Take a Knee on Your Own Time

You know, I understand those who support the NFL "take a knee" protests, I really do. Everyone has the right to make a political statement.

Except at work. NFL players each have a job for which they are paid, handsomely. I have a great job and get paid too, albeit not as handsomely as a Quarterback or Defensive End, but my HR department is very clear that political conversations are not allowed at work. They foment discord and conflict. They damage our ability to do our jobs. They hurt the company and impact our ability to make a profit and be successful.

Sound familiar? The NFL is functioning outside its business model allowing political demonstrations at work. It is pitting players against each other and has drastically reduced both its broadcast viewership and stadium attendance at games. In other words their stock price has plummeted by about 25%.

I believe the owners and coaches are the teams' HR departments, I'm not sure, but they are ruining the game by refusing to implement even the most basic of employment policies. I used to enjoy football and I fervently support EVERYONE'S rights to peaceful protest and free speech. But players should organize and do this on their own time, not at work. They've taken away my enjoyment of the game by breaking a standard HR policy.

Why would I watch now? It's not entertainment and an escape anymore. It's yet one more political conversation in a vast angry sea of political unrest in the last place I expected, my beloved football. I guess I need my friends, tea, and good books now more than ever. I have so few politically-free zones left. I guess I need to rebuild my own "safe space" and it's getting smaller all the time.