Hall of Famer Tony Dungy Has the Right Idea. That’s why he is a Hall of Fame coach and person.
During a recent interview on WFAN to promote a line of children’s book produced by him and his wife, Dungy briefly addressed the issue of players kneeing during the national anthem as a show of protest for “systematic oppression.”
He offered a solution stating that players should be given time to express their concerns and views during a coach’s televised press conferences instead of taking a knee. He stated how the players can reach a much broader audience.
Bravo.
Dungy, who is studio analyst for NBC’s Sunday Night Football, stated in an USA Today article that he is ready to use his outlet to help the cause.
“We offered that up on NBC,” Dungy said. “We went to the NFL … (and) we said, ‘We’ll give you time during our Football Night in America every week if you want it, to talk about what these players are doing.’ And people don’t see that side of it. They see the kneeling and the protests, but they don’t see what they’re doing in the community to help raise awareness and help bridge that divide.”
This can be the ideal situation and really begin to put their plan to work.
Kneeling during the national anthem is not the solution. It doesn’t make any sense. We all have the right to protest and the players should make the most of it. If you really have a protest against the anthem, you shouldn’t stay in the country.
Take the cue from Dungy.
In their offseason, the players can form a united front and hold press conferences to explain their issues in each of the major cities –or targeted areas – across the country. They would certainly receive national media attention, and the overall public would have a better feeling and acceptance toward their cause.
Colin Kaepernick, who spearheaded the movement, has been receiving donations and also doling out his own money for good causes. If you take a look at his website, www.kaepernick7.com, you can review some of his actions.
As far as being out of the league, Kaepernick can blame himself. He opted out of his contract to become a free agent, and he then used his social stance to pressure teams to sing him. NFL team don’t want to sign him because of his current stance, but they probably would if he concocted Dungy’s plan.
The question that always puzzles me is — When Kapernick played in Super Bowl XLVII in 2013 and had a great game in San Francisco’s 34-31 loss to Baltimore, why didn’t he use the biggest stage in the world to voice his opinion during two weeks of pregame coverage and the postgame?
These “systematic oppression” issues didn’t exist five years ago?
Hmmm…he wasn’t out of job then.
Kaepernick and the rest of the protesting players can take the lead from Dungy
Reach out to the league and ask for a platform. Your message will be heard and addressed.
Take a real stance and not just a knee.