Steelers won't come out during National Anthem

[mcmillenandwife]

Seriously, Steelers? You can't just come out and show respect for the flag and the National Anthem as a team because the President dared to say what most fans are already thinking? Shame on you. Gutless decision. 

One Steeler player behaved like a man: Alejandro Villanueva, who instead of hiding in the locker room came out of the players' tunnel and respectfully stood with his hand over his heart during the National Anthem. The rest of the team should be ashamed. 

What will you do next week? And the week after that? 

I was poised to order my tickets to the Steelers at Lions game on Oct. 29th. Forget it. $600 for nosebleed tickets, $50 for parking, $150 for low-quality, overpriced concessions to take my family to see a bunch of millionaires whine about unjust this country supposedly is? 

No thanks. Screw you, NFL. Your best years are behind you. And shame on you, Steelers, for a gutless response to a ridiculous situation.

[Garrett Garlits]

You're way off base here, Tim. The players have the freedom to choose what to do or not do during the national anthem. They don't have to stand and feign respect for what they consider a symbol of everything that's wrong with a nation that makes them feel second class in spite of their wealth. It's not something that's required by NFL rule, either, regardless of how many people try to bring up the whole "they're protesting on their employer's time" argument.

And besides, what was our President doing calling them sons of bitches, let alone taking a side in this debate instead of doing what he should have done, which was make a call for national unity regardless of an individual's beliefs? This isn't "The Apprentice", and he doesn't get to fire anyone or tell anyone else to, period. Even owners like Bob Kraft, who have supported him proudly in the past and may still do so on other issues, have spared no words in condemning him. Doesn't that tell you that Trump, regardless of what he feels, made a big mistake opening his mouth in the way he did?

I support the Steelers, and I support Mike Tomlin and Art Rooney II's stand on the issue. Paradoxically, perhaps, I also support Alejandro Villanueva for being on the field and standing for the anthem. He made the choice he felt he had to, just like his teammates did. I further believe that both the Ambassador and the Chief both would have supported each individual's right to make a decision on this matter, even if they would have disagreed.

I hope that this won't affect the website or how it operates; it would be a shame to lose a site like this because of a political disagreement that neither you nor any of us is going to affect, even with your boycott. The NFL isn't going to miss your money any more than they will the money of those who share your beliefs. As of right now, with the way they're set up, they're about as customer-proof a business as there is. Only if the TV networks try to void their contracts (which won't happen any time soon) will the NFL feel the pinch. Individual boycotts may make the boycotters feel good, but they won't cause wither the players or the owners to rethink their positions.

[sandfan]

I disagree Garrett. If enough viewers tune out the games and stop buying tickets and nfl products the players and owners will feel the pain they so well deserve. You may not respect the flag, police, firemen and our military but I bet the majority in this Nation does. I truly hope that majority steps up and "demonstrates" their right to do so. I am already on that route and plan to stay there. I agree with Tim. I'll not spend another penny on the social justice crowd.

The players brought politics into the sport. Not the President. The President represents all the people in this Nation. Not just black ones or any other special interest group. Especially the men and women of all races and religions who have fought and died for our freedoms and that flag/anthem. The President rightly defended and honored those sacrifices.

Arrogance goes before the fall Garrett. There is no such thing as a customer proof business. If that's what they are teaching today in liberal institutions across America we are in a worse place than I thought. I spent almost 6 decades learning and working with that reality and realize there is nothing more important to any business than its customers.

You are right on one account. My refusal to accept this social justice idiocy over respect for our flag and anthem will make me feel better. Every time I put a dime in my pocket instead of the pocket of a player or owner. I will spend my Sunday afternoon on the golf course, at the beach or helping my son run his business and address the needs of his customers. He's only been at that for a decade but he's fully aware of the importance of the effort. He understands he does not have a business if he does not have customers. The more of them the better. Simple economics and while not exact or perfect that system works for most.

In closing I'm not sure how you or they describe the flag and anthem as a symbol of everything that's wrong with America. Perhaps you can enlighten me. I fly my flag at my house on a regular basis. I believe we live in the greatest Nation on the planet. It may not be perfect but it sure is a hell of a lot better than everywhere else. I grew up in a slum, lived in Europe and did business on every continent. With every race, nationality and major religion. I suggest most of the protesting players have little understanding of the scope of "social justice" issues around the world. I'm not so sure they have clarity of thought re that matter here.

