NFL Baltimore Ravens Ben Watson Chimes in about Kaepernick

By Douglas V. Gibbs
Author, Speaker, Instructor, Radio Host

Update:  A you read this, it has come to my attention that some of the links no longer work.  Has Fox News capitulated?

I am a huge football fan, and I've never been much of a fan of Colin Kaepernick, especially since my team is the one on the other side of the bay.  Kaepernick's refusal to stand for the National Anthem, in my opinion, is disrespectful and childish, but he has the right to act as he did.  I often think about how there are plenty of military veterans who are unable to stand for the National Anthem, and would love to be in Kaepernick's shoes where he still has a physical choice.

In the NFL, it has seemed like the National Football League has pretty much defended Kaepernick, but the truth is, the league does not speak for all of the players.

Which brings us to Baltimore Ravens’ tight end Ben Watson, who I am now a huge fan.  He's out for the season after injuring himself last month in a pre-season game.  Watson is a Christian, father of five, and the author of "Under Our Skin: Getting Real About Race--And Getting Free From the Fears and Frustrations That Divide Us."

Watson's essay on racially charged events in Ferguson, Mo., two years ago went viral, as did a post he wrote following the terror attacks in Paris last fall.

Now, Watson has zeroed in on Kaepernick. . . from his hospital bed.  Watson’s entire post can be viewed here.  On Fox News Channel (link below), Watson said this is "not a skin problem, it's a sin problem."

Here's an excerpt from his latest post: “I will not have the option to kneel this Sunday while the National Anthem is being played. A week ago, in what would prove to be my last pre-game opportunity of this 2016 season, I stood with my right hand over my heart as the anthem played. And if I am fortunate enough to ever be dressed for another game day I imagine I would be doing the same thing I did in my last. Standing. Not because America is ALL I desire it to be because most assuredly it is not. Racism still stews, families are fractured, the unborn are trashed, schools are struggling, religious freedom is increasingly under attack, violence pollutes our cities and our suburbs, and there is a growing divide between law enforcement and the community.”

“I stand, because this mixed bag of evil and good is MY home. And because it's MY home my standing is a pledge to continue the fight against all injustice and preserve the greatest attributes of the country, including Colin Kaepernick's right to kneel.”

Well said, Mr. Watson.  Well Said.

View his incredible interview on Fox and Friends HERE.

-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary