Yes, I know it’s a shock…
Your well-coiffed scribe has been MIA, managing his most successful year in business ever, and when he returns, it’s a story about sports?
The wonders never cease.
However I felt I needed to take a minute to say something about this past weekend’s fury over the San Francisco 49ers player, Colin Kaepernick.
It seems he pulled a Rosa Parks and sat his semi black ass down!
Kaepernick was quoted as saying, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.
“To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”
In other words, Kaepernick is sitting to take a stand.
About the same time, the 49ers addressed Kaepernick’s decision by stating, “The national anthem is and always will be a special part of the pre-game ceremony. It is an opportunity to honor our country and reflect on the great liberties we are afforded as its citizens. In respecting such American principles as freedom of religion and freedom of expression, we recognize the right of an individual to choose and participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem.”
Kaepernick is catching heat from players, fans, Donald Trump – even his mom, Heidi Russo. Russo, who gave birth to him at 19, before placing him up for adoption, tweeted;
“There’s ways to make change w/o disrespecting & bringing shame to the very country & family who afforded you so many blessings.”
Niners coach Chip Kelly told reporters Kaepernick’s decision not to stand during the national anthem is, “his right as a citizen” and “it’s not my right to tell him not to do something.”
The NFL’s official position is, “Players are encouraged but not required to stand during the playing of the national anthem.”
Why does my lede read, “Will the Real Colin Kaepernick Please Stand Up?’
Because if his motivation is more than wanting his 15 minutes of waning career fame, Kaepernick will have to do more than refuse to stand for the national anthem. He’s going to have to roll up his sleeves, get his hands dirty and go to where the change has to happen. He can’t walk this action back and now has to do something meaningful if he really wants to fight injustice where ever it rears its ugly head.
Otherwise, he’s just another Alonzo Washington…
This problem is deep and wide in our inner cities. It’s a spiritual breakdown, a fundamental collapse of the family unit, economic and educational inequality and that’s just a start. When you allow the government to be your employer and provider it begins to rob you of your self-worth. When you lose self-worth you’ve lost the core of your being.
The byproduct is seeing people on the evening news being killed over “respek.”
The problem with police shootings is just as deep and has no easier solution. If it changes it will take generations of change. This is not a mayoral, new President, new gun law, Republican or Democrat quick fix of any kind.
Not being a sports fan, my take is totally different from what I see in the media.
Sitting down to write this I was reminded, here’s what you can do in the NFL while being praised by your fans and signed to enormous contracts:
Rape
Homicide
Assault
Domestic Violence
Drugs
DUI
Animal Cruelty
Here’s things you can’t do:
Sit down
Why do rabid fans overlook latent criminal behavior as long as the player gets yards, makes touchdowns and assures a “W” for your team, yet they’re burning Kaepernick jerseys all over YouTube?
Kaepernick’s National Anthem protest is fundamentally an American right.
Since you admit you are not a sports fan maybe it would be easier for you to understand if we rephrased your question with something you are more familiar.
Why does corporate America overlook latent criminal behavior as long as company officers maintain earnings momentum?
Just a spoonful of sugar…, er……, “Moral Equivalence” helps the medicine go down. The inability to face the truth, the facts, the stats, is answered with non sequiturs, red herrings and any straw man available.
Gotta keep those folks on the Democrat Plantation voting the way Lyndon Johnson predicted, oh so long ago.
Thanks, Chuck. I understand KCM’s point. He’s usually trying to infer white guilt/privilege. Here, I actually took a stand in favor of what Kaepernick did….but he still wants me to swallow the medicine anyway.
His point is valid, just didn’t apply to the story directly. Since you can’t hit it head on, the back door is close enough…
I couldn’t agree more. Ethics and compassion for the employee are gone. Stockholder return is all that matters.
Or our political system. Rampant criminal activity at the highest levels where you, the voter, no longer matter.
It’s a sad state of affairs. But my primary point was…all he’s done is exercise his rights. Now, it may very well be he could Dixie Chick himself out of a job, but he’s committed no crime.
Thanks for your comment, KCM.
Because many in corporate America, (actually, I will say the U.S. because there are other Americas) are themselves criminals – and the system is increasingly utterly gamed. How is it that not ONE of the major players in the international economic destruction wrought with sub-prime mortgages, etc, has had to take ANY accountability?
So, to get to the main point in an, admittedly, circuitous way, I applaud Colin Kaepernick – I can only imagine how intense the vitriol is – for him to make that decision, knowing full well what the consequences would be in the U.S. The U.S. sense of exceptionalism is ridiculous.
why did no one in the subprime debacle not go to jail.
