There are a lot of opinions out there about the legitimacy, or lack thereof, of the NFL’s latest announcement.
Earlier this week, the football league released a statement announcing that teams could be fined if their players kneeled during the anthem. This action was taken, it seems, to curb would-be protesters like Colin Kaepernick, who refused to stand for the anthem to bring attention to issues of systemic racism.
Hillsong NYC pastor Carl Lentz, who regularly uses his platform to address racism, chimed in via Twitter calling the statement “tone deaf” and unnecessary.
The NFL has 2b. in the running for the most tone-def, “unaware” organization in business. These guys are STILL talking about players “protesting the anthem.” Still! Even though THEY ARE PROTESTING RACIAL INEQUALITY/WANT JUSTICE REFORM. At least get that right, while being wrong.
— carl lentz (@carllentzNYC) May 24, 2018
The NFL doesn’t want players kneeling during the anthem to protest police brutality and racial inequality in the justice system because MOST of its huge white fan base, absolutely hates it. That’s all this is. They are doing what business tend to do. Cater to the money.
— carl lentz (@carllentzNYC) May 24, 2018
Why it’s so infuriating to many, is that they keep trying to pretend this is about “patriotism.” If they would just say “hey guys. Stand, or we will fire you because you are upsetting some of our fans”, at least it can just be what it is. But that would create too many problems.
— carl lentz (@carllentzNYC) May 24, 2018
Keep in mind, a video was released today, same day as NFL’s policy, that is appalling. Unjust. Awful. About the EXACT THING, players wanted people to SEE AND HEAR and CARE ABOUT. The nfl? Let’s make a stand “for our anthem.” “Let’s protect our NATIONAL SONG.” Right. Got it.
— carl lentz (@carllentzNYC) May 24, 2018
So I believe most people, get this. Some do not and will not. That’s life. But for those who do or are trying to understand, good for you. Our country gets better each time somebody thinks with compassion and empathy first, opinion second.
— carl lentz (@carllentzNYC) May 24, 2018
4 those that keep bringing up that the NFL, like any workplace, can do what it wants etc, your right. It can. Employers also have the right to support employees as well. that fact doesn’t shift the argument. To fire somebody for this, is also w/in their rights. Not the point.
— carl lentz (@carllentzNYC) May 24, 2018
There was a healthy discussion in response to his tweets, where people of various perspectives chimed in. It ended on a conciliatory note.
I have some friends who think differently on this. That’s ok. But I think even in disagreement, we can all learn from listening more. Disagreement does not have to always lead to disparagement and disrespect. Discussion is not our enemy. Have a great day, my friends..
— carl lentz (@carllentzNYC) May 24, 2018
