Imrem: Will Chicago Bears join national anthem protests?

So far the Chicago Bears have been absent from the smattering of player protests around the NFL, but maybe that will change before Monday night's home opener at Soldier Field.

One thing is reasonably certain: The outspoken Martellus Bennett would have done something by now if he were still with the team.

As is, Bears players have been conspicuously inactive during the movement that 49ers backup quarterback Colin Kaepernick sparked a couple of weeks ago by declining to stand for the national anthem.

Myriad local football fans, preferring that social issues not interfere with their football, are happy the Bears took the stance to stand.

Heck, these same fans probably would rather I write today about the Bears' sagging offense.

That's OK because they have a right to their opinion, too.

But there also are myriad fans who, like players, can't ignore the issue of social injustice even before, during and after a football game.

This faction believes that while no player is bigger than the game, no game is bigger than the frayed relationship between some cops and some people of color on the streets of urban America.

So when will one or more Bears join in the protests? Will it be before the game against the Eagles on “Monday Night Football”? Will the McCaskey ownership ever have something to say on the subject?

The conversation hit the TV pregame shows Sunday, the 15th anniversary of 9/11, of all days.

On ESPN, former quarterback/current analyst Trent Dilfer essentially told Kaepernick to put his football team before his social beliefs, while Randy Moss sat next to him seething.

On NBC, former coach/current analyst Tony Dungy said he respected the players who took a stand.

So there you have it. People are discussing the issue as players try to figure out what their consciences want them to do.

Bennett decided to express his feelings by raising his fist in a black glove after the national anthem in Arizona.

Bennett is the son of a Navy veteran. He plays for a team called the Patriots now. Yet he felt compelled to do what he did to support people of his color who experience discrimination.

Now, will the movement will fade away or gather momentum?

Team owners in San Francisco and Miami already have supported their players with statements or money or both.

The Seahawks, including Bennett's brother Michael, intend to make something happen after locking arms in unity before Sunday's game against the Dolphins.

Wide receiver Doug Baldwin is attempting to schedule meetings with Seattle city officials for a civil exchange of ideas.

So, again, what about Bears players? Where do they stand or sit or kneel on this issue?

Chicago is a troubled place screaming out for prominent people of all colors to bring attention to the tension between citizens and the police.

Bears players and owners don't even have to take sides, though they can if they want to. As highly visible members of the community, all they have to do is commence a conversation among concerned parties like the Seahawks are trying to do.

It'll be interesting to see whether any Bears demonstrate Monday night or they all just wait for the movement to move on.

mimrem@dailyherald.com