[mcmillenandwife]

You're way off base here, Tim. The players have the freedom to choose what to do or not do during the national anthem. They don't have to stand and feign respect for what they consider a symbol of everything that's wrong with a nation that makes them feel second class in spite of their wealth. It's not something that's required by NFL rule, either,  regardless of how many people try to bring up the whole "they're protesting on their employer's time" argument.

And besides, what was our President doing calling them sons of bitches, let alone taking a side in this debate instead of doing what he should have done, which was make a call for national unity regardless of an individual's beliefs? This isn't "The Apprentice", and he doesn't get to fire anyone or tell anyone else to, period. Even owners like Bob Kraft, who have supported him proudly in the past and may still do so on other issues, have spared no words in condemning him. Doesn't that tell you that Trump, regardless of what he feels, made a big mistake opening his mouth in the way he did?

I support the Steelers, and I support Mike Tomlin and Art Rooney II's stand on the issue. Paradoxically, perhaps, I also support Alejandro Villanueva for being on the field and standing for the anthem. He made the choice he felt he had to, just like his teammates did. I further believe that both the Ambassador and the Chief both would have supported each individual's right to make a decision on this matter, even if they would have disagreed.

I hope that this won't affect the website or how it operates; it would be a shame to lose a site like this because of a political disagreement that neither you nor any of us is going to affect, even with your boycott. The NFL isn't going to miss your money any more than they will the money of those who share your beliefs. As of right now, with the way they're set up, they're about as customer-proof a business as there is. Only if the TV networks try to void their contracts (which won't happen any time soon) will the NFL feel the pinch. Individual boycotts may make the boycotters feel good, but they won't cause wither the players or the owners to rethink their positions.

Really, they have the "freedom" to choose, Garrett? I guess from a purely technical standpoint, that's true. But they also "technically" have the freedom to wear different shoes, don't they? Seems innocent enough. Remember when Antonio Brown excercised his "freedom to choose" by wearing shoes with pictures of his kids on them? BOOM! $9,000 fine. Then he had the audacity to wear shoes commemorating Muhammad Ali. Why, that dirty son of a... well, I won't go there. But after two drives, his offense against the league was deemed so great that the NFL gave him the "choice" to remove the shoes or sit out the rest of the game. Wanna guess how much his fine was?

Mmm hmmm... freedom. Yeah, not so much.

Let me tell you, if the league treated disrespecting the flag/military/country like they treated shoes (remember when a young Ben Roethlisberger dared to write "PFJ" on his shoes?) or head bands (McMahon and others) or twerking in the end zone (our friend AB, once again), nobody would be kneeling during the National Anthem. Not one person. And they certainly wouldn't be cowering in the visitor's tunnel behind a former Army Ranger.

If -- as you claim -- some players sincerely consider the American flag and National Anthem to be symbols "of everything that's wrong with a nation that makes them feel second class in spite of their wealth," they need a flippin' history lesson, because they've been misled. That's absolute nonsense. Some therapy should probably be involved as well. We're talking about the American flag. Not a Confederate flag; not a Nazi flag; but the Stars and Stripes a la Betsy flippin' Ross. 

As for Trump, I have no clue what his motives were in saying what he said. I think it was an inappropriate "way" to say it (the profanity) considering the office he occupies. But he had as much right to say it as anyone else. And once again, he's tapped into what the masses think about the issue, articulating it in a way they would probably say it among themselves. And he knew (as he always seems to) the exact right buttons to push to drive the MEDIA into a complete frenzy and make it the #1 topic of discussion over the weekend. I have no idea what his end game is with this, and I wish he hadn't said it because the NFL's over-the-top reaction to it has ruined pro football for me. 

Regardless of Trump's nonsense, I definitely do NOT support the Steelers, Rooneys, Tomlin and most of all, I do NOT support the NFL on this issue. They should've nipped it early on with fines, etc., like they do everything else they don't like. But they let it linger and fester. 

