View Full Version : Last MAN standing in the NFL, Ranger Alejandro Villanueva
Team Sergeant
09-24-2017, 14:44
Doesn't surprise me that's its an American Military Veteran..........
Well done Ranger Villanueva. ;)
Alejandro Villanueva only Steelers player to appear for national anthem
By Rebecca Savransky - 09/24/17 03:53 PM EDT
Alejandro Villanueva was the only player on the Pittsburgh Steelers to come out of the locker room*Sunday*when the national anthem played ahead of the game.
Villanueva, who served three tours in Afghanistan as an Army ranger, stood outside the locker room tunnel and put*his hand over his heart during the national anthem.
Most of the players on the Steelers stayed in their locker room as the national
anthem played before their game Sunday in Chicago.*
Photos showed an empty Steelers' sideline as the anthem played.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said ahead of the game the team would not be participating in the anthem.
"Not to be disrespectful to the anthem, to remove ourselves from the circumstance. People shouldn't have to choose. If a guy wants to go about his normal business and participate in the anthem, he shouldn't be forced to choose sides,” Tomlin told CBS before the game.
“If a guy feels the need to do something, he shouldn't be separated from his teammate who chooses not to. So we're not participating today. That's our decision. We're gonna be 100 percent.”
The decision came after President Trump last week attacked NFL players who refuse to stand during 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,'" Trump said at a rally in Alabama on Friday. "'He is fired.'"*
Trump*doubled down on his attacks on Sunday, tweeting that kneeling is "not acceptable."
"Courageous Patriots have fought and died for our great American Flag --- we MUST honor and respect it! MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!" Trump tweeted.
Several teams and players have since come out against Trump's comments, calling them divisive and disappointing.
http://thehill.com/homenews/news/352162-alejandro-villanueva-only-steelers-player-to-go-out-for-national-anthem
If there is going to be a second civil war - this is the easiest litmus test in the history of the planet.
If you can't stand for our national anthem or pledge alliegence to the Flag...I know where you stand and I know where I stand...and let's not forget those who stand and those who do not. Actions have consequences.
There is no doubt in my heart where I STAND on this issue...where is your heart and where do you STAND on this issue?
Yup, time to pick sides...and this one's simple.
The NFL is about money...hit 'em where it hurts.
Mustang Man
09-24-2017, 15:40
Sports was one of the last remaining things to be non-politized, now that ship has sailed. This is good because Joe six-pack can finally wake up and personally see these crazy leftist antics live on his idiot box. It's safe to say the average American couch potato AT THE VERY LEAST is starting to get annoyed with these players actions. This is a win win for us in the culture war.
If there is going to be a second civil war - this is the easiest litmus test in the history of the planet.
If you can't stand for our national anthem or pledge alliegence to the Flag...I know where you stand and I know where I stand...and let's not forget those who stand and those who do not. Actions have consequences.
There is no doubt in my heart where I STAND on this issue...where is your heart and where do you STAND on this issue?
Yup, time to pick sides...and this one's simple.
The NFL is about money...hit 'em where it hurts.
I quite watching pro sports decades ago and I haven't spent on a red cent on their crap......and that won't change anytime soon.
Kind of amazing that many (probably most) of these ass hats would at best be flipping burgers and at worst be roaming the streets if it were not for the NFL and the white folks that pay to watch them play a kids game. Hell, they would all still be picking cotton on plantations were it not for white folks.
Many times...doing the right thing requires you to have to do it alone!
Thank you, Brother for being willing to do it!
Millionaires who will not stand for our national anthem should be shunned. Not just at the stadium.
turboprop
09-24-2017, 19:26
I quite watching pro sports decades ago and I haven't spent on a red cent on their crap......and that won't change anytime soon.
Kind of amazing that many (probably most) of these ass hats would at best be flipping burgers and at worst be roaming the streets if it were not for the NFL and the white folks that pay to watch them play a kids game. Hell, they would all still be picking cotton on plantations were it not for white folks.
I have some brothers in Special Forces that are black. I'm sure they would love to thank you for not being on plantations.
