Anthem Protest

Andrew Bulieris
Sports Editor
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        Colin Kaepernick started a nationwide uprising, when he decided to take a knee in the preseason during the national anthem.  His silent protests actually went unnoticed the first time but the second week he did it, people started to realize what was going on. Many reporters approached Kaepernick after a mid-week practice and asked him what exactly he was doing. He exclaimed that he needed to make a stand for his country and his people; he felt that African-American citizens were not receiving justice for the wrongs of police brutality. After that day it was a national uproar, all over social media and ESPN. It was and still is being talked about almost every day, and to this day Kaepernick still takes a knee on the sidelines during the anthem, now joined by a few teammates in support of him.

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        Ever since his protests have been made public all over the sports world many opinions have been stated, and questions have been asked like if should this be allowed? Many coaches and players have made their opinions known on multiple platforms, and many players have even joined Kaepernick in protesting the anthem in certain ways. Players on teams such as the Dolphins, Seahawks, Rams, Eagles, and 49ers have protested in their own ways. An entire high school football team in Washignton State even took a knee along with coaches during the anthem. Many college and NFL coaches have made their presence felt on this matter including Dabo Sweeney, Rex Ryan, Dirk Koetter, Ben Mcadoo andTodd Bowles. Most coaches believe it is a right we own to protest and express ourselves but mainly agree that we should stand for the flag.
            Colin Kaepernick’s protests have not only created turmoil in the sports world but has created a nationwide debate on this topic. All over Social Media there have been endless debates on standing for the flag. It seems like whenever I go on twitter I see a headline or retweet about something involving this revolutionary protest. Kaepernick started protesting over a month ago, and just this last week there was a huge headline about how Cam Newton and he had a meetup at midfield postgame where it is assumed by the picture that was taken that the two clearly had some words to share. Since then it has blown up on social media, many memes have been created from the encounter and people really wonder what was shared.
             Over the past weekend members of the East Carolina band protested during the anthem to show their stance on racial injustice. East Carolina put out a statement stating their disappointment in the protesters and how they understand the disappointment within the Pirate fan base. Clearly members of the band took inspiration from Colin Kaepernick showing another clear example of the inspiration and motivation he has delivered to many people all around the world. From the way it seems this may not be the last time we see such a thing like this occur within the college football world.
            Whether people agree or disagree with Kaepernick’s stance on the matter, it is definitely true that he has made a difference in not only the sports world but all across the country.