The controversy over NFL players taking a knee in silent protest during the National Anthem rages on. President Trump suggested the sons of bitch players like Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid should have been fired for “disrespecting the flag.” Certain NFL owners like the Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones have wavered under pressure from Trump. Now ESPN has decided not to air the anthem before Monday Night Football games:
ESPN will not broadcast the national anthem before “Monday Night Football” games this season, network President Jimmy Pitaro said Friday.
“We generally have not broadcasted the anthem and I don’t think that will change this year. Our plan going into this year is to not broadcast the anthem,” Pitaro said during ESPN Football Media Day, according to Axios’ Sara Fischer.
He added: “Again that could change. It’s unpredictable what could happen in the world but as of now, we’re not. We have communicated that back to the NFL. They have not asked but as courtesy and good partners we have let them know what our plans are.”
ESPN said the decision was made to allow more time during the broadcast to discuss the game. It is obvious the decision was made to avoid any controversy and spare white Americans who are embarrassed by players not standing for the Anthem. However, those same Americans turn a blind eye to inequality and police killings of unarmed black men.
