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Your Thoughts - League Agrees To Social Justice Plan (1 Viewer)

Standing for the National Anthem isnt politicizing it.  Plenty of other ways for the players to support their chosen causes or raise awareness for their issues.
Worshiping the symbols of nationalism (flag and anthem) is inherently political. Plenty of other ways to entertain people before a football game. Other countries don't play the anthem before sporting events except in international competition.

 
Well then maybe they should go back to having the players in the locker room for the anthem, the way it was before the NFL decided to politicize it. Or even better, not playing the anthem before games.


There you go!  All problems solved. Just stop playing the anthem before games.  Everything else will just fall into place after that.  Brilliant!

 
I'll take a different approach.

I don't see why the league needs to donate money at all.  I get that they are trying to protect their business but in the end when did the NFL become the "beacon" for social issues?

That's my biggest turn off to be honest.  It's this issue/that issue/ the next issue.   :shrug:     And I support the players right to kneel (don't like it but support it).  And I think there is a problem in our society with the justice system. Do I think it's as bad as the "players are saying"? No but doesn't mean things don't need to be changed.

I guess my point is I don't remember NFL being as political before as it is now.   And its a turn off for me.  I wait until the games start now to turn them on and I still get bombarded with "issues".   :shrug:

 
The NFL should go back to being what it is, entertainment, nothing more. We get this stuff daily on the news and FB and every other social media source, most of which I stopped watching because it’s too damn depressing. I just want my NFL to be the NFL, I still love and watch every game I can. But I also now don’t turn on a game until 5 after so I don’t have to hear any of the other crap going on. It’s not that I don’t care, but damn we all need some break from the endless stream of hate in America.

 
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I'll take a different approach.

I don't see why the league needs to donate money at all.  I get that they are trying to protect their business but in the end when did the NFL become the "beacon" for social issues?

That's my biggest turn off to be honest.  It's this issue/that issue/ the next issue.   :shrug:     And I support the players right to kneel (don't like it but support it).  And I think there is a problem in our society with the justice system. Do I think it's as bad as the "players are saying"? No but doesn't mean things don't need to be changed.

I guess my point is I don't remember NFL being as political before as it is now.   And its a turn off for me.  I wait until the games start now to turn them on and I still get bombarded with "issues".   :shrug:
Agreed.  Sort of.

But the fact is right now, more people will listen to the players than local politicians. In general, more people trust players than the president or other politicians, and they're a lot more famous and able to make an impact than most individuals. Since I can remember we've had celebrities standing for issues, some making a bigger impact than others. 

Maybe that's a sad state of affairs, but just as one example, I'd bet you if Nick Saban advertised against Roy Moore, he wouldn't be elected. 

 
Agreed.  Sort of.

But the fact is right now, more people will listen to the players than local politicians. In general, more people trust players than the president or other politicians, and they're a lot more famous and able to make an impact than most individuals. Since I can remember we've had celebrities standing for issues, some making a bigger impact than others. 

Maybe that's a sad state of affairs, but just as one example, I'd bet you if Nick Saban advertised against Roy Moore, he wouldn't be elected. 


Just another sign on how shallow our society has become.  That someone is a great athlete or a great actor/actress gives them absolutely no more credibility on subjects outside their area of expertise than any other non-expert in the country.  But somehow simply because they have a way to publicly spread their opinion over a larger segment of the population, they actually sway others’ opinions.  And some of the things said by some of these stars can be downright laughable because they are so vapid or underinformed

 
I think that's a legit option. 


Of course it is.  I don’t question that.  But what problem does it really solve?  My position has been that we keep trying to fix symptoms.  IMO if you want significant solutions, I’ve always found that the way to accomplish that is to go to the root of the problem.

 
Just another sign on how shallow our society has become.  That someone is a great athlete or a great actor/actress gives them absolutely no more credibility on subjects outside their area of expertise than any other non-expert in the country.  But somehow simply because they have a way to publicly spread their opinion over a larger segment of the population, they actually sway others’ opinions.  And some of the things said by some of these stars can be downright laughable because they are so vapid or underinformed
Sure.

But that's where we are right now.

 
Of course it is.  I don’t question that.  But what problem does it really solve?  My position has been that we keep trying to fix symptoms.  IMO if you want significant solutions, I’ve always found that the way to accomplish that is to go to the root of the problem.
Step one - define the problem. 

TBH I don't think the NFL has done that yet. 