The NFL WILL miss my money and the money of those like me. As a result, I can guarantee you there will be plenty of "cover your ass" patriotic pandering and "feigning" respect for the folks in the military in the months and years to come. At this point, I'm not boycotting watching. I can't quite bring myself to do that. At least, not yet. I've been watching as an avid fan since I was in first grade and old habits die hard. But I've purchased my last jersey, my last game tickets, my last NFL Sunday Ticket package. No more collectibles. No more T-shirts. No more Terrible Towels. I won't be going to the Hall of Fame again. The best days of this league are in the past (primarily the distant past). I love what the NFL used to be. What it's become, I have no use for.

[thespiritof1976]

Hey Mike Evans: Hands up, Don't drop. Stupid, naive, ignorant jock. 25 year old clueless millionaire still thinks "the man" is keeping him down.

[thespiritof1976]

I want to say something else here too - if Mike Evans and Desean Jackson try this garbage at home next week that crowd is going to kill both of them. Tampa is a big military town and Vincent Jackson was one of the most charitable people in the NFL when it came to supporting the people in the military around the Tampa area.

Things are going to start getting ugly. Remember, there are tens of millions of upset (former) football fans. There aren't tens of millions of NFL players to back up the dunce duo.

[thespiritof1976]

Please don't lump in the rebel flag with the Swastika.

The rebel flag is a source of pride for many of us here in the south - including for many rural black people in states like Alabama and Mississippi. People that use the Flag of the Army of Northern Virginia are doing a great disservice to the honor of the CSA (BTW, there are a LOT of facts about the civil war not taught in schools. The south wasn't as racist as thought and the north wasn't as tolerant as thought either. In fact, it was the exact opposite in many ways).

[mcmillenandwife]

I was having a conversation with a friend on FB and here's the gist of it. He said:

"Tim it's called Protest! It's supposed to be Uncomfortable! That's the Point!! This Country was built on Protest! Weather you like it or not !! People's Lives are more Important than a Flag! By Kap doing what he did it Sparked a. Conversation! ! Wich was needed."

I get it. But it's not a protest anymore. It's pandering. And get ready for even MORE pandering, because the NFL is going to be doing cartwheels in an over-the-top effort to prove their patriotism, their love for the flag and military, etc., in the weeks, months and years to come. An "equal and opposite" reaction. Bank on it. Enjoy these few weeks of kneeling while you can, because the business side is going to rear its head soon and all of this will be swept away in an equally phony blanket of red, white and blue. And you'll be even more pissed about it then than you are now. Which is why I think this is a piss-poor venue for a "protest." It's not real, it won't last and nothing will come of it. Change will come as a result of efforts outside of this. People kneeling or locking arms on an NFL sideline does nothing long-term. It just pisses people off. And in a few weeks, this will be old news and nothing will have improved at all.

[thespiritof1976]

I was having a conversation with a friend on FB and here's the gist of it. He said:

"Tim it's called Protest! It's supposed to be Uncomfortable! That's the Point!! This Country was built on Protest! Weather you like it or not !! People's Lives are more Important than a Flag! By Kap doing what he did it Sparked a. Conversation! ! Wich was needed."

I get it. But it's not a protest anymore. It's pandering. And get ready for even MORE pandering, because the NFL is going to be doing cartwheels in an over-the-top effort to prove their patriotism, their love for the flag and military, etc., in the weeks, months and years to come. And "equal and opposite" reaction. Bank on it. Enjoy these few weeks of kneeling while you can, because the business side is going to rear its head soon and all of this will be swept away in an equally phony blanket of red, white and blue. And you'll be even more pissed about it then than you are now. Which is why I think this is a piss-poor venue for a "protest." It's not real, it won't last and nothing will come of it. Change will come as a result of efforts outside of this. People kneeling or locking arms on an NFL sideline does nothing long-term. It just pisses people off. And in a few weeks, this will be old news and nothing will have improved at all.

The United States wasn't built on protest. It was built on revolution.

In addition, by that persons rationale, it would be perfectly ok for someone to, I don't know, protest against Israel or say the holocaust never happened because after all, protesting...geez. Do these liberal idiots even think ? I mean, geez, I know they are usually without an original thought until they are told what it is but good Lord, talking to a liberal is like talking to a Jehovahs Witness on a Sunday afternoon...