First off…many went to jail. but the government took the
same position in d.c. that they take in joco.
Why put someone in jail for 20 years? seriously. The government has to feed/watch over/give medical care/house/
guard these guys and that costs like 50K a year. So why spend
a million dollars when the government can get 18 billion
from bank of America…..10 billion from chase and the rest of
the crooks.
It saves taxpayers money and we get big money so the
criminals don’t go to jail.
Same thing in joco. they’d rather give someone probation…
suck every last dime out of them…then have to pay
to keep them for a year or two. Simple economics and business.
“Sitting down to write this I was reminded, here’s what you can do in the NFL while being praised by your fans and signed to enormous contracts: Rape, Homicide, Assault,
Domestic Violence, Drugs, DUI, Animal Cruelty”
– not aware of any such players being “praised”, certainly not generally speaking…
Was Michael Vick (animal cruelty) praised? No. He went to prison, was suspended by the NFL and aft being released his career (such as it was) never recovered.
Ray Rice (domestic violence) was likely blackballed from the NFL aft his transgression, which came while his career too was still intact.
In KC Jovan Belcher (active) recently & Jim Tyrer (retired) many years ago examples of ‘not’ being praised aft committing homicide/suicide; Tyrer was never enshrined the Hall of Fame despite the fact he was the best OT of his time, according most accounts.
One to watch might be the Chiefs 2016 rookie Tyreek Hill (domestic violence) who still is not universally accepted for his misdeed… if he doesn’t impress afield – and he hasn’t so far despite uber overhype – he’ll not only ‘not’ be praised, he will be out of the NFL.
Johnny Manziel (drinking) hasn’t been praised but ridiculed in the course facilitating his own once promising career’s tumble down the toilet bowel. For every Ray Lewis, and Kobe Bryant, who some feel skirted felony convictions, the Rae Carruth’s, Aaron Hernandez & a plethora others (http://www.arrestrecords.com/the-15-worst-crimes-committed-by-nfl-players) affirm that ‘anything but’ praise is bad behavior’s reward; the sports landscape is littered with the wreckage of these types.
Perhaps the aforementioned were merely in the wrong field endeavor: instead of the gridiron, the political field where scoundrels (Bill Clinton & his lesser half Hildabeast for example) are rewarded riches, prestige & praise despite plundering, variously, is where they belong(ed.) Perhaps Kaepernick will be the next Democrat candidate for President in 2020… the way this country is headed, he’d probably win.
Try the f**ing U.S. investment companies and banks – they make even the NFL look good.
Accurate, but I could have done the same with politicians. This was simply focused on the NFL. Politicians are forced on us. People pay $40 parking, a ticket and concessions to PARTICIPATE in this negative reenforcement of the bad guys acts here.
“– not aware of any such players being “praised”, certainly not generally speaking…
Was Michael Vick (animal cruelty) praised? No. He went to prison, was suspended by the NFL and aft being released his career (such as it was) never recovered.”
Never recovered?? He continued to play in the NFL and made millions of dollars. And was he “praised”? Not sure, by definition, but you can still find fans wearing his jerseys at Falcons and Eagles games.
Same with Ray Rice.
Your example of Jovan Belcher is ridiculous, and you know it. He wasn’t praised before, nor has he been since.
But you’re ignoring the hundreds of names in recent years tagged with “innocuous” things such as domestic violence, impaired driving and the like. And yes, there are plenty of them.
But of course you’re ignoring them because you’re not a real person. After years of reading your comments, I’m firmly convinced that you’re imaginary. You’re a robot with broken english (channeled from a coarse, amalgamated rhythm, funneled through a thrift-store copy of On the Road, less half the charm, double the reconstituted BS).
You think it’s 1950 and your dick quit working three decades ago and somehow you found the internet on your HP 100, and godbless you.
I guess.
Sweet baby Jesus, that was funny and accurate all at the same time.
I try to respond to most reader comments, with the exception of Harley. Mainly because it’s Harley and after you’ve read one of his comments you’ve read them all. Same personal insults, same 5-7 non related topics and same false claims. Kerouwacky is at least normally fact based but missed it huge on this one. Jovan Belcher only escaped more millions and new contracts because he was an accurate shot and DRT.
Dead right there.
Everyone has an off day and some of these guys comment just to see their words in print. I don’t know what happened to Kerroneous this time, but as a sports agnostic, even I knew he was wrong!
Thanks again for your comment; that was hilarious.
stfu wislon. You’re still the old guy waiting for his
social security check to come in the mail so you
can put food on the table.
You’re never right…you ran from Harley because he
made you basically look like a fool and you were tired of
Harley proving every thing you said to be wrong.
