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The latest wave of controversy to sweep the nation is one that has been bubbling away for months before it finally began boiling over, with the start of the 2017-18 NFL season. During the 2016 pre-season, San Francisco 49er’s quarterback Colin Kaepernick sat down during the national anthem – played before NFL games across the league – in protest of police violence toward black communities.
Eventually, Kaepernick began kneeling – in deference to military service members and veterans. At the end of the year, he opted out of his contract with the 49ers, electing to enter free agency instead. And while he has been unable to find a position with another NFL team since the end of the 2016-17 season, his protest has gained a groundswell of support from other players and athletes to start this football season.
Among the athletes showing their support is current UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley:
And he’s joined by fighters like Leslie Smith and Corey Anderson.
Rights are like muscles, if they don't get used they go away. I support everyone who decided to #TakeAKnee
— Leslie Smith (@LeslieSmith_GF) September 25, 2017
This President is out his rabbit a** mind. #TakeAKnee
— Will Brooks (@ILLxWillBrooks) September 24, 2017
If you don't stand for something you'll fall for anything... #TakeTheKnee #usingmysoapbox pic.twitter.com/SxbHCrOAX4
— Corey Anderson UFC (@CoreyA_MMA) September 25, 2017
Look it up:
— Justin Willis (@BigPrettyMMA) September 26, 2017
US flag code chapter 10.
P.S upon understanding the hypocrisy and foolishness let's get to the root ☝️
Of course, the whole thing has brought out its fair share of dissenters as well.
Im a libertarian, that said I find the majorityof the government needs a purge. I feel this way because my love of country #StandForTheFlag pic.twitter.com/Xvh3NrkBhg
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) September 25, 2017
We should all stand together for the anthem and soldiers, @realDonaldTrump I hope you make new policies for police officers training
— Platinum Mike Perry (@PlatinumPerry) September 25, 2017
To benefit both the officers safety as being more trained and experienced and the civilian who who must be losing it fighting the police
— Platinum Mike Perry (@PlatinumPerry) September 25, 2017
Honestly police officers have bad days too and sometimes go out and take it out on the wrong people, then they catch murderers #Torn
— Platinum Mike Perry (@PlatinumPerry) September 25, 2017
What do the @steelers fans think about the whole team not coming out for the national anthem? I think it's absolutely disrespectful!
— The Prototype (@AdamMilstead) September 24, 2017
Not that everyone is taking it all that seriously...
— Chase Sherman (@ChaseShermanUFC) September 25, 2017
#KnowWhatYoureKneelingFor pic.twitter.com/zyReyIkjht
— Jordan Johnson (@doublejmma) September 26, 2017
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