DOES KAEPERNICK HATE AMERICA?!

I have been getting text after text to chime in on this issue. Because I believe this is an important intersection in three vital areas, I will oblige.

PROTESTING IS 100% PATRIOTIC:

As oxymoronic as it sounds, it's true. America was founded by men and women protesting against English rule. Challenging the status quo is what makes America great.  It is a civil liberty that is so important it was outlined in the FIRST Amendment. As a proud American, I support everyone's right to peaceful protest, even when my values don't align with theirs. Inasmuch, protesting has been a vehicle of change for hundreds of years. It forces dialogue where some would prefer to sweep issues under the rug. In 1968, Tommie Smith and John Carlos were then considered traitors for their now-iconic "black power" gloved salute at the Olympics. Just one-year prior, on April 28, 1967, Muhammad Ali refused to be inducted in the US Army's draft and was subsequently stripped of his belt. At the time, both acts were deemed egregious and the individuals were labeled un-American. Fifty years later, these "unpatriotic" acts have been heralded as catalysts for the civil rights movement in the United States.

Protests bring controversy. Protests are polarizing. Protests piss people off. That's why they work! And they will continue to be an important part of the DNA that makes America what it is. To that end, I support Kaepernick taking advantage of his right to take a stand...or in this case, not to.

SHOULD ATHLETES JUST DO THEIR JOBS AND SHUT UP?

In 2012, Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe released a statement vehemently supporting same-sex marriage. In 2013, unable to find a team that would hire him, he retired from football. Granted, Kluwe was already had a slew of previous controversies in his belt, but his unpopular stance at the time arguably did him in. He joined a host of athletes who became martyrs for their causes and convictions.

On gameday, Athletes are asked to represent the greatest among us. They are paid 50 to 100-times more than the average American for a few hours of work that exhilarates us, causes heart palpitations, and gives us bragging rights with our friends. But during the week, they are asked to be members of the community, participating in service team-mandated service projects and media opportunities.

So which is it? Are they superhuman or are they our neighbors? Are they to be so consumed with reviewing game footage that they ignore news footage? Are they allowed to have an opinion about what happens within the lines of play, or can they also care about the neighborhoods of the people who pay money to fill the stands?

Let me be clear: I do not agree with the premise Kaepernick's protest. By dishonoring the National Anthem, he is dishonoring America as a whole, not just its justice system. He has positioned himself appear to be at odds with all who are serving to protect our freedoms. Many of whom wear his jersey on Sunday's. Here's how I know this isn't what he intended. In his explanation of his choice to sit, he said, "it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."  Herein lies the issue: while Colin Kaepernick was attempting to avoid being "selfish," he ignored the fact that he is the face of the franchise, one of the highest-paid players in all of sports, and subsequently draws more attention and criticism than any other player on his team. His actions are magnified. And the "bad" always outweighs the good in the court of public opinion. This is Leadership 101. Subsequently, he is in every headline and trending on all social media platforms. We aren't discussing the subject of the protest (injustice and discrimination), we are all talking about the protester, Colin Kaepernick. He made himself bigger than the issue he was protesting. That was...selfish.

I am bothered by characterizations of Kaepernick's protest as "misguided." It has become our way of politely discrediting an ideology that we don't agree with. It is the verbal tap on the head to say, "Here, here, $126 million jock. You don't know any better." I summarily disagree. Though poorly executed, Kaepernick's sentiments mirrored Muhammad Ali's 1967 stance against the Vietnam War, punctuated by his famous line, "Ain't no Vietcong ever called me N----r!" In 2016 Colin Kaepernick's version is, "There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder." Once again, he failed in his execution, but his intention was aligned with sentiments expressed almost exactly 50 years prior.

HERE'S WHAT KAEPERNICK SHOULD HAVE DONE:

I have never been the starting quarterback in of a major-market NFL team. I have never played in the Super Bowl. But I do know about leadership, influence, and social change. Had he used his platform correctly, he could have accomplished his goal more succinctly without doing unnecessary harm to his teammates and his franchise. If I were advising him, I would have suggested he do one of the following:

• Dedicate every touchdown or first down in memory of a slain minority and read his list of names during the press conference.

• Write a slogan on a wristband or eye black (a la Tim Tebow), make it a hashtag, and continue the conversation on social media.

• Buy tickets for members of the armed forces and/or law enforcement officers who he considers "the good ones" and use the platform to highlight their accomplishments as well as the nagging frustrations of the state of our society.
• Stand during the Pledge, but bow his head. This could have served as a symbol of his respect for the flag and the "good" in America, but showing disdain for the injustices that have caused him to take this stance.

In summary, Kaepernick could have done better. A lot better. And he'd better figure it out soon before he ruins his career and brand. In times when people are being terrorized because they are American, any dissonance from within is unappreciated, even when it comes from a celebrity. I hope Kaepernick rethinks his strategy. Respect the flag, but keep the fight.