Author: Rick Mc

Coming from Canada I’m always surprised how seriously angered some Americans get when they feel either flag or National Anthem are disrespected.

The issue of Gabby Douglas not putting hand over heart at the Olympics was blown way out of proportion, for example. Clearly she intended no disrespect.

A hot topic in American news is Colin Kaepernick’s protest against racial injustice. More sportsmen are supporting him each week.

For example, Garfield High School football players and coaching staff took a knee during the national anthem. The entire team. And plan to do so for the rest of the season.

A recent survey found Kaepernick was the most disliked player in the NFL – “disliked a lot” by 29% of those polled. I assume he’s also one of the most admired players today. His protest has been divisive in a divided nation.

Sport – normally – is one topic that tends to bring fans together.

On the one hand, I too admire Kaepernick’s guts. And feel he’s correct in calling out racial injustice. His protest is non-violent. Gandhi would approve.

On the other hand I wish there was some way to keep it off the field of play. It is a distraction from the Game.

Whether we like it or not, this protest is going to continue. Americans, too, deeply respect their First Amendment – freedom of speech.

Best case scenario this kind of protest brings real change. I’ll try to stay optimistic.