I don't care for the NFL personally, but I understand the concept of being at the top of a game. It doesn't just happen. Those guys (white, black or purple) didn't just decide they were going to do that instead of selling crack or flipping burgers. While you may have a shallow and amateurish existence, that isn't the life that everyone lives.
In the future, please find a more appropriate forum for racist blubbering. If you're confused, re-read my first sentence.
As far as the actual story, well-done Alejandro. There is a way to handle this stuff with class that has a far more profound effect than spitting bile back and forth. Setting the example for others to follow.
bblhead672
09-25-2017, 11:34
I hope Mr. Villanueva's actions will continue each week. Perhaps other Steeler players will follow his leadership.
Thank you Ranger Villanueva!
Good on you Ranger!
Thanks for setting the example.
One man decided to stand proudly - alone, with his hand over his heart - and pay respect to his nation...
...the lesser men stayed hidden in the cave until the scary noise stopped
I have more respect for colin kleperdink and his pig socks than I have for any man that stays in the locker room to avoid conflict.
Lesser men, across our nation, this weekend decide to put their moral courage on display and elected to hide in the locker room so they wouldn't have to pick a side. This entire events reminds me of a scene from King Henry V......
O that we now had here But one ten thousand of those men in the locker room that make no stand today…
What’s he that wishes so?
My cousin Westmoreland?
No, my fair cousin. If we are marked to stand with our hands on our hearts, we are enough to rule the 24 hour news cycle and if to live…
The fewer men, the greater share of honor.
God’s will! I pray thee, wish not one man more. By Jove, I am not covetous for gold,
Nor care I who doth feed upon my cost; It yearns me not if men my #78 Jersey wear;
Such outward things dwell not in my desires; but if it be a sin to covet honor, I am the most offending soul alive.
No, faith, my coz, wish not a man from that silent pitiful locker room. God’s peace! I would not lose so great an honor. As one man more, standing for the anthem would lessen the impact of me standing at the mouth of the tunnel.
For the best hope I have. O, do not wish one more! Rather proclaim it, Westmoreland, through liberal news outlets, and overrated journalists.
That he which hath no stomach to this fight, let him remain hidden in the locker room. His reputation shall be solidified, and no mention of his name will be made on CNN nor MSNBC. We should not rejoice in the end zone in that man’s company that fears his fellowship to listen to the national anthem with us.
This day is call’d the feast of Villanueva. He that outlives this day, and comes safe home, Will stand a tip-toe when this day is named, and rouse him at the name of Alejandro Villanueva. He that shall live this day, and see old age, will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbors, And say, “To-morrow is Alejandro Villanueva.” Then will he load his YouTube video, show this clip, And say, “This clip, I watched on Alejandro Villanueva’s day.”
Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot, But he’ll remember with advantages what feats he did that day. Then shall our names, Familiar in his mouth as household words, Be in their flowing cups freshly rememb’red. This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Alejandro Villanueva shall ne’er go by, From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembered,
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers. For he to-day that stands with me during the national anthem, shall be my brother; be he ne’er so vile, this day shall gentle his condition;
And lesser men that stayed hidden in the locker room, now a-bed shall think themselves accurs’d they were not here, and hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That came out on the field during the national anthem upon Alejandro Villanueva’s day.
Lesser men, across our nation, this weekend decide to put their moral courage on display and elected to hide in the locker room so they wouldn't have to pick a side.
Yep...the act of "omission" is the act of "commission".
So, IMO, they did the same thing except for the fact that they didn't have enough backbone to do either, so they chose the way of the coward....
Team Sergeant
09-25-2017, 14:23
National Felons League, spitting in the face of all who have defended this nation.
Only one man in ten thousand has the spine to take a stand.
Now we watch as the NFL crumbles into nothing, along with nike who's backing the players.
Everything is in play. Spend your dollars wisely.
F*ck em', and the horse they rode in on.
Nike no longer gets any of my hard-earned salary. "BCG" brand at Academy is just as comfortable and 1/3 the price.
Roger Goodell Ignoring League's Own Rules in Letting Players Protest Anthem
The rules are found on pages A62-63 of the league’s game operations manual:
The National Anthem must be played prior to every NFL game, and all players must be on the sideline for the National Anthem.
