NFC North / NFL Thread 2017-18

[Dr. Blackheart]

A great story of democracy in action. Now, let's find some news that matters, like stopping murders of kids in Chicago. Kneeling, standing, holding hands no matta.

Or are we back to Kylie Jenner's pregnancy once this cycles?

[cheebs09]

Miller Park shuts down the concessions stands when the anthem is played now which is kind of cool. The BC ushers hold people in the hall. I know I've been guilty of trying to walk to my seat while it was playing.

[MU82]

MU82 has made big strides tonight. Impressive he's able to admit he has trouble respecting himself.

Only if I slip out without saying goodbye to myself after, well, you know.

[brewcity77]

Correct.  It is not protected free speech.  If the NFL demands that they stand, and it is within the rules of the CBA, then the NFL can punish them for not standing.

If the NFL opened every game with a prayer, could they also fine them for not praying? It's the same Amendment and same attempt at forcing compulsory action against a protected civil liberty.

You can't force political action on someone anymore than you can force religious action.

[jsglow]

Top 5 tackles for the Packers are out for extended time....this is gonna be a loby season

I don't have the sense this is too long term.  Expect both starters back after mini bye.  But super thin right now.

[StillAWarrior]

Correct.  It is not protected free speech.  If the NFL demands that they stand, and it is within the rules of the CBA, then the NFL can punish them for not standing.

It is absolutely protected free speech.  But it's not being infringed by any government actor, so there is no Constitutional issue. If the police went on the field and started arresting them, we'd see that it is protected free speech. If the NFL were to start disciplining them, it would not be a Constitutional issue.

Semantics, I realize.

[B. McBannerson]

Very well said.
I'd suggest anyone offended take a look at some of the photos of yesterday's protests. Those guys aren't acting disrespectfully, IMO. Many have their hands over their hearts or heads bowed. Nearly all are displaying unity.

This isn't disrespectful?

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/video-lesean-mccoy-stretches-national-anthem-article-1.3518018

[mu03eng]

If the NFL opened every game with a prayer, could they also fine them for not praying? It's the same Amendment and same attempt at forcing compulsory action against a protected civil liberty.

You can't force political action on someone anymore than you can force religious action.

This is where it's tricky...it's a public space but it is a work obligation. That's why I wonder if it is even protected speech, if it's the owners ordering them not to protest (clearly protected if it's a government agency or agent doing the ordering).

[Pakuni]

This isn't disrespectful?

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/video-lesean-mccoy-stretches-national-anthem-article-1.3518018

One player among more than 200?
That's weak, even for you.

[buckchuckler]

There is nothing more disrespectful to the American flag than the confederate flag.

[Pakuni]

There is nothing more disrespectful to the American flag than the confederate flag.

[Jockey]

Or a flip floppin fish tryna please everyone, hey?

JB goin' after guys who put their lives on the line for this country. What incrediblle service.

Any bets on whether he did the same when our country was at war?

[forgetful]

This isn't disrespectful?

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/video-lesean-mccoy-stretches-national-anthem-article-1.3518018

Was it disrespectful when all the way up to 2009, many players stayed in the locker room and stretch or got treatments or warmed up, instead of coming out for the national anthem?

Honestly, the national anthem before a game is more for the fans/audience and less about the players who are preparing to do their job.  Let them prepare for their job any way they see fit, and leave the patriotic aspects to the fans/audience. 

[mu03eng]

There is nothing more disrespectful to the American flag than the confederate flag.

You're wrong


The Nazi flag

but now it's like we're arguing who was worse, Stalin or Hitler

[4everwarriors]

Crean sucks

[Silkk the Shaka]

Crean sucks

Thank you!

[MerrittsMustache]

There is nothing more disrespectful to the American flag than the confederate flag.

Oooh. Someone's been reading Facebook memes this morning!

[Silkk the Shaka]

Oooh. Someone's been reading Facebook memes this morning!

Ha but how is it wrong?

[buckchuckler]

Oooh. Someone's been reading Facebook memes this morning!

Nope.  Not on facebook.  It is just obviously true.  That flag was born out of contempt for the US flag.

[MerrittsMustache]

Nope.  Not on facebook.  It is just obviously true.  That flag was born out of contempt for the US flag.

What we now know as "The Confederate flag" was actually a battle flag and never the official flag of the CSA. We're getting into semantics though. Whatever the case, the Southern Cross flag has definitely become a symbol of racism and prejudice and the darkest time in American history...and that comment has become a popular statement on Facebook in the last 48 hours. 

[GooooMarquette]

It is absolutely protected free speech.  But it's not being infringed by any government actor, so there is no Constitutional issue. If the police went on the field and started arresting them, we'd see that it is protected free speech. If the NFL were to start disciplining them, it would not be a Constitutional issue.

Semantics, I realize.

Affirmative. 

[Jockey]

Most unsurprising headline of the week.

U.S. captain Steve Stricker says team won't stage silent protest

[rocket surgeon]

Most unsurprising headline of the week.

U.S. captain Steve Stricker says team won't stage silent protest

ask anyone who knows strick and you will find out he is universally respected and well liked

[jsglow]

ask anyone who knows strick and you will find out he is universally respected and well liked

Absolutely.  He's well known in the lakes area we hang Up Nort.  While we've not met him, everyone who has says he is the ultimate 'regular guy'.

[Pakuni]

Week 3 ratings up.
Clear evidence fans love it when players protest the anthem?

https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2017/09/26/nfl-2017-week-3-ratings-donald-trump

Also, on a slightly related front, take note of the item further down about Fox News and ESPN.