NFL Leader Calls Out President Trump Over Kneeling Rule, Makes Stunning Demand
Please Subscribe: https://goo.gl/DodZjS
source: https://goo.gl/hxCLiy
New York Giants veteran Mark Herzlich called out President Donald Trump over the NFL kneeling controversy. His one request is having fans and players talking.
The NFL has suffered big time over the last few years. Once, the professional sport was as American as apple pie. Fans across the country — of all backgrounds and beliefs — flocked to football. It was a cherished pastime and an opportunity to put aside the problems of everyday life.
My, how things have changed. The league’s reputation has been in the toilet ever since Colin Kaepernick started kneeling during the National Anthem. He started a controversy that has embroiled the league for two seasons.
Fans were shocked to see these highly-paid athletes insult our nation, not to mention the men and women who died to defend it. They could not understand why these players would use that moment to protest what they considered injustices. The bad blood only got worse as the NFL commissioner refused to act. The last two seasons saw a dramatic drop in viewership and stadiums were emptied.
Things look to be getting better, as team owners have hammered out a deal to save the league. Recently they announced an agreement that should fix the ongoing drama. We’ll have to see come football season later this year.
But one NFL member isn’t willing to wait. Giants linebacker Mark Herzlich called out President Trump for his role in the NFL controversy. But, despite expectations, Herzlich wasn’t interested in criticizing the president. Instead, he asked Trump to visit the team and talk to them about the debate.
A veteran Giants leader has invited President Donald Trump to visit the team and engage in a productive dialogue about NFL players’ intentions, actions and origins in the national anthem debate.
Linebacker Mark Herzlich, who is part of the NFL Players’ Association leadership council that has met frequently with league leaders on the subject, said Tuesday afternoon following the club’s fourth OTA practice in East Rutherford that he “would love Trump to come down” and see what an NFL locker room really is all about.
…
“You go in the locker room and guys from every single race, every single demographic, every single religious background, and we all are just a team,” Herzlich continued. “And so I think we see that, what’s possible. And I would love Trump to come down here and hang out in our locker room and see what locker room talk’s really about, and talking about our night nurses and our babies — this is what we talk about, it’s a family.” [Source: New York Daily News]
Trump has been especially outspoken over the NFL protests. Millions of Americans look to football as an important pastime in their lives. It’s so much more than just rooting for their team. Football is about teamwork, determination, skill, and athleticism. Watching your team overcome the odds to make it to the playoffs is inspiring and empowering.
Not only that, but football is supposed to be patriotic. Every game begins with the National Anthem. Many games have halftime performances from local bands, whose music honors our country. Football has been a vital part of our country and communities.
For so many players to disrespect our flag, over perceived injustices, was an insult to every patriotic fan. It’s not a surprise that the Commander in Chief would spend time discussing it.
Herzlich’s invitation is encouraging. Instead of taking a combative stance against the president — like so many others — he’s reaching out. It appears like he wants Trump to have a positive impact on the players. He also wants Trump to learn about the comradery that exists among teammates on and off the field.
A meeting like this could do much to improve the situation. Even with the new rule, there are players who want to protest. Some even threaten to boycott the league over it. Could Trump’s intervention change all that?
We do know that when people met with the man face to face, they change their minds very quickly. That’s the power of Trump’s personality, humanity, and influence. We’ll just have to wait and see if Trump can make the NFL great again.