Trump and the sports protesters

St. Petersburg, Fl
Opinion by: E. Eugene Webb PhD
Author: In Search of Robin

I do not really want to write about all that is going on in our country right now, there are many very insightful and talented people commenting and reporting on the reaction to the election of Donald Trump and reactions of people like the Buc's Mike Evans.

So I thought I would accumulate a number of local and regional comments for your consideration and make a few comments.

From the Tampa Bay Times:

Steve Bousquet, Bucs receiver Mike Evans sets off social media firestorm in Tampa Bay

Romano: Neither the time, nor the place, for a football player's protest

Greg Auman, Bucs' Mike Evans says he will end national anthem protest

saintpetersblog:

Gary Shelton, Bucs’ Mike Evans sits over Donald Trump’s election despite not voting

Mitch Perry, Jack Latvala blasts Buccaneers player Mike Evans for protesting during national anthem

The thin line between free speech and common sense has gotten much brighter since the presidential election.

Sports figures, actors, media stars all need to consider what the impact of their actions will be.

Those in the rush for viewers, ratings, readers, clicks and the ad dollar need to rethink their goals and their responsibility to the public. These protest feed on publicity.

I do not really care if Mike Evans stands up or not for the National Anthem because in one act he has forever stated his view of the very country, society, culture and people who allowed him to exhibit what every prowess he may have and make a lot of money doing it.

He can apologize all he wants along with the other sports and entertainment stars for their disrespect of this country, its flag, its veterans and ultimately its people.

For me Evan's actions defines forever his legacy in my mind for his ungrateful, small-minded view of the freedom that allows him the right to free speech while denying others their right to express their views at the ballot box.

I am sure Mr. Evans will go on to catch many footballs, get a lot of praise for his game contributions, but for me he will always just be one of the sports jerks who disrespected his country.

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