Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Dak Prescott weighed in on where he stands with the entire kneeling protest issue during the national anthem when addressing the media recently. What he had to say didn't sit very well with quite a few people, causing quite a bit of unwanted backlash.
“I'd never protest during the anthem, and I don't think that's the time or the venue to do so,” Prescott said. “The game of football has always brought me such peace, and I think it does the same for a lot of people.”
As you can imagine, this didn't sit too well with those who are in support of kneeling during the national anthem.
As an African-American/Black NFL QB, Dak Prescott could've followed in the footsteps of Colin Kaepernick and decided to kneel for the anthem. As you know, Kaepernick pretty much started this protest to draw awareness to social injustices, particularly police brutality against African-Americans.
This has unfortunately caused quite a stir. Many people have taken to social media to voice their displeasure in Prescott's decision not to kneel during the national anthem. And more times than not, the comments have been downright degrading and outright hurtful.
https://twitter.com/carronJphillips/status/1022941182731726849
“Lemonade serving house Negro”…Really!?
Honestly, I'm completely dumbfounded someone who disagrees with Dak Prescott for not kneeling during the national anthem can say that. I doubt Mr. Carron J. Phillips would say that to Prescott's face, but luckily he can hide behind social media. I for one think it's cowardice to do such a thing, but that's the kind of society we live in today.
I guess he just thinks Prescott has become an “Uncle Tom”, a term that has been used to describe a black person who is overeager to win the approval of whites. Jerry Jones puppet if you will. It was Jones after all who has said that his players will stand for the anthem if they want to be a member of the Dallas Cowboys.
https://twitter.com/consciousangry1/status/1023035959351365632
I understand where the people who disagree with Prescott's stance on kneeling for the national anthem are coming from. Prescott could've drawn even more attention to the social injustices by choosing to kneel. This is especially true considering is he starting QB for Americus Team, arguably the most recognizable sports organization in the world. I just don't agree with their methods of voicing their displeasure.
I think a lot of these people missed the bigger picture in Prescott's interview, especially when it comes to him wanting to take the “next step”.
“I think this whole kneeling, and all of that, was all about raising awareness, and the fact that we are still talking about social injustice years later, I think we've got to that point. I think we've proved it. We know about social injustice. I'm up for taking the next step, whatever that step might be for action and not just kneeling.”
I don't know what the “next step” will be for Dak Prescott, but I for one am proud that he decided to address the kneeling situation to begin with. He could've easily brushed it off and not voiced his opinion on the topic, but instead chose to give his opinion.
Now, I know a lot of people will read this and accuse me of just being another “white guy” who doesn't understand the kneeling protest or what they're trying to accomplish. But, I promise you you'd be wrong.
I believe in equality and all that it encompasses. Sadly, we live in an imperfect world. But, that doesn't mean we should chastise those who we don't necessarily see eye to eye with. Unfortunately, that's what too many people are doing to Prescott. I think it is just wrong and completely undeserved.
It's time we take the “next step” and figure out how to work together in order to put our differences aside and become a better nation.
