Showing posts with label NFL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NFL. Show all posts

Monday, September 03, 2018

Republican official resigns after calling kneeling NFL players baboons

A racist Republican county official in Pennsylvania has resigned over social media posts where she called NFL players who protested by taking a knee during the national anthem “baboons” and “ignorant blacks.”

“Tired of these overpaid ignorant blacks telling me what I should believe in. I will tell you what I believe in and that is our Flag the National Anthem and America period end of story,” wrote Carla Maloney, the ex-Republican Committee of Beaver County’s secretary, on Facebook under the name Carla Belich Fueller, local outlet The Beaver Countian reported.

“You don’t like it here go to Africa see how you like it there. We are all Americans not African American not Hispanic American. WE ARE ALL AMERICAN,” she added.

The racist posts were made before Maloney was named secretary earlier this year, Chip Kohser, chairman of the RCBC told the Beaver County Times.

Most of the comments were made after many of the Pittsburgh Steelers stayed in their locker room for the anthem before their game on Sept. 24, 2017, Kohser added.

“Steelers are now just as bad as the rest of the overpaid baboons… How many men and women have lost limbs or died to protect this country and you baboons want respect,” she wrote in one post. “Let’s see how the baboons get paid when white people stop paying their salaries.”

In a letter sent Friday, Maloney resigned as both secretary and as an elected member of the committee, and apologized for her “distasteful, inappropriate and insensitive social media posts.”

“I know my posts and comments were disrespectful to not only the people that I love, but families across the country,” she wrote.

The posts were made public this week as a result of “an ongoing family dispute,” Maloney added.

Kohser, the committee chairman, said Maloney’s comments “do not reflect the opinions of the Republican party as a whole” – though he admitted to knowing about the posts last year.

[SOURCE: NY POST]

Friday, August 31, 2018

NY Giants star Odell Beckham meets with survivors of NJ bus crash

Prior to Thursday night’s preseason finale between the New York Giants and New England Patriots, superstar wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., fresh off signing a five-year, $95 million contract extension, stopped to greet several survivors of the Paramus NJ school bus crash.

Tuesday, July 10, 2018

NFL Players Union files grievance against NFL's new national anthem policy

The NFL Players Association announced Tuesday it filed a grievance against the league's new national anthem policy.

The Union released the following statement:

The NFLPA union filed its non-injury grievance today on behalf of all players challenging the NFL’s recently imposed anthem policy. The union’s claim is that this new policy, imposed by the NFL’s governing body without consultation with the NFLPA, is inconsistent with the collective bargaining agreement and infringes on player rights.

In advance of our filing today, we proposed to the NFL to begin confidential discussions with the NFLPA Executive Committee to find a solution to this issue instead of immediately proceeding with litigation. The NFL has agreed to proceed with those discussions and we look forward to starting them soon.

Friday, June 08, 2018

4 things Trump's offer to NFL players to pardon people wont change

By George L. Cook III African American Reports EMAIL: George Cook

With the backdrop of the positive response to his pardon of Alice Johnson and the National Anthem controversy in which National Football League players are protesting police brutality and racism, President Trump in his tone-deaf way has made an offer to black athletes in the NFL to submit cases of possible injustice so he can evaluate them for potential pardons.

"I’m going to ask all of those people to recommend to me -- because that’s what they’re protesting -- people that they think were unfairly treated by the justice system,” Trump told reporters Friday before departing the for the G-7 summit in Canada, adding that they shouldn’t remain in the locker room while the national anthem is played before games.

"If I find, and my committee finds, that they’re unfairly treated, then we will pardon them, or at least let them out," the president said.

While Trump's offer to pardon those in federal prison may help dozens it does nothing to help thousands who suffer at the hands of the justice system and abusive policing. Trump is hoping that African Americans somehow fall for this PR stunt and see this as a move that benefits them a whole when it doesn't.

