A right - but still wrong

The Supreme Court has already said burning of the American flag is a protected First Amendment right, so athletes kneeling during the national anthem obviously is also a protected freedom of expression. If anyone is offended by their actions, they can stop buying the products of the advertising companies, don't attend the games, and watch something else on TV. Or they can just ignore the political statements and enjoy the game. Most professional athletes stopped being role models long ago, so appreciate their talents and find someone else for your children to idolize.

I would take their protests more seriously if they offered a solution to the problems they are protesting and led by example on how to begin turning things around. If they went on police patrols and talked to children in the inner city to convince them to lay down the guns, get an education and promote family values, their protests would be more meaningful. Until then, it seems they are more the problem than the solution.

And if I were a professional football player, I would be protesting working conditions that will cause most of them to retire with brain damage caused by chronic traumatic encephalopathy. That I would support - not protesting a country that has allowed them to pursue their dream and make millions of dollars.

Michael Haase

Mount Prospect