From my perspective, which often emphasizes traditional values of patriotism and respect for national symbols, the act of kneeling during the national anthem is seen as a form of disrespect. This viewpoint argues that the national anthem and the American flag are symbols of the freedoms and liberties that the United States offers, including the right to protest.
However, it is believed that there are more appropriate ways to address grievances and injustices without disparaging these symbols that many Americans hold dear.
The controversy surrounding kneeling during the anthem highlights a broader debate over what it means to be an American and how we express our patriotism.
Standing for the national anthem is viewed by many as a moment of unity and respect for those who have served and sacrificed for the country. It is a gesture that transcends political and racial divisions, serving as a reminder of the values and principles that the nation strives to embody. This act of standing is not just about the individual but about showing solidarity with fellow citizens and acknowledging the collective struggles and achievements of the nation.
Incorporating the specific instance involving John Krupinsky, an assistant coach for the Hat Tricks in Danbury, Connecticut, into the narrative highlights a concrete example of the sentiments echoed in the broader debate on respect for the national anthem in sports.
Krupinsky’s comments, captured in a video posted to Facebook on June 30, provide a vivid illustration of the intensity and passion surrounding this issue. His directive to his players was clear: respect for the national anthems of both the United States and Canada is non-negotiable, and failure to comply would result in immediate removal from the team.
His words, spoken with the authority of someone who also serves in the Danbury Police Department, underline a belief in the importance of preserving certain traditions and values within the sport of hockey. The ultimatum he presents to his players—to leave if they cannot respect the anthem—echoes the sentiments of those who view such moments as sacrosanct, an opportunity to express national pride and unity.
This stance reinforces the argument that sports arenas should be spaces where individuals can rally around shared national symbols, setting aside differences to celebrate common values and achievements. Krupinsky’s message, “We don’t have that problem in hockey,” suggests a perception of hockey as a sport that transcends the controversies seen in other leagues, maintaining a culture of respect for national symbols. His blunt language, indicating that any form of disrespect would not be tolerated, exemplifies the strong feelings many hold about the sanctity of the national anthem in sports.
The stance taken by Bob Melvin and the San Francisco Giants, as reported, is a clear departure from the approach of his predecessor, Gabe Kapler, who chose not to stand for the national anthem in the wake of the Uvalde, Texas, school shootings. Melvin’s directive for his team to stand for the anthem before games is framed not as a political statement but as a sign of readiness and respect. This approach underscores the belief that sports teams should focus on the game and demonstrate unity and respect for the nation and its symbols.
Melvin’s decision is met with support from players who see the value in standing together as a team during the anthem. This collective action is seen not only as a sign of respect for the country but also as a way to foster team spirit and camaraderie. The emphasis is on being present, supportive, and focused, highlighting the role of sports in promoting discipline, teamwork, and respect for one another.
“Once the anthem starts, we’re locked in on the game as a unit. There’s an inherent respect level, and not only to the older guys, but to your entire team. You’re there to be supportive. The other big part, and this might be the biggest, is you’re staying and watching the game and learning from the game. I think that’s important.” – Manager Bob Melvin
The debate over kneeling during the national anthem in sports is emblematic of broader societal tensions regarding patriotism, free speech, and social justice. The recent actions by the San Francisco Giants under Bob Melvin’s leadership serve as a reminder of the traditional values of standing in respect for the national anthem. It is argued that while there is a time and place for political activism and addressing injustices, doing so during the national anthem in sports events is not appropriate.
Sports, in this view, should remain a space for unity, entertainment, and a celebration of the achievements and freedoms that define the American experience.
“The Don’t Unfriend Me Show” explores a broad range of political themes, from satire to serious topics, with Matt Speer, a Navy Intel veteran, husband, and father, leading the show. Matt shares his views to stimulate constructive discussions. The show aims to provide a balanced perspective on complex issues, welcoming participants of all political affiliations to share their unique viewpoints.
The disrespect of kneeling during that national anthem, I not only distasteful, But also showed the hypocrisy of the NFL. While Colon Kaepernick was allowed to his time on the field to protest, Tim Tebow was denied to use his time on the field to pray. In my mind this had nothing to do with free speech. If it was about free speech, Then Tebow’s praying would not have been an issue. This was as they say, ” A Game Changer ” for me. I stopped watching NFL games along with other professional sports that allowed the same practices. Remember, God was removed from public schools, Before public schools introduced pornographic books for children to have access to.
There is NO reason to kneel during our National Anthem. Too many men and women have died defending our
flag.
If you want to kneel so bad, kneel to something other than our national anthem. You dumb Bastards don’t deserve the right to desecrate our flag!
WHAT MIGHT SEEM LIKE A GOOD THING TO CHRISTIANS AND PATRIOTS, may not be so good afterall.