During the National Anthem, players on the field and bench area should stand at attention, face the flag, hold helmets in their left hand, and refrain from talking. The home team should ensure that the American flag is in good condition. It should be pointed out to players and coaches that we continue to be judged by the public in this area of respect for the flag and our country. Failure to be on the field by the start of the National Anthem may result in discipline, such as fines, suspensions, and/or the forfeiture of draft choice(s) for violations of the above, including first offenses.
After the millions spent on de-flated balls.. I'm wondering what Goodell will do with kneelers??
the squid
09-25-2017, 16:34
If there is going to be a second civil war - this is the easiest litmus test in the history of the planet.
If you can't stand for our national anthem or pledge alliegence to the Flag...I know where you stand and I know where I stand...and let's not forget those who stand and those who do not. Actions have consequences.
What about those who would stand but support the right to kneel? Yeah, I know, the first amendment doesn't protect you from your employer. I get that. My point is that it's entirely possible to have a nuanced point of view on this, to disagree with their actions without coming off like a rabid lunatic pining for another civil war so he can act out his military fantasy.
What consequences? A second civil war? Are you going to shoot them? :rolleyes::rolleyes:
What about those who would stand but support the right to kneel? Yeah, I know, the first amendment doesn't protect you from your employer. I get that. My point is that it's entirely possible to have a nuanced point of view on this, to disagree with their actions without coming off like a rabid lunatic pining for another civil war so he can act out his military fantasy.
What consequences? A second civil war? Are you going to shoot them? :rolleyes::rolleyes:
They have the right to kneel. The team owners and the league have the right to fire them or fine them. My issues are with the owners and the league. IF taking that knee cost you your salary for that week then I'd gladly watch. In fact tracking the fines would be a better spectator sport than the boring NFL games. Shoot, Las Vegas could even run a line on particular players "kneeling streaks". Fines could go to charity.
Players get to make their point (whatever that is), fans don't get alienated with the whole league, charities get donations. There. I solved this whole mess and I've only had two beers.
the squid
09-25-2017, 16:59
They have the right to kneel. The team owners and the league have the right to fire them or fine them. My issues are with the owners and the league. IF taking that knee cost you your salary for that week then I'd gladly watch. In fact tracking the fines would be a better spectator sport than the boring NFL games. Shoot, Las Vegas could even run a line on particular players "kneeling streaks". Fines could go to charity.
Players get to make their point (whatever that is), fans don't get alienated with the whole league, charities get donations. There. I solved this whole mess and I've only had two beers.
I get all of that.
I resent the whole "if there's another civil war, this is a great litmus test" rhetoric from somebody who I assume has never worn the uniform.
I get all of that.
I resent the whole "if there's another civil war, this is a great litmus test" rhetoric from somebody who I assume has never worn the uniform.
That's good, but c'mon man I just solved this issue for the whole damn country and you don't even mention it in your reply! What's up with that?!!! :D
the squid
09-25-2017, 17:04
That's good, but c'mon man I just solved this issue for the whole damn country and you don't even mention it in your reply! What's up with that?!!! :D
One of my many shortcomings. :D
Steelers' Alejandro Villanueva on standing for anthem: 'I made my teammates looks bad'
Fox News
"...Alejandro Villanueva, a former Army Ranger and the only Pittsburgh Steeler seen standing during the national anthem on Sunday against the Chicago Bears, told reporters he “unintentionally” threw his teammates under the bus.
In a news conference on Monday, Villanueva said it was never part of the plan to be out on the field alone and that he accidentally ran too far, according to CBS Pittsburgh..."
http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2017/09/25/steelers-alejandro-villanueva-on-standing-for-anthem-made-my-teammates-looks-bad.html
In related news...
Ben Roethlisberger says he regrets not standing on field during national anthem
Fox News
"Ben Roethlisberger said he regrets that the Pittsburgh Steelers didn't stand on the field during the national anthem on Sunday.