Go drive to Kansas and get your shoes shined old
boy. Or chase those aliens in the suv with the big
antennas.
Get real old man. Better days are behind you!!!!!!!!!!
personally I like kerowacky. He provides us with the most
negative bullshit on here…right up therewith wislon worm.
take it easy on the old guy….he can’t help his periodic
mental lapses on everything from politics to sports to almost
any other topic he talks about.
Leave the old guy alone. He’s just another clown in the
huge clown car with glaze/hearne/dunkin donut head chuck/
and why beat up on an old guy?
It’s like playing chess with a monkey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow… that’s some of the worst method acting ever. Obviously you are not a Strasberg disciple. Well here, this time focus, concentrate – really get into your blather (the bite seizure stick – size XX Large – MIGHT help.)
: )
Continuing…
OJ Simpson – praised… Lawrence Phillips – praised… Elmore Stephens (the swiss top draft choice of 1975) – praised… and many, many more…
🙂
I couldn’t tell if you were commenting on me or Harley’s upcoming 13th sex junket to Vegas. But thanks, always fun reading your stuff!
No less four worthy candidates ‘tween Kerouac’s original post and this one; if the qualm fits…
Continuing… behavior (rewarded or punished, if not praised) no more prevalent today than ’twas yesteryear. How behavior is judged, the rub.
The egregiousness scale defined this KCC article terms rape, homicide, assault, domestic violence, drugs, dui and animal cruelty, is not all inclusive: what of the betting on games and/or going awol?
1963, NFL’s Hornung & Karras were suspended an entire season, a time when heroes stood a lot taller than do today. Both forgiven & reinstated – ditto Art Schlichter 20 years later early 80’s for gambling. Half an decade later, MLB’s Pete Rose was suspended ‘for life’ advent 1990’s; so much for more leniency, farther onward marches time; just the opposite, a large extent.
Transgressions certainly be reported more often today – difference ‘inconsistency’ the application of discipline.
Max McGee was given the ol ‘boys will be boys’ wink and nod treatment Superbowl 1 aft a night out on the town – whereas Superbowl 37 Barrett Robbins was left off the roster same for his going awol; next Superbowl in 1999, Eugene Robinson (arrested for solicitation of prostitution afore the game) was allowed to play in the Superbowl.
Len Dawson was under suspicion/not cleared till after Superbowl 4 for gambling, but was allowed to play… think Goodell/the current climate NFL would allow a Dawson (or whomever it might be) to play in an Superbowl the even greater betting dollars at stake, Superbowl 2017? Things are not so black & white (more $o) green today as some are wont to believe.
🙂
Dead on the money Paul.
Thank you, as usual.
kcm… good question and good job on reframing the reference point. but it all comes down to injustice of one form or another, one side or group treated better, laws applied differently depending on who you are and your wealth and influence. Clinton may be a reasonable, recent example. Banks and brokerage houses deemed too big to fail. hell, even the S&L debacle in the 80s. the list could go on and on and on, like harley off his meds.
but in corporate america, the rules are different. there are no constitutional guarantees. there is no Bill of Rights to provide a framework for an organizational conscience. in that context, “do the right thing” means do what’s best for me. you “sit” in protest, you find yourself standing in the unemployment line.
as a nation, founded on strong, almost puritanical, christian values, and centuries of promoting the ideal “all men are created equal”, the margin for error, if you will, is slim to none.
kaepernick brought a laser beam focus to that hypocrisy. he’s not the first and won’t be the last. but the controversy he stirred up, and the resulting dialogue it has created, may have done more good than we realize now.
and to paul’s comment about getting his hands dirty, i guess $1 million in charitable contributions is a good start… even it was the result of his PR team screaming, “WHAT THE WIDE WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS WERE YOU THINKING!?!?!???”
Outstanding comment, Mr. Mike! I think we still need that cup of coffee. I’m about to get a breather at work. Let’s make that happen.
10-4 pw.
Nice little article wislon…and NO YOU WERE NOT MISSED.
What was missed was your comedy….thinking aliens were at 71st and
Mission with big suv’s and large antennas invading earth.
You getting stuck under the dashboard of your suv trying to hide from
the “illegal aliens” from another solar system.
And of course yourcomedy of errors with the cobblers from Lawrence
and how shiny your shoes were….your constant attempts to track down
Harley…..I mean all us kcc readers were left with for comedy while you
were away were glazes dogs licking his b*lls/chuckles thinking trumpster the
dumpster would win the election/and hearne continued revenge writings against
the kc star.
So in reality its good to have youback….just another clown in the clown car.
