Before we dig deeper into the question of whether the National Football League has a problem with a small fraction of African-American players protesting racial inequality among other things, maybe we could learn something from Major League Baseball.
An equally small fraction of current MLB players (Josh Hader, Sean Newcomb and Trea Turner) have been "outed" in recent days for what can best be described as "unfortunate" social media faux pas from their past.
Did I mention the three players were all white?
The aforementioned players have all categorically stated that these tweets from as far back as 2011 do not reflect the way they think or feel today.
The so-called "anthem protests" in the NFL have sparked a debate as to whether it is appropriate for people to call attention to issues of social injustice at a place of work.
I'm guessing an MLB locker room is a place of work as well, especially after a game in which an anthem is played (just to point out the similarities) and employees are doing what they're paid to do.
I'm guessing the management types in charge of the Milwaukee Brewers (Hader), Atlanta Braves (Newcomb) and Washington Nationals (Turner) would much rather not have their employees be singled out or ridiculed, or -- even worse -- be forced into answering questions about their integrity or their intentions.
"Because these events took place in the past" is not a good enough argument anymore. These issues are systemic, these ideals and values are rooted into our fabric and our history.
This was never about an anthem. It was never about disrespecting our flag, our military, our country.
You're being lied to.
That's all.