Meggyesy writes: "The only thing the NFL owners will understand is action by NFL players. Football is about solidarity, and teamwork is solidarity in action. As NFL players, you know this in your bones."
Michael Bennett gets a hug from teammate Justin Britt. Benett has shown solidarity with Colin Kaepernick and Britt has been supportive of Benett. With the recent assault on Michael Bennett by Las Vegas police, the NFL player protests are likely to ramp up. (photo: Yahoo Sports)
Yes, Players, You Are the Game
07 September 17
An open letter to the NFL players
s we await the start of the 2017 NFL football season, a glaring hole remains in the 32 team player rosters. Stellar quarterback and former San Francisco 49er Colin Kaepernick remains unemployed.
Colin Kaepernick is one of your own. His ability as an NFL-caliber quarterback is beyond question. As you all know, Colin could be starting for at least half the NFL teams. You should also be aware that what the 32 teams under Roger Goodell’s direction are doing to Colin they can easily do to you. Roger and the owners are sending a message to all of you.
Colin is a citizen. He has every right, indeed obligation, to speak out and protest nonviolently against injustice, which he has done supported by other NFL players.
The only thing the NFL owners will understand is action by NFL players. Football is about solidarity, and teamwork is solidarity in action. As NFL players, you know this in your bones.
So let’s cut to the chase. What I propose is that to protect one of your own, you boycott the start of the season. This can be done in various ways. It is time to send a message back to the NFL owners.
Players on some or all teams stay in their locker rooms after pre-game warm-ups, let’s say for a half hour, and delay the start of the games. No players, no games.
Position groups, the offensive line, D-line, stay in the locker room; that pre-game meal made us all sick. The games can’t be played without position groups.
A rolling boycott at the start of this season. Not all teams would need to participate; a few teams or position groups each week if the NFL does not respond.
Teams or position groups delaying the start of games by not playing would be disruptive, for sure – that is the point.
If not the first game, pick a game during the first part of the season and act together. A perceived threat of a player boycott would definitely get Goodell’s attention.
You are the game – own it and protect your own. As NFL players, we must believe the best players will be given the opportunity to play. That is what sport and football are all about. The NFL is throwing this core belief in your face by boycotting Colin Kaepernick – not because of his ability as an NFL football player, but because they don’t like Colin speaking out about social injustice.
Time to step up and make a play, all of you.
David Meggyesy was a seven-year NFL linebacker and is the author of Out of Their League.
Reader Supported News is the Publication of Origin for this work. Permission to republish is freely granted with credit and a link back to Reader Supported News.
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