To the Editor:

This letter speaks to my frustration and disdain for the NFL officials, owners, coaches and players over their disrespect for the American Flag and the National Anthem.

If I go to a concert to watch a comedian, I expect to see and hear comedy and laugh my tail end off. A little like the “The Big Bang Theory”. When I went to see the movie “American Sniper”, I went to see the true story about a Navy Seal and his life experiences during war. When I go to a musical concert, I expect to see and hear the music that artist made popular. I spend my money on these for entertainment purposes, only.

If I go to a sports game, I pay to see that sport played to its fullest. I don’t go to view political garbage. I want to see the traditions established with that game, including the National Anthem and the half-time show, and the celebration if my team wins. Baseball, same thing, except no half-time show, but the 7th inning stretch and singing “take me out to the ball game”.

The American flag is a symbol, just like the statues of Jesus and Blessed Mary. You don’t worship the statue or the flag but you do worship and respect what they represent. The American National Anthem and the song “the Old Rugged Cross” represent something with deep meaning and reverence. I will not stand for disrespect for these symbols or their meaning. Nor will I sit idly by and let this go unanswered.

Football players knew all this going into that profession. It starts in high school sports; tradition, American reverence. Just go out and play the damn game your being paid millions to play. On the field, your political views have no credence. That’s not what the fans paying your salaries came for. Off the field, your actions will be judged for what you do or don’t do. How many mouths have you fed, how many housing projects have you rehabbed?

How many kids have you gotten off drugs? How many of you served in the Armed Forces? Stand Up, take your helmets off, put your right hand over your heart, and respect the flag that represents the best country in the world and the country that makes it possible to earn millions of dollars for playing a kid’s game.

Jim Gignac
Wisconsin Rapids