# Were you surprised by the backlash from Kaepernick, other athletes kneeling vs. the public **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [October 22, 2019, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146 "2019-10-22T17:20:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 8
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2019, 12:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/141 "2019-10-25T12:03:30Z")
> [@TruCelt](#): > > I was, and remain, stunned by it. I’m not surprised that there are bigots among the owners, or that there were a vocal minority of them amongst the fans. But I fully expected that a large majority of the fans would rise up in a) protest against the racial bigotry inherent to the objections, and/or b) support of his right to Free Speech. Most Americans who style themselves patriots are (IME) of the “I don’t agree with what you say but will fight to the death for your right to say it” variety. > > The whole thing is appalling to me, and was a real eye-opener as to just how much trouble we are in as a country. I was mostly ignoring football when this was going on, due to the Steelers signing the dog killer. When I happened to be at a bar when a game was on, I knelt for the National Anthem, though. A few friends joined me, some jokingly but a few seriously. A very vocal minority booed us. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2019, 12:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/142 "2019-10-25T12:06:36Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > I was mostly ignoring football when this was going on, due to the Steelers signing the dog killer. When I happened to be at a bar when a game was on, I knelt for the National Anthem, though. A few friends joined me, some jokingly but a few seriously. A very vocal minority booed us. That’s the part I genuinely don’t get: why didn’t they kneel to you? ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2019, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/143 "2019-10-25T12:33:11Z")
> [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](#): > > That’s the part I genuinely don’t get: why didn’t they kneel to you? If I’d bought a round for the house, they might’ve. ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2019, 12:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/144 "2019-10-25T12:36:04Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > I was mostly ignoring football when this was going on, due to the Steelers signing the dog killer. When I happened to be at a bar when a game was on, I knelt for the National Anthem, though. A few friends joined me, some jokingly but a few seriously. A very vocal minority booed us. Was everyone else in the bar standing up during the Anthem? ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2019, 12:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/145 "2019-10-25T12:50:03Z")
I applaud your courage. Kneeling on a barroom floor is not an act to undertake lightly. You might end up sticking to it. ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2019, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/146 "2019-10-25T12:52:37Z")
I went to a Catholic mass recently, and saw people kneeling. I told them to love God or GTFO. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2019, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/147 "2019-10-25T13:30:26Z")
> [@Slash1972](#): > > Was everyone else in the bar standing up during the Anthem? Ever been in a bar? No, everyone was sitting. Come to think of it, even at someone’s home, a bunch of guys drinking and watching a game, everyone sits. ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2019, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/148 "2019-10-25T13:35:25Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Ever been in a bar? No, everyone was sitting. Come to think of it, even at someone’s home, a bunch of guys drinking and watching a game, everyone sits. Exactly. And then they complain about someone kneeling. They are morons. My dad actually stands up at home when it comes on before a sports game. ---
**Author:** ![Sherrerd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sherrerd/32/8_2.png) [@Sherrerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sherrerd)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2019, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/149 "2019-10-26T00:42:27Z")
> [@BigT](#): > > There’s no reason for this thread to have even been in the Pit, unless the point was to allow people to feel free enough in their outrage to start arguments. Excellent point. I can practically see the report: ‘_Choice to post in what is called BBQ was genius! Americans now at each others’ throats! Cruel words fly! Forgotten is all but hatred of others of skin color not their own! Disagreements now so bitter they will never remember to register to vote! Mission accomplished!_’ ---
**Author:** ![SteveG1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bb73d2/32.png) [@SteveG1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SteveG1)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2019, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/150 "2019-10-26T21:37:11Z")
> [@Yankees\_1996\_Champs](#): > > Ever since 2016, in the midst of the still controversial Trump vs. Clinton presidential race, when NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick sat down and later down the season kneeled during the American national anthem in his protest against racial injustices towards blacks and policing issues, America has been in a 2010s cultural war over race and culture. > > Most White head coaches and sports executives are opposed and have voiced anger at Kaepernick and that cause. > > Three years later, are you surprised by the backlash? > > [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8o2I-CaJ9s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8o2I-CaJ9s) > > [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDjUvXKU8ks&t=71s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDjUvXKU8ks&t=71s) Short (and late) answer… No I was NOT surprised. This country has come to a point where anyone who does not toe the line is seen as a traitor and a Commie. It doesn’t matter if they served in the military or government civil service, or is a cop, or is a Senator/Congressman, or what. If you don’t follow the far right party line, you are shit now. ---
