There’s been a lot of attention about our national anthem and the NFL these past two weeks and our own Tennessee Titans were front and center in the heated debate.
Sen. Paul Bailey, R-Sparta, posted a message on social media saying he was “done” with the Titans if their players “start this crap” — an apparent reference to the NFL players who take a knee during the national anthem.
Bailey’s post comes just days after President Donald Trump called for NFL players to be fired for protesting the anthem, saying “Get that son of a b---- off the field right now. Out. He’s fired.”
The Titans apparently made a collective decision to stick together and stayed in the locker room until after the national anthem in a show of solidarity. Fan reactions were mixed from supportive to “I’m burning all my Titans jerseys.”
Bailey’s subsequent press release said he would make good on his promise to leave his premium season ticket seats empty, noting, “I won’t witness the hijacking of pre-game ceremonies that disrespect our flag and challenge the honor of any of the men or women who have sacrificed to preserve our freedoms to enjoy these leisure-time activities.”
For the remainder of the season, Sen. Bailey said, he will leave his five 50-yard line seats vacant and donate an amount equal to the tickets' value, split between two worthy organizations. The two organizations are C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors), an organization which provides assistance to the families of fallen law enforcement officers, and the Upper Cumberland Honor Guard, which provides a proper military burial for veterans.
Having served in the U.S. Army for 17 years, I am no stranger to the drill and ceremony aspect of the job. When the flag was raised in the morning and lowered at night, it was required to stand at attention and salute the flag.
All through high school we said the pledge of allegiance every morning too.
One might think it would be a requirement the players stand for the national anthem, but it’s not the case.
Seems the NFL operations manual calls for players to stand with their helmets under their arms, but it’s not part of the playing rules. So much for a simple solution.
If I had the opportunity to play a game for a living that paid six figures, I certainly would thank God for a country that allowed it.
While I am proud to salute the flag, I certainly don’t want to force someone to pay homage if they don’t want to. I might not understand their reasons, but I support their rights to peacefully protest. You can’t force someone to love this country just like you can’t force someone to love their fellow man.
If we made people behave in a way they didn’t feel, isn’t that a big step toward fascism?
Just like the military is all voluntary now so should the rendering of honors be during the national anthem.
Last time I looked, this was still a free country.

Contact Steve Warner at news@smithvillereview.com