The backlash against NFL players for protesting during the National Anthem continues to make news, but there have been detractors and those who don't agree with the protests who have taken their responses too far.
The latest example of that comes from Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker, who relayed on social media that his family has actually received death threats after he and his teammates decided to stay in the locker room last weekend during the National Anthem. Both the Titans and their opponents, the Seahawks, decided to stay in the locker room, but Walker was vocal regarding the decision on the Monday after the game.
Here's what he said, per ABC News:
"And the fans that don't want to come to the games, OK, bye," Walker said Monday. "I mean if you feel that's something where we're disrespecting you, don't come to the games. You don't have to. No one is telling you to come to the game. It's your freedom and your choice to do that."
Walker has apparently rubbed some detractors the wrong way, but from what he described, the reaction he's received from some people is straight-up illegal. Here's some of what he posted on Instagram, as passed on by ABC:
"The racist and violent words directed at me and my son only serve as another reminder that our country remains divided and full of hateful rhetoric," Walker wrote. "These words of hate will only fuel me in my efforts to continue my work reaching out to different community groups, listening to opposing voices, and honoring the men and women in the Armed Forces who risk their lives every day so that we may have this dialogue."
"I am proud to represent the many faces of Titans fans and believe that only through a more respectful discourse can we achieves the goals of unity, peace and racial equality that I know we all strive for," Walker said.
On Instagram, Walker posted a picture of himself and his NFL colleague meeting troops in the Middle East on the NFL's USO tour. He went on to say that the tour helped him gain an appreciation for America's values and a greater appreciation for the men and women who defend them. Walker then went on to explain more about his protest:
One of the many things I gained from spending time in the Middle East on the NFL's USO Tour this spring, is an appreciation for America's core values and an even greater appreciation for the men and women that defend those values. In being asked about our team's decision on Sunday to stay in the locker room for the National Anthem, I used strong words to defend our right to make our own choices. Both my choice to spark dialogue for positive change and the fans' choice to attend our games. It's that freedom of choice that makes our democracy the envy of many around the world.
It's one thing to disagree with what Walker and many across the NFL have done in response to Donald Trump's words on player protests. It's completely different — and wrong — to send death threats to a person and his family simply for expressing his feelings in a peaceful protest.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZm0JeSgE0D/
In fact, that in itself, is completely un-American.
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