**Author:** ![Yankees\_1996\_Champs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/5f8ce5/32.png) [@Yankees\_1996\_Champs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yankees_1996_Champs)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2020, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/151 "2020-05-29T14:07:29Z")
Tortorella and Coughlin are hardliners. They are viscerally patriotic. The Minneapolis protests will not change that. Any NFL player who kneels in the future will face the Coughlin treatment. ---
**Author:** ![Snarky\_Kong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a183cd/32.png) [@Snarky\_Kong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snarky_Kong)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2020, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/152 "2020-05-29T14:27:04Z")
> [@Yankees\_1996\_Champs](#): > > Tortorella and Coughlin are hardliners. They are viscerally patriotic. The Minneapolis protests will not change that. Any NFL player who kneels in the future will face the Coughlin treatment. There’s nothing patriotic about vilifying anyone who kneels during the anthem. ---
**Author:** ![Emiliana](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f0a364/32.png) [@Emiliana](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Emiliana)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2020, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/153 "2020-05-29T14:57:24Z")
> [@Snarky\_Kong](#): > > There’s nothing patriotic about vilifying anyone who kneels during the anthem. He’s just trolling. Why else revive this thread today of all days? ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2020, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/154 "2020-05-29T15:07:33Z")
You mean Comrade “Asks some odd (not wrong, just odd) questions about New York and the Yankees for a professed Yankees fan and presumed American”? ---
**Author:** ![Bijou\_Drains](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bijou_drains/32/2814_2.png) [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2020, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/155 "2020-05-29T15:22:44Z")
Probably was already said, but NFL fans are very likely to be Trump fans so that explains the reaction. ---
**Author:** ![Folacin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folacin/32/3195_2.png) [@Folacin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folacin)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2020, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/156 "2020-05-29T15:30:05Z")
> [@Bijou\_Drains](#): > > Probably was already said, but NFL fans are very likely to be Trump fans so that explains the reaction. I would say 60% or more of the NFL fans I know hate Trump. Of course, I mostly hang with people of that persuasion (anti-Trump, I don’t require people to like football before I befriend them). I think the statement is possibly true of NASCAR fans, but the NFL is popular with a wide range of Americans. ---
**Author:** ![Emiliana](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f0a364/32.png) [@Emiliana](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Emiliana)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2020, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/157 "2020-05-29T15:32:24Z")
It’s the NFL _owners_ that are Trump supporters. ---
**Author:** ![tricoteuse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tricoteuse/32/4334_2.png) [@tricoteuse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tricoteuse)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2020, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/158 "2020-05-29T15:52:53Z")
I apologize if this is way off topic but I was wondering about something. Back when the football players started kneelling during the national anthem Trump was all over the news yelling about how they were disrespecting veterans and America and “fire the son of a bitch.” It feels like that was a million years ago already. I I’m right in the middle of Eagles, Ravens, and Redskins territories. The local news was full of guys talking about how they’ve been lifelong fans but will never ever never ever ever ever watch another NFL game. Some were even burning their football gear including some guys who were collecting stuff for most of their lives although I don’t know how destroying something you already paid for is supposed to hurt the NFL. Anyway I wonder how many of those Trump ass kissers are still not watching football? The crowds at the stadiums didn’t look any smaller and bars and restaurants were just as crowded on game nights. ---
**Author:** ![Emiliana](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f0a364/32.png) [@Emiliana](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Emiliana)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2020, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/159 "2020-05-29T16:09:16Z")
> [@tricoteuse](#): > > I apologize if this is way off topic but I was wondering about something. > > Back when the football players started kneelling during the national anthem Trump was all over the news yelling about how they were disrespecting veterans and America and “fire the son of a bitch.” It feels like that was a million years ago already. > > I I’m right in the middle of Eagles, Ravens, and Redskins territories. The local news was full of guys talking about how they’ve been lifelong fans but will never ever never ever ever ever watch another NFL game. Some were even burning their football gear including some guys who were collecting stuff for most of their lives although I don’t know how destroying something you already paid for is supposed to hurt the NFL. > > Anyway I wonder how many of those Trump ass kissers are still not watching football? The crowds at the stadiums didn’t look any smaller and bars and restaurants were just as crowded on game nights. Hell, they’re probably out there protesting about the suspension of sports events. ---
**Author:** ![Yankees\_1996\_Champs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/5f8ce5/32.png) [@Yankees\_1996\_Champs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yankees_1996_Champs)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2020, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/160 "2020-05-29T16:48:26Z")
> [@Emiliana](#): > > He’s just trolling. Why else revive this thread today of all days? I’m not trolling. This thread is revived because of what is going on. A lot of coaches are going to be adamant about not allowing players to kneel. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146.md?page=7) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146.md?page=9)