A restaurant in Florida will no longer show NFL games, due to the “disrespect” players have shown by protesting during the playing of the national anthem.
Curtis and Janet West, are co-owners of Beef O’Brady’s in Brooksville, Florida. Curtis West told Fox 13 that he made the decision to cancel the restaurant’s DirecTV package after becoming “upset” over the anthem protests last year.
“Last year, with the kneeling and the disrespect to our veterans and our flag and our country, I was very upset,” West explained.
According to Fox News, “The restaurant will save more than $5,000 by canceling its package and instead will offer veterans 40 percent off on food Sundays during game days, the station reported.”
The restaurant put up posters to tell patrons about the change:
Beef O’Brady’s will not be financially supporting the NFL this year due to their lack of compassion and gratitude for our American service members. Our National Anthem is one of the methods we as American citizens have always used to show our appreciation to all military service members, past or present, alive or dead. This tradition deserves respect and unfortunately, the NFL does not feel that same way. So, for this season, we will not be purchasing the NFL ticket. Perhaps, it will make a difference if it hits their wallets.
While West says he will continue to show local NFL games, because he’s not paying for those. He made clear that even though he realizes his business will suffer, he thinks supporting the anthem is worth it.
“We are proud to support our troops, we don’t kneel, and thank you for your service,” West explained. “It’s a big deal to us.”
Follow Dylan Gwinn on Twitter @themightygwinn