Support the Hoyas if they took a knee for the Nat'l Anthem?

[glidehoyas (Inactive)]

Would you support the Hoyas if they took a knee during the national anthem? Do you think the school, coach would support this?

Silence? hmmm

[hoyasaxa2003]

I have no idea if the coach or school would support this, but my general feeling is to keep politics out of sports. Our students have ample ways to express themselves on campus (including the basketball team), and I think those avenues are better place for that than a basketball court. But, I know there will be many who disagree.

[Deleted]

I don't get the "keep the politics out of sports" thing at all. When is the appropriate time for individuals to take a stance against a perceived injustice?

[s4hoyas]

Absolutely not...respect the flag, the anthem and those who sacrificed to preserve them...express your differences elsewhere in a civil manner.

[DanMcQ]

All one has to do is look at what the team already did in 2014, which the coach supported.

www.ebony.com/entertainment-culture/georgetown-basketball-team-wears-i-cant-breathe-shirts-981#axzz4MPsxEjg6

I'd have no problem with it, although I think what the Celtics did the other night would be more impactful.

www.bostonglobe.com/sports/celtics/2016/10/05/celtics-stand-united-during-national-anthem/7Peotv2uECI9sRz37yN8mN/story.html

“That we need change in this world,” Crowder said. “We need to do it together. Just not one individual; it’s got to be a team-type deal, a unity, a togetherness. Whatever we decide our message to be, it has to be about being together as one and coming together as one.”

Brad Stevens' comments were very similar to JTIII's.

Celtics coach Brad Stevens said the team had numerous, productive discussions about both what to do during the anthem, and about the general issues facing the country.

“I think our guys are really focused on promoting positive unity, togetherness, progress, and all those types of things,” Stevens said. “But those have been deep, certainly good discussions. They’ve been great. And I commend our guys for sharing and for thinking and for really looking at this in a really insightful way.”

www.si.com/college-basketball/2014/12/15/hoop-thoughts-georgetown-i-cant-breathe-t-shirts

Like many young African-Americans across the country, the Hoyas were dismayed when they heard that there would be no indictment. “There was a wide range of emotions, from confusion to frustration to anger,” Thompson said. “They were frustrated with the fact that there was no indictment, no trial, no accountability for people who look just like them being killed.”

Why would a coach initiate such a dialogue when his players were getting ready for a big tournament? It’s his job to teach them how to play basketball, right? Thompson would not be his father’s son if he felt that way. “It sounds like a cliché, but the job is about more than basketball,” he said. “We are an educational institution. People forget that these are 17-to-20-year-olds who are in college that are learning. Coaches are teachers. This is our job.”

“Regardless of how people feel, the fact that we’re having this conversation is good,” Thompson said. “The fact that people are talking about it is good.”

[glidehoyas (Inactive)]

Oct 7, 2016 10:13:17 GMT -5 hoyasaxa2003 said:

I have no idea if the coach or school would support this, but my general feeling is to keep politics out of sports. Our students have ample ways to express themselves on campus (including the basketball team), and I think those avenues are better place for that than a basketball court. But, I know there will be many who disagree.

Is this about politics or social justice. Is this about real life? I hear you, but the basketball court is how they feel they can capture the nation's attention on the injustices and social issues that still plague a group of people in this country. Thanks for your response. I hear you though.

[glidehoyas (Inactive)]

Oct 7, 2016 11:21:05 GMT -5 DanMcQ said:

All one has to do is look at what the team already did in 2014, which the coach supported.

www.ebony.com/entertainment-culture/georgetown-basketball-team-wears-i-cant-breathe-shirts-981#axzz4MPsxEjg6

I'd have no problem with it, although I think what the Celtics did the other night would be more impactful.

www.bostonglobe.com/sports/celtics/2016/10/05/celtics-stand-united-during-national-anthem/7Peotv2uECI9sRz37yN8mN/story.html

“That we need change in this world,” Crowder said. “We need to do it together. Just not one individual; it’s got to be a team-type deal, a unity, a togetherness. Whatever we decide our message to be, it has to be about being together as one and coming together as one.”

Brad Stevens' comments were very similar to JTIII's.

