Taking a Stand Against the NFL Kneel [OPINION]
A Florida restaurant is taking a stand against the NFL kneel by canceling its DirecTV NFL package.
Curtis and Janet West, owners of a Beef O’Brady’s franchise in Brooksville, tell Fox-13 Tampa Bay they are upset over the controversy about players kneeling during the national anthem allegedly to protest social injustices. The Wests have hung a poster in their establishment outlining their reasons for canceling the NFL package. It reads:
“Beef O'Brady's will not be financially supporting the NFL this year due to their lack of compassion and gratitude for our American service members. Our National Anthem is one of the methods we as American citizens have always used to show our appreciation to all military service members, past or present, alive or dead. This tradition deserves respect and unfortunately, the NFL does not feel that same way. So, for this season, we will not be purchasing the NFL ticket. Perhaps, it will make a difference if it hits their wallets.”
The Wests say the game of the week will still be shown at the bar on the local television affiliate. They tell the station they will save some $5,000 dollars by canceling the NFL package. And, while they acknowledge their stand will cost them business on Sunday afternoons, they believe the sacrifice is worth it.
With the season set to begin in just a matter of weeks, there appears to be no clear agreement between the NFL and the players union over how to end this mess. While small, the owners of Beefy O'Brady's is making a gesture to show their displeasure with the league's inability to resolve the situation.
It will be interesting to see if the fans will have had enough of the whole thing by the time opening day rolls around.
Barry Richard is the host of The Barry Richard Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. Contact him at barry@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @BarryJRichard58. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.