It’s no secret that the NFL has had its fair share of controversies. With everything from the national anthem protests, to the CTE argument, Colin Kaepernick’s holdout, and Commissioner Goodell’s antics with Jerry Jones, the NFL encompasses much of the media’s daily coverage.
Social media is rampant with comments relating to these controversies, but #TakeAKnee is one of the most popular hashtags. This is mainly centered around players kneeling during the national anthem to fight racial injustice and police brutality, sparking outrage amongst many for being disrespectful to the military.
These US Military Veterans support taking a knee.
28 years in the US Navy. I'd kneel beside Mr. Kaepernick or anyone protesting Social Injustice and Tainted Civil Rights. During the anthem or at any time… #TakeAKnee ! Chief Petty Officer #UppityWhiteBoy … pic.twitter.com/OIDgWLVhK0
— Robert Challender (@TheMMChief) November 17, 2017
As a Vet, I’ll #TakeAKnee besides them… not about the anthem, it’s about racial injustice, and you were perpetuating it
— ƉɅNIĔL WRIGHŦ (@dprite1) November 24, 2017
This tweet offers a contrasting stand: in favor of an NFL boycott and an opinion that kneeling insults the military.
This is how real American Hero #TakeAKnee for our flag🇺🇸
THIS is a uniform… the #NFL🏈 wears a costume.#TakeaKnee 🇺🇸 #Anthem 🇺🇸 #BoycottNFL 🇺🇸 #BoycottNFLSponsors #BoycottNFLforever 🇺🇸 #BoycottPapaJohns🍕 pic.twitter.com/fdM9XJJHaR
— Steven Williams (@SeacoastView) November 23, 2017
Many citizens have banded together to side with protesting athletes and have also taken to social media to voice their opinions.
HAPPENING NOW: Hundreds take a knee outside AT&T Stadium as the national anthem is sung inside. #TakeAKnee pic.twitter.com/xmCwlaTDlx
— Allison Harris (@AllisonFox4News) November 20, 2017
thank you #ColinKaepernick once again for your #leadership. #leadershipmatters. #GQcitizenoftheyear sure did get it right. #takeaknee for #PoliceBrutality to end now. https://t.co/hwrYE4nKnQ
— Janine Rouson (@jprouson) November 16, 2017
Others claim the NFL is suffering as a result of the protests.
The #TakeAKnee protest is the single dumbest PR stunt in the history of professional sports. You took a knee, we took a hike. https://t.co/dmSTeMZSrT
— Dan Bongino (@dbongino) November 23, 2017
Has there been a more self-destructive “protest” in modern times. Good luck “protesting” to empty seats as the exodus of fans continues. #TakeAKnee https://t.co/lgabkdpO67
— Dan Bongino (@dbongino) November 19, 2017
Thousands of empty seats across the NFL today. Keep up the good work America! #BoycottNFL #TakeAKnee #dowhatsright #NeverForget
— Boycott The NFL (@Boycott_The_NFL) November 26, 2017
It is interesting to see how the media portrays these protests and can twist what’s really happening to make people feel a certain way. Many people are very against the protests and directly link it to players disrespecting the military. Time will only tell how this all plays out.