(Oh, and Tim - if a "conversation" is what is needed do we, as a country REALLY want to go down this road ? If we were to have a REAL conversation about things then, well, most blacks won't want to hear it.)

[mcmillenandwife]

Please don't lump in the rebel flag with the Swastika.

The rebel flag is a source of pride for many of us here in the south - including for many rural black people in states like Alabama and Mississippi. People that use the Flag of the Army of Northern Virginia are doing a great disservice to the honor of the CSA (BTW, there are a LOT of facts about the civil war not taught in schools. The south wasn't as racist as thought and the north wasn't as tolerant as thought either. In fact, it was the exact opposite in many ways).

I know it's a source of pride in the south. Personally, I don't get it. I can tell you that in the north, it's generally viewed as a sign of ignorance and racism. I often see rebel flags in the lily-white part of Michigan where I live. They make me extremely uncomfortable. Maybe it's because they have no place here? You can't get much further north than Michigan, so why would you display that flag here?

I know there's lots of unpleasant history on both sides. We'll have to agree to disagree, because I hope I never see another rebel flag (outside of museums and history books) as long as I live.

[thespiritof1976]

Please don't lump in the rebel flag with the Swastika.

The rebel flag is a source of pride for many of us here in the south - including for many rural black people in states like Alabama and Mississippi. People that use the Flag of the Army of Northern Virginia are doing a great disservice to the honor of the CSA (BTW, there are a LOT of facts about the civil war not taught in schools. The south wasn't as racist as thought and the north wasn't as tolerant as thought either. In fact, it was the exact opposite in many ways).

I know it's a source of pride in the south. Personally, I don't get it. I can tell you that in the north, it's generally viewed as a sign of ignorance and racism. I often see rebel flags in the lily-white part of Michigan where I live. They make me extremely uncomfortable. Maybe it's because they have no place here? You can't get much further north than Michigan, so why would you display that flag here?

I know there's lots of unpleasant history on both sides. We'll have to agree to disagree, because I hope I never see another rebel flag (outside of museums and history books) as long as I live.

Well, that's your problem then. I'm out.

[Rollers]

I'm going to try and offer my perspective on all this garbage. And that's what it is, garbage. You know what? forget it no one gives a damn anymore.

[Krunch]

You're way off base here, Tim. The players have the freedom to choose what to do or not do during the national anthem. They don't have to stand and feign respect for what they consider a symbol of everything that's wrong with a nation that makes them feel second class in spite of their wealth. It's not something that's required by NFL rule, either,  regardless of how many people try to bring up the whole "they're protesting on their employer's time" argument.

And besides, what was our President doing calling them sons of bitches, let alone taking a side in this debate instead of doing what he should have done, which was make a call for national unity regardless of an individual's beliefs? This isn't "The Apprentice", and he doesn't get to fire anyone or tell anyone else to, period. Even owners like Bob Kraft, who have supported him proudly in the past and may still do so on other issues, have spared no words in condemning him. Doesn't that tell you that Trump, regardless of what he feels, made a big mistake opening his mouth in the way he did?

I support the Steelers, and I support Mike Tomlin and Art Rooney II's stand on the issue. Paradoxically, perhaps, I also support Alejandro Villanueva for being on the field and standing for the anthem. He made the choice he felt he had to, just like his teammates did. I further believe that both the Ambassador and the Chief both would have supported each individual's right to make a decision on this matter, even if they would have disagreed.

I hope that this won't affect the website or how it operates; it would be a shame to lose a site like this because of a political disagreement that neither you nor any of us is going to affect, even with your boycott. The NFL isn't going to miss your money any more than they will the money of those who share your beliefs. As of right now, with the way they're set up, they're about as customer-proof a business as there is. Only if the TV networks try to void their contracts (which won't happen any time soon) will the NFL feel the pinch. Individual boycotts may make the boycotters feel good, but they won't cause wither the players or the owners to rethink their positions.

