Quote:
Originally Posted by TinyEvel
Okay, so of the people you know who’ve stopped watching games because of the protests, is it because they are siding with the protestors (not watching until steps are made to create equality and reduce police brutality toward people of color) or is it because they don’t want to see people protesting, they hate that and it’s ruined the game for them.
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The ones I know who have stopped watching, have done so because they don't want to see or hear about the protests.
My dad stopped watching and stopped maintaining or even checking his fantasy football teams because of the protests... So did my brother. One of my best friends stopped watching, not necessarily because he is offended by the protests, but because he is sick of hearing about them/seeing them when he watches. A couple guys I work with did this as well. A few acquaintances here and there. Really, I know of quite a few people from my area who stopped watching because of it.
It's been really annoying. These NFL players are going to feel the way they do about sociological/political issues and that is their right and no one should ever prevent them from formulating their opinions. However, it becomes annoying if they actually believe their protests during football games are going to accomplish anything in their favor. It becomes even more annoying when some (probably most) of these players don't even understand the reasons as to why they are protesting...they are doing it while simultaneously not understanding the complexities of the situation and/or are attempting to garner attention via being the distraction that they know it is causing. It annoys me when I want to have an NFL football conversation with someone who usually enjoys the NFL, but cuts me off mid-sentence to let me know that they aren't watching because they are disgruntled about the protests.
I'm not going to get into their right to protest and what-not...I understand that it's their right to do what they are doing...It's just annoying because I see what they are doing as being counter-productive. Yes, I understand that I am from a non-populated area, so there is probably a smaller, less diverse sample size in terms of who I have spoken to. But it's not like there aren't multiple regions across the nation that are similar to my own...it adds up. For these players who actually do feel passionate about the sociological issues they claim to be protesting and are trying to make a statement (not just try to garner attention), I just wish they would make their statement somewhere else or in some different way because purposely protesting during the games will accomplish nothing for their cause. If anything, it will make things worse. I enjoy the NFL and really dislike the apathy of the longtime fans that has resulted due to the protests.