NFL, fans need to draw the line

Regading the NFL protests, I do not agree that players should be fired for exercising their First Amendment rights, but at some point the NFL and the fans need to draw the line.

I am fine if the players are on the field taking a knee or interlocking arms in solidarity, but staying in the locker room is a disgrace and disrespectful to those in the military who put their lives on the line to protect this country.

The National Anthem pays tribute to those who fight and have died defending the best country in the world. Players not being on the field to acknowledge the flag and hear the Anthem, are not only being disrespectful but very ignorant of the fact that the armed forces put themselves in harms way every day to keep this country and its citizens safe.

Furthermore, the players of the NFL and other professional sports leagues are fine with protesting something that costs them no money. They should focus on constructive causes like donating to help stop gang violence, which is prevalent in too many of our cities. Players should advocate against gang violence in cities as opposed to sparking controversy about whether their actions for protesting are justified. The irony is that these players are making millions of dollars and are protesting for equality, but they make more money than most of the population. The fact that NFL players are willing to turn a blind eye to military members who are willing to get paid less but put their life in jeopardy every day unlike those who play pro sports, this speaks volumes to the fact that our country is headed down a wrong and dark path.

Zak Shaughnessy

Sophomore, Wheaton Warrenville South High School

Wheaton