Trump Not Bashful About America in Face of NFL Protests

By now, you have heard President Trump's position on select athletes in two of the most popular professional sports in the United States, the NFL and the NBA. No, President Trump did not do a "Nixon" and send the Washington Redskins plays to run. He simply offered his opinion, in response to some of the players in both leagues, and apparently, he is not allowed to do that. Right, players can kneel, or sit during the playing of the National Anthem before a game, can openly question his decisions on social media, electronic media, and print media and even call him names, yet he is not allowed to voice his opinion.

Let's look at some of most vocal and of course "noted statesmen," shall we? The great, and I have to be fair, he is great, Stephen Curry. When asked his thoughts on visiting the White House, as championship teams often get to do he commented, “I don't want to go, that's kind of the nucleus of my belief.” When he was further questioned, he replied, “We don’t stand for basically what our president has — the things that he’s said and the things that he hasn’t said at the right times — that we won’t stand for it.” Notice: at first it was "I" and that is fine. He has his opinion and he is afforded the right under the Constitution of the United States of America to share it. His second statement, "we"… Is he the spokesman for the team? No, he is not. He is a star athlete; however, he does not speak for all in the Golden State Warriors organization ... or does he? His teammate and fellow star Kevin Durant said, “I won't visit The White House, I don't respect who's in office right now.” Again, his right. All Star Chris Paul chimed in with this gem, “With everything going on in this country, why are you focused on who's kneeling and visiting The White House ... and I doubt you he is man enough to call any of these players a son of a "B" to their face.” So, is that a vailed threat? Is that how we react to someone who dares to criticize someone?

I guess our "star athletes" can say (and do) what they want, but criticize them ... just saying.

And finally, the star of stars, LeBron James, called President Trump a "bum." Interesting… Please, define “bum” for me, Mr. James. Under any definition, President Trump is not a “bum.” Now, Curry, Durant, Paul, and James all are superstars in the NBA and are viewed as icons, and have a powerful voice within society. It seems to me, they could find a more effective, professional, or even adult way to share their voice.

President Trump has also taken the NFL players, owners, and the league itself to task as well. His quote last Friday in Alabama: “Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners when somebody disrespects our flag, say get that son of a "B" off the field right now...out. You're fired.” Now, some of you remember the USFL (United States Football League), and the fact businessman Donald Trump owned the New Jersey Generals. He led a Federal lawsuit against the NFL and actually defeated the NFL in court. The monetary award was $1.00, but the verdict was to the USFL. More recently, he attempted to buy the Buffalo Bills franchise, but lost out to Terry Puglia. And last year, several of the 32 NFL owners donated to his presidential campaign.

Clearly, President Trump has tremendous pride in our nation, and its traditions, such as honoring our flag and is not bashful about articulating that.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (who is paid by the above mentioned men and the other team owners) gave an interesting (and very careful) reply, “The NFL and our players are at our best when we help create a sense of unity in our country and our culture. There is no better example than the amazing response from our clubs and players to the terrible natural disasters we've experienced over the last month. Divisive comments like these demonstrate an unfortunate lack of respect for the NFL, our great game and all of our players, and a failure to understand the overwhelming force of good our club's players represent in our communities.”

President Trump did not criticize the NFL or its players for the assistance to the efforts for hurricane victims, actually he praised J.J. Watt especially for his efforts with Houston and Hurricane Harvey. He criticized players for disrespecting the country he presides over, and clearly the one he loves.

Dante Vitoria is Founder and CEO of The Vitoria Group. For over 30 years, Dante Vitoria has been running his own firm, The Vitoria Group, which has broad experience in working with companies of various sizes to fulfill its clients' financial needs. The client base is extremely diverse, ranging from international money centers, domestic banks, insurance companies, and financial firms. The Vitoria Group provides a vast array of financial services specifically tailored to enable clients to meet their goals — the assistance, direction, and access to professional banking and other facilities. Dante's 30+ years experience as an investment banker on Wall Street, provides insight, expertise and comprehensive advice with a down-to-earth-approach on key aspects of local and international economics, personal finances, and financial planning. To read more of his reports — Click Here Now.