(WBAP/KLIF) – The recent controversy over NFL players kneeling during the National Anthem is causing sports and politics to clash.
The league and its players are catching grief from Americans, including President Trump, who believe the protests are disrespectful to the country. The players argue that disrespect is not their intent and that they are kneeling to show unity. The Dallas Cowboys decided as a team Monday to kneel before the anthem and stand in locked arms while it was sung. Some fans say they are turned off by the protests and have lost interest in supporting the league. SMU Marketing Professor, Daniel Howard said he doesn’t believe the debate will have much of a financial impact.
“I don’t believe that it will result in a significant reduction in people attending football games, watching football games, or buying NFL merchandise,” Howard said.
Howard attributed little financial impact to his belief that the issue will be short lived.
“It’s one of these issues that’s not going to stay in people’s memories for a long time,” said Howard. “I suspect that after a short while all of the players are going to be standing up again.”
One NFL player has already felt some impact from his decision to protest. A Denver car dealership released a statement stating that it won’t renew Broncos star Von Miller’s endorsement contract because his decision to kneel during the national anthem did not reflect their views and that it would be better off representing itself.
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