In a post to his website on Monday, the NFL quarterback said that the decision was not made in order to protest but more so the team would appear united. But he said he was later “unable to sleep” because of the team’s choice...."
“The idea was to be unified as a team when so much a
http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2017/09/25/ben-roethlisberger-says-regrets-not-standing-on-field-during-national-anthem.html
Ah... so complicated...
What about those who would stand but support the right to kneel? Yeah, I know, the first amendment doesn't protect you from your employer. I get that. My point is that it's entirely possible to have a nuanced point of view on this, to disagree with their actions without coming off like a rabid lunatic pining for another civil war so he can act out his military fantasy.
What consequences? A second civil war? Are you going to shoot them? :rolleyes::rolleyes:
Really. I'm talking about discussions taking place in thread linked below.
http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=52035&highlight=civil+war
These discussions and concerns permeate the nation.
Enjoy your nuanced view I get that too.
[QUOTE=abc_123;632604]Steelers' Alejandro Villanueva on standing for anthem: 'I made my teammates looks bad'
Fox News
"...Alejandro Villanueva, a former Army Ranger and the only Pittsburgh Steeler seen standing during the national anthem on Sunday against the Chicago Bears, told reporters he “unintentionally” threw his teammates under the bus.
In a news conference on Monday, Villanueva said it was never part of the plan to be out on the field alone and that he accidentally ran too far, according to CBS Pittsburgh..."
http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2017/09/25/steelers-alejandro-villanueva-on-standing-for-anthem-made-my-teammates-looks-bad.html
I would say he's being pretty diplomatic about the whole thing, are his teammates as sympathetic to his feelings though? Kneeling during the anthem or not tasking the field during the anthem hardly solves any of life's injustices though. He did not throw anyone under the bus I cannot say the same for his coach or the team owner.
Team Sergeant
09-25-2017, 19:12
This should go viral..........
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=360&v=jFhborYfWsY
To the NFL players taking a knee, you are cowards and are irrelevant and will soon be forgotten.
This should go viral..........
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=360&v=jFhborYfWsY
To the NFL players taking a knee, you are cowards and are irrelevant and will soon be forgotten.
This guy gets it, thanks for posting this, he is not alone.
I have some brothers in Special Forces that are black. I'm sure they would love to thank you for not being on plantations.
I don't care for the NFL personally, but I understand the concept of being at the top of a game. It doesn't just happen. Those guys (white, black or purple) didn't just decide they were going to do that instead of selling crack or flipping burgers. While you may have a shallow and amateurish existence, that isn't the life that everyone lives.
In the future, please find a more appropriate forum for racist blubbering. If you're confused, re-read my first sentence.
As far as the actual story, well-done Alejandro. There is a way to handle this stuff with class that has a far more profound effect than spitting bile back and forth. Setting the example for others to follow.
Using the term "racist", that begs the question.... If a non-black person knows some black people, does that make their comments/argument more compelling?And, should this be emphasized when commenting on issues that obviously involve race (in this instance, as the originator Colin Kapernick emphasized).
I'm asking this as a white person who knows some black people.
This should go viral..........
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=360&v=jFhborYfWsY
Common. Sense. American.
Thx for posting.
TOMAHAWK9521
09-25-2017, 22:14
I like Derek Weida's response to the NFL:
https://webgram.co/p/BZeZpgsgeqU :lifter:lifter
Airborne!!
Steelers' Alejandro Villanueva on standing for anthem: 'I made my teammates looks bad'
Fox News
"...Alejandro Villanueva, a former Army Ranger and the only Pittsburgh Steeler seen standing during the national anthem on Sunday against the Chicago Bears, told reporters he “unintentionally” threw his teammates under the bus.
In a news conference on Monday, Villanueva said it was never part of the plan to be out on the field alone and that he accidentally ran too far, according to CBS Pittsburgh..."
RFTL (Ranger Follows The Losers).
Pat
miclo18d
09-26-2017, 07:51
I like Derek Weida's response to the NFL:
https://webgram.co/p/BZeZpgsgeqU :lifter:lifter
Airborne!!
I don’t do douchebook or twatter, but if I did, I’d take the day off to post that on every nfl teams pages!
