Page 25 - Sarita Maybin

Straight Talk

Who is Running the Asylum?

HREE WEEKS INTO THE Okay, now you know I may It seems that the actions of figures or more to play that
Tcontroversy Roger Goodall, be biased, nonetheless I know one 3rd string quarterback has game. So, if your boss says you
the NFL Commissioner, finally a lot of Americans that feel become the actions of many. I are going to stand, you better
released a statement con- the way I do about disrespect- think the NFL underestimated stand. He pays you to stand, he
cerning the actions of many ing the flag or the National the reaction of their fan base. I doesn’t have to care about your
football players. Unless you Anthem. Now here comes also think the owners are afraid feelings. So put on your big
have been in seclusion the past the best part, most of these to make any statements. Jerry boy pants and suck it up.
few months, I would venture players don’t even know what Jones, who owns the Dallas This is not the venue for
to say that you are aware of they are protesting. They can’t Cowboys, came out and told you to make a statement by
the actions of some. These seem to make up their minds his players they will stand for kneeling during the anthem no
players have decided to take a and it keeps changing from the playing of the anthem. He matter what your protest may
knee, lock arms, hold up fists, week to week. I’ve read various is getting flak from all sides. be. Lots of people buy tickets
whatever their chosen vehi- articles that have stated they When is the last time you had a to watch you play the game. If
cle, during the playing of the are protesting police brutality, job and the owner told you to you want to make a statement
National Anthem. Mr. Goodall’s the inequality of races, the do something and you protest- you make enough money to
statement is yet another cop government, and President ed for the whole world to see. buy a venue in which to do so.
out and really doesn’t take a Trump. Make up your minds I don’t think you would have In fact, get all your buddies
stand on this issue one way boys, what is it. that job very long. who make as much money as
of the other. He intimates the you do, who also protested,
league is sympathetic to the and you can buy out sever-
players and says next week at al stadiums and make your
the owner’s meeting the issue protest.
will be discussed. Do I sound passionate, you
Before I write another bet your booty I am. I worked
word, I had to decide whether for a professional sports team
I would write a prelude or a for over 20 years. During that
caveat to this article; I decided time, I saw lots of spoiled, over
on a prelude. I am old school protected athletes in every
brought up in a very traditional sport. These guys were treated
Italian family. My grandpar- like gods from the time they
ents immigrated from Italy were discovered to have ath-
and spent time on Ellis Island letic ability of some kind. Some
before being allowed to walk of them from the time they en-
on the streets of New York. tered high school. They expect
They worked hard, raised their special treatment no matter
children, and instilled in them Ratings have plummeted The bottom line is this, where they go. They say and do
what a privilege it was to be the last few weeks on televi- according to some reporters, things without ever having to
able to live and breathe in the sion. The attendance at games they say there is nothing in the pay the consequences.
United States. My grandfather have fallen drastically. Maybe leagues by laws or in a player’s I would be willing to bet
was animate about 2 things, the league is getting the mes- contract that they are required most of the guys locking arms
love and respect; they went sage and that is why Goodall to stand during the anthem. and kneeling don’t even know
hand in hand as far as he was made his weak statement. However, according to other what is going on in the world.
concerned. You loved your When Kaepernick took a announcers and radio hosts How we have lost the respect
family and you respected them knee at a 49er home game there is a paragraph saying just of other nations because of
along with anybody older than last year I was personally that. One tv host even showed people like them. People who
you, policeman, fireman, teach- appalled. When the owners the league contract that is used say and do things that are un-
ers, the list goes on, but I think or the league didn’t make a and it clearly states they will thinkable to the vast majority
you get the idea. My grandfa- statement, I began boycot- stand during the anthem. of Americans. I’m not saying
ther loved the United States ting watching the 49ers on Some players are being all, I learned a long time ago
and I can remember when I television. I had been a niner quoted as saying “The owners that’s a lot of people, but most
was about 4 years old, when fan and previous season ticket and the league don’t really care of the players are clueless. They
he showed me how to stand holder for many years. When about us or our feelings.” Hey are overpaid, spoiled brats that
at attention and hold my hand I say many, I can remember buddy you are playing a game, need to grow up and see how
over my heart to honor the flag sneaking under the fence at it is a game not brain surgery. the rest of us live.
of his adopted country. Kezar to watch a game. You are getting paid some 6

The opinions expressed within Straight Talk are not necessarily the opinions of San Diego Woman Magazine. 25