In the wake of the Colin Kaepernick/National Anthem shit storm that’s engulfed the NFL, Lions head coach Jim Caldwell has put himself in Chip Kelly‘s shoes as to what he’ll do if one of his players decides to follow suit with the 49ers QB.
And Caldwell’s verdict?
According to Kyle Meinke of Mlive.com, Caldwell will take a similar stance to the NFL which is encourage but not force players to stand for the National Anthem.
“The fact of the matter is what we won’t do is we won’t mandate an action for (a player who chooses to sit out the anthem),” the coach said before practice Monday. “We won’t tell him to stand up, or tell him to sit down, or whatever that might be. Because he hasn’t done anything that’s against the law.”
Well if that doesn’t chap the ass of every ‘freedom’ loving, Murican’ whose willing to wipe their ass with the first amendment so long as ‘they don’t take mah’ guns away’!
In all seriousness though Caldwell’s stance – as well as the NFL’s – is probably the most American action they can take when it comes to Colin Kaepernick. Not that I agree with the generalized stance Kaepernick took when he decided not to stand for the National Anthem, I do support his right to do it. Not to mention Kaepernick’s opinions aren’t something fans of the NFL has to accept or agree with, they certainly have to deal with it. Or you can exercise your right to turn off the TV.
If you’re not defending the speech of those you disagree with, then there’s not need to defend free speech as a whole. It’s that simple.
And of course Jim Caldwell and the Lions don’t hate America (or Murica). To be cynical, they just hate football success until further notice. So I’m sorry I wasted your time surfing the internet.