Distractions
Written by Nick Carraway
“Rarely do we ever see sports and politics collide, but we saw it on MLK day. Some of us in the Houston area are Texans fans. That’s been an unfortunate thing lately as they finished 4-12, fired their coach, and seem to have a preacher/character coach as the power behind the throne. Deshaun Watson (the star quarterback) has apparently had enough.
I’m a football fan. Truth be told, I’m a bigger baseball fan. I’ve even written several books on the subject. As dialed in as I am, it has never occurred to me to protest anything related to any team. It certainly didn’t occur to do it on this day when we celebrate someone that spent his whole life fighting for peace, equality, and justice. About 150 people did it anyway at Reliant Stadium.
I suppose Dr. King would support their right to protest and he’d be happy that no one was hurt. Still, I can’t help but wonder what he’d think of people protesting a football team and the employment of a preacher. Talk about your first world problems. If that’s the worst thing going on in your life you should count yourself lucky. Just looking at the news proves that’s not true. I guess whatever takes your mind off of it all.”
Nick
A looong time ago I was a sportswriter. No idea in American life has less truth in it than ‘sports builds character.’
1There is no good sportsmanship without first having character.
That said … no sports official has the good sportsmanship rule to enforce, even when it’s Unsportsmanlike Conduct.
My real reason for commenting on athletes in protest is simply:
When the form of the protest is offensive to the observer, then the real offense is the matter under protest. Kappernick & anyone else has the right to protest using any means that isn’t already illegal.
Thanks for the opportunity
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