Here are four things his offer to pardon people won't address:

Police committing acts of brutality and shooting unarmed black men. Until there are tougher consequences at the Federal level for bad police officers who violate the HUMAN rights of American citizens these abuses will continue.

Criminal justice reform addressing disparate sentences for African Americans as compared to white Americans for committing the same crimes.

Bail reform, thousands sit in jail not because they have been found guilty of a crime but because they can't make bail.

Environmental issues that affect black communities that lead to learning and behavioral problems that can make a child more likely to end up in the criminal justice system.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, these are things that immediately sprung to mind upon hearing of Trump's offer to NFL players.

This is just another example of Trump pointing to the bright shiny object hoping that we all ignore the grim reality that needs to be addressed. Pay attention people and don't let this con-man get with pulling yet another PR stunt that doesn't benefit African Americans as a whole.

So, in light of Trump's misguided offer to pardon boxing legend Muhammad Ali whose conviction was overturned by the Supreme Court in 1971 I would like to close by warning us all not to fall for the okey-doke.

George L. Cook III African American Reports

Tuesday, June 05, 2018

Eagles' Malcolm Jenkins responds to Donald Trump’s cancellation of team's White House visit

Social Activist and Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins released a statement on Tuesday after President Donald Trump threw a tantrum and made the childish decision to cancel the Eagles’ White House invitation after finding out that most of the players were not coming. Read his statement below:

Saturday, June 02, 2018

Rep. Keith Ellison To Boycott NFL Over Anthem Protest Policy

Despite being a NFL fan U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison says he will be boycotting the NFL this season in the wake of the league’s new policy on kneeling during the national anthem.

The Democrat from Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District announced his boycott on Twitter, saying that he won’t be watching as long as league owners penalize on-field protests.

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

The NFL is misguided with its new National Anthem Policy

By George L. Cook III African American Reports

The NFL passed a resolution stating that if players are on the field that they must stand for the National Anthem. Here are two reasons I believe that this new policy is misguided. Listen to my thoughts on this below:

NFLPA Statement on NFL's New Anthem Policy

In response to mostly African American players kneeling to protest police brutality and racial inequality, NFL owners passed a resolution on Wednesday that allows players to remain in the locker room during the national anthem but those who are on the sidelines will be required to stand. Teams -- not players -- will be fined for any actions deemed disrespectful.

The National Football League Player's Association released the following statement:

NFLPA Statement on New Anthem Policy

The NFL chose to not consult the union in the development of this new “policy.” NFL players have shown their patriotism through their social activism, their community service, in support of our military and law enforcement and yes, through their protests to raise awareness about the issues they care about.

The vote by NFL club CEOs today contradicts the statements made to our player leadership by Commissioner Roger Goodell and the Chairman of the NFL’s Management Council John Mara about the principles, values and patriotism of our League.

Our union will review the new “policy” and challenge any aspect of it that is inconsistent with the collective bargaining agreement.

Sunday, April 22, 2018

Colin Kaepernick receives Amnesty International’s Ambassador of Conscience Award





Athlete and inspiring activist Colin Kaepernick has been honoured with Amnesty International’s Ambassador of Conscience Award for 2018.
The award was officially presented at a ceremony in Amsterdam, Netherlands, on 21 April 2018, to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the opening of Amnesty International’s national section in the country.
“The Ambassador of Conscience award celebrates the spirit of activism and exceptional courage, as embodied by Colin Kaepernick. He is an athlete who is now widely recognised for his activism because of his refusal to ignore or accept racial discrimination,” said Salil Shetty, Secretary General of Amnesty International.
“Just like the Ambassadors of Conscience before him, Colin Kaepernick chooses to speak out and inspire others despite the professional and personal risks. When high profile people choose to take a stand for human rights, it emboldens many others in their struggles against injustice. Colin Kaepernick’s commitment is all the more remarkable because of the alarming levels of vitriol it has attracted from those in power.”

