In response to the George Floyd protests and a video featuring NFL players, NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell released his official statement last night.

We, the National Football League, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of black people. We, the National Football League, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest. We, the National Football League, believe black lives matter. I personally protest with you and want to be part of the much-needed change in this country. Without black players, there would be no National Football League. And the protests around the country are emblematic of the centuries of silence, inequality and oppression of black players, coaches, fans and staff.

“We are listening. I am listening, and I will be reaching out to players who have raised their voices and others on how we can improve and go forward for a better and more united NFL family.”-Roger Goodell

This statement comes after some NFL players called upon the organization to make a statement in solidarity. But some fans are not having it.

your condolences is nothing more than ash in our mouths. You kept a man from playing for the same thing these protestors are fighting for. Roger Goodall your pre typed statement means nothing to america. https://t.co/nTTB1SW6aT

— Malik Brown (@MBTN90) May 31, 2020

The things I'd like to say to Roger Goodall will either get me banned from Twitter but he's smart enough to know where the black community wants him to stick his apology

— Author Sasha Strachan (@sasha_author) June 6, 2020

All well and good but at this point, Goodell’s apology may not be enough for the NFL fans that want to see Colin Kaepernick back in the game. Let’s take a look back on 2016 for grins. Remember the game where Colin Kaepernick first took a knee? Why did he?

I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”-Colin Kaepernick

Are there bad cops that need to be brought to justice? Sure. But Colin Kaepernick took a knee for onlookers during the National Anthem for attention and recognition as if he is some kind of hero. His aim was for the spotlight and his aim was divisive. It was a tone-deaf display of an African-American athlete who got adopted by a white couple who has seen opportunity and privilege that other young African-American males may never see in a lifetime. Kaepernick had the golden opportunity to be inspirational and not a pig-sock-wearing punk. He chose the latter, time and time again. Even when given the opportunity to make a difference.

Roger Goodell went back on his National Anthem policy in essence last night, stating he should have listened to the players. Did this mean that he should have let them kneel or sit out the Anthem? And now that the NFL has made the official statement that they support Black Lives Matter, BLM has this cause to add to their list:

We call for a national defunding of police. We demand investment in our communities and the resources to ensure Black people not only survive, but thrive.”-Black Lives Matter

Most football fans, for the record, never thought the NFL was a racist organization. Seriously, look at any roster on any NFL team. If anything, the scales tip in favor of Black athletes. And systematic oppression? I’m sorry but I don’t exactly call a six-figure salary (that would be for a rookie) systematic oppression, would you?

Perhaps Goodell should have read the fine print on the BLM page. Tell me how black people are going to survive and thrive once the police get defunded and law and order exits stage left in their neighborhoods? White, Antifa, spoiled rich kids are currently causing chaos, looting and burning down the very neighborhoods of the very people they claim to support and care about. But hey, Roger Godell supports BLM and ergo, defunding of police. And so do rich NFL athletes, apparently. Are they going to come in and protect these communities? Are they going to come in and help rebuild African-American businesses that are destroyed? And despite all of Godell’s capitulating, people are still eating his lunch.

They would need to apologize for Kaepernick.

— Maggie Tired of This Shit (@The_Vent_Line) June 5, 2020

Don’t you get it, Godell? You are still not making with enough reparations. Any and all apologies and amends will never be good enough. No amount of virtue you throw at this is going to make one bit of a difference. This fall’s football season should be interesting. “We’re all in this together” ads with syrupy, squeaky-voiced voiceover artists who love to lay on the obnoxious vocal fry, buzzwords, key phrases and protesting the National Anthem all will FOR SURE provide justice and open our eyes to a more loving, united America. Can hardly wait.

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