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My Two Cents: The NFL

My Two-Cents with Hank BonecutterClarksville, TN – We’re a little over a week from the NFL’s premier event, the Super Bowl.  It’s been a tumultuous year for the sports league that has its own day of the week.

The controversy started with former San Francisco Giant quarterback, Colin Kaepernick, taking a knee during the playing of the National Anthem.  Other players started doing the same thing.  They each gave their reasons for the protest, but the insult was not taken lightly by fans.

WWII Battle of the Bulge veteran Vincent Speranza salutes the U.S. flag at the 17th Airborne Division Memorial in Bertogne, Belgium, during a ceremony to commemorate the 71st anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, Dec. 13, 2015. The text on the Monument reads as follows: “In proud remembrance of the men of the 17th Airborne Division who fought in this area during the Battle of the Bulge in January 1945. They fought that we might be free.” (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Bernardo Fuller/Released)
WWII Battle of the Bulge veteran Vincent Speranza salutes the U.S. flag at the 17th Airborne Division Memorial in Bertogne, Belgium, during a ceremony to commemorate the 71st anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, Dec. 13, 2015. The text on the Monument reads as follows: “In proud remembrance of the men of the 17th Airborne Division who fought in this area during the Battle of the Bulge in January 1945. They fought that we might be free.” (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Bernardo Fuller/Released)

The NFL, and its commissioner, Roger Goodell, supported the protests.  President Donald Trump called the players “out” and said they needed to be fired.  

In it’s latest “snub” to the soldiers and first responders who stand on the front line for you and me, the NFL rejected an advertisement submitted by AMVETS that simply asked, #pleasestand.

The advertisement simply encouraged people to stand for the National Anthem.  The NFL rejected the ad stating that the game day program was not a place for anything that could be interpreted as a “political” statement.

I can’t even respond to that comment it’s so STUPID! 

I disagree with anyone who supports the players disrespecting the Anthem. 

I disagree with the owners who have remained relatively silent about it. 

It pains me to see how many people don’t get it. 

But, what do I know?

San Francisco 49ers free safety Eric Reid (35) and San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Eli Harold (58) kneel during the national anthem during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. (Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports)
San Francisco 49ers free safety Eric Reid (35) and San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Eli Harold (58) kneel during the national anthem during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. (Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports)

I’ve had dwindling interest in the NFL for a few years now.  I just don’t care much about it anymore.  The game has been taken over by the television networks, and like everything else they get their hands on, they’ve ruined it.  I mean, do you realize how long it takes to play the game now?

“Let’s take a video review.”

“Let’s take a quick commercial break.”

Let’s take another video review.”

“Oh, let’s take a quick break.”

GAWD!

I will admit that my interests have changed these last couple of years.  I’m into motorcycles, travel and writing.   I love to “ride and write.” 

Plus, I just had a grandbaby, so there’s that.

To me, the National Anthem IS the United States of America.  The Anthem is the blanket that covers EVERYTHING about the greatest country on the planet, including all of it’s ugly warts and bruises.  We stand united, even though we may disagree.

Just like the White House is a symbol of the most powerful seat in the world, regardless of who resides there.  You can love or hate the President, but the Anthem and the White House are symbols of greatness, accomplished through the sacrifices of thousands of men and women of this country, and their families. 

SHOW SOME DAMN RESPECT!

Houston Texans inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney (55), linebacker Ben Heeney (50), strong safety Marcus Gilchrist (21) and teammates kneel during the national anthem before kickoff against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. (Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports)
Houston Texans inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney (55), linebacker Ben Heeney (50), strong safety Marcus Gilchrist (21) and teammates kneel during the national anthem before kickoff against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. (Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports)

What I think is missing in all of this is that the protesters can’t take a few minutes from their problems, and at least acknowledge the greatest country in the world, and who got us here. 

This latest “middle finger” to the men and women who sacrificed their life and limbs for us by the NFL, sealed the deal for me.  I no longer care anything about the sport, it’s pampered millionaires, and a commissioner who doesn’t have the “stones” to STAND for what’s right and honorable. 

I’ve stopped contributing to the “hate” on social media by not participating in all the “hate” that dominates the platform.  I realize that my vote and my money speak volumes in determining the course we’re on.

Not my non-stop political posts on Facebook. 

Spend your money with companies that support your interests, and vote for the candidates that represent your values.  Everything else is just “noise.”

So for the first time in over 40 years, I WON’T be having my annual Super Bowl party.

I just don’t care about it anymore and won’t support it.

#pleasestand

Hank Bonecutter
Hank Bonecutterhttp://www.clarksvillesmotorcycle.com/
Hank Bonecutter is a retired broadcaster and media consultant based in Clarksville, Tennessee. His career includes stints at WKDA/WKDF and WKQB Rock 106FM, WLAC-AM in Nashville. He concluded his career as owner/talk show host at WJZM-AM in Clarksville. Currently the President of Bonehead Promotions, he's an advertising consultant and media strategist. An avid motorcyclist, Hank blogs about his travels exclusively at www.clarksvillemotorcycle.com and www.clarksvilleonline.com You can follow Hank on on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dodgintheroadkill/, on Twitter at https://twitter.com/?lang=en, and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dodgetheroadkill/?hl=en  
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