 
Of course it is.  I don’t question that.  But what problem does it really solve?  My position has been that we keep trying to fix symptoms.  IMO if you want significant solutions, I’ve always found that the way to accomplish that is to go to the root of the problem.
I didn't think you questioned it. I'm agreeing. 

And for sure, solving the root problem is always the right thing. But they need some solutions now to give time to address the root problems. 

 
I didn't think you questioned it. I'm agreeing. 

And for sure, solving the root problem is always the right thing. But they need some solutions now to give time to address the root problems. 
Just to be clear here, who's they and what's the root problem to be solved?

For the NFL the root problem might just be waning fan involvement. 

For society it's much larger of course.

 
The agreement does not include language calling for players to end protests during the national anthem in exchange for funds; there's no implicit quid pro quo. But the NFL hopes this effort will effectively end the peaceful yet controversial movement...
I'm just curious how this happens. Player reps will ask teammates to not protest during the anthem perhaps?

 
I didn't think you questioned it. I'm agreeing. 

And for sure, solving the root problem is always the right thing. But they need some solutions now to give time to address the root problems. 


Yeah, I understand that.  But this whole situation reflects on a much larger and deeply rooted issue that has been around for a long time.  I think that’s why you’re seeing such a negative public reaction.  People are tired of being pummeled constantly with social justice crusades when they know that no one is willing to get to the heart of the matter and try to do something that might actually have impact.  

 
Every player that protests during the anthem is fined $50,000, but the money goes to this slush fund.

Then we see how bad they want to protest.

 
Yeah, I understand that.  But this whole situation reflects on a much larger and deeply rooted issue that has been around for a long time.  I think that’s why you’re seeing such a negative public reaction.  People are tired of being pummeled constantly with social justice crusades when they know that no one is willing to get to the heart of the matter and try to do something that might actually have impact.  
People are willing and trying to get to the heart of the matter. But those efforts are largely unpublicized, at least don't get near the publicity of players kneeling or a President's tweet. 

In general, we (the larger we) don't like to talk about these things because they're uncomfortable and are not easily solved.

 
I don't remember hearing anything about these idiot players going and protesting in front of any police stations &/or courthouses. If they cared so much about injustices they would show their presence in front of the supposed perpetrating agencies. Hey Michael Bennett, just go falsely accuse more cops of racial profiling. That will get your message across you racist idiot.

 
People are willing and trying to get to the heart of the matter. But those efforts are largely unpublicized, at least don't get near the publicity of players kneeling or a President's tweet. 

In general, we (the larger we) don't like to talk about these things because they're uncomfortable and are not easily solved.


I disagree. I believe that we as a country are much more prone to being problem solvers than just passively uninvolved - provided that we can have an open and honest discussion about solutions.   Shoot, we’re the most charitable people in the world. There’s a reason for that that is inherent to our society. IMO there is a segment of society invested in not drilling down. It’s why you hear the outrage and the name calling start when people try to engage.  Some people don’t want to try to solve the problem because the solution doesn’t benefit them nearly as much as the problem does.  So they shout down anyone interested in trying to engage.

 
Just another sign on how shallow our society has become.  That someone is a great athlete or a great actor/actress gives them absolutely no more credibility on subjects outside their area of expertise than any other non-expert in the country.  But somehow simply because they have a way to publicly spread their opinion over a larger segment of the population, they actually sway others’ opinions.  And some of the things said by some of these stars can be downright laughable because they are so vapid or underinformed
Curious: Who did you vote for in last year's presidential election?

 
The league throwing money at a problem, hoping it goes away. It's great that organizations are going to get the money they need to fight for social justice, but this is just because the NFL is trying to repair their image, I have 0 confidence that they're just doing this out of the goodness of their heart.
Sure, but that's how progress gets made sometimes. Little Rock didn't integrate their schools out of the kindness of their hearts either but that doesn't take away from the importance of it. 

 
I disagree. I believe that we as a country are much more prone to being problem solvers than just passively uninvolved - provided that we can have an open and honest discussion about solutions.   Shoot, we’re the most charitable people in the world. There’s a reason for that that is inherent to our society. IMO there is a segment of society invested in not drilling down. It’s why you hear the outrage and the name calling start when people try to engage.  Some people don’t want to try to solve the problem because the solution doesn’t benefit them nearly as much as the problem does.  So they shout down anyone interested in trying to engage.
We are problem solvers, no doubt.  And charitable, partly because it makes us feel good. But a large portion of society does not like discussing these social issues with an open mind. Maybe that's as you wrote, because the solution doesn't benefit them. But imo, a large reason is we don't find a readily implemented solution. So we throw money at it.

