It would be interesting to see how stridently hockey coach John Tortorella would react if star players crucial to his professional success - and job security - protested by choosing not to stand for the National Anthem. .
By kneeling during the playing of The Star Spangled Banner, Colin Kaepernick is exercising his constitutionally protected First Amendment right to protest. He has done so peacefully and, indeed, so quietly that for several weeks few even noticed. By doing so, he has placed himself at the center of a firestorm and his own career in jeopardy. Any of us are free to disagree with him. None are free, if free we be, to deny his right to protest.
For historical antecedent, recall how Muhammad Ali, Tommy Smith, and John Carlos were once savaged for their protests and how those men and their protests are admired today. One hopes the same redemption awaits Kaepernick.
Unless and until John Torotella is put to that test, is a faux tough guy blowing smoke at the flag he purports to revere.
Those who refuse to learn from history are condemned to repeat it.
The same day Colin Kaepernick shared his full-length Nike ad, a Louisiana mayor reportedly banned Nike products from booster clubs.
Colin's battle goes on.
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