Many people don't understand how Free Speech works

[GiaCat]

The NFL players kneel to protest what they see as an exercise of their free speech rights. But for a bunch of 'college graduates' they are only displaying their incredible ignorance. I wonder how many of them have even read the First Amendment. If these 'college graduates' can even read.

I am sure most people don't want to be as stupid as a football player so I am positing the First Amendment.

The First Amendment (Amendment I) to the United States Constitution prevents Congress from making any law respecting an establishment of religion, prohibiting the free exercise of religion, or abridging the freedom of speech, the freedom of the press, the right to peaceably assemble, or to petition for a governmental redress of grievances. It was adopted on December 15, 1791, as one of the ten amendments that constitute the Bill of Rights.


It clearly says that the Government can't restrict Free Speech. But a private employer can. So an NFL team can fire a player for protesting. Of course, their are other issues in the private sector, such as contract clauses that some into play. But again, that is between two private entities, the team and the player.

When an NFL player puts on a uniform, he represents the team, not himself. Its the same where you and I are employed. If you work at a burger joint and start protesting people eating meat while at work, your boss can show you the door.

I am just amazed how ignorant Americans are regarding the corner stone of our society and government. It's damn scary. If you want to talk to someone who understands and appreciates this society, speak to a legal immigrant. They know first hand how important the First Amendment is.

 

[Richard_P_Feynman]

You should demonstrate your right to free speech by showing us your tits.

 

[Boxlicker101]

You should demonstrate your right to free speech by showing us your tits.

and your ass.

 

[RobDownSouth]

It clearly says that the Government can't restrict Free Speech. But a private employer can. So an NFL team can fire a player for protesting. Of course, their are other issues in the private sector, such as contract clauses that some into play. But again, that is between two private entities, the team and the player.

When an NFL player puts on a uniform, he represents the team, not himself. Its the same where you and I are employed. If you work at a burger joint and start protesting people eating meat while at work, your boss can show you the door.

I am just amazed how ignorant Americans are regarding the corner stone of our society and government. It's damn scary. If you want to talk to someone who understands and appreciates this society, speak to a legal immigrant. They know first hand how important the First Amendment is.

Wow, what an exceptionally ignorant rant.

First of all, the NFL Players are covered under a collective bargaining agreement, and have union representation. You seem to be deluding yourself (and trying to delude others) into thinking that this is an "at will" employment agreement. Here's a clue: it's not.

In this age of guaranteed contracts, there is a slim-to-none likelihood that NFL management would terminate employees for non-performance-related issues. It is simply too costly for management.

NFL owners do enjoy one privilege that most business owners do not: a federal anti-trust exemption. This has been carved out of antitrust law by a compliant Congress. They would not do anything to jeopardize this gravy train of profitability.....and terminating their employees, who are covered under union work rules, would bring an unneccesary public spotlight on this odd exemption and potentially place it in jeopardy, either revocation by the courts or Congress.

So spare us the Sturm Und Drang....nobody in the NFL is going to suffer reprisals for taking a knee.

 

[pointless]

yeah, most people don't actually give a shit about this anymore. the horse is dead. we have moved on to newer horses.

 

[pointless]

Wow, what an exceptionally ignorant rant.

First of all, the NFL Players are covered under a collective bargaining agreement, and have union representation. You seem to be deluding yourself (and trying to delude others) into thinking that this is an "at will" employment agreement. Here's a clue: it's not.

In this age of guaranteed contracts, there is a slim-to-none likelihood that NFL management would terminate employees for non-performance-related issues. It is simply too costly for management.

NFL owners do enjoy one privilege that most business owners do not: a federal anti-trust exemption. This has been carved out of antitrust law by a compliant Congress. They would not do anything to jeopardize this gravy train of profitability.....and terminating their employees, who are covered under union work rules, would bring an unneccesary public spotlight on this odd exemption and potentially place it in jeopardy, either revocation by the courts or Congress.

So spare us the Sturm Und Drang....nobody in the NFL is going to suffer reprisals for taking a knee.

the nfl doesn't have guaranteed contracts.

 

[OldJourno]

So spare us the Sturm Und Drang....nobody in the NFL is going to suffer reprisals for taking a knee.

And Colin Kaepernick is playing quarterback for which NFL team?

 

[GiaCat]

Wow, what an exceptionally ignorant rant.

First of all, the NFL Players are covered under a collective bargaining agreement, and have union representation. You seem to be deluding yourself (and trying to delude others) into thinking that this is an "at will" employment agreement. Here's a clue: it's not.

In this age of guaranteed contracts, there is a slim-to-none likelihood that NFL management would terminate employees for non-performance-related issues. It is simply too costly for management.

NFL owners do enjoy one privilege that most business owners do not: a federal anti-trust exemption. This has been carved out of antitrust law by a compliant Congress. They would not do anything to jeopardize this gravy train of profitability.....and terminating their employees, who are covered under union work rules, would bring an unneccesary public spotlight on this odd exemption and potentially place it in jeopardy, either revocation by the courts or Congress.

So spare us the Sturm Und Drang....nobody in the NFL is going to suffer reprisals for taking a knee.

You need to read more carefully before you spout off. I said, "Of course, their are other issues in the private sector, such as contract clauses that some into play. "

 

[GiaCat]

You should demonstrate your right to free speech by showing us your tits.

Maybe one day. Stay tuned

 

[Hypoxia]

!st amendment "free speech" protections don't apply unless gov't attempts to constrain what's considered 'speech'. Tromp ordering athletes to stand at attention would be a violation. Any other considerations are strictly between employers and employees.

Those well-paid athletes are well-paid because they're competent performers making bookoo bucks for their employers / masters. Team owners get to decide how to treat their employees / inmates and still make lotsa money. Is this current Tromp-driven furore going to hurt the NFL for long? Remember, Tromp wanted to be part of the NFL owners' club but they wouldn't have him.

Seems to me the NFL owners' interests would be best served with Tromp gone. Maybe they can buy him a nice retirement tower in Crimea?