That’s a mike drop moment right there!
This about sums up my feelings on how to proceed:
Fletcher: Damn you, Senator. You promised me those men would be decently treated.
Senator Lane: They were decently treated. They were decently fed and then they were decently shot. Those men are common outlaws, nothing more
Golf1echo
09-26-2017, 11:44
Looking at the big picture the news has only tried to take away what benefits their own agenda, bait and click sensationalism. I'm sure more than a few are saying" look at all the responses we are on fire".:mad: not really what we go to a news outlets for.
I would like to know the behind the scene news, like why/how/when they all got together at the same time, who are the cadre, what role does the union play in this mess, etc... it smacks of a self licking ice cream cone similarly to the Liberal cities in this country albeit nonsustaining.
Another thought has been my reminiscing about the many employees I have had over the years. I never cared much about what they did on their own time and we had a relaxed dress code for the most part as long as the work got done in a professional manner, that's all I asked. Had they spouted their dissenting political views to of one of our clients. BOOM, they would be gone.
These primarily 20 year olds ( early 30s) who have been in sports programs for a good bit of their existence for the most part and have chosen not to put their money were their mouths with supporting programs that work constructively on their concerns and use their platform in professional sports for whining at the expense of the very sport that brought them their wealth and who think they are influencing me...well... nuff said.
bblhead672
09-26-2017, 12:00
Roger Goodell Ignoring League's Own Rules in Letting Players Protest Anthem
After the millions spent on de-flated balls.. I'm wondering what Goodell will do with kneelers??
Goodell and the owners have perfected the art of ignoring their own rules when it benefits them.
This NFL has to make people less proud of America. I am disgusted by the players antics.
Team Sergeant
09-26-2017, 15:22
Under Armour Inc, selling your integrity I see. Point taken, you are nothing but money loving spineless cowards.
How you can shave while looking at yourself in the morning is beyond me.
NFL Sponsors Starting to Push Back Over Anthem Protests
by WARNER TODD HUSTON26 Sep 2017
One sector in the NFL has been fairly quiet over the constant protests during the playing of the national anthem. However, a few NFL advertisers and sponsors are beginning to make their opinions known. Moreover, some are finding customers telling them what their opinions are.
On the one hand, Ford Motor Co., Nike, Under Armour Inc., Hyundai Motor Co., Anheuser-Busch InBev SA and several others issued statements in support of the players’ “right” to protest against the country during the anthem. However, trying to have it both ways, many of these companies also reaffirmed their own support of the flag, the country, and their patriotism, Bloomberg wrote.
Many of the statements mention the American tradition of individual rights, but they also said that they support flag and country.
Hyundai, for instance, said “We stand for and respect individuals’ freedoms to express their First Amendment rights in any peaceful manner in which they choose. We also stand for inclusion, freedom and all that represents those values.”
cont:
http://www.breitbart.com/sports/2017/09/26/nfl-sponsors-starting-push-back-anthem-protests/
Badger52
09-26-2017, 15:42
...Hyundai Motor Co.Let's see how that works out IN the country where your multi-national conglomerate is headquartered. Yeah, have someone from corporate bop over to a big square in downtown Seoul and hold forth on all the things wrong with South Korea. You know... because, way back, the atmosphere was looking so rosy for you to even contemplate growing such an economic mountain. Who gets there first; your HR people with the pink slip or the modern "white mice"?
Nike? UnderArmour? Overpriced logo-fads.
These outfits remind me of Hollywood; enjoy some of their acting craft but they should STFU.
A ball player (survivor himself) donates $1M to a child-cancer charity he started, another does the same, personally delivering for distribution to his home Puerto Rico post-hurricane. Guess I missed Kaepernickers visits to Chicongo to address his remedy for all the black-on-black murders.
Free speech for all - but it's not freedom from consequences.
[/curmudgeon out]
I did get a kick out of the Cubs' first baseman's answers to a reporter's baiting couple days ago.
Snowflake: "How do you feel about these demonstrations of solidarity on the sporting teams?"
Rizzo: "I play first base for the Chicago Cubs."
