The NFL is Hypocritical When it Comes to Advocacy and Patriotism

Aug 25, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Members of the United States air force are trying to fold the american flag before a game between the Atlanta Falcons the Miami Dolphins at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

In recent seasons, the NFL has found itself in much more precarious situations in terms of advocacy and patriotism than it does now as it watches agape as the waterfall reactions of fans, media and players from San Fran backup quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s recent inaction continue to trickle out.

And it will be interesting to see how the league responds, if at all, should the Seattle Seahawks follow through on their rumored anthem snub on the fifteenth anniversary of 9/11 in front of servicemen and women on opening weekend.

The NFL has (controversially) made millions promoting the military and the heroes who comprise it. And maybe that’s why Kaepernick and company’s actions are met with not so much as a hand slap. I’m not saying the protesting players’ actions are right or wrong or merit league punishment, but it’s interesting that an organization so intent on control and uniformity has seemingly lost control, and individuals are driving messages independent of the shield and its member teams.

Right now, all sides in #KneelGate have drawn a line in the sand and neither seems willing to budge and acknowledge the other’s perspective in a meaningful way. But this isn’t about them. This is about the league itself. Why has the league stayed on the sidelines for this and not other far less polarizing actions?

You already know the answer. But look at it this way…

When Rams players came out with their hands up in support of Michael Brown, enraging law enforcement locally and nationally, a league spokesman actually said in a statement, “We respect and understand the concerns of all individuals who have expressed views on this tragic situation.”

Unlike uniforms and pregame ceremonies, there is no money to be made or lost by the league with what the Rams players did. There were no sponsor conflicts. No broadcast rights issues. No sellable real-estate. Just like kneeling on the sideline. You can support your cause symbolically, just not physically.  Don’t literally wear it on your sleeve.

Just this week, Tennessee Titan Avery Williamson was threatened with a fine for his wanting to wear patriotic cleats that would be auctioned off for the benefit of a father-son organization whose mission is “to inspire Military heroes & #GoldStar families” – ON 9/11.

One would think that after its criticism for pay-to-play patriotism, the league would make certain exceptions on certain days for certain causes.

Hell. Maybe they already are. In the Commissioner’s backyard, Victor Cruz and Odell Beckham are being permitted to basically do the very same thing.

Perhaps there’s a double standard when it comes to New York and Nashville.

Look. I GET that you can’t just let players run amok and do and wear whatever they want. I know there are standards to uphold. But when you fine DeAngelo Williams for supporting breast cancer awareness (when you make a big month-long show only to not give a penny of profits to research) and William Gay for supporting domestic violence awareness (in the wake of the mishandling of Ray Rice evidence and suspension), at some point common sense needs to take hold.

You can’t puff your chest and lay down the law when the Cowboys want to honor murdered law enforcement officials after a national tragedy in their community with a small sticker, but not go on the record with something much more incendiary like Kaepernick’s pig socks.

God forbid Tom Brady doesn’t sport an NFL decal on his helmet.

Protect the brand at all costs. And get dat money.