Shame on those in the NFL

Honor the U.S. flag

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Shame on the Pittsburgh Steelers for their disgusting display of non-patriotism at the Chicago game this past Sunday. There was one stand out, Alejandro Villanueva, who refused to join the anthem protest while the rest of the players and coaches remained in the tunnel. 

Ben Roethlisberger said no disrespect was intended for the troops and other people who serve the country, and Steelers President Art Rooney II praised his players for staying unified. Art Rooney, you are just as bad and as un-patriotic as the players. Don’t coddle them — grow a pair and sit on the players. Mr. Roethlisberger, you and the rest of your team did disrespect me and many other veterans and active military personnel. You only play a game, the people protecting our country don’t play games, they play for life or death.

When I see pro athletes kneeling for the National Anthem it just infuriates me. Pat Tillman, Bob Kelso and Don Steinbrunner all gave up NFL careers to protect you and your families, and each gave up their lives for you. 

These men felt it was more important to serve their country than to play a game. Mr. Roethlisberger and the rest of the NFL players, you not only disrespect our troops, you have disrespected these three men as well.

Not one of these men had to serve but each one felt their patriotism toward the country that allowed them to make their own choices and gave them the opportunity to excel in both sports and the protection of their country. I wonder, would these men kneel, most likely at the cross or another fallen soldier, not the flag and the National Anthem they had much more class then the professional football player of today.

Wake up players, it’s the fans that pay your salaries and it’s the fans that have the power — not you the players. You want to protest, do it on your own time. I don’t care if you want to be an activist, but don’t bring it to the game. As for the NFL, your season is over for me and many of my friends.