Various sidebar activity has arose from Kaepernick’s initial protest as well. Even though he got kicked out the NFL, Kaepernick’s presence has still loomed large this season. Other NFL players took up the cause and began kneeling during the National Anthem also. With the exception of a few teams, I would say most teams has had one or many players kneel during the anthem. There was a small rally in front of NFL headquarters in New York City to encourage teams to get Kaepernick back in the NFL. In addition to that, there were a contingent of people who decided not to watch NFL games until Kaepernick got another shot to be in the NFL.
I read an article in the USA Today, where it was not only fans, but business establishments also made the decision to boycott the showing of the games. I had friends and family who were saying “F” the NFL. I saw it on social media too. Each week, there were people on my timeline encouraging other folks that they shouldn’t watch the games. Some people were saying for the most part, that if you support the NFL, then you weren’t part of the “movement.”
Fast forward to today. The NFL is heading towards the finale of their season and I have heard less and less of the boycott talk. In fact, the chatter surrounding the subject has been on the decline for the past couple of months. I think when people realize that, no matter what they did or say, Kaepernick wasn’t coming back to the NFL, it kind of died down. I have not been thinking about the boycott until a friend asked me “why was I still watching football?” I knew why she asked me that, but the fact no one else was asking me, made me ask her why was she asking it? Her response was “I guess that’s one of things that is wrong with Blacks now.”
That statement is one of the reasons I didn’t join in on the protest in the first place. Because she is right. That is one of the things wrong with Black folks. We are always quick to start off on the good foot, but never follow through, maintain and complete our task. That is the impulsive reaction of Black folks is unsustainable. I wrote an article that touched a little bit on this subject called “I’m tired of Blacks Protesting.” I feel like our lack of strategically execution is a problem. Also, I think collectively our emotions override logical solutions. However, this wasn’t the real reason I didn’t boycott the NFL this season. My main reason, was that I really didn’t think it would help Kaepernick get back in the NFL. And I was right.
On the other hand, regardless of my stance, I think the people who started and participated in the boycott had something going on. According to sportsmediawatch.com, the NFL ratings have been down this season in comparison to last season. And although the NFL hasn’t really taken a hit financially from the boycotts, the league has taken notice to fan boycotts and player protests. They have tried to pacify the players by offering a $100 million dollar contribution to various causes in the Black communities. Even though that was a smoke screen to divert people away from the real issues, it shows that they are getting a tad bit uncomfortable. To keep it real, anytime Black people come together, stick together and ride together for a common cause; it makes people uncomfortable.
With that said, I wonder how many people have boycotted the NFL the whole season? I wondered how many people sincerely supported the cause of Kaepernick? As oppose to those niggas who talk just to be talking. In comparison to those niggas who joined a movement because it was the thing to do at the moment. In a couple weeks, the Super Bowl will be coming on. I wonder will people boycott those annual parties that pop everywhere? I’m just wondering about these things because the issues surrounding Kapernick’s protest are still in the light. While the boycott has faded to Black.