I'm sure they'll say that it's not about the fans, it's about the players. But the players have been "disrespecting the flag" by violating the
Flag Code for years:
• all present should stand
at attention (sure they are standing, but is it really "at attention"?)
• face the flag (this rarely happens unless there's a giant flag in the middle of the field, which itself is a violation of the Flag Code)
• right hand over the heart
• remove headdress and hold it at the left shoulder (most players remove their helmets but they almost never hold it at their left shoulder)
• No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform (oops Patriots)
None of this stuff seemed to ever bother conservatives, because, quite frankly, it's pretty minor stuff. But apparently the Flag Code is a little bit like the Bible -- certain groups are allowed to pick and choose which verses are important to follow, and which verses can be ignored. Also, certain people are given more leeway when it comes to violating the code. If you are deemed to be a "pious" person, then your transgressions are excused and forgiven; but if you are deemed to be a troublemaker or nonconformist, then the exact same transgressions are considered to be sacrilege. Those who selectively hide behind the Flag Code are allowed to occupy a higher moral ground, even when they choose to violate the same codes that they supposedly consider to be sacred.