by MARK P. FANCHER
“An alternative league would be the antithesis of the NFL and also take its cue from ‘Bingo Long’s Traveling All-Stars and Motor Kings.’”
The National Football League’s new national anthem policy is a breathtaking display of arrogance, racism and disrespect for sincere acts of conscience by players concerned about the epidemic of police violence that plagues black communities. The league’s new rules require players to stand and “show respect” for the flag during the anthem. Players unwilling to cooperate must remain in the locker room.
The NFL really has nerve. Can we even imagine military officials telling a young Muhammad Ali that not only must he enlist, but if he wants to protest the Vietnam War, he may write a polite confidential letter to the Pentagon? Or, suppose that 1968 Olympic officials had told John Carlos and Tommie Smith that they could not raise gloved fists during the awards ceremony, but they could have a private conversation about racial issues with fellow athletes in the Olympic hotel. Neither scenario occurred, but we are safe in assuming that such suggestions would have been met by immediate militant rejection. The heroic character of Ali, Carlos and Smith would not permit them to compromise their principles.
“There may be more than a few players with courage who are willing to risk following Colin Kaepernick into football martyrdom if necessary.”
Although punishment of anthem protests is on hold pending completion of negotiations with the players’ association, the big moment for Africans on the gridiron is nevertheless at hand. When the season begins, the players can boldly ignore the NFL rule and take a defiant knee; or they can meekly comply and pathetically mutter: “I’m just here to play football.” If the protests occurring during pre-season games are any indication, there may be more than a few players with courage who are willing to risk following Colin Kaepernick into football martyrdom if necessary.
Some have suggested that black team ownership is the answer to the anthem protest dilemma. Because of Magic Johnson’s sports ownership interests, and Sean Combs’ public contemplation of an NFL franchise purchase, the concept of team ownership is no longer beyond the imagination of black entrepreneurs. But even though almost 73 percent of the NFL’s players are African, none of the owners are black. In addition, this insular group of primarily white males preserves its own exclusivity and hegemony. “Who owners invite into their fraternity – and it is overwhelmingly a fraternity – is self-selective,” said Dr. Richard Lapchick, director of the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sports.
In the face of an NFL inner circle that will likely continue to resist the anthem protests and also block black ownership, some have suggested starting an entirely new league. The idea of upstart alternative sports leagues is not unprecedented.Perhaps the best example is the American Basketball Association that provided a showcase for Julius Erving and others.
“This insular group of primarily white males preserves its own exclusivity and hegemony.”
Ideally, an alternative league would be the antithesis of the NFL and also take its cue from “Bingo Long’s Traveling All-Stars and Motor Kings.” This 1976 Motown film, inspired by Negro League Baseball, is one of Black Cinema’s underappreciated gems. In addition to a stellar cast that included: James Earl Jones, Billy Dee Williams, Richard Pryor and others, the movie addressed, in an entertaining way, issues of race and class struggle.
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