Take a Knee

During the 2016 pre-season of the American National Football League, Colin Kaepernick knelt during the US national anthem, as a respectful way of calling for the country to protect and uphold the rights of all its people. The bold move was a response to the disproportionate numbers of black people being killed by police. It sparked a movement that follows a long tradition of non-violent protests that have made history.


While the polarised response to the “take-a-knee” protest has ignited a debate about the right to protest and free speech, Colin Kaepernick has remained focused on highlighting the injustices that moved him to act. His charity, the Colin Kaepernick Foundation, works to fight oppression around the world through education and social activism, including through free “Know Your Rights” camps which educate and empower young people.
“I would like to thank Amnesty International for the Ambassador of Conscience Award. But in truth, this is an award that I share with all of the countless people throughout the world combating the human rights violations of police officers, and their uses of oppressive and excessive force. To quote Malcolm X, when he said that he, ‘will join in with anyone — I don’t care what colour you are —as long as you want to change this miserable condition that exists on this earth,’ I am here to join with you all in this battle against police violence,” said Colin Kaepernick.

“While taking a knee is a physical display that challenges the merits of who is excluded from the notion of freedom, liberty, and justice for all, the protest is also rooted in a convergence of my moralistic beliefs, and my love for the people."

Eric Reid, professional American football player and Colin Kaepernick’s former teammate, continued to show his support, as he presented Colin Kaepernick with the Ambassador of Conscience award.
The Ambassador of Conscience Award celebrates individuals and groups who have furthered the cause of human rights through acts of conscience, confronting injustice and using their talents to inspire others.


Through the award, Amnesty International aims to raise awareness of inspirational stories and human rights issues and encourage public action.
Past winners have confronted injustice through acts of conscience, used their talents to inspire others and furthered the cause of human rights
The Award was inspired by the poem From the Republic of Conscience, written for Amnesty International by the late Irish poet Seamus Heaney. Past winners include renowned musicians and artists like Harry Belafonte, Joan Baez, Alicia Keys and Ai Weiwei, and inspirational figures including Malala Yousafzai and Nelson Mandela.
[SOURCE: Amnesty International]

Sunday, November 26, 2017

Steve Kerr calls out Donald Trump for attacks on NFL players

During an interview with David Axelrod on Axelrod's podcast The Axe Files Steve Kerr, head coach of the Golden State Warriors discussed his unhappiness with the way Trump talks about NFL players who protest.

Sunday, October 29, 2017

Rev. Jesse Jackson: NFL owners have 'plantation mentality'

Reverend Jesse Jackson, the noted civil rights activist, wants to have an extensive conversation with Texans owner Bob McNair.

In the wake of a firestorm of controversy following McNair saying "We can't have the inmates running the prison," at a recent NFL owners meetings, Jackson was sharply critical of the remarks in a telephone interview Sunday with The Houston Chronicle. Jackson accused owners, including McNair, of having a "plantation mentality."

Jackson added that there should be sanctions against McNair for his comments. McNair has apologized publicly in a statement and privately to his players and stated that he wasn't referring to players in those remarks. said he reached out to McNair and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and hasn't heard back from them.

Jackson suggested that the NFL provide extensive details about what was said at the closed-door meeting regarding players' national anthem protests.

"They really should make the minutes of that meeting public," Jackson said. "I understand there were some other things said that were just as bad from other owners. They have kind of a plantation mentality. The players are objectified in some sense. Mr. McNair is a product of the South. They act like he's a victim or misunderstood, but those players have made him a wealthy man.

"Mr. McNair said he's sorry, but he also said what he said in an uninhibited way when he's in a private meeting with the other owners. There should be some kind of sanctions. Other owners heard him talk that way and they shouldn't condone that kind of talk."

Jackson believes there's an opportunity to bring people together through this situation.

Read more: Rev. Jesse Jackson: NFL owners have 'plantation mentality'

Sunday, October 01, 2017

Panthers QB Cam Newton says TD celebration was for 'Black Power'

After Cam Newton scored a rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter of Sunday's win over the Patriots, the Panthers quarterback stood with a raised fist in the end zone.

