By Florida Bill As the anti-American superstar kneeling controversy rolls along, the Seattle Seahawks have announced plans to create a special NFL fund to assist "oppressed" African Americans.
Establishment of the fund is a good thing. After all, having a bunch of highly paid athletes showboat their concern for inequity on national television by disrespecting the flag doesn't really do a lot for the average down and out unemployed member of a minority. And why is all this happening now?
Maybe it's a way for the players to get back into good graces with fans who look upon their dishonor of Old Glory with contempt. And at the same time, the fund might be helpful as a welcome "write off."
Athletes expressing public dislike of America and its traditions in a country which has been a beacon of freedom for the entire world, has irritated millions who question the sincerity of the on-field multi-millionaire protesters.
The Seahawks are calling this special pocket of money the Players Equality & Justice for All Action Fund (PEJF). While this west coast team is the creator, donations, certainly will be welcome from all 32 NFL teams, its owners and league officials, and athletes everywhere.
Promotion of the fund was announced with comments from two of the Seahawks highest paid athletes, Doug Baldwin and Michael Bennett. Wide receiver Baldwin, 28, who recently signed a four-year $46 million contract, said the goal of the fund is "to support education and leadership programs addressing equality and justice in the USA." Protest without a goal is meaningless, he pointed out. Bennett, a defensive end with a $29 million three-year contract with a signing bonus of $8 million said the fund should also bring about additional training for policemen who must consider use of deadly force.
But will the "oppression" fund really help those in need, or just provide a lot of worthless public "programs"? Wouldn't it be better to provide soup kitchens, job training, educational incentives and neighborhood clinics? Wouldn't this be a more appropriate way for fat cat athletes to "give back" to the community.
The contrary behavior by NFL players in stadiums and on TV is controversial and has attracted plenty of attention. Is it concern over the the plight of their African Americans brothers their true inspiration, or is this just a political agenda designed to hit back at President Trump. A fair question.
While establishing a meaningful fund is positive, it can never excuse football players and their organizations for slamming the USA. The entire Seahawks team has shown its contempt for the flag ceremonies by remaining in its locker room during playing of the national anthem, or by locking arms and pumping a closed fist for the cameras. In the face of the NFL protests, an angry President Trump did not hold back. In language which is tame stuff for NFL players and owners, the President told owners they should "fire those sons of bitches" who sit or kneel or pump their fists in a show of dishonor to the nation. Disgraceful, he asserted.
Vice President Pence walked out of a Colts-Forty Niners game after 20 Niners "took a knee" in defiance of the flag and of his presence. Making his exit, Pence said he would not dignify conduct which "disrespects our soldiers, our Flag and our National Anthem."
Surveys are revealing that most Americans side with the President in condemning the conduct of the players. Players decline to honor the American flag by standing with their hand over their heart. Yet, when celebrating a touchdown or good play, they hump and pump for the crowd, often including a "crotch grab" as part of the show. They might even demonstrate wild jubilation by pretending to be urinating like a dog on the goal post. That conduct might suggest the real core values of some players.
. In the past weeks, a fall off in fan patronage has been reported. Is it that down turn which is now motivating players to speak of a fund for the "oppressed," and for the promotion or training for police officers who use deadly force against their innocent black brothers? Currently there are 1,695 players on the 32 teams, with an average salary of $2.4 million. Twenty five players are earning between $17 million and $27 million for the season. NBA Super Star Lebron James has endorsed "taking the knee" and has called the President a "bum." James has a net worth of about a billion dollars.
It will be interesting to see how much these concerned multi millionaires and their owners and clubs, and the NFL, will be kicking into the fund.
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