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As America splits into two groups based upon the political stance of “police brutality and racism,” Americans must face the widespread protests that are occurring. These protests have begun to pop up everywhere, TV, commercials, celebrities taking a stand, and the biggest protest currently being discussed, professional sports. Paul Gackle writes an article, “Will NHL Players Take a Knee During the National Anthem,” based upon how Americans can’t even watch their sporting events without having to experience the protests. The protest isn’t athletes simply saying how they feel about police brutality and racism, instead it’s disrespecting the flag, National Anthem, and everyone who has ever fought for the freedom of America. This protest is inappropriate and just about every major sports teams are all taking part in the protest so far, except for the NHL.

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I am a huge fan of the NHL, but also come from a military-loving family that is offended by the protest of taking a knee during the National Anthem, which soon may influence the NHL athletes into participating in the protest. Professional hockey players are receiving negative feedback all over the country for not participating. In the article, “Will NHL Players Take a Knee During the National Anthem,” Blake Wheeler, an NHL player for the Winnipeg Jets, supports those who are protesting. He says, “it’s the First Amendment to our Constitution. The First one!!” (Gackle). Wheeler is a part of the NHL and feels that the athletes choosing to take a knee are allowed the right to say and protest how they want according to the First Amendment. Jacob Trouba, another player for the Winnipeg Jets, also gave his input, “They’re not trying to disrespect the flag, they’re standing up for issues.” (Gackle). Although Trouba and Wheeler may find the protest to be courageous and not disrespectful, people who come from Military backgrounds or are very passionate about the military and the flag would feel differently about the intentions of the players choosing to sit during the national anthem.

Will The NHL Cave Into The Pressure of Taking a Knee?

By Amanda Johnston

Gackle, Paul. “Will NHL Players Take a Knee during the National Anthem?” The Mercury News, The Mercury News, 26 Sept. 2017, www.mercurynews.com/2017/09/25/will-nhl-players-take-a-knee-during-the-national-anthem/.

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