Readers Respond: Fairfax Bar Turns Off NFL Games

FAIRFAX, VA—After many NFL players participated in the "Take a Knee" protests during last weekend's games, a Fairfax bar is no longer showing games.

Fat Tuesday's owners announced they would stop showing NFL games "until there is a stop to this foolishness," citing their daughter's military service in Afghanistan. The controversy started with now-unsigned player Colin Kaepernick last year, but others joined in last weekend after President Trump said NFL players who kneel during the national anthem should be fired.

The Fat Tuesday owners wrote on Facebook, "As proud parents of an active duty member of the US Army and a veteran of Afghanistan, we stand on the side of our brave men & women in uniform not the men in sports costumes that take a knee and disrespect our country, our National Anthem, our military and our veterans."

We asked Patch readers in Northern Virginia what they make of Fat Tuesday's decision. The responses were mixed, mirroring the split across the U.S. on the controversial topic.

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Some opposed said simply said they would boycott, while others pointed out reasons like the military serving to defend First Amendment rights.

Patch user Jody says, "I cannot believe that those who served or serve in our military are in anyway being in any way [dissed] by this protest. They serve to protect our constitution and it's flag which is exactly what this protest is doing.

Wyatt Reynolds echoed this point, saying, "Some actually see the players' protest as a patriotic act. It's a very small reminder to our great country to fulfill her promise of liberty and justice for all, which are the very ideals for which they fought."

Vienna Patch Facebook follower Paul M. Sullivan says, "I’m not sure that having a daughter in the army requires this position. Plenty of service members realize this type of protest is one of the rights they are protecting."

Some believe it is a foolish decision on the business side for a sports bar. But Kingstowne Patch Facebook follower R Mark Ramsey argues, "There comes a time where your ethics and morals supersede hauling in money."

Not all service members and their families are necessarily on the same page. Patch user Darla says, "My husband is a retired Marine JAG and my FIL served 35 years in the USMC during 3 wars- WW2, Korea and Vietnam. Let's show the flag some respect."

It's yet to be seen if the players will continue protest en masse in future games. But Patch reader Sophie Landon up the disagreement with this: "There's need for open minds and dialogue on both sides."

Do you have an opinion on the bar's decision to not show NFL games? Leave a comment below or on Facebook.

Photo by Matt Dunham/Associated Press