Nice article…but obviously you read Harleys previous comments because your
story reads pretty close to Harleys comments….that the whole thing is no
big deal. But as one of Harleys readers/disciples and followers I’m sure you
weren’t far from hearnes blog to see how Harley continued his streak of
winning!
And speaking of winning…what hasn’t been missed is yours and southern
mans and whinys stories on the election.
If you read major blogs….Hillary’s advisors presented her with the numbers
that she would get an electoral landslide victory. And no one can forget youor
articles doubting Harley when over a year ago he made it knownthat Hillary
would win by a landslide…and as you know…Harley is never wrong.
So where’s your article on the dumpster fire.
We’d also like a update on the cobblers in Kansas.
And yes…we’re glad you’re back. Glaze’s lineup has been a little weak at
his comedy store and we definitely need some good laughs from your comments.
I mean…we’ve been on the floor rolling iin laughter with the dumpsters campaign
of comedy but you will always bring a “fresh new face of hilarity” to the kcc
blog content.
Glad biz is good….
have a great year. Hope family is well.
Your lifelong friend
Harley the Magnificent (with regards to hearne)
hey hearne…when do I get my own column on kcc..
I’d add thousands of new readers and Iwould light this blog
up !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And I coul d add some gossip to this site…just like you did at the star…
heck …I could go by MINI HEARNE! hahahahaha!
Far as I can tell, you already have a column. What more do you want? An editor, perhaps?
Truth. A 400 word comment, covering 7 unrelated topics on a 600 word opinion piece?
at least I right on everything wislon.
How about the aliens…the shoe shine boys…you
tryng to harass and track me down in vegas…I’ve been
there at least 12 times since and headed back.
Heres the facts…the has beens in life are looking for
a shot…they’re like you. Never were…never are.
So get your money and lets make the bet big man.
til then stfu. We’ve had some great fun and comments and stories without your incorrect b.s.
No one missed you. Now go back to boxes!
Spot on, Paul. All he is doing is exercising his freedom of expression and while I may not agree with what he is doing, I do agree that this is one of his inalienable rights.
Always good to hear from you, my dear, all the way from Phoenix!
Hey diane…ya getting excited on the vote to legalize recreational
marijuana in Arizona in November! See ya soon!
Ahhh, order in my universe has been restored. Paul Wilson has returned to KCC as a contributor.
Great topic and I agree with your positions. I see both sides as well. Being an old guy that values tradition, I agree with everything in your paragraph about the National Anthem and I have been proud to stand and TRY to sing it before sporting events for about 6 decades now.
I also agree that CK has the right to act as he has and I applaud his commitment to use his position as a high profile NFL QB to make a point that he feels is warranted.
Don’t be a stranger. Managing your most successful business year ever can’t be as important as giving Stomper his PW fix!! 🙂
I’m going to try to ease back in.
Lunch. Soon?
Thanks as always.
I find it ironic that the person (media) taking a video of a fellow sitting during the national anthem is not condemned for disrespecting the national anthem by snitching on another human being during the anthem…
Ahhhh, interesting take! Apparently the camera man’s focus was not on the flag? I like that.
I’m glad Jason and Nick are on FS1 they are KC guys and always want our guys to do well. Congrats to both.
Right you are, Paul. He has every right to do as he pleases, even though the guy on the stadium loudspeaker said ‘please’ stand.
I wish he would find another way to protest, but thats just me.
You make a good point in comparing him to Alonzo “please point the camera and microphone at me” Washington. With guys like these two, I sometimes wonder if it just boils down to ego.
It is ego to a large part. Alonzo is a huge zero. This guy is in the final weeks/months of his career. Both keep grasping for face time and their 15 minutes.
Problem is with both, it’s all fluff, no substance.
Thanks, Lib
There are 32 teams in the NFL. Each team has 53 players and a 10 member practice squad during regular season. That is 2016 players in the NFL. The number is higher during draft and training camp when each team can have 90 players for a total of 2880 players. Of those players, the vast majority are hard-working, talented, dedicated young men with a strong work ethic. Most have wives and families. They are committed, loving husbands and devoted fathers. Most are extremely generous with their time and money to numerous charities and community programs. The attend worship services (usually held Saturday night during the season where the team will provide a number of priests and clergy to represent the various faiths). The vast majority never break the law or embarrass their family or team. Yes, there are always the exceptions that draw the headline but they are just that…the exception. Many of these players will never earn the huge paychecks of a guy like Kaepernick. Many earned under $500k.
Just a little perspective from someone who has the privilege of being on the inside and seeing a different side of these young men that the public does not see. It’s unfair to judge all by the actions of a few.