We wouldn’t have to talk about who stands during the national
anthem and who sits/kneels/stays away during the national anthem if it weren’t
played to death.
Blame sporting events. Between youth games, college games and
pro games, we’re deluged with the Star Spangled Banner every day of every year.
If not, can folks stop giving a damn about individuals’
posture during the song?
WNBA superstar Brittney Griner is back on the court after 10
months as a prisoner in Russia. And what she did prior to tip-off earned equal
billing with her exploits during the Phoenix Mercury’s season-opener May 19.
She stood for the national anthem. Previously she stayed in the locker room – like many WNBA players – to show solidarity with social justice activists declaring that Black Lives Matter. Just like that, she re-ignited the debate on proper protocol when Francis Scott Key’s biggest hit is played.
“I take full responsibility for my actions. I’m sorry to my family, teammates, coaches, fans, partners, the city of Memphis and the entire Grizzlies’ organization for letting you down. I’m going to take some time away to get help and work on learning better methods of dealing with stress and my overall well-being.”
That’s a perfect statement Ja Morant released after flashing a gun on social media. Whoever wrote it, the message hits all the right notes: accountability, remorse, reflection and a commitment to improve. For the talented and troubled 23-year-old NBA star, the words sound genuine, heartfelt and sincere. Well done.
There’s only one problem; the statement was released two months ago.
Now, Morant can dust it off for reuse because history has repeated itself. He flashed a gun during another Instagram Live session on Saturday, leading to yet another suspension.
I’ve been a Deion Sanders fan for a long time, well before we sat together in first class in 1997. He had played football that day – against the Pittsburgh Steelers – and was flying to play baseball the next day – for the Cincinnati Reds. I was tagging along as a national baseball writer.
Later, our paths crossed multiple times when I became a syndicated sports columnist in his hometown, Fort Myers, Florida. Having spent nearly a decade there, I developed a good sense of the community that produced “Neon Deion” and “Prime Time.” They’re my peeps, too, just like Sanders; warts and all, they’re family.
Whether you consider him a shameless self-promoter or a fearless truth-teller, we can agree on one thing: He’s a master at commanding attention and polarizing the viewers. He started as a blinged-out Atlanta Falcons rookie from Florida State and hasn’t slowed down as head coach at University of Colorado Boulder.
Now, Sanders is making waves with an unprecedented approach to modern college football, where players essentially can pick a new school at will. Fifty-two Colorado players have entered the transfer portal, most involuntarily, since he arrived from Jackson State. Other Power Five programs have half as many players set to exit. Forty-three Buffaloes entered the portal after Colorado’s spring game on April 22.
“You all know that we’re gonna move on from some of the team members, and we’re gonna reload and get some kids that we really identify with,” Sanders said after the spring game. He has followed through on introductory remarks to the team in December: “I’m bringing my own luggage with me, and it’s Louis,” as in Vuitton.
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