Trump ‘disinvited’ the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles from a celebration at the White House.

“The Philadelphia Eagles are unable to come to the White House with their full team to be celebrated tomorrow. They disagree with their President because he insists that they proudly stand for the National Anthem, hand on heart, in honor of the great men and women of our military and the people of our country. The Eagles wanted to send a smaller delegation, but the 1,000 fans planning to attend the event deserve better.”

Here’s the truth. Several Eagle players already decided not to attend based on Trump’s racist stance regarding kneeling during the National Anthem. Trump continues to deny the fact that this action is not a protest against America, but a protest against people like him who continue to believe in white nationalism.

Here’s another fact. If NFL owners are not included in any survey, the vast majority of NFL players and coaches do not like or respect our nation’s illegitimate president.

I believe that the NFL is in trouble. During off season meetings the owners agreed with the league’s dictator, Roger Goodell, and will fine any player who is on the field and refuses to stand for the National Anthem. By taking this action, they are denying the fact that 70 percent of current NFL players are African American. There is no doubt that 100 percent of these players have experienced racism in the personal lives.

It is not a secret that several of the NFL owners have little or no respect for their players. They are considered team ‘property.’ Leading this element is Dallas Cowboys’ owner, Jerry Jones. He announced last year that any player who ‘took a knee’ during the anthem would be benched. I suggested that all 11 starting offensive and defensive players take a knee in protest of Jones’ suppression of their first amendment rights. Sadly, the players are not as united as they should be.

By taking this recent action, owners are increasing dissension within their teams. When former player and head coach, Mike Ditka, attacked players who expressed their rejection of racism, he revealed the fact that racism is far more rampant in the NFL than previously believed by this writer.

The NFL is the most profitable sports organization in world history. The owners are aware of this fact, and charge outrageous prices for tickets in their stadiums. Nearly 20 years ago my wife purchased the NFL Sunday Ticket package from DirecTv allowing me to watch my favorite team, the Pittsburgh Steelers. The cost has become unacceptable. In addition, I stand with the players who continue to keep the very real issue of racism alive. I will no longer purchase the Sunday Ticket option. I am aware that this will make no difference in league profits, but I simply believe that it is the right thing to do.

Op-ed by James Turnage

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