Newton, who stood during the national anthem before the game, said Wednesday he might have some sort of protest in the wake of President Donald Trump's divisive comments last weekend.

Newton's touchdown gave Carolina a 30-16 lead early in the fourth quarter and the Panthers held on for a 33-30 victory. Newton, who threw for 316 yards and three scores while rushing for 44 yards and the 7-yard touchdown, explained his touchdown celebration following the game.

"It was to signify Black Power, but more importantly, I pray every night for God to give me a pinnacle to give people hope," Newton said. "I did it to raise — to show Black Pride because I am an African American, but more or less, I want all people just to see when I play, I want them to see the joy that I go out there and play with.

Read more: Panthers QB Cam Newton says TD celebration was for 'Black Power'

Saturday, September 30, 2017

Mothers of NFL players send open letter to Trump in defense of their sons

The Professional Football Players Mothers Association has sent an open letter to Donald Trump in response to his attack on them and their sons over his mistaken view that they are degrading the American Flag. Read that letter below:

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee kneels on House floor in solidarity with black athletes

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) kneeled on the House floor Monday night to show solidarity with NFL players defying President Trump to protest police brutality.

Sunday, September 24, 2017

First MLB player takes a knee during national anthem

Looks like Trump's attack on black athletes in the NBA and NFL has backfired and has now spread to Major League Baseball.

Bruce Maxwell, son of a US Army veteran and Oakland As backup catcher became the first Major League Baseball player to kneel during the National Anthem. He did so after talking with his teammates and the general manager.

Maxwell stated:

“It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. These guys are my family; the Oakland A’s is the only family I’ve ever had in professional baseball. So being able to sit down and confidently have this conversation with David and with Bob Melvin and with my teammates before the game was something huge that I felt like needed to be done.”

“The point of my kneeling is not to disrespect the military. It’s not to disrespect our constitution. It’s not to disrespect our country … I’m kneeling for the people that don’t have a voice. This goes beyond the black community. This goes beyond the Hispanic community.”

Maxwell plans to continue to kneel for the anthem in the future:

“People think athletes should shut up and get their money and play their sport, but no matter how much money we make, no matter how many touchdowns we score, no matter how many home runs we hit, it doesn’t mean we aren’t people. Our paychecks don’t silence us.”

Bruce Maxwell First MLB Player To Protest National Anthem

Saturday, September 23, 2017

Trump has an more of an issue with black athletes who protest than with white nationalist

By George L. Cook III African American Reports

There is a famous Maya Angelou quote, "When Someone Shows You Who They Are, Believe Them ."

Donald Trump has issues with Colin Kaepernick, Jemele Hill, and Stephen Curry (Wonder what they all have in common there?), all athletes are people in sports who don't support him or that have PEACEFULLY protested, but he seems to have no issues with white nationalist.

Trump's words last night at a campaign rally for Luther Strange show that he is very upset about attacking NFL players who kneel during the national anthem. He is more upset about that than white nationalist who marched while making anti-Semitic slurs at the University of Virginia, or the white supremacist who injured many and killed one person in Charlottesville. Trump showed more passion in calling black NFL players "son of a bitch" than he ever did when he was forced to denounce the alt-right. Watch that segment of his speech below:

Wow he seemed pretty fired up there and got a great reaction from the crowd filled with his supporters. But that wasn't enough; Trump had to take a shot at Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors after they pretty much said they didn't want to visit the White House to be honored for the 2017 NBA Championship.

In a response that took far shorter than the 48 hours it took to respond to the horrible events in Charlottesville, Trump tweeted:

Of course what Trump did there was quit before he could be fired or dumped a girlfriend/boyfriend before they dump you. Trump also doesn't understand that you can't rescind an invitation that was never given or that was not going to be accepted anyway.

