Week 3 of the 2017 NFL campaign has attracted more attention for what’s gone on before kickoff than the action during the games. Of course, when we’re discussing kneeling during the anthem as a form of political protest and the president of the United States getting more agitated by the second about the action taken, it’s completely reasonable why the attention is where it is.
Visible displays of protest and disapproval have been on full display and other famous folk are weighing in on the protests. Unlike President Donald Trump’s fire and brimstone comments, the bulk of celebrities addressing the matter are expressing their support for demonstrating players. Trump’s recent fuming about the NFL and the Golden State Warriors have found themselves melted on top of Colin Kaepernick’s original protesting purpose.
“As a football fan, I am proud of the NFL players today,” tweeted daytime TV titan Ellen DeGeneres. “Nothing is more American than the right to peacefully protest.”
“For me now, #TakeAKnee isn’t a ceding of American symbol but a gesture of faith in true American principle,” wrote Westworld star Jeffrey Wright.
“Protests are supposed to upset and challenge people,” noted Andy Richter. “That’s the whole f*cking point.”
As a football fan, I am proud of the NFL players today. Nothing is more American than the right to peacefully protest.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@EllenDeGeneres) September 24, 2017
Agreed ‘til “son’s of bitches.” For me now, #TakeAKnee isn’t a ceding of American symbol but a gesture of faith in true American principle. https://t.co/RaUWuJ1sXg
— Jeffrey Wright 🥜 (@jfreewright) September 24, 2017
Protests are supposed to upset and challenge people. That's the whole fucking point.
— Andy Richter (@AndyRichter) September 24, 2017
"Why won't they do their protesting at a time and place where I can ignore it?"
— Andy Richter (@AndyRichter) September 24, 2017
https://twitter.com/kumailn/status/911631390138961921
It's that easy. #takeaknee pic.twitter.com/FmpJJT4s0D
— Uzo Aduba (@UzoAduba) September 24, 2017
Thank you to all the athletes with the strength & courage to kneel for justice. #takeaknee https://t.co/BsrjuExQ7u
— America Ferrera (@AmericaFerrera) September 24, 2017
One of the great things about our country is that we can protest in peaceful ways without fear. God Bless America!
— RainnWilson (@rainnwilson) September 24, 2017
The sports community is brave and serious about taking real risks to defend essential American values. We should all be so bold. #takeaknee
— olivia wilde (@oliviawilde) September 24, 2017
look #TakeTheKnee = powerful. BUT don't bandwagon something u don't get: point is to UNDERSTAN why @Kaepernick7 is protesting. start there
— ?st (@questlove) September 24, 2017
Exactly https://t.co/oEKy41fyyT
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) September 24, 2017
I like when people who told me to respect the Confederate Flag last month scream about respecting the US Flag this month. #TakeTheKnee
— John Fugelsang (@JohnFugelsang) September 24, 2017
Take A Damn Knee today #TakeAKnee pic.twitter.com/rM2JfBNre9
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) September 24, 2017
Thank you, @realDonaldTrump for giving me opportunities to teach my children the difference between right and wrong. #TakeTheKnee pic.twitter.com/528z0JhhUj
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) September 24, 2017
Disrespecting our constitution. https://t.co/k13HTMZDY1
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) September 24, 2017
I’m starting to regret naming my son “Donald Trump, Jr.” It seemed okay 11 years ago.
— Conan O'Brien (@ConanOBrien) September 24, 2017
#TakeAKnee you son of a bitch @realDonaldTrump everything you wish to cripple you only strengthen #NFL #resist
— Holly Marie Combs (@H_Combs) September 24, 2017
https://twitter.com/ava/status/911990794797686786
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZbf5vDBmY5/
https://twitter.com/JohnLeguizamo/status/911951624129662976/photo/1
I know I shouldn't talk sports, but trump's comments re:NFL further prove he's hellbent on poisoning all aspects of American life.
— John Mayer (@JohnMayer) September 24, 2017
Started with arms locked in unity and playing one heck of a game! Let's go @Vikings!!!
— . (@shanolahampton) September 24, 2017
A lot of white NFL players need to learn that being a teammate doesn't end on the field. #TakeAKnee
— Hari Kondabolu (@harikondabolu) September 24, 2017
Are you a white football fan?
Have you expressed your public support for #TakeAKnee ?
Our indifference is costing people their lives. https://t.co/RHXhUQXvgu
— Matt McGorry (@MattMcGorry) September 24, 2017
I love seeing all these athletes #TakeAKnee & the momentum @Kaepernick7 has started. I like this America. We're not sheep. #RiseUp #Resist
— Leslie Bibb (@mslesliebibb) September 24, 2017
We support @mosesbread72, @Kaepernick7, and everyone's constitutional right to stand up, sit down or #takeaknee for equality. pic.twitter.com/WDUD216pk2
— Pearl Jam (@PearlJam) September 24, 2017
https://twitter.com/DonCheadle/status/912018019739516928
https://twitter.com/DonCheadle/status/912021777030594560
So… How many Sons A' Bitches kneeling tomorrow??!! How many of Dotards boys firing Mothfukkas?? Odds??!!
— Samuel L. Jackson (@SamuelLJackson) September 24, 2017
Wow… Even #Jaguars owner #Khan #TakeAKneeNFL. @NFL https://t.co/tS5uWd6kRT
— Rosie Perez (@rosieperezbklyn) September 24, 2017
I wrote about why the NFL players' protests are patriotic. https://t.co/hYEWhfJUvU
— John Legend (@johnlegend) September 24, 2017
Don’t count on this national conversation to be completely sorted out in time for Thursday Night Football.