 
Its racist to throw 100 million dollars at skin color. We have problems as a country, together, white, black, brown and all the mixes in between. 

Continuing to focus on skin color drives the wedges deeper and deeper and is the opposite of a solution IMO

 
Boy the optics on this look TERRIBLE

San Francisco 49ers safety Eric Reid says he left The Players Coalition because founder Malcolm Jenkins excluded Colin Kaepernick from meetings, and asked players if they would stop protesting the anthem if the NFL made a charitable donation to causes they support.

''Malcolm did text me this morning asking if we would be comfortable ending our demonstrations if the NFL made a donation,'' Reid said Wednesday. ''At that point, that was the last straw for me. He had a conversation with the NFL. We agreed that multiple people would be part of the conversations with the league so it just wouldn't be him. He didn't stand by his word on that. At no point did we ever communicate an agreement with the NFL to end the protest.''

Jenkins, a safety for the Philadelphia Eagles, said he was surprised Reid withdrew from the coalition after having a conversation with him Tuesday night. He said even though they had disagreements, he thought the talk ended on good terms.

"I'm not sure about whether Kaepernick wants to be involved,'' Jenkins said. ''I saw this as an opportunity to create a group of players that could use their voice together to really make some change, and we still have that opportunity. We've been able to go from protests to now speaking with ownership about something that's never been in place before. We're proud of that. And we'll continue to work with whoever wants to be in that conversation.''

Reid and Miami Dolphins safety Michael Thomas both sent tweets Wednesday morning saying they were leaving the coalition because they didn't believe Jenkins and former receiver Anquan Boldin, a co-founder, shared their interests.
AB-SO-LUTE BASURA. But oh well, at least it can't look any worse-

https://twitter.com/darrenrovell/status/936282456944201728

... Okay that's ehhhhh... but that's the players side. At least it looks good for the own-

Eric Reid says NFL using money earmarked for other charities to buy off players

 
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Turns out, this isn't new money that the NFL is donating to these causes, they're just taking money away from other charities to give to these new ones. Tricky bastards. "Look at all this money we're giving to these charities! Don't look at the money we're no longer giving to veterans or breast cancer awareness..."

 
It boggles my mind how the simplest solution is being ignored: just have EVERYONE sit down and talk. Like, that's the one big barrier that divides people on everything; the lack of wanting to meet face to face to discuss issues and viewpoints and attempt to come to an understanding.

 
someone is going to bank a lot of money through this ........... and will there be any significant changes to the way law enforcement treats people? hiring practices or businesses? quotas that target skin color? will this impact in any way using skin color to help a person (or stop a person) from getting a job, a scholarship, an opportunity etc?

not likely - but hey, they can say they threw 100 Million at it, right ? 

players stand, fans are happier I guess

 
It boggles my mind how the simplest solution is being ignored: just have EVERYONE sit down and talk. Like, that's the one big barrier that divides people on everything; the lack of wanting to meet face to face to discuss issues and viewpoints and attempt to come to an understanding.
Who's not talking?

Players/Goodell/Lurie all met in Philly for a couple days.   Met with Police representatives, justice department and others :shrug:

 
Who's not talking?

Players/Goodell/Lurie all met in Philly for a couple days.   Met with Police representatives, justice department and others :shrug:
The man who all these protests kinda started from wasn't invited by the owners to any those meetings, one Colin Kaepernick. Most of the players wanted him there, but Malcolm Jenkins initially objected, then was like "I dunno if he wanted to attend anyway".  :lmao:

 
Of course it is.  I don’t question that.  But what problem does it really solve?  My position has been that we keep trying to fix symptoms.  IMO if you want significant solutions, I’ve always found that the way to accomplish that is to go to the root of the problem.
The problem it solves is the politicization of the football pre-game. Which was initiated by the league during WWII, and amplified by the league in 2009. You can't promote nationalism and then complain about politicization. At least, not in a free country; fascists do that all the time.

 
The problem it solves is the politicization of the football pre-game. Which was initiated by the league during WWII, and amplified by the league in 2009. You can't promote nationalism and then complain about politicization. At least, not in a free country; fascists do that all the time.


I want to make sure I am connecting your dots here.  So if you support the playing if the national anthem before games you are a nationalist and are politicizing the event, which makes you facist because it can’t be a free country if the anthem is played before the games and that’s what facists do?