Standing for the national anthem is tantamount to standing for the Stars and Stripes, but standing for the Stars and Stripes is not tantamount to standing for America. The Stars and Stripes doesn’t represent America. It represents the United States of America, which has been responsible for all but destroying America.
That’s right – America and the United States of America are NOT the same thing! Not even close.
In fact, early 1600’s Puritan America whose governments of, by, and for God were established upon the Bible’s immutable/unchanging moral law was sacrificed on the altar of the late 1700s Enlightenment United States of America whose humanistic government of, by, and for the people was established upon capricious man-made traditions (aka the biblically seditious Constitution).
The latter is also known as the Grand Experiment in Self Government. Self-government!?! Gee, what could go wrong? Everything, just open your eyes and look around you. Everything gone wrong in America nationally is the consequence of this monumental case of biblical sedition committed by the 1787 cadre of Enlightenment and Masonic theistic rationalists.
Thus, ours is not to save the United States of America but, Lord willing, to restore America.
For more regarding these two polar opposite forms of government, see Chapter 3 “The Preamble: We the People vs. Yahweh” of free online book “Bible Law vs. the United States Constitution: The Christian Perspective” at bible versus constitution dot org. Click on the top entry on our Online Book page and scroll down to Chapter 3.
Find out how much you really know about the Constitution as compared to the Bible. Take our 10-question Constitution Survey in the sidebar and receive a free copy of the 85-page “Primer” of “BL vs. USC.”
I have never heard such a foolish and stupid explanation of the Stars & Stripes/constitution/impression of what America stands for or does it stand for you are the consummate idiot.
Thanks Karen… would you like to speak to my manager?
These athletes are in fact employees of a business. A business certainly has a right to demand that their employees dress and act in certain manners when involved in interacting with customers. The athletes that want to kneel are not only showing disrespect to the country, our national anthem and to the patrons who have paid to be entertained. Their personal political beliefs have NO place in this arena.
One remembers back to Rush Limbaugh’s first comments about “touchy-feely” school agenda’s unfolding in the early 1980’s. This led to School’s employing trained (and un-trained) school pyschologists dispensing authorized doses of a potent drug called Ritalin. This was the begining of “Marxist-Nazi” based “behaviour modification” now visible in all venues of America Life. From Congressional candidates to professional leagues to trained administrators in all walks of American Life, have been under this scourge for DECADES. And it was the Upstart Rush Limbaugh and Roger Ailes who began this “sounding-the-alarm” as to where America was going “down-this-endless-rabbit-hole.” Lo and behold, how prescient a “Cry-in-the-wilderness” was this alarm sounding back in the ’80’s…just after the “Hippie Commune” movement from the Woodstock “Love-In” generation of the 1960’s…this didn’t start with Mr. Football, nor Mr. Chief Business Executive…it started with Karl Marx’s nihilism and “anti–Jewish” (see, Marx was a JEW had two Jewish Grandfathers, too)drivel. Amen. Read A Bible. KJV. Psalm 128. 10 Commandments everywhere. God Bless.
You become millionaires, from the hard-earned dollars of thousands and millions of Americans. Show some respect.
Any coach who allows kneeling for the National Anthem is encouraging disrespect for the country, team, and the fans; who just came for the game and not a political statement. This disrespect also eats away at the cameraderie and cohesion of that team, which is on the coach, since it also shows he’s weak.
If some players are standing and some are kneeling it would likely cause resentment by those players who love the county, and who may have had friends or relatives sacrifice life and limb defending it. And how dedicated are the kneelers to performing at their best when they’re so concerned about the politics?
This behavior definitely damages the teams goals. Members of the most successful teams usually like and respect each other. The owners also need to grow a pair and put penalties for behavior like this into contracts.
If not, just fine them the days game pay. You be surprised of how fast they stand the next game. Making millons and they want to be bitchs and cry about standing. Are you kidding !!! If it’s that’s that bad, then quite the game and go to work at Mc d’s, their making 20 a hr. See how that works out for you. Dumb azz’s worked their hole life’s to get where they are and this is how they act now. Pussys , try being a man and take home your big payday instead of crying like a little bitch. And just stand the hell up !!!
It’s really embarrassing having to talk to growing azz men like their little kids on how to live like a adult. Yet hear I am … doing just that. You can’t make this stupid BS up, they will lose everything just to show their on the right side, even tho they know their not. Their family’s don’t seem to matter when it comes to this stupid BS. Go figure !!!
If you don’t stand, I don’t watch, I don’t buy, I don’t care.
If these teams depend on me they are lost!
Fed-up!
Go to Cuba, Venezuela, Iran, Russia, and give it a shot, where you quite possibly can get shot.
THis act of standing for the national anthem should be done without any controversy. Protest but not at any sports event when people have paid money to see this event. They do not want to see any protest. Athletics can do this on their own time, their own time.