Less Demand, More Dialogue
The Tug Of War Battle Between The President And The NFL Needs A Common Sense Direction
It’s obvious to everyone outside the ongoing tussle between President Donald Trump and the NFL players that this mess has gone on long enough – especially to NFL fans.
The president has played the game masterfully. He’s successfully turned the national conversation away from the reason players began taking the knee in the first place. For millions of onlookers, the debate appears to be more about disrespect toward the flag and the armed forces. And for all intent and purpose, that is now what it has become – perception is everything.
Score: President 1, NFL players 0.
It may explain why the NFL has begun to buckle under the pressure in recent days – suggesting that they will begin to crack down on players who continue to take a knee until the issue of police violence and equality are adequately addressed. Even though most fans believe the president should stay out of the matter and focus on other issues – like, say, potential war with North Korea – the NFL is a business led by business leaders who know that a protracted controversy will eventually effect their bottom line.
Screen shot / YouTube
Besides, players have had more than enough time - and platform – to take more control of the discussion. By now, they could have held at least one press conference to address their rationale for the protest. They could have resumed the call for national reform with regard to police violence. San Diego Chargers' lineman Russell Okung recently called on players to form a united voice. But in general, the most we have heard from them have been locker room soundbites from individual players.
A recent New York Times article reports that NFL owners will be meeting next week to discuss the players' demonstrations.
But the president misses the opportunity to be the big winner, too. By addressing the issue completely from the singular voice that mirrors his base – which is mostly white – he snuffs out any light with NFL players on the issue – who are mostly black and who have a legitimate concern. History suggests that the issue of police violence will continue unless it’s checked. The president isn’t addressing the root of the problem, just the symptom. This means if we don’t come up with a solution today, we will surely be faced with some other form of protest later.
Score: President 1, NFL players 1.
It’s time for both sides to step away from the hardline of immovability. It’s time for all parties to come to the table and have an in person conversation. The president may have the moment but he’s only playing wacamole with the issue. It’s going to come up again – and maybe in worse form. NFL players are not going to get what they want through protest (frankly, social change has rarely ever come through protest alone). Players who want to do something about police violence are better served organizing themselves by city and state and having direct dialogue with police departments and their leadership. They need to take positive action.
But the feud between President Trump and the players in its current form is exhausting without real resolution. It’s time for a beer summit. An open talk is a part of our democracy. Or, in warrior terms, at some point you need to face the opponent.
Either way, both parties stand to gain from a direct sit down. And then hopefully, we can all stand up.
Main Photo Credit: Keith Allison. Caption: Washington Redskins vs. Oakland Raiders at FedEx Field on September 24, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. Players taking a knee.
