NFL Legend Jim Brown Criticizes Colin Kaepernick’s Anthem Protest

NFL Hall of Famer Jim Brown recently shared his thoughts on Colin Kaepernick’s anthem protest, expressing strong disapproval for the quarterback’s actions and calling for a more intelligent approach to addressing social justice issues in America.

Legendary Cleveland Browns running back Jim Brown lambasted anthem-protester Colin Kaepernick, saying he needs to act more intelligently.

Brown criticized Kaepernick’s protest, emphasizing the importance of respecting the flag and the national anthem, as an American.

“I’m going to give you the real deal: I’m an American,” Brown said. “I don’t desecrate my flag and my national anthem.”

Brown suggested that working towards social justice should be done intelligently and not through actions like kneeling during the national anthem.

He went on to criticize Kaepernick for lacking intelligence on two fronts. The first being that, working out social justice problems in America can be done “in an intelligent manner,” not by kneeling during the national anthem.

Brown explained that he believes in addressing issues within the framework of the country and its symbols.

“I’m going to give you the real deal: I’m an American,” Brown said. “I don’t desecrate my flag and my national anthem. I’m not gonna do anything against the flag and national anthem. I’m going to work within those situations. But this is my country, and I’ll work out the problems, but I’ll do it in an intelligent manner.”

Additionally, Brown highlighted the commercial nature of football, with owners, fans, and financial commitments involved. He pointed out that honoring contracts and rules is crucial for players who are making substantial money.

“Football is commercial,” Brown explained. “You have owners. You have fans. And you want to honor that if you’re making that kind of money.”

Kaepernick’s protest had significant repercussions for the NFL, leading to a decline in viewership and fan engagement. Many fans cited the national anthem protests as their primary reason for watching fewer games during the past season.

Kaepernick’s stunt has proven detrimental to the NFL, as fewer and fewer fans are willing to shell out money in the form of watching programming and absorbing advertisements. A recent survey showed that the top reason cited by NFL fans for watching fewer games this past season was the national anthem protests.

Jim Brown emphasized the importance of intelligence and adhering to the rules and regulations set forth by team owners when players sign contracts.

“You have to understand there’s intelligence that’s involved, OK?” Brown added. “I can’t be two things at once that contradict each other. If I sign for money, then the people I sign with, they have rules and regulations.”

Given Kaepernick’s history of protesting during the national anthem, some team owners may be hesitant to sign him, fearing potential conflicts with their own rules and values.

Perhaps that’s why owners don’t want to take a chance in signing Kaepernick. They know through example that he won’t abide by their rules and regulations.

The debate surrounding Kaepernick’s anthem protest continues, with Jim Brown expressing his strong opinions on the matter. As opinions vary, the discussion remains relevant in the context of social justice and sports.