Snowflake: "But how would you feel about, ya know, whether you'd support a teammate who wanted to do something like that?"
Rizzo: "I play first base for the Chicago Cubs."
Maybe he's heard the one about The Scorpion & The Frog already.
:cool:
Under Armour Inc, selling your integrity I see. Point taken, you are nothing but money loving spineless cowards.
How you can shave while looking at yourself in the morning is beyond me.
NFL Sponsors Starting to Push Back Over Anthem Protests
by WARNER TODD HUSTON26 Sep 2017
http://www.breitbart.com/sports/2017/09/26/nfl-sponsors-starting-push-back-anthem-protests/
I'm disappointed to see that USAA isn't pulling their sponsorship either:
USAA Service
Patitucci - Our purpose in becoming a league sponsor was to honor and appreciate the military community, and that will continue to be our focus. Professional football continues to be among the most watched programming and through our sponsorship, an avenue for us to encourage America to join us in saying “thank you” to our military and their families. Please also know that we’ve contacted the NFL to emphasize the significance of the national anthem and the vital position it plays in acknowledging our country, as well as the men and women who have fought to safeguard our liberties. We value your feedback and would hate to lose your business.USAA Social Service - Jason
USAA Social Service
Hello Everyone.* We appreciate your thoughts and feedback.*USAA advertising is intended to educate military and member prospects about USAA products and services, and is placed within programming that is popular with our military, veterans and their families.*Advertising during NFL games allows USAA to reach a broad military audience, including those who are currently serving.*Research indicates that 78% of active duty military are NFL fans, with 36% naming NFL as their favorite sport. We are more successful in our advertising when we target programs our members watch. Further, we have no plans to end our role as the Official Military Appreciation Sponsor of the NFL. The NFL provides a great platform through which we can raise awareness about and appreciation for America’s military and their families.* Thank you, Jen.
Pat
The Reaper
09-26-2017, 17:15
Steelers' Alejandro Villanueva on standing for anthem: 'I made my teammates looks bad'
Fox News
"...Alejandro Villanueva, a former Army Ranger and the only Pittsburgh Steeler seen standing during the national anthem on Sunday against the Chicago Bears, told reporters he “unintentionally” threw his teammates under the bus.
In a news conference on Monday, Villanueva said it was never part of the plan to be out on the field alone and that he accidentally ran too far, according to CBS Pittsburgh..."
What was that 4th Rule?
Tell the truth about what you see and do. There is an army depending on you for correct information. You can lie all you please when you tell other folks about the Rangers, but never lie to another Ranger or to an officer.
:rolleyes:
TR
Team Sergeant
09-26-2017, 19:03
People are posting by the hundreds, maybe thousands on the USAA forums. I've been a member for decades and that will end next month. I've had enough of the spineless cowards that would sell their integrity and disrespect their veterans.
USAA you are going to pay dearly for that post. I hope it costs you your business if you do not retract that statement.
USAA Social Service
Hello Everyone.* We appreciate your thoughts and feedback.*USAA advertising is intended to educate military and member prospects about USAA products and services, and is placed within programming that is popular with our military, veterans and their families.*Advertising during NFL games allows USAA to reach a broad military audience, including those who are currently serving.*Research indicates that 78% of active duty military are NFL fans, with 36% naming NFL as their favorite sport. We are more successful in our advertising when we target programs our members watch. Further, we have no plans to end our role as the Official Military Appreciation Sponsor of the NFL. The NFL provides a great platform through which we can raise awareness about and appreciation for America’s military and their families.* Thank you, Jen.
TS, as I was reading your post (which I posted in #35 above ;)) I got a survey call from USAA because I commented on their site earlier. They are desperate. It sounded like they hired people off the street to make the calls. They won't be happy with my answers.
Pat
turboprop
09-26-2017, 20:38
Using the term "racist", that begs the question.... If a non-black person knows some black people, does that make their comments/argument more compelling?And, should this be emphasized when commenting on issues that obviously involve race (in this instance, as the originator Colin Kapernick emphasized).
I'm asking this as a white person who knows some black people.
