Quote:Despite what some supporters of the national anthem protests may say, the inclusion of the anthem at sporting events is not some politicization of it. The cross between sports and patriotism has gone back decades, and it is something to be celebrated.

The latest iteration of this mistaken argument comes from former U.S. men’s soccer coach Bruce Arena. Arena, the longest-tenured coach in team history, told ESPN that the anthem is “inappropriate” at games. “We don't use national anthem in movie theaters or on Broadway, or for other events in the United States. I don't think it is appropriate to have a national anthem before a baseball game or an MLS game,” he said. “But having said that, I want it understood that I am very patriotic, but I think it is inappropriate.”

Arena has this wrong, in part because he misunderstands the place sports hold in society. Over half of Americans consider themselves sports fans, and nearly three-fourths of American adults played sports when they were younger. Sports, from the community to the nationally televised levels, are the idealized versions of America; hard work, fair play, individual achievement and teamwork, and the drive for greatness.

The playing of the national anthem at sporting events became popular during the 1918 World Series. Over 100,000 U.S. soldiers had been killed by that point in World War I, and the atmosphere for Game 1 had been somber. During the seventh-inning stretch, the U.S. Navy band played "The Star-Spangled Banner," which wouldn’t become the official national anthem until 1931. The players then took off their caps, the fans joined in singing, and the New York Times reported that by the end, “onlookers exploded into thunderous applause and rent the air with a cheer that marked the highest point of the day's enthusiasm.”

From there, the tradition spread first throughout baseball, then throughout the rest of the American sports landscape. Since then, it has become a sporting staple, as the American ideal of fair play and teamwork became intertwined with the ideals of freedom and justice for all, represented by the anthem and the flag.

Arena also tried to claim that playing the anthem doesn’t make any sense for Major League Soccer since so many players are foreigners, but this, too, doesn’t hold up. MLS is an American- and Canadian-based league. Moreover, one of the greatest virtues of the United States is the welcoming of those who weren’t born on our shores, whether they adopt the U.S. as their country or not.

So no, the national anthem is not “inappropriate” for sports. The values of sport mirror the values that this country aspires to reach; the national anthem is a reminder of that and a reminder of those who’ve given their lives to help us continue to strive toward a more perfect union.

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I don't think the US men's soccer team is fit to wear our colors, as they are consistently a disgrace on the field.

I will put it this way, I have no problem with professional leagues not playing the anthem, if they do it must be respected. The anthem isn't the platform to make a political objection especially generalizing the US is bad. I think for public schools at all levels it's appropriate with the mandate it must be respected. If athletes want to make a political demonstration do it after the game, gather at midfield kneel, flip everyone off however you choose to make your statement.

I think before international games, it should be played. Arena is talking about MLS, not the national team games

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Its entirely appropriate. If you think you should be asking the question simply indicates you hate our country and should leave.

Now, unless its baseball, if pros don't want to play it, that's fine. However, baseball and the anthem are as inseparable as baseball, peanuts and cracker jacks.

It is not appropriated when you kneel during the anthem. The only exception for not standing if you are disabled where you can't stand.

(06-20-2020 05:42 PM)bullet Wrote:  Its entirely appropriate. If you think you should be asking the question simply indicates you hate our country and should leave.

Now, unless its baseball, if pros don't want to play it, that's fine. However, baseball and the anthem are as inseparable as baseball, peanuts and cracker southern American jacks.

Updated with a more politically correct name "Cracker" is a 20th century term.

(06-20-2020 06:09 PM)DavidSt Wrote:  It is not appropriated when you kneel during the anthem. The only exception for not standing if you are disabled where you can't stand.

Agreed

Someone has hijacked Davids account.

I attend a lot of sporting events, and honestly question why has to be played before every single game. That being said, it seems now more than ever it should be played before every single game.

Unfortunately, tho, I predict you're going to see kneeling across the leagues & fans staying seated, eventually leading them to stopping the Anthem. You won't see it yet, because players have stated they need it because it gives them the platform to protest.

What was once a moment of unity has deloved into arguably the most divisive part of a sporting event

It’s appropriate in most places. Any first amendment exercise during it should be appropriate as well though, IMO.

Most athletes don't deserve to to there when the National Anthem plays.

(06-20-2020 08:11 PM)BartlettTigerFan Wrote:  Most athletes don't deserve to to there when the National Anthem plays.

Based on what?

If you say most athletes don’t deserve to be there, then most people might not.

(06-20-2020 06:09 PM)DavidSt Wrote:  It is not appropriated when you kneel during the anthem. The only exception for not standing if you are disabled where you can't stand.

I agree David. Im for just going back and playing the anthem before the teams come out as was done for years. I have no problem with the players taking a knee together when they enter the field and even having the PA announce a moment of silence in solidarity with them. Ill even take one myself with them...but...not while the anthem is being played. No way Ill do that.

(06-20-2020 06:23 PM)TigerBlue4Ever Wrote:  Someone has hijacked Davids account.

David is a Lib..but not a crazy Lib. I have always respected his views even if I disagreed with them because he does not let emotion slant his comments. He is rational.

(06-20-2020 07:59 PM)solohawks Wrote:  What was once a moment of unity has deloved into arguably the most divisive part of a sporting event

...and that should scare the hell out of everybody imo.

(06-20-2020 08:14 PM)nomad2u2001 Wrote:  

(06-20-2020 08:11 PM)BartlettTigerFan Wrote:  Most athletes don't deserve to to there when the National Anthem plays.

Based on what?

If you say most athletes don’t deserve to be there, then most people might not.

Based on my personal opinion, something people used to be allowed to have. You could have one too. Try it, it's liberating.

(06-20-2020 08:21 PM)Fo Shizzle Wrote:  

(06-20-2020 06:09 PM)DavidSt Wrote:  It is not appropriated when you kneel during the anthem. The only exception for not standing if you are disabled where you can't stand.

I agree David. Im for just going back and playing the anthem before the teams come out as was done for years. I have no problem with the players taking a knee together when they enter the field and even having the PA announce a moment of silence in solidarity with them. Ill even take one myself with them...but...not while the anthem is being played. No way Ill do that.

That's actually a great idea........but the whole point is to degrade the Anthem/flag.

(06-20-2020 08:42 PM)Bronco14 Wrote:  

(06-20-2020 08:21 PM)Fo Shizzle Wrote:  

(06-20-2020 06:09 PM)DavidSt Wrote:  It is not appropriated when you kneel during the anthem. The only exception for not standing if you are disabled where you can't stand.

I agree David. Im for just going back and playing the anthem before the teams come out as was done for years. I have no problem with the players taking a knee together when they enter the field and even having the PA announce a moment of silence in solidarity with them. Ill even take one myself with them...but...not while the anthem is being played. No way Ill do that.

That's actually a great idea........but the whole point is to degrade the Anthem/flag.

In other words, to give a middle finger to the fans, the people who are the customers who pay their ridiculously high salaries.