As every day passes he is showing that he doesn't care about anyone but his base, the rest of us be damned.

If not a racist then Trump is a man who has no problem being associated with racist or defending them.

The man has shown us who he is. Believe him.

Wednesday, September 06, 2017

Michael Bennett Discusses Violent Police Incident In Las Vegas Police

Seattle Seahawks star Michael Bennet has accused Las Vegas Police of throwing him to to the ground and threatening to blow his head off after he and others fled what many believed were gun shots. He like the others fleeing was seeking safety but believes that police singled him out for being black. Bennet discusses his altercation with Las Vegas police at a news conference. Bennet is obviously distraught and explained how he feels lucky to be alive.




Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Aaron Rodgers says Colin Kaepernick 'should be on a roster right now'

Many marquee African American player such as Michael Bennett, Richard Sherman, Brandon Marshall, and Marshawn Lynch have come out in support of Colin Kaepernick, and openly question why the QB does not have an NFL job yet. Many are waiting for a marquee white player to come out in support Kaepernick and it looks like Green Bay Packers QB, Aaron Rodgers is that player. George L. Cook III African American Reports.

You won't find Aaron Rodgers kneeling during the national anthem this season, but in a recent interview with ESPN's Mina Kimes, the Green Bay Packers offensive captain revealed he has no issue with players who do choose to protest.

That includes fellow quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who's still waiting for a job offer less than two weeks before the start of the 2017 season. Kaepernick became a national figure last season, when he popularized the practice of not standing during the national anthem in protest of racial injustice in America.

Rodgers said it would be "ignorant" to believe that the lack of interest has nothing to do with Kaepernick's history of activism.

"I think he should be on a roster right now," Rodgers said. "I think because of his protests, he's not."

While Rodgers will continue to stand for "The Star Spangled Banner," he plans on supporting his teammates who choose to follow Kaepernick's example. He mentioned that conversations with two of his teammates, wide receiver Randall Cobb and tight end Martellus Bennett, have helped him to better understand the motives behind the protests; Bennett is the brother of the Seahawks' Michael Bennett, one of the NFL's most prominent protestors.

"I'm gonna stand because that's the way I feel about the flag – but I'm also 100 percent supportive of my teammates or any fellow players who are choosing not to," he said. "They have a battle for racial equality. That's what they're trying to get a conversation started around."

Aaron Rodgers says Colin Kaepernick 'should be on a roster right now'

Aaron Rodgers speaks in support of Colin Kaepernick

Friday, August 25, 2017

Colin Kaepernick thanks fans for support

A day after a rally in support of him outside the NFL's offices in New York, Colin Kaepernick thanked the participants in a tweet on Thursday.

On Wednesday more than 1,000 people crowded the area around the league's midtown Manhattan offices. Many of those fans wore jerseys with his name and demanded Kaepernick be signed by the start of the regular season on Sept. 7.

On Twitter, Kaepernick wrote: Thank you to everyone who went to support yesterday. My faith always has been and always will be in the power of the people!

[SOURCE: UPI]

Sunday, August 20, 2017

New York Police Officers Rally in Support of Colin Kaepernick

Controversial quarterback Colin Kaepernick received some unexpected support Saturday in Brooklyn.

A local lawmaker was joined by 100 law enforcement officers, who took a stand in solidarity with Kaepernick.

"We support Kap! We support Kap!" the officers chanted, their fists raised in the air.

"All of the people behind me risk their lives, so to speak, to protect folks, and they are standing with Kaepernick because they understand how important it is to push back on the structure," City Councilman Jumaane Williams of Brooklyn said, with the officers standing behind him.

Kaepernick has been criticized for putting politics on the NFL playing field by sitting and kneeling during the national anthem before his games with the San Francisco 49ers last year. He was protesting police brutality.

No team has signed the now-free agent. Several players say teams are colluding to keep Kaepernick out of the NFL.

Read more: Law enforcement rally in Brooklyn for Colin Kaepernick