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The NFL season begins in 13 days. A question has arisen as to whether some players will refuse to play.
Jim Trotter of NFL Media reports that “[a] few prominent black players tell me they want to sit a game to make their feelings felt and force change / action. ”
Trotter adds that the players are “tired, frustrated and emotional.” And although there are only a few players now, that may change.
Another video showing excessive police violence against a minority could easily change things. The NFL’s response to the Jacob Blake situation could change things. For individual teams, an impression that ownership is not doing enough can change things.
There could be significant potential consequences for what would mean a strike with wildcats, whether launched by a handful of players or entire teams. The players, at the moment, do not seem to indicate anything. Also, it would be unseemly for the NFL as their teams to take legal action against players who decide not to play to bring more attention to major societal issues.
The better approach could presumably be to play, use the platform to send clear messages before, after and during games that both raise awareness and call for specific change. At some point, however, players will understandably be driven by the perception / reality that no one seems to be listening to.
We all need to listen. And we must all ignore the voices that want to prevent the current situation. Whether it’s fans who do not know the issues or do not understand them as media who want to use an angry minority of white Americans in clicks and views and ultimately wealth and fame (if at least notoriety), those who see the difference between good and misunderstandings should be resolutely upheld, and they should bear the merciless reproach of those who oppose true equality as a sign of honor.