Celtics coach Brad Stevens said the team had numerous, productive discussions about both what to do during the anthem, and about the general issues facing the country.

“I think our guys are really focused on promoting positive unity, togetherness, progress, and all those types of things,” Stevens said. “But those have been deep, certainly good discussions. They’ve been great. And I commend our guys for sharing and for thinking and for really looking at this in a really insightful way.”

www.si.com/college-basketball/2014/12/15/hoop-thoughts-georgetown-i-cant-breathe-t-shirts

Like many young African-Americans across the country, the Hoyas were dismayed when they heard that there would be no indictment. “There was a wide range of emotions, from confusion to frustration to anger,” Thompson said. “They were frustrated with the fact that there was no indictment, no trial, no accountability for people who look just like them being killed.”



Why would a coach initiate such a dialogue when his players were getting ready for a big tournament? It’s his job to teach them how to play basketball, right? Thompson would not be his father’s son if he felt that way. “It sounds like a cliché, but the job is about more than basketball,” he said. “We are an educational institution. People forget that these are 17-to-20-year-olds who are in college that are learning. Coaches are teachers. This is our job.”

“Regardless of how people feel, the fact that we’re having this conversation is good,” Thompson said. “The fact that people are talking about it is good.”

I wish more people could understand that these kids are so young. We have to remember who wrote the national anthem and what it's saying.

[glidehoyas (Inactive)]

Kap did his thing. Yes I remember the I Can't Breathe tees a lot of our fans didn't approve of those tee's. hmmm

[TBird41]

Oct 7, 2016 10:13:17 GMT -5 hoyasaxa2003 said:

I have no idea if the coach or school would support this, but my general feeling is to keep politics out of sports. Our students have ample ways to express themselves on campus (including the basketball team), and I think those avenues are better place for that than a basketball court. But, I know there will be many who disagree.

When I think Georgetown basketball, I think of a program that always sticks solely to basketball. /s

As with how he handled the "I can't breathe" shirts they wore a year or two ago, I trust that JT3 will ensure that the team thinks through whatever decision they make (one thing I'd hope they'd do is get a chance to talk with some veterans/current military about it, similar to what Colin Kaepernik did with the former Army Ranger that plays for the 49ers). Honestly, I'd be disappointed in our players and staff if they weren't talking about whether or not they felt it was appropriate/necessary.

[DanMcQ]

As an aside for added context, we as a community just honored a man whose entire career was necessarily intertwined with vocal protest and advocacy.

But Thompson’s legacy was far more expansive than just his 596 wins, six Big East regular season championships or the dozens of players he helped send to the NBA. As Georgetown President John DeGoia said during Thursday’s dedication of the John Thompson Intercollegiate Athletic Center, Thompson stood for social justice and racial equality.

That’s in part why so many luminaries made certain to attend the ceremony on an overcast afternoon to witness Thompson cut the ribbon, marking the official opening of the 144,000 square foot structure that cost roughly $62 million.

“I don’t think there would be this building here if it was just about his wins and losses,” current Hoyas Coach John Thompson III said. “It’s about so much more that he brought to this community and how much he loves this community.”

www.washingtonpost.com/news/dc-sports-bog/wp/2016/10/06/georgetown-cuts-ribbon-on-athletic-center-dedicated-to-john-thompson-jr/

[glidehoyas (Inactive)]

Oct 7, 2016 11:13:37 GMT -5 s4hoyas said:

Absolutely not...respect the flag, the anthem and those who sacrificed to preserve them...express your differences elsewhere in a civil manner.

It's not about the flag though. It's about what was written under that flag and who wrote it. Do you get it? There are many members that have said this is what we are fighting for our freedom and rights. How can you respect a country that never respected who you are? We can only be "ignorant" for so long. It's time to wake up and learn to know the truth about this country. The national anthem is a celebration of slavery. Look I'm african in america and you may not be so I'll leave it there but do educate yourself s4hoyas. theintercept.com/2016/08/28/colin-kaepernick-is-righter-than-you-know-the-national-anthem-is-a-celebration-of-slavery/

[glidehoyas (Inactive)]

Oct 7, 2016 11:29:38 GMT -5 DanMcQ said:

As an aside for added context, we as a community just honored a man whose entire career was necessarily intertwined with vocal protest and advocacy.