Repost of my last night's comments:

I have stated here many times I am way less a fan of a particular year’s team so much as a die hard fan of, “The Steelers”, the heritage and flat out class of the organization.  The frickin’, self-centered, selfish players on this 2017 team and that moronic, OXYGEN THIEF, Mike Tomlin undid all of it for me today.  What a bunch of pukes.  To let your team mate who fought in combat for your sorry a$#%^&&’s stand with honor for his flag and country all by himself while they pouted in the shadows like the cowards they are should never be forgiven by anyone who calls themselves a Steeler fan.  Look, I served 21 years and like most veterans will always state that anyone has the right to protest and even as despicable as it is to me - to burn the very flag I love and honor - I truly support that right.  You have to if you believe in the Constitution that so many have defended.  Having a right however, does not mean you have to exercise it. Life is about making choices.  Easy choices and difficult choices.  Today, one member, JUST ONE member of the Steelers made an easy choice in alignment with his values and his choice not to disrespect, not just his fellow veterans and combat casualties, but the tens of millions of Americans who appreciate the life they enjoy and love their nation without shame, because there is NO shame in being an American.  Then you have the rest of the Steelers who also made an easy decision - the decision of a coward, to go with the flow, be cool, be rebellious. Shame on these ungrateful, millionaire, pansy-ass, pond scum.  Shame on every last one of them. I no longer give one rip about the 2017 Steelers and how they play or whether they win a championship or not.  Maybe the 2018 Team can regain my respect - time will tell.

[Rollers]

You're way off base here, Tim. The players have the freedom to choose what to do or not do during the national anthem. They don't have to stand and feign respect for what they consider a symbol of everything that's wrong with a nation that makes them feel second class in spite of their wealth. It's not something that's required by NFL rule, either,  regardless of how many people try to bring up the whole "they're protesting on their employer's time" argument.

And besides, what was our President doing calling them sons of bitches, let alone taking a side in this debate instead of doing what he should have done, which was make a call for national unity regardless of an individual's beliefs? This isn't "The Apprentice", and he doesn't get to fire anyone or tell anyone else to, period. Even owners like Bob Kraft, who have supported him proudly in the past and may still do so on other issues, have spared no words in condemning him. Doesn't that tell you that Trump, regardless of what he feels, made a big mistake opening his mouth in the way he did?

I support the Steelers, and I support Mike Tomlin and Art Rooney II's stand on the issue. Paradoxically, perhaps, I also support Alejandro Villanueva for being on the field and standing for the anthem. He made the choice he felt he had to, just like his teammates did. I further believe that both the Ambassador and the Chief both would have supported each individual's right to make a decision on this matter, even if they would have disagreed.

I hope that this won't affect the website or how it operates; it would be a shame to lose a site like this because of a political disagreement that neither you nor any of us is going to affect, even with your boycott. The NFL isn't going to miss your money any more than they will the money of those who share your beliefs. As of right now, with the way they're set up, they're about as customer-proof a business as there is. Only if the TV networks try to void their contracts (which won't happen any time soon) will the NFL feel the pinch. Individual boycotts may make the boycotters feel good, but they won't cause wither the players or the owners to rethink their positions.

Repost of my last night's comments:

I have stated here many times I am way less a fan of a particular year’s team so much as a die hard fan of, “The Steelers”, the heritage and flat out class of the organization.  The frickin’, self-centered, selfish players on this 2017 team and that moronic, OXYGEN THIEF, Mike Tomlin undid all of it for me today.  What a bunch of pukes.  To let your team mate who fought in combat for your sorry a$#%^&&’s stand with honor for his flag and country all by himself while they pouted in the shadows like the cowards they are should never be forgiven by anyone who calls themselves a Steeler fan.  Look, I served 21 years and like most veterans will always state that anyone has the right to protest and even as despicable as it is to me - to burn the very flag I love and honor - I truly support that right.  You have to if you believe in the Constitution that so many have defended.  Having a right however, does not mean you have to exercise it. Life is about making choices.  Easy choices and difficult choices.  Today, one member, JUST ONE member of the Steelers made an easy choice in alignment with his values and his choice not to disrespect, not just his fellow veterans and combat casualties, but the tens of millions of Americans who appreciate the life they enjoy and love their nation without shame, because there is NO shame in being an American.  Then you have the rest of the Steelers who also made an easy decision - the decision of a coward, to go with the flow, be cool, be rebellious. Shame on these ungrateful, millionaire, pansy-ass, pond scum.  Shame on every last one of them. I no longer give one rip about the 2017 Steelers and how they play or whether they win a championship or not.  Maybe the 2018 Team can regain my respect - time will tell.

