I presume people here know that the White House communications director is Hope Hicks, no? Any idea who handles communications over at the NFL? Hint: it's her father*.
I've been reading some really good op-ed pieces on this. The problem is, nobody is offering a solution. Here is what I've suggested to people I know "on the inside" on what I think the NFL should do:
Honoring people and what people fought for is not a mutually exclusive proposition. You absolutely can do both. The NFL simply needs to say the anthem is about honoring the people, whereas the time between lining up and when the anthem is played is a time for principle. Kneel, sit, raise a fist, turn your back, whatever… but when the music comes on, stand at attention and face the flag.
The reason why this should be a no-brainer, IMHO, is because you can't possibly regulate what every player does every second he's in view of the public on the field. The NFL needs to pick its spots. When the anthem music starts is one of those spots. If you want to draw a line one minute before the music starts, whatever, but at least have a line with stated consequences for crossing it.
BTW, I'm perfectly willing to forward any solutions anyone has here if you think mine sucks. As you know, being told I suck is something I'm used to. :)
- Jeff
* He used to hold this title officially with the NFL but now does so via a contracted entity. |
