[Statement from Jim Irsay]

Someone replied saying the events of today are in response to Trump.....

 

Maybe the NFL should chose a different method to protest against the President. Using a disrespectful method of protest is still wrong, whether you use to send a message to the President, or to the Nation for some other reason of protest like with Kapernick or other players are in who support of any PERSONAL position.

Using the National Anthem or the Flag on TELEVISION may be getting attention to your message or to the President,  does not mean it is right (Jim Irsay, Disrespectful Players, Commissioner, NFL as a Whole). The actions are still disrespecting a Symbol of the USA and its core values and beliefs of what made this Country and its Constitution. Oh and BTW, you are also disrespecting ME and all those men and women that have sacrificed like me in support of the FREEDOMS YOU ENJOY!!

So maybe YOU (NFL ANYONE) should do a sit-in on the field that is NOT during the National Anthem, or walk out of the game and forfeit if it is so important to them. Oh Yeah, that would cost you money. And it is ok to respect MONEY, but not THIS NATION! RIGHT? Why don't those of you who want to protest, do like the rest of the Nation. Take off work and visit Washington DC to promote a march or protest in front of the White House. That way YOU make YOUR point and QUIT TAKING MY COUNTRY for Granted!!!

The ENTIRE NFL can take their disrespect of the USA to somewhere else and not here. I do not and will not support them anymore until they learn this is MY COUNTRY TOO !!!

[Statement from Jim Irsay]

I spent 20 years in the USAF and I am proud to be a veteran! After surviving the Typhoon and Mt Pinatubo eruption and the Pentagon attack on 9/11 where I saved 13 people; I cannot support an organization that does not understand the meaning behind Liberty and Patriotism? Being giving, being charitable, being supportive, being a volunteer to a neighbor is NOT THE SAME THING!

 

I respect anyone's rights to protest. I almost died more than once for that right and more.

 

UNTIL TODAY ---  I was a NFL fan, and a Die Hard Colts fan!

There comes a point when the right to free speech does not protect the right to repercussions. You may want your players to protest against my sacrifice, you may want your team to speak out against the people of this nation to bring attention to a topic of choice, you may want to use your platform and position (football, fame, roll, and envy) to promote your point of view. You may hate the President.

 

I like the millions of other Patriots who believe in Liberty, the Freedoms brought to us from the Sacrifices of other's, Patriotism and Respect of our founding fathers, the soldiers of all wars who have protected our rights as a nation, and the other Patriots DO NOT HAVE TO tolerate you Jim Irsay, the other owners, the disrespectful players, the entire NFL Organization. When someone else disrespects how those rights came to existence, I do not have to support an organization that is not in support of the country I love and have risked my life more than once for. I do not have to be a FAN of that organization.

 

And if you do not understand what I just said, I'll give you a more simple example surrounding the right to free speech. Yes, you Jim Irsay can say what you want, and no I do not have to like it. I too can say things you do not like; like this comment, and you (Jim Irsay and Colts Players, and ANYONE ELSE SUPPORTING THE NFL) will probably never read this comment, but those that agree will read my words. They too will know the difference between a protest and being disrespectful. They too will decide what is right and wrong. In my opinion, not supporting this country, its flag, its national anthem and what they represent. Last time I checked those SYMBOLS represent the USA, the men and women who have sacrificed to sustain those rights in the Constitution and the people of this nation as a whole, not an isolated faction of a minority opinion that is using TV to promote more disrespect.

 

The Constitution protects that right of free speech for everyone, including your statement and my opinion. IT DOES NOT PROTECT YOU FROM RETRIBUTION THROUGH EXCLUSION! Which is my RIGHT. That means, I and anyone else  who agrees DOES NOT HAVE TO SUPPORT:

1) Your platform (Football, Stage, TV)  $$$$

2) Pay for your products jerseys, logos, knick knacks, etc.  $$$$

3) Watch the games and COMMERCIALS on TV  $$$$

4) Pay for tickets $$$$

5) Support your charities $$$$

6) Or ANYTHING associated with the NFL!  $$$$

 

NOT FINANCIALLY $$$$ SUPPORTING THE NFL IS NOW MY FREEDOM of SPEECH!