But Thompson’s legacy was far more expansive than just his 596 wins, six Big East regular season championships or the dozens of players he helped send to the NBA. As Georgetown President John DeGoia said during Thursday’s dedication of the John Thompson Intercollegiate Athletic Center, Thompson stood for social justice and racial equality.

That’s in part why so many luminaries made certain to attend the ceremony on an overcast afternoon to witness Thompson cut the ribbon, marking the official opening of the 144,000 square foot structure that cost roughly $62 million.

“I don’t think there would be this building here if it was just about his wins and losses,” current Hoyas Coach John Thompson III said. “It’s about so much more that he brought to this community and how much he loves this community.”

www.washingtonpost.com/news/dc-sports-bog/wp/2016/10/06/georgetown-cuts-ribbon-on-athletic-center-dedicated-to-john-thompson-jr/

!

[Deleted]

Oct 7, 2016 11:13:37 GMT -5 s4hoyas said:

Absolutely not...respect the flag, the anthem and those who sacrificed to preserve them...express your differences elsewhere in a civil manner.

This screams of "have your protest just don't bother me with it". That mentality is why you will see more of it. The most hurtful part for this African American is when issues like these arise, there's a large portion of the public who think these issues are made up, false, or not warranted..

I would read up on the the lyrics of the 3rd verse of the National Anthem as well , not exactly words every black person can get behind. You can respect our Military, love our flag, and still protest for more equality in our society. I don't see how one is contradictory to the other..

[guru]

Oct 7, 2016 11:33:16 GMT -5 @yaboynyp said:

Oct 7, 2016 11:13:37 GMT -5 s4hoyas said:

Absolutely not...respect the flag, the anthem and those who sacrificed to preserve them...express your differences elsewhere in a civil manner.

This screams of "have your protest just don't bother me with it". That mentality is why you will see more of it. The most hurtful part for this African American when issues like these arise there'e a large portion of the public who think these issues are made up or not warranted..

I would read up on the the lyrics of the 3rd verse of the National Anthem as well , not exactly words every black person can get behind..

To me, the anthem and the flag represent ideals that we strive for, and clearly have not always attained. And yes, it also honors sacrifices that have been made along the way. It does not validate every action America has ever taken. I understand the point being made, but I wish people would look forward, not backward. And yes, I know that simplifies a very complicated issue.

[FrazierFanatic]

I am that detestable (deplorable??) demographic - white male plodding toward 60, registered Republican (although I do vote for the occasional Democrat when he or she is the better candidate), upper middle class. My father and father-in-law both fought in WWII.

All that being said, I have no problem whatsoever with any of these athletes using these forums and these actions to exhibit their concerns over these very real issues, as long as it is done respectfully - the T-shirts 2 years ago; kneeling, bowing the head while arm-in-arm, etc. As has been said above, they do not forfeit their civil conscience by playing a sport, whether for money or under scholarship. Georgetown prides itself on developing students as thoughtful and caring members of society. Wearing a basketball uniform should not affect or restrict that mission - again, as long as it is accompanied by understanding and consideration of ALL of the difficult issues involved.

[justsaying]

Oct 7, 2016 11:13:37 GMT -5 s4hoyas said:

Absolutely not...respect the flag, the anthem and those who sacrificed to preserve them...express your differences elsewhere in a civil manner.

I normally do not respond to such matters online but I do have a problem when others express that somehow the whole of who sacrificed themselves does not want individuals to protest. Are we to tell those who sacrificed themselves and they agree with the protesters that their sacrifice does not count. I just have a problem when we make these all inclusive statements as if we know what everyone wants. Who are we to say who is patriotic and who is not. Does not having a hand over your heart means you are not patriotic. I missed what law was this. By the way I have brothers who served many years, and two served their whole careers.

[Deleted]

Oct 7, 2016 11:41:23 GMT -5 guru said:

Oct 7, 2016 11:33:16 GMT -5 @yaboynyp said:

This screams of "have your protest just don't bother me with it". That mentality is why you will see more of it. The most hurtful part for this African American when issues like these arise there'e a large portion of the public who think these issues are made up or not warranted..

