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The NFL began the new season by dismissing seven players for the heinous act of kneeling during the playing of the national anthem, demonstrating an unprecedented zero tolerance for “wokeness.” Yes, you read correctly. The NFL reacted quickly and brutally when a few players dared to take a knee at the season-opening ceremony, which was watched by millions of people. The NFL said that it would no longer allow any kind of protest during the anthem, a decision that shocked the sports community. It seems like the league has had enough of kneeling and “wokeness” of any kind.
At a hurriedly planned press conference, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said, “This is a new season, free from kneeling wokeness.” He hardly disguised his joy at finally ending the four-year-old drama that has split players, fans, and critics.
Standing in front of a giant banner that read “Keep Football Great,” which, let’s face it, feels a little too on-the-nose, Goodell went on, “from now on, players will stand tall, proud, and completely devoid of any political opinions—at least during the national anthem.”
In circumstances more suited for a high-stakes heist film than the opening ceremony of America’s favorite sport, security promptly led the players who took the now-famous knee off the field. Some well-known players were among those disqualified, including offensive lineman Ricky “Brick House” Davis, wide receiver Devin Thompson, and defensive end Marcus “The Wall” Johnson. According to reports, everybody was instructed to pack up their lockers, turn in their helmets, and, as a last insult, remove their social media accounts for good measure.
As it turns out, taking a knee is now a disqualifying crime, similar to using performance-enhancing drugs or being discovered deflating footballs, rather than merely being a form of political protest.
With the dismay of a parent whose child just hurled a fastball through the living room window, Goodell shook his head and muttered, “We warned them.” “We’ve given them plenty opportunities. These players, however, paid little attention. They will have plenty of time to think back on their choices—from the luxury of their living rooms—now that they have chosen the woke road.
In response to this abrupt disqualification, the players have not spoken out. Instead, they would have spoken up—had they not been compelled to remove all of their social media accounts, which essentially silenced them online.
This daring new measure is a part of the NFL’s larger effort to rid its field of what many owners and fans have called “unnecessary distractions.” The league has had enough of the arguments surrounding anthem demonstrations for years. The objective? Because, as Goodell stressed, “Let’s not get carried away with the symbolism,” a united football season would only permit kneeling in the huddle, and even then, only for a brief period of time.
“This is football,” Goodell declared, wildly waving his arms in the air like a revival meeting preacher. It has nothing to do with politics. It has nothing to do with social justice. For the amusement of the general public, 22 men are shown on a field knocking each other out. And we want the game to return to its original, wonderful, and unadulterated state. No more “woke” messaging, no more kneeling. Only football.
To further emphasize the point, the NFL has also announced a number of new stadium regulations for the season, such as a “stand or leave” policy that asks fans who are caught sitting or kneeling to “reconsider their commitment to the game” and a mandatory flag-waving during the anthem (fans will receive tiny American flags at the gate). The league appears adamant about eliminating anything even somewhat political from its territory, as if anyone needed further evidence.
To make sure that players don’t get any amusing ideas about protesting at halftime, some teams are reportedly thinking about playing the national anthem several times during the game. This is one really strange development. In order to make sure that both players and fans are standing throughout the anthem, there has even been discussion about placing “patriot cams” in stadiums. Ultimately, as one club owner stated, “Are you even an American if you’re not standing?”
This harsh approach has, of course, provoked responses from football fans everywhere. Many ardent NFL supporters, who have been clamoring for the league to “get back to basics,” are hailing the ruling as a triumph of common sense and patriotism.
“At last! Outside Soldier Field, one particularly fervent supporter declared, “No more of this kneeling nonsense.” “I didn’t come here to watch grown men silently protest during the anthem; I came here to watch them beat each other!” It’s time for the NFL to take action.
In the meantime, detractors have called the disqualifications “an overreaction to a peaceful protest” and “tone-deaf.” Naturally, a controversy emerged on social media, with hashtags like #LetThemKneel and #NFLKneelers continuing to trend for hours.
What this means for player expression in the future is now a question that both athletes and analysts are considering. Will players be penalized by the NFL for considering kneeling? Will coaches be required to take oaths stating that they will not permit their team captains to kneel during emotional outbursts? To prevent politically charged performances, would the NFL eventually do away with halftime shows?
There is no doubt that this season will be unique. The NFL has drawn a line in the sand, not because of new quarterbacks or rule revisions. Ironically, this line is indicated by the fact that no knees are in contact with the floor.
The league has reaffirmed its new position in the days following the disqualifications, arguing that the ruling was required to “preserve the integrity of the game.” However, others are wondering if the NFL has grown even more politicized in its quest to appear politically neutral.
Players who once kneeled in silent protest now face a league that has gone from reluctant tolerance to full-blown authoritarianism. If there was ever a middle ground in the debate, it has officially been bulldozed by the NFL’s declaration that “this season, there will be no wokeness.”
So, what will the future hold for the disqualified players? Are they permanently banned from the league, or will they be allowed to return after signing a pledge of patriotic allegiance? Will the NFL’s new anti-kneeling stance alienate the very players who make the league what it is?
For now, one thing is clear: If you’re planning to play football in the NFL this season, keep your feet firmly planted during the anthem—or you might find yourself disqualified faster than you can say “first down.”
