Professional Athletes Disrespect Nation

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Athletes Take a Knee for Justice

Jessica Huth, Staff Writer
October 29, 2016

Protests are a liberty guaranteed and protected by our government, which allows these athletes to protest during the national anthem. In some other countries, they would most likely be tortured or killed because of the disrespect they have shown. Not only are they disrespecting our country and the rights they have as a whole, but they are also disrespecting those who sacrifice themselves in order to guarantee the American people these rights.

Photo of Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the national anthem
Chris Carlson / Associated Press
Photo of Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the national anthem

There is a reason we stand and remove our hats during the national anthem; it is to show respect and gratitude for our country and those who serve it. Current military personnel and veterans are often recognized during this time. We live in an amazing country in which we can freely express our opinions and believe in anything without the fear of governmental retaliation. 

Athletes should not kneel during the national anthem. While some might have grown up under difficult circumstances, they are at a point in their lives when they are wholly supported. Professional athletes do not understand what happens to others outside of our country, they sometimes don’t appreciate what happens within our country. They focus on what is covered on the news, which is usually controversial, rather than the great things happening around our nation.

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I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.

— Colin kaepernick


Not only do they not understand what people have gone through to give them the ability to express their protest during the national anthem, they also do not see all the opportunities they have been given within our country. They get paid handsomely to provide entertainment.

Around the world people work hard and get paid next to nothing, but in America some athletes are paid millions just to provide entertainment for the general population. They do not fear for their lives. They do not fight to protect our country and its citizens’ rights. They are not hungry or homeless. They play a game once a week in a country that provides so much for them. Many of these professional athletes live their lives within their own personal bubbles.

Most professional athletes in America have attended college, perhaps a luxury taken for granted. Many people throughout the world do not get the chance to go to college. Although some may disagree and say that these athletes are highlighting a social problem, in the process of this they are being arrogant and disrespectful towards those who have fallen and the liberties and opportunities they have.