I would read up on the the lyrics of the 3rd verse of the National Anthem as well , not exactly words every black person can get behind..

To me, the anthem and the flag represent ideals that we strive for, and clearly have not always attained. And yes, it also honors sacrifices that have been made along the way. It does not validate every action America has ever taken. I understand the point being made, but I wish people would look forward, not backward. And yes, I know that simplifies a very complicated issue.

Imo I don't think you should wallow in the past but you can't talk about the future without acknowledging it's existence and effect on our current status.

To be clear though, the protests are NOT about the song or the flag just pointing out a fact. The last verse discusses killing slaves. Defenders will say "treasonous slaves" but still you can understand why saying respect the Anthem is a bridge to far for "some" due to those lyrics. That was my point regarding that element. Personally I stand, but I get why some might feel like not doing so..

In a lot of cases people who aren't facing these issues don't want to be bothered with these issues or doubt they are as serious as made out to be. For others these issues are too important to ignore regardless of venue. It is what it is, but dismissing the latter opinion is why voices continue to get louder and louder and will continue to get louder.

Thing is most people are just looking for acknowledgement and a pledge to work together to make it better, not some radical agenda. Doing that would do a lot to tamp down the uproar imo...

[deacon]

Oct 7, 2016 11:33:16 GMT -5 @yaboynyp said:

Oct 7, 2016 11:13:37 GMT -5 s4hoyas said:

Absolutely not...respect the flag, the anthem and those who sacrificed to preserve them...express your differences elsewhere in a civil manner.

This screams of "have your protest just don't bother me with it". That mentality is why you will see more of it. The most hurtful part for this African American is when issues like these arise, there's a large portion of the public who think these issues are made up, false, or not warranted..

I would read up on the the lyrics of the 3rd verse of the National Anthem as well , not exactly words every black person can get behind. You can respect our Military, love our flag, and still protest for more equality in our society. I don't see how one is contradictory to the other..

#BARZ

How kneeling became synonymous with disrespecting the military is mind boggling. This isn't North Korea. The people in our armed services actually fight, in part, for our freedom to protest in such ways. Student-athletes don't surrender their constitutional rights the second they sign a letter of intent. It's funny how much we revel in the history of this country's great rebellions and protests against the establishment when it's white faces attached to such events, but detest them so much when it's brown faces attached to them. As Arsenio Hall used to say, it's one of those things that make you go hmmmmmm ...

With all that said, I'd be 100% supportive.

[njhoya78]

When those of us attending sporting events at which the National Anthem is played stop buying food at the concession stands, walking, talking and generally not paying attention when it is played, I'll start worrying about whether Colin Kaepernick et al are disrespecting the flag and the Anthem. Until then, in my view, we have no right to criticize "taking a knee." Those who are protesting in this manner are still far more respectful than many fans.

Query: Is shouting "O!," as Orioles fans do in the Anthem, or the constant screaming that occurs at United Center when the Anthem is sung at a Blackhawks' game, or the passing of a giant flag as occurs in some arenas, any less disrespectful than taking a knee? I think not.

[glidehoyas (Inactive)]

Oct 7, 2016 11:41:23 GMT -5 guru said:

Oct 7, 2016 11:33:16 GMT -5 @yaboynyp said:

This screams of "have your protest just don't bother me with it". That mentality is why you will see more of it. The most hurtful part for this African American when issues like these arise there'e a large portion of the public who think these issues are made up or not warranted..

I would read up on the the lyrics of the 3rd verse of the National Anthem as well , not exactly words every black person can get behind..

To me, the anthem and the flag represent ideals that we strive for, and clearly have not always attained. And yes, it also honors sacrifices that have been made along the way. It does not validate every action America has ever taken. I understand the point being made, but I wish people would look forward, not backward. And yes, I know that simplifies a very complicated issue.

No to africans in america that flag represents OPPRESSION remember. And as far as mentioning look forward not backwards. Who's looking back? History is history. We are looking back to move forward. Some other's are looking back to take us back! Got it? I guess just act like slavery never happened.