EVERETT — For pro football fans, one storyline of Sunday games will not be whether their favorite team wins or loses but what the players did during the national anthem.
A week ago, players on every team demonstrated in some fashion such as taking a knee or locking arms or, in the case of the Seattle Seahawks, staying in the locker room until it ended.
A handful of players started taking a knee after Colin Kaepernick first did in 2016 in protest of the treatment of African-Americans. What happened last week in every stadium was motivated in great part by President Donald Trump’s public rebuke of those few athletes who had been taking a knee.
The president isn’t the only person upset by the athletes not standing during the anthem.
Arlington’s John Koster is a huge football fan and decided to protest the players’ actions in a different way.
The former state representative and current head of a small state agency called advertisers of the NFL games to tell them he was no longer one of their customers until the situation changed.
“I let them know as they continue to advertise during NFL games and as long as the NFL players dishonor those who sacrificed to preserve the freedoms we all enjoy…. I will not patronize their businesses,” he posted on his Facebook page.
In an interview, Koster, who now heads the state’s County Road Administration Board, said “this is my own personal thing. I am upset like a lot of people. When I watch sports, it’s got to be about sports.”
What occurred certainly stirred reactions. Hundreds of readers shared their thoughts and their plans for Sunday in comments on the Herald’s Facebook page this week.
“Military family here,” began Joanne Pomeroy Schultz. “Boycotting NFL and their sponsors. My loyalty is with God, my country and the men and women who serve/served and protect all of that!”
Others with links to the military had a different approach.
“My family, and friends, put on a uniform, took an oath, grabbed a rifle, got injured, some died, not for a flag, not for an anthem, but to support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America!” wrote Elizabeth J. Bunn. “Keeping my tickets, keeping my jerseys, supporting my team. GO HAWKS!”
Several Seahawks fans said they’re not rooting for them right now.
“I took down my 12 flag, scraped off my Seahawks bumper sticker, and took off 2 Seahawks window clings, and put away my Seahawks jersey,” wrote Ty Austin Welch. “I am done with the NFL.”
Paul Cote is, too.
“I’m boycotting the NFL, not watching, listening or purchasing any gear, packing up all my Seahawks stuff, removed stickers from my truck! Until they can find a better way to get their voices heard, I’m out.”
There are plenty of fans insistent they are still loyal.
“I will be watching my Seahawks every game,” wrote Leslie Aliverti Jones. “They have every right to protest. If people would actually be quiet and listen to WHY and WHAT they’re protesting, maybe things will start to change.”
Gail Beaird Goetz also supported the players.
“To say someone MUST stand and salute a flag or sing an anthem is tyranny, not patriotism,” she wrote.
“We have to address this and they are doing it in a way that would make Gandhi, the Dalai Lama and Dr. King proud,” she wrote. “Passive resistance and non-violent protest is the best way to get your point across. Look how much discussion it has provoked!”
Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623; jcornfield@herald net.com. Twitter: @dospueblos.
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