What do you mean? Is it racist to ask black people to thank white people that they are not slaves on a plantation? I think so. In order to over simplify slavery and the end of slavery to that level you would have to see the world through a lens I simply don't have. If I were to break it all the way down to the core I would call the end of slavery a triumph of good over evil.
Do we thank people for not stealing from us? Raping us? Killing us? I don't think it's necessary because there is a basic human expectation that those acts, along with enslaving other humans, is not and should not be tolerated. I would like to think that regardless of whether or not I had friends of various races and ethnic backgrounds I would have the same moral code. I'll never know, as we are all victims of our own experiences. So if I see something I perceive to be "racist," I see a specific attack against a person that I care about.
I don't mean to take away from the discussion with an esoteric description of my own philosophies. For what its worth, I'm not agreeing with kneeling during the national anthem by any stretch. The national anthem and flag also have deep personal meaning for me. It's been a little while since I've been to a pro sports event, but I can certainly recall rendering proper courtesy during the Star Spangled Banner when many around did not. The men and women to whom the anthem pays tribute made this country the free country she is, one affords people the option to sit there an mouth breathe if they so chose.
miclo18d
09-26-2017, 20:44
Uhhhhhhhhhhh? WTF?
USAA as the sponsor and the Seahawks stay in the locker room (akin to watching someone getting raped)
http://www.seahawks.com/news/2017/09/22/1st-special-forces-group-accepts-“big-honor”-seahawks-during-usaa-change-command”
1st Special Forces Group Accepts “Big Honor” From Seahawks During USAA "Change of Command”
Friday, September 22, 2017 4:08 PM PDT
Shaquill Griffin stood alongside several of his Seahawks teammates and stared at a long list of characters etched in white on a polished black granite wall. Each name included on the memorial in front of him at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country, either in combat, training, or accidents.
“You see stuff like that, it makes you appreciate those guys even more,” Griffin said.
The 2017 third-round pick was on site at the Puget Sound-area base this week with other members of Seattle's rookie class for the team’s annual "Change of Command” ceremony. Prior to JBLM’s 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) formally accepting the honor as the team’s military partner for this year, Griffin and fellow first-year players were shown around camp by Colonel Will Beaurpere, Commander, who made the memorial wall the players’ first stop.
“A lot of us have a lot of respect for those guys, they work so hard,” said offensive lineman Ethan Pocic. "We just play a game. It’s life and death for them.”
In partnership with USAA, the Official Military Appreciation Sponsor of the NFL and the Seattle Seahawks, the Seahawks’ “Change of Command” ceremony sees a 12 Flag transferred between two military units, signaling a “Change of Command.” The exchange mirrors a deep-rooted military tradition where an outgoing commander formally transitions responsibility and authority of a unit to a new commander.
“This great tradition brings to life one event that makes serving in the military truly unique,” said Jeff Battle, USAA military affairs representative and Army veteran.
“USAA is honored to join the Seahawks and their fans in showing our respect and appreciation for the service and sacrifice of our military and their families.”
The tradition started in 2012, when USAA and the Seahawks wanted to find a way to honor service members and at the same time thank them for representing 12s across the world. Now in its sixth year, all five military branches have been celebrated to date, with the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team the first unit honored and this week in the 1st Special Forces Group, the Seahawks and USAA welcomed a sixth.
“It was a great honor and privilege for the Navy to be responsible for the 12th Man flag,” said Rear Admiral Gary Mayes, Commander, Navy Region Northwest, the Seahawks’ adopted military unit last season. "We did have the flag under the seas on submarines, we had it on aircraft carriers, so we’ve had it under the sea, on the sea, and also over the sea. Again, it was a great pleasure, and now we will turn it over to the 1st Special Forces Group — don’t screw it up.”
On where the 12 Flag might fly while in the hands of 1st Special Forces Group this year, Beaurpere competitively offered: “We will outdo the Navy, I assure you.”
Unique for Beaurpere and the Seahawks’ honored military unit this year is the fact that 1st Special Forces Group is stationed in the Seattle-area “almost permanently,” said Major Allie Weiskopf, Public Affairs Officer, 1st Special Forces Group. Weiskopf said that made this week’s ceremony “a big honor” for military members who for so long have been stationed so close to the Seahawks.
