el Don V. 95 No. 1 | Page 13

SANTA ANA COLLEGE el Don/eldonnews.org • MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2017 VIEWS 13 TRUMP IS THREATENING THE NFL BY FOCUSING ON THE ANTHEM / BY JORDY ESPINOZA MAXWELL WAS RIGHT TO TAKE A KNEE On Sept. 22, President Donald Trump made it clear to NFL players that he disliked anyone who doesn’t stand for the national anthem. “Wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, ‘Get that son of a b---- off the field right now. Out! He’s fired! He’s fired! ” Trump said during a rally for Alabama Republican Luther Strange. The next day, Bruce Maxwell became the first MLB player to take a knee during the national anthem. Maxwell, among other athletes, should be able to express themselves on and off the field. They have rights and should use them to protect themselves against any verbal or direct attacks made on them. As President of the United States, Donald Trump completely crossed the line. Athletes have every right to express their displeasure with Trump, because if that were me, I wouldn’t want to let any verbal at- tack against me slip away that easily. Not only did his comments spark a backlash from NFL play- ers, it also brought them together in unison and created a stronger trend as it translated to the MLB. Instead of Trump worrying about what happens in sports, I believe he should show some decency and make a greater effort to aid people from Mexico, Puerto Rico and oth- er countries that need the attention right now. One day after Trump’s comments, Maxwell, a catcher for the Oakland Athletics, took the initiative as if to say enough is enough in what must have been a heartfelt moment for him. I think he knelt for the people who are afraid to express their opinions because of the backlash they might receive. Maxwell’s actions speak great measures for air in this country is entitled to say whatever they want, because it is a right given to citizens by the Con- stitution in the First Amendment. Respectfully, Maxwell has only played in 105 career games and as a 26-year-old with little Major League service, he had a lot to lose. He choose to kneel anyway and that is being principled and brave. The Athletics came to the support of Maxwell and his teammates, openly supporting his stance. “He’s very courageous. I respect his deci- sion. He’s just exercising his rights as an American,” said Athletics out- fielder Khris Davis in an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle. “Every fiber in my being was tell- ing me he needed a brother today,” Athletics outfielder Mark Canha, said expressing his feelings towards Maxwell’s actions. The team tweeted about Maxwell: DISAPPROVAL / Oakland A’s catcher Bruce Maxwell refuses to stand for “[We] pride ourselves on being national anthem, causing stir in sports world. / John Sleezer / TNS inclusive. We respect and support all our players’ constitutional rights himself and others who appreciate The inequality of people is being and freedom of expression.” what he has done. discussed and practiced by Pres- This is the beauty of having a Before his decision, Maxwell cre- ident Trump. The indifference of caring and genuine organization ated an immediate impact through humans and the only way that us as with teammates that support you Twitter, hinting that he would be a nation can come together is to try and your decisions no matter what next to take a knee, tweeting the and inform everybody about the problems y ou may have, because following statement: “Don’t be problems Trump has created. in the end, they will support and surprised if you start seeing ath- Anyone who was affected by respect you and your beliefs. letes kneeling in other sports now!! Trump’s comments may have just Over the last year, numerous Comments like that coming from kept it to themselves, but Maxwell players and athletes have followed our president. WOW!” did not as he courageously ex- Colin Kaepernick in protesting Whatever Maxwell was thinking pressed his rights as an American. giving justice, sparking a trend that in that moment is beyond any- “The only platform that seems allowed Maxwell to become the one’s guess, but he deserves a lot to be getting attention is athletes first ever to do so on an MLB field. of credit for expressing his stance. kneeling, so I’m doing my part in MLB issued a statement as well I strongly believe that Maxwell’s baseball.” Maxwell said in an inter- regarding Maxwell’s decision. kneeling was not intended to disre- view afterwards. He’s doing his part “Major League Baseball has a spect the country or the American for the MLB and serving justice for longstanding tradition of honoring flag, because Maxwell held his an unjust president who most of our nation prior to the start of our hand over his heart while taking a the time seems to be talking com- games. We also respect that each knee. I saw it as a form of symbol- plete nonsense. of our players is an individual with ism for a cause, speaking for those Again, this is the United States of his own background, perspectives who cannot in America. America and anyone who breathes and opinions.” “Again, this is the United States of America and anyone who breathes air in this country is entitled to say whatever they want...”