ESPN “First Take” co-host Stephen A. Smith said Cleveland police and other first responders refusing to hold the American flag on the field in response to the Cleveland Browns protesting the national anthem is more disrespectful than NFL players protesting during the national anthem.
“I think they are the ones disrespecting the flag, as opposed to the athletes,” Smith argued.
He continued, “If you’re protesting and you’re protesting peacefully, and the Constitution of the United States literally allows for that, for you to be the benevolent association or anybody else that then stands up and says we will not support an organization who is basically saying they agree with you, but they’re supporting the rights of their players because those players are American citizens, you are disrespecting the flag more than the players are. Because the players are exercising the rights given to them by those who fought and died and bled for what this country stands for. They’re not violating it. They’re exercising their rights. You could dislike it and you have the right to dislike it.”
Follow Trent Baker on Twitter @MagnifiTrent
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