Recently, the NFL has had all eyes on them. And it’s not all because of football itself. In August of 2016, San Francisco quarter back Colin Kaepernick took a knee while the national anthem played during the 49ers third preseason game. Controversy ensued, and conversation erupted across the United States. Kaepernick said he knelt during the anthem to protest against police brutality and racism. No t everyone supported his decision. A year later, the country and the NFL are still divided about the appropriateness of taking a knee. A poll of EHS students revealed that just over 22% of those responding believes the players who kneel should be fired, while 32% believe it’s a great way to protest.

Opinions are mixed on whether or not kneeling is an appropriate protest method. EHS Quarterback Isaac Hawkins believes it’s for publicity.“They have freedom of speech, but personally, I don’t think it’s right,” Hawkins said.

Although Elkhorn High hasn’t met to address the kneeling, many classes have had open discussions about the controversy. Tucker Charron, along with Hawkins, both said they wouldn’t support their teammates if they knelt.

“It sends a message that the team isn’t unified if only a few people kneel and the rest of the team is standing,” Charron said.

Senior football player Jacob Pickering said he wouldn’t kneel, but would support his teammates if they decided to kneel as a way to protest.
“Protest is what this country is made on,” Pickering said. “If they want to make a statement, then that’s okay.”

John Bacus, who has coached for 41 years, said he wouldn’t kneel if given the option, but respects the players’ use of their first amendment rights.
“There is a difference between a professional player and a high school player,” Bacus said. “High schoolers don’t fully understand it. Those guys in the NFL, they’re much more aware of the reason.”

Coach Bacus said he believes kneeling is a fair way to protest, just as long as the player knows the concept they’re kneeling about.
“When I was in college, the Vietnam war was going on and I was constantly thinking about those guys fighting overseas,” Bacus said.

Industrial technology teacher Dennis DeLong, a football fan, said if he had the opportunity to meet and sit down with Colin Kaepernick, the player that brought the controversy to life, DeLong would address Kaepernick’s bravery and talk about how he personally would never be able to do that in front of such a large audience.

The controversy surrounding one player’s decision has sparked admiration and outrage across the United States. At EHS, there is no definite answer on whether or not a player would have school support if they decided to kneel during the national anthem.

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