FOXBOROUGH, MA – AUGUST 22: New England Patriots running back James White (28) smiles before a preseason game between the New England Patriots and the Carolina Panthers on August 22, 2019, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
James White says the Patriots will have a peaceful protest this season.
Despite the brave actions of the few at the time, most NFL players remained standing during Colin Kaepernick’s initial national anthem protest in 2016. At the time, it was understandable, as the backlash towards said players cost these players financially, and in Kaepernick’s case, his livelihood.
It’s the sacrifice that Kap made which has inspired so many to fight on his behalf — for four years at this point — to help him regain some sort of position within the NFL itself.
James White and the New England Patriots understand that what Kaepernick was fighting for is very relevant at this moment.
James White and the New England Patriots will have a team protest.
“I’m sure we’ll figure out something as a team,” White said, per NBC Sports Boston. “Not sure exactly what that will be, but I’m sure guys will peacefully protest in some type of form or fashion.”
White also acknowledged that it’s important to keep protesting in the face of a news cycle that so often leaves important messages behind. The George Floyd protests, while extraordinarily news-worthy now, should not fade into the background. The Black community cannot afford such a digression.
“Colin Kaepernick raised awareness for situations like these a while back and people have continued to try to raise awareness about it,” White added. “But now I think the world is kind of seeing how a bunch of people feel. Everybody’s trying to understand and get a better grasp of it so things can change in a positive manner.”
The Patriots are unlikely to be the only team to magnify Kaepernick’s message four years after the fact. Despite initial pleas from the owners — now echoed in silence by prominent billionaires –, the players will have their voices heard.