Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s protest against police has spread like wildfire ever since he took a knee. In an effort to draw attention to the problem, supporters of his cause have joined him in kneeling during the national anthem.
But since they believe it is an insult to America, many who feel passionate about the flag and who take pride in the United States military are not thrilled about this sort of thing.
The Monroe High School football team made the decision to support Kaepernick. Before the game, many of the athletes kneeled as the national anthem was being played. But as soon as the players sat during the Star-Spangled Banner, the two officials for the match realized they had to take part in their own way. They claimed that they were hesitant to stand by and see the high school students in America in that way. So they gave up and left the field.
Football officials from New Jersey exited the field after seeing players kneel during the pregame ritual. 54-year-old Ernie Lunardelli and 27-year-old Anthony Lunardelli served as the officials who executed the counter.
«I’m not in favor of anyone disrespecting our country, our flag, or the armed forces,» Ernie reportedly remarked, as reported by NJ.com. Because I disagree with their actions, which have nothing to do with the national anthem, I opted to support their decision to kneel. This is what I did.
Ernie is baffled as to why they must continue during the anthem. Although he acknowledges everyone’s right to it, he is perplexed as to why it must take place at the pregame ceremony when the focus should be on the game.«I have an issue with anybody disrespecting that flag and the national anthem. That is mine. It doesn’t matter if it’s a newborn, an 80-year-old guy, or anyone else. I could care less. I don’t care what color or race they are. It irritates me that people are doing that since that is not how I was raised.
Ernie had a feeling the high school football players were going to kneel throughout the game. He informed the league commissions that he would resign if any of the players kneeled while he was officiating a game for them because of this. Ernie and his son followed through on their pledge to leave the field as the students knelt.
The two cadets on the chain crew took the place of the Lunardellis once they left the field. Because of this, Ernie does not believe the game was legitimate.
He stated, «They didn’t have the necessary personnel on the field; therefore, that game shouldn’t count right now.» These youngsters are putting the kids in danger since they weren’t formally carded and trained. I’m not.»
To oppose the game, Ernie already has a lawyer on standby.
They won’t drive me out of town, so I already have a lawyer set up, Ernie remarked.