Burgess Owens persists in NFL boycott, rejects ‘black national anthem’ at Super Bowl 2024
Rep. Burgess Owens Accuses NFL of Divisiveness
During an appearance on Mornings with Maria, Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT) made a bold claim, accusing the NFL of intentionally dividing the American people. The topic of discussion was the inclusion of the “black national anthem,” known as “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” at the Super Bowl since 2021. Host Cheryl Casone referred to it as a “departure” for the NFL, but Owens quickly corrected her.
“No, it’s not a departure for the NFL. The NFL, for a while now, has been trying to divide us,” Owens asserted. “So, no, this is typical of [NFL Commissioner Roger] Goodell. He’s a leftist, and he wants to divide us. Bottom line is this: we have one national anthem. We have one country worth fighting for.”
Owens, a former Super Bowl winner and current Utah representative, has been boycotting the NFL for nearly four years due to his disapproval of Goodell. He has vowed to continue his boycott until Goodell is no longer the commissioner. Goodell’s contract is set to expire in March 2027, marking over 20 years of his tenure.
“My dad was a World War II vet, and I was raised to be proud of that flag. I was raised to know that meritocracy is what my country stands for. And that’s what the NFL and military used to stand for: meritocracy, coming together,” Owens passionately expressed. “We cared about winning and became brothers. That’s what our country is all about. We, the people, do not care about this mess.”
Owens emphasized the importance of respecting the sacrifices made by our ancestors and standing united as a nation. He called for a return to pride in the flag and a renewed sense of patriotism.
Owens himself played for the Oakland Raiders during the time when Commissioner Pete Rozelle was in charge. Interestingly, the year after Owens’s team won the Super Bowl, Goodell was hired as an intern by the NFL, and he has remained there ever since.
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How can the NFL ensure that all perspectives, including conservative viewpoints, are represented and respected in their social justice initiatives?
Wens, a Republican congressman from Utah, accused the NFL of promoting divisiveness and not respecting the principles of unity. Owens, a former NFL player himself, expressed his disappointment with the league’s involvement in social justice initiatives and their failure to address the concerns of conservative Americans.
Owens questioned the NFL’s decision to display social justice messages on the field and on players’ uniforms, arguing that it alienates a significant portion of the league’s fan base. He argued that the NFL should focus on bringing people together through the game of football rather than engaging in divisive political activism.
The congressman emphasized that he is not against social justice or advocating for the suppression of athletes’ voices. However, he believes there is a time and place for these conversations, and that during football games is not the appropriate platform. He argued that the league’s involvement in social justice causes has led to a further divide and an erosion of the unity that sports can bring.
Owens also highlighted the importance of representing all viewpoints in the NFL’s social justice initiatives. He questioned why conservative voices and concerns are often ignored or dismissed, creating an atmosphere of exclusion rather than inclusion.
Furthermore, Owens criticized the NFL’s handling of the national anthem protests that have occurred in recent years. He argued that the league’s response has been insufficient, as players who choose to kneel during the anthem face little to no consequences, while fans who express their disagreement are met with backlash.
The congressman urged the NFL to reconsider its approach and focus on uniting fans rather than dividing them. He suggested that the league should focus on promoting patriotism and respect for the flag and anthem, while also creating avenues for genuine dialogue and understanding between players and fans.
Owens concluded his remarks by reminding the NFL that their primary purpose is to entertain and unite people through the love of the game. He stressed the importance of keeping politics out of sports and returning the focus to what truly matters – the game itself.
In response to Owens’ criticisms, the NFL has defended its support for social justice causes and argued that it is essential to use their platform for positive change. The league has stated that they are committed to addressing the concerns of all stakeholders and promoting equality and inclusion.
The accusations made by Rep. Burgess Owens raise important questions regarding the role of sports in society and the appropriate use of platforms for social justice activism. It is crucial to strike a balance that respects all viewpoints while fostering unity and understanding. The NFL, as one of the most influential sports leagues in the world, must carefully consider these concerns as it moves forward in navigating the delicate intersection of sports and politics.
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