Miami Dolphins won’t take the field for National Anthem

The Dolphins will not take the field for the anthem this Sunday

NFL players have had time to see what MLB, NHL, and NBA players have done to speak out about social injustice this summer. While those movements came together suddenly, thanks to the Milwaukee Bucks, NFL teams have had time to plan their moves for the season.

The Miami Dolphins are one team that wants to send a message in Week 1. The team released a video declaring they will stay in their locker room for the playing of the national anthem.

Dolphins call out hypocrisy of empty gestures

This is quite the strong message from the Dolphins and one appropriate for the times. The players involved declare how the billionaire owners need to take charge as well and not just put out empty gestures such as pledges to donate that don’t come to fruition.

The Dolphins have now set the tone for the rest of the NFL. Players have already come out and said they will kneel. Perhaps staying in the locker room will send a stronger message.

The hope here is that these actions cause owners and those within the NFL to see that this is about more than just words. It is about using money and political resources to force positive change in the country. The owners can’t just hope the players forgot about problems in society that continue to resurface on a daily basis.

Kudos to these players for taking a stand on an issue that is going to draw the usual backlash from those who are just missing the message and what it stands for. Using the platform of being an NFL player to stand up for those without such a voice is noble and puts the Dolphins on the right side of history.

Miami opens up the season on the road to take on the New England Patriots. But the day will be about more than just the game on the field.