Kevin Durant Speaks On Colin Kaepernick; Ray Lewis Says Take The Flag Out of It-blogged by @niksofly

(Photo Credit:  Christopher Polk / Christian Petersen for @gettyimages)

Much has been said about #ColinKaepernick’s decision to sit/kneel during the National Anthem. Many have negated the reason for his protest citing his $11.9 M salary this season as indication that no one is oppressed. Traditional media took a sound bite and orchestrated a narrative that casts Kaepernick as anti-police and military. However as stated numerous times, that is not the case. Kaepernick is anti social injustice.

Many have opposed Kaepernick, but the support has been overwhelming. Kaepernick’s jersey in now the number 1 selling jersey. Fellow NFL players have taken a knee with Kaepernick, most recently his fraternity brother (#KappaAlphaPsi) and former teammate (#Nevada), #BrandonMarshall who lost an endorsement for showing support. Soccer player #MeganRapinoe joined the cause as well.

#KevinDurant spoke on Kapernick’s stance at a leadership gathering in Austin, TX. Durant didn’t explicitly speak on the cause of the peaceful protest, but he did verbalize his support for someone standing up for what they believe.

According to the #MercuryNews, Durant stated that he is “behind anyone who stands up for what they believe in. Colin Kaepernick is standing up for what he believes in. That’s what makes our country so great, right? You have the luxury to do so. He was unapologetic about it, and in his defense, I don’t think he was trying to disrespect anyone. I think he was trying to get his point across. I’m all for anyone who wants to do that. As athletes, we have this huge platform. A lot of people are watching at all times. Sometimes it may not be what you do, they like. But if you feel like it’s gonna be impactful, that’s on you. I feel like everyone should stand up for what they believe.”

On the other side of the gun, #RayLewis would prefer that Kaepernick protests without including the flag. Mr. Lewis appeared on the new show #Undisputed. According to Lewis who has family that has served or will serve in the military, Kaep should step back.

In his appearance on the show , Mr. Lewis may have unintentionally referred to Kaepenick as a faux activist. “Listen I understand what you’re trying to do, but understand, take the flag out of it. I have uncles, I’ve got brothers, going into the military, that said I will never see you again. To understand that I will always respect that part of what our patriotism should be. And that’s the side that I think if Colin just really steps back, to effect change, to effect true change in what he’s trying to say, if you don’t have a real solution, if you ain’t seen as a true activist, to go into hoods and do these things on a daily basis and not just jump up and just protest off this one thing because you’re sick of it — we’ve been sick of racism for 400-plus years.”

Since everyone feels entitled to weigh in on Kaepernick and what he should do, can we weigh in on the real issues? Let’s talk about the skewed perception traditional media paints of minorities specifically blacks.

Can we address how people are groomed to fear blacks subsequently leading to the minimal value placed on our lives by society and officers? Can we speak on these freedoms that allow an individual that is blatantly racist to be a presidential candidate? Is it too deep to discuss how this country was built on the abuse of blacks? Can we please address how a flag that didn’t include blacks during its creation is somehow magically all-inclusive?

I really want to discuss how patriotic we are, when historically America hasn’t always been patriotic to its “colored” veterans? Let’s talk about these freedoms that give people the idea they can tell you how to exercise your first amendment right. Entitlement at its finest.

While I adore Mr. Lewis and the wonderful book he wrote (#IFeelLikeGoingOn), telling someone how to protest is denying them their constitutional rights. I honestly do not know what people want from others. Is their a checklist one most grade himself against before he can get the activism approval? Many people will sympathize and donate time. Some will go as far as raising money on the behalf of a cause. Very few will donate from their personal accounts. $1M isn’t a small feat.

-Niko Rose