# 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:** 9
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2020, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/161 "2020-05-29T16:51:39Z")
> [@Yankees\_1996\_Champs](#): > > 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. I think the public has moved on from this topic. Some players kneel, some don’t. We respect each for their choices. Love conquers hate. #notthistimevladimir. ---
**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:** [May 29, 2020, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/162 "2020-05-29T16:56:00Z")
> [@Yankees\_1996\_Champs](#): > > 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. There is a country-wide backlash against kneeling players right now? That’s weird, I’m not seeing it in the media. They seem focused on the actual death of a black man at the hands of the police. You may have heard of it in passing. ---
**Author:** ![Red\_Wiggler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/red_wiggler/32/13190_2.png) [@Red\_Wiggler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red_Wiggler)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2020, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/163 "2020-05-29T17:00:48Z")
> [@Yankees\_1996\_Champs](#): > > 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. Answering protests against authoritarianism with more authoritarianism is an interesting strategy. Supporting it is just stupid and mean. ---
**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, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/164 "2020-05-29T17:01:09Z")
Yeah…so many public sports going on right now. I’m sure NFL coaches are so much more worked up over their players potentially kneeling vs, you know, actually being able to play this year at all and whether they can do it safely. I’m so totally sure coaches are looking around and thinking players kneeling is a high priority at the moment. 'Cause that’s where their minds go - some dirty cops killed a man in broad daylight so maybe I should wonder about my players protesting. Yup. Not trolling with that one at all. Try harder next time, tovarisch. ---
**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, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/165 "2020-05-29T17:01:12Z")
> [@Yankees\_1996\_Champs](#): > > 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. Of course you’re trolling. If you were this stupid, you wouldn’t be able to string a sentence together. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2020, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/166 "2020-05-29T17:24:52Z")
> [@Bijou\_Drains](#): > > Probably was already said, but NFL fans are very likely to be Trump fans so that explains the reaction. That is a strange one, want to back that up at all? I call bullshit on it. Even Hockey, which is very much the demographic that supports Trump is iffy for that statement. > [@Yankees\_1996\_Champs](#): > > 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. Of course you’re trolling, it is what you do. You’re not bad at it as you’re still here. Congrats. ---
**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, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/167 "2020-05-29T17:26:54Z")
> [@Emiliana](#): > > Hell, they’re probably out there protesting about the suspension of sports events. How can you boycott something that isn’t happening? ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2020, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/168 "2020-05-29T17:39:38Z")
> [@Yankees\_1996\_Champs](#): > > 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. What the fuck does what is going on have to do with Coughlin and Tortarella? Are they Minneapolis cops? ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2020, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/169 "2020-05-29T18:29:10Z")
> [@Yankees\_1996\_Champs](#): > > 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. I bet you’re pining for the days when all people did to protest police brutality was kneel peacefully. After this, coaches adamant about not allowing players to kneel will be lucky to find a job coaching high school. ---
**Author:** ![Inigo\_Montoya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inigo_montoya/32/124_2.png) [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2020, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/170 "2020-05-29T18:43:08Z")
> [@Yankees\_1996\_Champs](#): > > Tortorella and Coughlin are hardliners. They are viscerally patriotic. That’s all I needed to hear. I pronounce you “moron”. ---
**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, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/171 "2020-05-29T18:48:16Z")
> [@Folacin](#): > > How can you boycott something that isn’t happening? Didn’t say anything about a boycott. I’m referring to all the idiots out there protesting pandemic restrictions. ---
**Author:** ![BlankSlate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blankslate/32/80_2.png) [@BlankSlate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlankSlate)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2020, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/172 "2020-05-29T19:02:03Z")
JAQ Off troll. Probably a secret Red Sox fan too. ---
**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, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/173 "2020-05-29T20:44:57Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > What the fuck does what is going on have to do with Coughlin and Tortarella? Are they Minneapolis cops? Because those two coaches were the most prominent in their disgust with Kaepernick. They are still involved in NFL and the NHL and a lot of white coaches like them don’t understand Kaepernick’s stance and don’t care to and will suspend or cut/waive/trade players who do not stand for the U.S. national anthem. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2020, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/174 "2020-05-29T20:58:31Z")
> [@Yankees\_1996\_Champs](#): > > 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. My God, but you’re a dumb motherfucker. You have 250 posts on this message board, and by my count 50 of them are thread-starting OPs, and another 151 are posts in your own stupid fucking threads. You’re clearly obsessed with sports, but even when you post about sports you have no fucking idea what you’re talking about, and when you venture into other topics you display a level of dumbfuckery that is truly a marvel to behold. You’re either a master troll, or as dumb as a bag of hammers. Either way, fuck right off. ---
**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, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/175 "2020-05-29T21:03:01Z")
> [@mhendo](#): > > My God, but you’re a dumb motherfucker. > > You have 250 posts on this message board, and by my count 50 of them are thread-starting OPs, and another 151 are posts in your own stupid fucking threads. > > You’re clearly obsessed with sports, but even when you post about sports you have no fucking idea what you’re talking about, and when you venture into other topics you display a level of dumbfuckery that is truly a marvel to behold. You’re either a master troll, or as dumb as a bag of hammers. > > Either way, fuck right off. What I am saying is that I want to know if those coaches who still oppose Kaepernick really don’t understand, or do they really just don’t care at all about the situation. I am not a troll. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2020, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/176 "2020-05-29T21:09:13Z")
> [@Yankees\_1996\_Champs](#): > > What I am saying is that I want to know if those coaches who still oppose Kaepernick really don’t understand, or do they really just don’t care at all about the situation. > > I am not a troll. As I said, I’m willing to entertain the possibility that you’re not a troll. You might just be the dumbest fuck ever to draw breath. ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2020, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/177 "2020-05-29T21:14:17Z")
> [@Yankees\_1996\_Champs](#): > > 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. A lot of owners are wondering if there’s even going to be a 2020 season. I agree that it’s reactionary and silly to revive this thread right now. ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2020, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/178 "2020-05-29T21:38:35Z")
> [@Yankees\_1996\_Champs](#): > > Because those two coaches were the most prominent in their disgust with Kaepernick. Ah, thank you for pointing out the most racist coaches in the NFL. > [@](#): > > They are still involved in NFL and the NHL and a lot of white coaches like them don’t understand Kaepernick’s stance and don’t care to and will suspend or cut/waive/trade players who do not stand for the U.S. national anthem. You are correct that even though those two are the most racist, there are a number of other racist coaches out there as well. And to think, if people had listened to Kaepernick’s message, rather than vilifying him, Minneapolis may not be on fire right now. ---
**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, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/179 "2020-05-29T22:07:53Z")
Some sports fan. Coughlin was fired by the Jags almost 6 months ago. He’s not “involved” in the league except as an ex-coach and failed executive. I guess you could make a stretch and say he ‘mentors’ younger coaches. I’d wager not half the regular watchers of the NFL could tell you who he was anyway. And I had to look up who Tom Torotello was. I don’t watch hockey, and he’s not exactly a household name. Jeez. It’s not like there’s a lot of sports on right now. Maybe update that section of your “Act like Regular American Joe” notes. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2020, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146/180 "2020-05-29T22:07:59Z")
> [@k9bfriender](#): > > Ah, thank you for pointing out the most racist coaches in the NFL. Tortorella is a NHL coach for the Columbus Blue Jackets. I have no idea why he’s even mentioned in this thread as the percentage of black NHL players is extremely small and as far as I know there haven’t been any player protests. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146.md?page=8) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-from-kaepernick-other-athletes-kneeling-vs-the-public/842146.md?page=10)