What I meant by "before something happens" was the player (or, by association, a teammate or coach, or hell, even a fan) getting attacked for this stance. Since this is now front page news on mainstream national media, who knows what nuts will come out to play. She is (in my opinion) skirting that line between brave and foolhardy, in a time where anything closely resembling patriotism (or perceived lack of) is a big deal to the masses.
Sports are, of course, closely connected with patriotism. As such, I am surprised that there haven't been more protested of this kind - especially among college players who tend to be a bit more brave/foolhardy (depending on your perspective, I suppose, bcb2k2). Good for her, although I think this sort of protest ultimately works against her views. Discussion about her concerns are ultimately derailed by her action, replaced by discussions about whether one should respect the flag or not.
This always brings up the question that I ask: "Why do we play national anthems before sporting events?" Especially in these days of multi-national leagues (NBA, NHL, MLB) and multi-national players (North American, South American, African, European, Asian), why do we choose just one (or two) anthems to play? I'm not against the idea, I'm just wondering how these "foreign" players feel about it now.
I think we should just play the Epyx Theme before every game.
Guess I'm out of touch. My original thought was non-story' but even our local fishwrap (out here on the left coast) has picked it up pictures and all. I guess her little effort has gone noticed. She's well within her rights as are any who should choose to criticize her. I'm sure the follow-up stories about the thousands of athletes who proudly salute their flag and sing the Anthem at lung's peak are forthcoming.
It's really up to her coach to do anything. Coaches often bench/suspend players for conduct on the court such as showboating or taunting the opponent and this behavior is similar, although not directed at her opponents.
It seems to me bizarre that students would have to stand and face the flag and listen to the national anthem at all. But then, I'm British, what do I know?
It seems to me bizarre that students would have to stand and face the flag and listen to the national anthem at all. But then, I'm British, what do I know? Just a little FYI: The tradition of playing the national anthem (US or Canadian) in college and pro sports started in the 1940s to increase patriotism during WWII. I don't think I speak for most Americans, but I am ambivalent about the practice. On one hand, I love the ideals of my country and what to celebrate them. On the other hand, doing so before a sports event seems a bit odd. Update: Geno Auriemma of Uconn said he wouldn't allow a player on his team to turn away from the American flag during the national anthem. Frankly this a hard situation because everyone is right. Toni Smith is well within her rights and to my knowledge is not breaking any rule. A person like Geno Auriemma is also well within his rights to be pissed off, expressing being pissed off about it and enforce teams periodicals as he sees fit (without braking a rule or the law). Distinguished from the situation in the NBA a few years ago: In that instance the Macmood (Sp.?) was breaking an NBA rule by refusing to stand (NBA rules do not demand one respect the flag or the anthem, just one stands during the anthem) for the playing of the anthem. He could likely have done exactly want Toni Smith is doing and escape sanction. Hence, he was punished for not standing, not for his views or substance of his protest. Frankly I support Toni Smith and the views she is expressing; perhaps next time when I'm at a sporting event I hope to show the same courage and conviction of my views. However, in a twist I irony, I might stand for the anthem to show my support for Toni Smith's right to do want she is doing.