"As opposed to other military units that kind of come into the region for two or three years and then leave, the guys from our unit are stationed here almost permanently,” Weiskopf said. “So a lot of them are huge Seahawks fans because they’ve been stationed here five, 10, 15 years, unlike other military services.
"They really are true fans of the Seahawks.”
The “Change of Command” offered time for those “true fans of the Seahawks” to interact with some of the players they see in action on Sundays. While they were treated to autograph sessions and meet-and-greets with Seattle’s rookie class, many offered appreciation for the work the players do while wearing Seahawks blue and green, words of encouragement that put Griffin in an awkward spot.
“We were doing an autograph signing and they came up to us and said, ‘Man, we really appreciate you. Thank you so much,’” Griffin recalled. "But at the same time it’s something I wanted to say back to them, that I really appreciate them, because without them we wouldn’t be able to play the game we love."
“We needed this,” Griffin later reflected of the all-rookies day at JBLM. “We needed this."
Yet regardless of how humbled Griffin may have felt, Weiskopf notes the appreciation assuredly goes both ways.
"It was weird for them when the Seahawks felt the same way back,” she said. "I think we drew a lot of similarities between our organizations; we both train hard physically to do something that is for our nation and we definitely look to the Seahawks as a morale booster. They do a lot for the community and they’re just an organization that everybody here looks up to as well.”
As the only franchise in the NFL to put on such an event and carry on such a tradition, the Seahawks have incited a bit of jealously amongst 1st Special Forces Group’s friends across various branches of the military.
"It definitely is a bragging right for our soldiers that they have this special relationship with the Seahawks,” Weiskopf said. “… The Seahawks have just always given our soldiers 100 percent.”
Now Beaurpere and his unit plan to give equal support back to the Seahawks, with Beaurpere candidly asking for just one small thing in return.
“We will honor you and carry your 12th Man flag through the season, and we are very proud of that privilege,” he said. "Now I would only ask one thing in return; get out there and win a championship, will you?"
Team Sergeant
09-26-2017, 20:50
Uhhhhhhhhhhh? WTF?
USAA as the sponsor and the Seahawks stay in the locker room (akin to watching someone getting raped)
Seahawks and USAA, are nothing but cowards. The Seahawks lick the boot of their sponsors and the sponsors thought they only answer to the stockholders.
That ends very soon.
Here comes the consequences. Idiots protest in the streets, smart folks protest with their money.
:munchin
Seahawks and USAA, are nothing but cowards. The Seahawks lick the boot of their sponsors and the sponsors thought they only answer to the stockholders.
That ends very soon.
Here comes the consequences. Idiots protest in the streets, smart folks protest with their money.
:munchin
Hold fire. Did you read post #38? I think USAA is starting to get it.
1stindoor
09-27-2017, 05:41
Hold fire. Did you read post #38? I think USAA is starting to get it.
I respectfully disagree. The problem is...they don't get it. They care about one thing...their financial bottom line. Period. They could care less about anything else, right now they're in a publicity quagmire that they helped create...and they're doing damage control because it affects their bottom line. At the end of the day they'll wear their arms out slapping their own back and congratulating themselves for successfully "adjusting their position," but they still won't get it.
I'll be making my intentions known to USAA this very day.
Ironically, I only recently joined USAA. It was restricted to officers only when I was in. When our son joined it had opened to enlisted. Just a few years ago they opened it up to all veterans. Therein lies the bottom line: their military base was shrinking as the company was growing so they had to keep opening it up. I reluctantly joined only because I needed Medicare Supplemental insurance and they had the best deal plus they also offered the best homeowners insurance given our off-grid living situation.
Because of the insurance, I'll have to stick it out till the end of the year, but I have a feeling that they are really feeling the heat. Manchu: "Keep up the fire!"
Pat
Badger52
09-27-2017, 16:01
It was restricted to officers only when I was in.
Ditto here. When they came around decades later & wanted into my wallet I simply remembered & told them to FOAD.