It’s impossible to avoid, you can’t turn on the TV or check Twitter without its infestation. Politics have found their way into literally everything we do, and especially into our entertainment. In a time where political tensions are extraordinarily high, I think I can speak for most of us when I say that we are tired of it.

   If I wanted to hear more about politics, I would turn on CNN or Fox News, not ESPN. As players from all sports are beginning to kneel during the Star Spangled Banner, it is becoming harder to get away from politics. Using their fame as a platform to promote positive change in an ever-changing society is a great idea, but there are better ways to do this than during the National Anthem.

   Professional sports leagues are private organizations that are primarily for the entertainment of the people. As a private organization, like the NFL, they have every right to call for an end to this divisive, debilitating madness. In fact, implementing a rule regulating these protests would be the best move.

   According to the New York Times, the NFL’s TV ratings have decreased 10% since last season. A large portion of their loss of viewership can be accredited to the organization’s players refusing to put politics aside on gameday.

   Many of these protests consists of players kneeling, stretching, or staying in the locker room during the Anthem. They do this to raise awareness for racial discrimination and inequality, which is obviously a noble cause, yet not necessary at the expense of the National Anthem and the American Flag.

   In fact, these players should respect the flag and encourage people to embody its values. On the American Flag, red stands for valour, white for purity, and blue for justice. If citizens were to truly practice these values, that would solve the issues they are protesting. On top of that, donating their time or money would be more effective in trying to nurture change in America.

   The way in which these players have attempted to encourage changed has just heightened political tensions in our already polarizing society. If they were to leave the politics off of the sports field, and respect the Flag that gives them the opportunity to earn money playing the game of football, everyone would get along much better.