How can you possibily stand living in this country?

 
I want to make sure I am connecting your dots here.  So if you support the playing if the national anthem before games you are a nationalist and are politicizing the event, which makes you facist because it can’t be a free country if the anthem is played before the games and that’s what facists do?

How can you possibily stand living in this country?
I have many issues with the way my country treats people here and abroad. The fact that we can criticize the country legally and in public is, in fact, one of the benefits of not living in a fascist state. I, and many others, fear that America may go down the path towards fascism, as many once-democratic societies have.

What does going down the path towards fascism look like? Well, it starts with asserting the sanctity of the flag, anthem, and national leaders, along with religious-style worship of those three. Then, criticism of the deified leaders is squelched and later made illegal. Dissidents are rounded up and arrested, and supporters are elevated and empowered. 

Playing the anthem alone isn't fascist, but it is nationalistic. It's a political act. Protesting nationalism is also a political act. If you'd like the football pre-game to not be politicized, you have to start with not politicizing it by playing the anthem and requiring the players to stand on the field and participate in the nationalistic display.

Suggesting that protestors of nationalism should be fired, arrested, or leave the country is fascist. I might ask you, if protest bothers you so much, "how can you possibly stand living in a country" where the very first amendment in the Bill of Rights asserts, "the right of the people peaceably to...petition the Government for a redress of grievances"?

 
The league has taken the concerns of AA players seriously in regards to social justice and are contributing to help the cause Colin was promoting.
Not really, league taking a bunch of money earmarked for other charities into a players' fund (which many of the players didn't agree with and are leaving the Coalition) doesn't fix anything. It doesn't even scratch the surface of the core item of his protest either, not that many people even know/care why he's protesting. This isn't a Kaepernick thread, so I'll leave it at that.

 Now, it may have definitely helped Malcolm Jenkins' goal. Running a Papa Johns' franchise can be hard work.

None of this garbage will change a thing.
It's trending that way, yeah.

 
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Not really, league taking a bunch of money earmarked for other charities into a players' fund (which many of the players didn't agree with and are leaving the Coalition) doesn't fix anything. It doesn't even scratch the surface of the core item of his protest either, not that many people even know/care why he's protesting. This isn't a Kaepernick thread, so I'll leave it at that.
It sure seems like the NFL is putting money towards the issues Colin was kneeling over.

The unprecedented agreement calls for the league to contribute $89 million over seven years to projects dealing with criminal justice reform, law enforcement/community relations and education.


We spoke at length about many of the issues that face our community, including systemic oppression against people of color, police brutality and the criminal justice system

 
The Claymaker said:
The NFL should go back to being what it is, entertainment, nothing more. We get this stuff daily on the news and FB and every other social media source, most of which I stopped watching because it’s too damn depressing. I just want my NFL to be the NFL, I still love and watch every game I can. But I also now don’t turn on a game until 5 after so I don’t have to hear any of the other crap going on. It’s not that I don’t care, but damn we all need some break from the endless stream of hate in America.
I agree. Sports is the escape from our daily lives and from dealing with political issues or frustrations.  There are countless channels you can easily tune into to get your political fix (CNN, MSNBC, FoxNews... thousands of websites...).  The NFL needs to stick to what it is, sports entertainment.  Leave all the other issues off the field. 

Also - this $100 million dollars... where does it come from? It comes from us, the fans.  Not directly, but through higher ticket prices, higher drinks and food prices, higher costs per commercial which raises the cost of the item sold which means we - the fans have to pay for it.

 
I think the money donated will do absolutely nothing the protesters want. We feel real good about throwing money at things and pointing to the act and never looking at what was actually accomplished. The government programs have been doing this for eons. The people indifferent or not affected by the issue feel like they are making a difference. The people affected see no changes and frustration grows. 

 
I haven't seen it anywhere, but are players contributing any money? Or do they just use their coin on more sick chains, cribs & 20 expensive cars.

 
So they are taking money from the Woman’s Breast Cancer month and Military donations to pay for this?  Am I reading this right?  

 
Im not sure what players end goal of the protest was intended to be.  A perfectly just society would obviously be the best outcome, but its just not a realistic goal unless the protests were intended to continue ad nauseum.

I think the attention garnered in addition to 89 million dollars is a pretty successful outcome to a couple seasons worth of symbolic kneeling.

Hopefully its the impetus to actual change in the relationship between police and the people they are sworn to protect.

 

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