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| Lowville American Legion to Boycott Showing 49ers Games at Post 09/07/16 12:30pm |
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controversy surrounding an NFL player's protest, announcing yesterday that it would boycott showing San Francisco 49ers football games. The decision is in protest to the team's backup quarterback, Collin Kapernick's, refusal to stand for the national anthem before games. The Lowville American Legion says it is the only venue in Lewis County that has an NFL Package, capable of showing any game. In a Facebook post on the Legion's page, Commander Lee Hinkleman states "As a military family we take deep pride in our national anthem. With their quarterback refusing to stand for the national anthem, we refuse to stand with the 49ers." There is a Lowville connection to the 49ers organization, with the team's equipment manager of the past 13 years, Steve Urbaniak, being a native of Lowville and an alumni of Lowville Academy & Central School. Mr. Kaepernick has gained attention nationally, by refusing to stand while the national anthem is played before the teams games throughout the preseason, protesting what he sees as wrongdoings against African Americans and minorities in the United States. "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color," Kaepernick told NFL Media in an exclusive interview after the teams game against Green Bay on August 26. "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." A statement from the 49ers organization on the controversy stated ""The national anthem is and always will be a special part of the pre-game ceremony. It is an opportunity to honor our country and reflect on the great liberties we are afforded as its citizens. In respecting such American principles as freedom of religion and freedom of expression, we recognize the right of an individual to choose and participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem." Jeremy Lane, a starter for the NFL's Seattle Seahawks, has joined the protest by refusing to stand for the anthem as well. The Lowville Legion's boycott does not appear to include Seahawks games. A statement from the American Legion National Headquarters office states: "“On behalf of more than 20 million living U.S. military veterans, I think most of us respect his right to not stand, but we also find the action highly regrettable,” American Legion National Commander Dale Barnett said. “The United States has provided incredible opportunity for Mr. Kaepernick. This country allowed him to become a very wealthy celebrity that was able to pursue his dream. We admit that this country is not perfect and could improve in some areas. But the vicious attack on law enforcement is unwarranted. Moreover the freedoms that Mr. Kaepernick has been able to enjoy, were provided by veterans who made tremendous sacrifices on behalf of citizens like him. Instead of focusing on all that is negative about our country, he should remember what’s great about America and be an example to young people who may aspire to the same success that he has had.” John B. Raughter, Media & Communications contact at American Legion National Headquarters, told linkinglewiscounty.com that "each of the more than 13,000 American Legion posts are autonomous and free to make their own decisions, especially when it comes to their post operation," when asked if the National Headquarters had any comment on the Lowville Post's position. |
