Take A Knee Essay

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Take a Knee On August 14th and 20th Colin Kaepernick went unnoticed while sitting during the national anthem. On August 26 Kaepernick started to gain attention for his protest. On August 28th Kaepernick explained that he sat because he was giving a voice to those who did not have one. On September 1st, other players started to join Kaepernick in sitting for the national anthem. On September 4th, Megan Rapinoe kneels during the anthem.1 Over the next few weeks, athletes from different sports began to kneel, starting the “take a knee” movement. Athletes took a knee or locked arms to respond to “ignorant hectoring from Trump.”2 Some teams decided to stay in the locker room during the anthem. The primary focus for the taking a knee movement was during NFL football games. Taking a knee started a controversy that would …show more content…

They neither need nor deserve lectures on patriotism. Freedom of speech and freedom of expression are what make America great.”3 Other fans began to burn jerseys of their favorite players and vowed to stop watching games if players continue to knee, some decided to stop watching the NFL completely. Even President Trump was active on Twitter and said that team owners should fire players who refuse to stand, but he was okay with them locking arms.4 NFL sponsors started to respond to the “Take a Knee” movement in support of the players and against the players. Nike came out with a statement that said: ““Nike supports athletes and their right to freedom of expression on issues that are of great importance to our society.”5 Nike became the first sponsor to take a stand on this issue. Many sponsors such as Anheuser-Busch, Bose and Ford said they supported all views for freedom of speech, even if they did not agree with those specific

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