you expressed yourself well for me as well.  I didn't want to post anymore about it.  After 24 years in the military and watching young men die following orders I gave in combat and then seeing these pussies call what they're doing some kind of a sacrifice.  Tomlin criticized Villy as did Harrison.  I hope Villy demands to be traded.  I'd love to see him leave this bunch of cowards.  I would have more respect for those that at least knelt in public as much as I think that's an action of a coward than to see this.  To hell with Tomlin.  To hell with the Rooney's.  Thanks for the years boys I'm out

[mcmillenandwife]

I have stated here many times I am way less a fan of a particular year’s team so much as a die hard fan of, “The Steelers”, the heritage and flat out class of the organization.  The frickin’, self-centered, selfish players on this 2017 team and that moronic, OXYGEN THIEF, Mike Tomlin undid all of it for me today.  What a bunch of pukes.  To let your team mate who fought in combat for your sorry a$#%^&&’s stand with honor for his flag and country all by himself while they pouted in the shadows like the cowards they are should never be forgiven by anyone who calls themselves a Steeler fan.  Look, I served 21 years and like most veterans will always state that anyone has the right to protest and even as despicable as it is to me - to burn the very flag I love and honor - I truly support that right.  You have to if you believe in the Constitution that so many have defended.  Having a right however, does not mean you have to exercise it. Life is about making choices.  Easy choices and difficult choices.  Today, one member, JUST ONE member of the Steelers made an easy choice in alignment with his values and his choice not to disrespect, not just his fellow veterans and combat casualties, but the tens of millions of Americans who appreciate the life they enjoy and love their nation without shame, because there is NO shame in being an American.  Then you have the rest of the Steelers who also made an easy decision - the decision of a coward, to go with the flow, be cool, be rebellious. Shame on these ungrateful, millionaire, pansy-ass, pond scum.  Shame on every last one of them. I no longer give one rip about the 2017 Steelers and how they play or whether they win a championship or not.  Maybe the 2018 Team can regain my respect - time will tell.

While I don't agree that the players are "pansy-ass pond scum"  (   ), I agree with the bulk of what you said and I definitely agree that Mike Tomlin displayed remarkably poor leadership in handling things the way he did. I give the players more of a pass than team leadership. The team is made up of mostly 20-somethings, many in their early 20's and many who grew up without fathers. I know they're not babies, but I do think the coaches have a responsibility to provide a certain amount of "mature" guidance, to mentor these young men. If the so-called NFL leaders (from Goodell to the team owners to the coaches) had had the BALLS and BACKBONE to nip this when it first started, we wouldn't be in this position.

Can you imagine Chuck Noll allowing what just happened?

I've now heard Villanueva's explanation. He feels terrible about it. Embarrassed. He feels like he let his teammates down. And frankly, based on the team plan he describes, his actions did kinda throw the rest of the team under the bus because it makes the rest of them look like heels (which sort of backs up Tomlin's notion of trying to keep them out of harm's way by avoiding the situation altogether). 

But the thing is, there should have been no hiding. And there should've been no lack of unity. Because the flag and the National Anthem DO NOT represent police brutality. They have absolutely nothing to do with police brutality. Therefore, a "protest" against them makes no sense. So get out there, stand and be respectful like a grown man should. 

Hiding in the locker room was a TERRIBLE decision. Awful. And it's really on Tomlin in my opinion.

