NFL new national anthem kneeling policy enslaves black players, fans

Show Caption Hide Caption What you need to know about the NFL's new national anthem policy SportsPulse: NFL insider Mike Jones breaks down the new national anthem policy and how owners, fans and players are reacting to it.

"This is America."

That phrase, said in the same tone and tenor as Childish Gambino on his latest, polarizing hit single, is the first thing that popped in my head when I heard that NFL players would be forced to stand if on the field during the National Anthem — or face penalty.

And not just stand. "Stand and show respect."

The only thing missing from that directive is the word "boy" at the end.

I should be surprised, but sadly, I'm not.

A black man took a stand against police brutality by kneeling, and the response isn't the league owners gathering to use their endless power and influence in this country to actually address the issues he was trying to raise awareness for.

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Instead, it's them gathering and unanimously stripping away a player's ability to do something like that ever again. It also lets black players and fans know actually where they stand.

Speak when spoken to. Work hard and entertain us. You'll be paid well, but don't you dare cross us or you'll be out of a job.

And you, little black boy who has been playing this game your entire life: You can have fame and riches too, as long as you fall in line.

Yes, the new policy does allow players to opt-out of the proceedings by staying away from the public eye during the singing of the anthem.

Per the policy, they can stay in the locker room, or in the tunnel, or anywhere they like. As long as it's off the field and doesn't offend the viewers who disagree.

But it feels like an across the board "be quiet and stay in your place" moment from the league.

It places shackles on the men who figuratively, and in some sad cases literally, kill themselves to play a game that they love, and that we love to watch them play.

Frankly, it breaks my heart

I've been a rabid football fan since I was old enough to comprehend what a first down was. I played (very poorly) in school, and I've spent more money than I can recall to attend games, watch games and buy merchandise.

I'm also a black man.

A black man who does stand up and remove his Steelers hat during the anthem while also cheering for the players who kneel. That's my choice, and I've always believed that in this country, you should be able to do whatever you like when that song is being sung.

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And let's address the military issue.

Those who support this rule say that taking a knee is disrespectful to our servicemen and women. That's simply not true. If anything, the power to kneel was given to us by those who have fought and died for this country — a country I love, as problematic as it is.

I have immense respect for the military.

My grandfather was a paratrooper for the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army, and a man I admire more than words can say. My future sister-in-law is serving her country right now as a member of the U.S. Navy.

They would be appalled by the people who would use the excuse of "disrespecting the military" to validate stripping away any citizen's rights.

This decision by the NFL picks a side, and once again, my side loses. Status quo maintained. Power is returned to the 32 white owners of the predominantly black league.

My only hope is that the players will find new ways to protest while adhering to the league policy. And my only fear is that owners will fast-track talks to strip that freedom away from them as well.

But make no mistake: Forced to stand, or forced to do anything at all, makes this the land of the partially free and the home of the enslaved.

After all, this is America.

Justin Mack is a general assignment reporter on the digital desk at IndyStar, where this column first appeared. Follow him on Twitter: @justinlmack.