Los Angeles Chargers left tackle Russell Okung has an idea how to connect with NFL owners on the league’s national anthem policy — show them Beto O’Rouke’s viral response to being asked if kneeling during the playing of “Star-Spangled Banner” is disrespectful.
At a campaign event in Houston last week, O’Rouke, a Texas Democrat seeking to unseat Sen. Ted Cruz, said there was “nothing more American” than taking a knee during the anthem.
Okung said he plans to show the response at a meeting between owners and the player’s union on Monday.
At today’s meeting between @NFLPA reps & @NFL execs/owners, I plan to share this viral video of @RepBetoORourke being asked if NFL players kneeling is disrespectful. The tone he sets makes me proud to be a Texan & gives me hope that a productive dialogue is possible [THREAD] https://t.co/HZeALcmOR0
— Russell Okung (@RussellOkung) August 27, 2018
They would have been correct. Perhaps its not too late.
— Russell Okung (@RussellOkung) August 27, 2018
What if owners adopted a leadership posture, recognizing “reasonable people can disagree on this issue” instead of viewing player protests as a threat.
We don’t have to accept the epidemic of unarmed black humans being murdered. We don’t have to accept the narrative that “players are protesting the anthem” (See: @CBS). We don’t have to accept the fact that @Kaepernick7 & @E_Reid35 are not on a roster despite their proven talent.
— Russell Okung (@RussellOkung) August 27, 2018
I’m looking forward to today’s meeting in NYC. I believe this face to face conversation is pivotal & will determine if meaningful progress will be made. Critically, I hope we can stop avoiding the conversation that @RepBetoORourke so eloquently encouraged us to have. Stay tuned!
— Russell Okung (@RussellOkung) August 27, 2018
The NFL has shelved a reformed anthem policy that banned kneeling on the sideline during the anthem after the NFLPA filed a grievance.
The league and the player’s union remain in discussions to rework the policy.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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