Each week in the NFL brings more protests again unjust treatment by law enforcement. But for every action there is a reaction. It has been reported that the Cleveland Police won’t hold the American Flag for the Browns season opener because some players took a knee during the anthem during a preseason game against the New York Giants on August 21.

“When management allows you to do those things, then that’s on them,” Cleveland Police Patrolmen’s Association President Stephen Loomis said. “It’s hypocritical of the Browns management and ownership to want to have an armed forces first-responder day and have us involved in it when they allow their players to take a knee during the national anthem. That’s the very representation of what we stand for. That’s why we aren’t going to.” He went on to say, “It’s just ignorant for someone to do that,” Loomis said. “It just defies logic to me. The fact that management was aware of what they planned on doing, that’s as offensive as it can get.”

The only ignorance evidenced is that of the Cleveland Police who ignore the law enforcement issues around the country. A reminder is needed. The protest is not against the anthem, which has a very checkered past. The country must recognized and address what Colin Kaepernick pointed out, “There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.” 70% of the NFL players are African American and anyone of them could be racially profile on their way home from their next game. It’s apparent the NFL shield is not good enough to protect them on or off the field. The resistance these players and others are receiving is not unlike that of the Civil Rights protestors of the 1960s.

Source: Cleveland Police Won’t Hold American Flag at Browns Opener over Anthem Protests

Published: 9/4/2017