, and continues to go on, in large part because the masses have been spoon fed 'bread and circuses' to keep them entertained, keep them tranquilized, keep them preoccupied with stupid trivial shit. Stuff face with hot dog and beer. Rinse, repeat. Get the fuck over it. 

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It still, in the face of all that’s presented, boggles my mind at how many people are willing to jump through Olympic level mental gymnastics to justify why these players shouldn’t take a knee. “It’s about the flag! It’s about the country! It’s about the soldiers! They aren’t really making a difference so why do it! They’re not getting paid to be people! Obey the cops and nothing will happen!” How can it be down played when a tells an officer he legally has a concealed weapon and still winds up dead? Fuck everything else said.

“Fuck that people are being told when and how to legitimately protest peacefully. Fuck actual FACTUALLY documented cases of police brutality or excessive force against unarmed and innocent individuals. Fuck this board’s own acknowledgement of the fucked up things cops are known to do and lie about later when it comes to catching johns and escorts. Fuck that these players ARE WITHIN THEIR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS. Fuck the weird being ok with Charlottesville because they were defending their heritage and US history. Fuck the soldiers saying these men are doing exactly what soldiers are fighting for. Fuck their freedom.”  - mental gymnastics 

But really, fuck every single one of you that believe in rights and freedoms as long as it doesn’t inconvenience you. What kind of shit is that?

I am absolutely disgusted and appalled. Some of you should absolutely be ashamed of yourselves. I am so goddamn angry right now. I try to keep it cool most of the times but fuck that noise. Disagree all you want. You’re entitled to that. But as many have said of the opposition, don’t be surprised when someone calls you a bitch to your face. 

While I’m handing out fucks like candy, fuck this hate monger bitchmade president. 

Edited by JoDoe27
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2 hours ago, JoDoe27 said:

It still, in the face of all that’s presented, boggles my mind at how many people are willing to jump through Olympic level mental gymnastics to justify why these players shouldn’t take a knee. “It’s about the flag! It’s about the country! It’s about the soldiers! They aren’t really making a difference so why do it! They’re not getting paid to be people! Obey the cops and nothing will happen!” How can it be down played when a tells an officer he legally has a concealed weapon and still winds up dead? Fuck everything else said.

“Fuck that people are being told when and how to legitimately protest peacefully. Fuck actual FACTUALLY documented cases of police brutality or excessive force against unarmed and innocent individuals. Fuck this board’s own acknowledgement of the fucked up things cops are known to do and lie about later when it comes to catching johns and escorts. Fuck that these players ARE WITHIN THEIR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS. Fuck the weird being ok with Charlottesville because they were defending their heritage and US history. Fuck the soldiers saying these men are doing exactly what soldiers are fighting for. Fuck their freedom.”  - mental gymnastics 

But really, fuck every single one of you that believe in rights and freedoms as long as it doesn’t inconvenience you. What kind of shit is that?

I am absolutely disgusted and appalled. Some of you should absolutely be ashamed of yourselves. I am so goddamn angry right now. I try to keep it cool most of the times but fuck that noise. Disagree all you want. You’re entitled to that. But as many have said of the opposition, don’t be surprised when someone calls you a bitch to your face. 

While I’m handing out fucks like candy, fuck this hate monger bitchmade president. 

I must admit, it is very entertaining to see how some of you lose your fucking minds over this political stuff. Some of you really take the cheese!

 

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16 hours ago, H2Opieluver said:

That is my understanding of the protests as well. I don’t care what color your skin is, if you don’t obey the directions of the officers, something bad might happen. There are Whites, Hispanics and Asians that are being shot by police officers as well after acting in a threatening manner. I haven’t once heard of anybody of any race being hurt or killed by authorities when they act respectful and follow directions.

Naw you haven't heard because you aren't listening. 

 

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Funny thing is if a knee to Freddy Greys back outraged you as much as a knee on the ground, this would be over. 😉 Aaannnd I'm officially done with this thread. 😘 

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