More than a week out from the Super Bowl, the group AMVETS is furious after the NFL reportedly censored an ad with the hashtag #PleaseStand.
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.@AMVETSHQ will NOT tolerate the @NFL refusing #Veteran right to free speech. We fought for it! #PleaseStand #SuperBowl pic.twitter.com/NARbC5zKuE
— Gregory S. Heun (@AMVETSNatlCmdr) January 22, 2018
In an open letter to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, National Commander of the American Veterans group Marion Polk laid out his frustrations.
He thanked Goodell before ripping him with "deep disappointment" for his staff's reported refusal to publish the ad due to its #PlaseStand message.
Polk noted the message is neither a demand nor judgement for kneeling, but a polite request not to. He laid out that "veterans are good for more than just military aircraft flyovers," photo ops and camouflage NFL apparel. He then acknowledged that the NFL isn't following suit with the NBA and NHL, which apparently allowed #PleaseStand to run in programs.
The latest controversy comes on the heels of President Donald Trump slamming athletes from protesting the national anthem. Vice President Mike Pence left an NFL game after players knelt in what became quite clearly a planned demonstration in October.
Athletes struck back nearly universally across the NFL, with demonstrations across the board.
We'll see what happens next with the league's constant battle on free speech issues.
The February 4 tilt will take place in Minnesota between the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles.