[mcmillenandwife]

One other excerpt from a Facebook discussion with a fellow Steelers fan:

"You never said anything about the President calling NFL Player's SONS OF BITCHES! either Tim"

The profanity and name-calling, especially coming from the POTUS, was unnecessary, inflammatory and beneath the office. No excuse for it. That said, I think Trump basically articulated (in a crass way) what much of America thinks about these National Anthem "protests". The message is badly missing the mark, not because people don't care -- bad cops are criminals and should be treated as such -- but because the setting is so awkwardly out of place. Watching a bunch of millionaire 20-something athletes disrespect the flag and National Anthem at a football game has nothing to do with police brutality. Nothing. NOTHING. NeChelle said I can't see the issues because they don't effect me, and to a degree, she's probably right. But how on earth do you think protesting police brutality at a totally unrelated football game is going to help someone like me connect the dots? If people were gathered to protest outside a police station where officers had actually committed brutality, THAT I could understand and even get behind. But disrespecting the flag and our military at a football game? SMH. Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat on the bus after working her butt off all day, I get. Nothing but respect for the incredibly gutsy, necessary, world-changing stand she took. And the ensuing bus boycott forced Montgomery to repeal its racist, segregated seating laws on buses. But notice, Ms. Parks dealt with the problem at it's source. She took her seat on the bus and refused to move. She didn't go to a football game and take a knee during the National Anthem... because that would've made no sense. Just as it makes no sense now (in my opinion).

[RaynorShyne]

As an NFL consumer - I'm currently disappointed in the product. I work in government. I see politics every day - I don't want to PAY for it on a football field. If we're TRULY honest - that's what we're interested in - the product. I want to see 11 humans in Steeler uniforms drive down the field and score, and then a different set of 11 stomp, sack, and stop the other team. I really couldn't care less about the players, their stories, their lives, whatever. I don't know them. I don't care to. If I did, I'd still be saying nightly prayers for Gabe "Senior Sack" Rivera <'member him?>. The 6 hours of Super Bowl pregame is some of the most painful in television. Who cares what flavor cat food your second string kicker eats?

Remember Mike Webster? Great center. Sad end. Oh well. Dermonti Dawson was a great replacement! We don't REALLY care - and that's ok. You're a consumer of a product. Don't make the employees on the field heroes - you're GOING to be disappointed. Current case: offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva. Christ dude - SHUT UP. Heaps of praise for the guy yesterday, who today proves himself to be an assclown by APOLOGIZING for standing at the end of the tunnel. Yeah, yeah, Army Ranger blah, blah. I did 20 as a M1A1 armored crewman in various US Army Cavalry units. Your military is a reflection of society. Stop seeing him as a hero and see him for what he is: An NFL employee serving in the capacity of the PRODUCT you pay for and consume. When he leaves the field for the last time, all you really want is a Left OT that's his equal - or preferably better.

I used to bleed Black and Gold. I may again one day. That day will be after the NFL gets it's product straight.

As far as the players? I MIGHT gain an iota of respect for this coddled, over payed, one-trick ponies the minute they show up at 414 Grant St in downtown Pittsburgh and ask, "How can I help". Otherwise shut the hell up, STAND UP, and entertain me.

[RaynorShyne]

Seriously, Steelers? You can't just come out and show respect for the flag and the National Anthem as a team because the President dared to say what most fans are already thinking? Shame on you. Gutless decision. 

One Steeler player behaved like a man: Alejandro Villanueva, who instead of hiding in the locker room came out of the players' tunnel and respectfully stood with his hand over his heart during the National Anthem. The rest of the team should be ashamed. 

What will you do next week? And the week after that? 

I was poised to order my tickets to the Steelers at Lions game on Oct. 29th. Forget it. $600 for nosebleed tickets, $50 for parking, $150 for low-quality, overpriced concessions to take my family to see a bunch of millionaires whine about unjust this country supposedly is? 

No thanks. Screw you, NFL. Your best years are behind you. And shame on you, Steelers, for a gutless response to a ridiculous situation.

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Tim,  It's been so long that I've posted, my account isn't recognized anymore.  However, I've been visiting the site for years and years.  Bless you, the guitars, the kiddo's and the lovely Missus.  Though I'm stuck in Texas between frickin Cowboys and Texans fans - you've been one of my conduits to Land of the Yinzers.   I couldn't agree with your dissapointment more and I could only imagine the load of 'Double Yoi's" coming out of the old announcement booth if Mr. Cope was still here.   I'd also love to see what Cower or.......better yet..... Noll would have done.