Sports

NFL Commish Says He Supports Kaepernick, Might Punish Players Who Honor 9/11

(Getty Images/Andrew Burton)

David Hookstead Sports And Entertainment Editor
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NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says he supports Colin Kaepernick for sitting during the national anthem, yet at the same time might punish players who honor 9/11.

Goodell sat down and talked with NBC’s Matt Lauer to discuss San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s decision to disrespect America and sit during the national anthem.

“I support our players speaking out on issues they think need to be changed in our society. We don’t live in a perfect society Matt. Our players have strong views about things so I support our players speaking out about that,” Goodell told Lauer when asked if he was proud of Kaepernick. (RELATED: Team USA Hockey Coach Says He Will Bench Any Player That Sits During National Anthem)

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At the same time Goodell is supporting Kaepernick he might also fine players who wear shoes supporting the victims of the deadly terrorists attacks on September 11, 2001.

(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

SANTA CLARA, CA – AUGUST 26: Quarterback Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers throws a pass against the Green Bay Packers in the first half of their preseason football game at Levi’s Stadium on August 26, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Tennessee Titans linebacker Avery Williamson and New York Giants receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Victor Cruz were some players that wore cleats specially made to honor first responders and those who died. Goodell could levy fines since it’s against NFL rules to wear special shoes that don’t match teams’ uniforms. (RELATED: Hookstead’s Hot Take: America Stood Up For Colin Kaepernick, He Should Stand For The Flag)

This isn’t the first time Goodell and the NFL have failed to show patriotism through example. The NFL also once didn’t honor veterans unless they were paid to do it. (RELATED: Millionaire NFL Quarterback Has Mind-Boggling Reason For Refusal To Stand For National Anthem)

So commissioner Goodell is a loud and vocal supporter of Kaepernick’s right to disrespect America, but he might punish several players who honored the thousands who died on 9/11. It doesn’t get much more un-American than that.

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