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No flag salute, no NFL

Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch (24) sits during the national anthem prior to an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals Aug. 12. Joanne Hawkins believes he should not play if he cannot stand for the anthem.
Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch (24) sits during the national anthem prior to an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals Aug. 12. Joanne Hawkins believes he should not play if he cannot stand for the anthem. Rick Scuteri AP

I am writing about the Oakland Raiders football player, Marshawn Lynch, sitting down on a cooler (along with his long, braided hair) while his teammates are standing with their hands over their hearts as the National Anthem is being played.

He said he is supporting Colin Kaepernick’s decision to kneel during the anthem last season to protest a pattern of police mistreatment. Both of these guys are soft in the head. This is the NFL that they are taking on.

If they don’t stand and support our flag, then they shouldn’t be playing in the NFL league. What an example they are giving to our youth! We don’t need their kind. They are troublemakers, and the NFL should prohibit from playing anyone who will not stand and salute the flag. It is very simple!

Joanne L. Hawkins, Fresno

This story was originally published August 18, 2017 at 4:51 PM with the headline "No flag salute, no NFL."

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