On Thursday night, we saw the first version of pre-game demonstrations for racial and social justice in an NFL game of this season. The first of many. The Texans stayed in the locker room for the playing of the National Anthem. Then when they returned to the field, they locked arms with the Chiefs players in a show of unity.
Each team will have their own unique version of showing support for racial equality, injustice, and police brutality. The Raiders will be among them Sunday in Carolina when they take the field to face the Panthers.
“I think we’re all together on what we’re gonna do,” Head coach Jon Gruden said Friday over a video conference call. “Today’s 9/11 which is a day when we really need to consider all the people that suffered and how awful that day was. I just hope our country can unite. That’s all I’m hoping for. Our players have discussed it and I’ll leave it at that.”
By now Gruden, the Raiders, and everyone else have seen the reaction in Kansas City by the smattering of fans Thursday night to the Chiefs and Texans’ show of unity. And it was unfortunate, to say the least.
Booing could be heard from many of the fans in attendance at Arrowhead when the two teams locked arms. It wasn’t even the kneeling so many claim to be the issue. It was a show of unity, which in and of itself is apparently a problem for some. Just like it was never about the National Anthem for the players, this display reminds us it has never been about the National Anthem for those who would boo them.
For the Raiders and Panthers part, they won’t have to worry about booing as there will be no fans in attendance at Bank of America Stadium. But whatever they decide to do for a demonstration, the message will be delivered to those in the television viewing audience.
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