He could have taken the easy way out. He could simply have announced that he’d accomplished his mission by bringing attention to racial injustice and police brutality. But Eric Reid demonstrated that he is a man of principle and will continue to express his right as a citizen of the United States to engage in this nationalistic ritual or not. Prior to Sunday’s game against the New York Giants, Eric Reid knelt during the national anthem, as he did the entirety of the 2016 and 2017 NFL seasons. There was much speculation after Reid was signed by Carolina regarding what actions he would take during the national anthem; well, it appears that mystery has been solved and Reid has exhibited courage and intestinal fortitude that is sorely lacking throughout the NFL and professional sports in general on this issue. Given Black people’s centuries and continuing of subjugation in America, it is quite amazing that all Black people are not joining individuals like Reid, Kenny Still, and Albert Wilson by refusing to stand during the national anthem. To say nothing of the racist nature of the Star Spangled Banner itself. Eric Reid has acted in according with his conscience and not what might be popular or expected. A hero indeed.
Article below by Michael Middleburg-Schwartz at usatoday.com.
Eric Reid is picking up where he left off on his protests.
Read the rest here.
