In an open letter to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, Marion Polk, national commander of the American Veterans , aired his frustrations.
He thanked Goodell before ripping him with “deep disappointment” for his staff’s reported refusal to publish the ad due to its #PleaseStand message.
.@AMVETSHQ will NOT tolerate the @NFL refusing #Veteran right to free speech. We fought for it! #PleaseStand #SuperBowl pic.twitter.com/NARbC5zKuE
— Marion Polk (@AMVETSNatlCmdr) January 22, 2018
Polk noted the message is neither a demand nor judgement for kneeling, but a polite request not to. He laid out that “veterans are good for more than just military aircraft flyovers,” photo ops and camouflage NFL apparel. He then acknowledged that the NFL isn’t following suit with the NBA and NHL, which apparently allowed #PleaseStand to run in programs.
The latest controversy comes on the heels of President Donald Trump slamming athletes for protesting the national anthem. Vice President Mike Pence left an NFL game after players knelt in what became quite clearly a planned demonstration in October.
Many athletes struck back across the NFL, with demonstrations across the board.
The Super Bowl will be held Feb. 4 in Minneapolis between the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles.
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