An new Indiana state legislation may cost the Indianapolis Colts’ organization big money. Proposed by Milo Smith of the Indiana House of Representatives, the law would force the Colts to refund tickets during the first quarter if players kneel during the national anthem. If fans feel disrespected, they may have their money back. According to Smith, players who do not stand for the anthem are “not respecting the national anthem or our country.”
This is not the first instance of national anthem controversy surrounding the NFL. It all started with Colin Kaepernick, who received incredible backlash, and incredible support for his actions. This started a trend of players kneeling for the national anthem, not out of disrespect to the country, but out of protest.
President Donald Trump has even taken notice to the issue, and is openly against players kneeling.
If a player wants the privilege of making millions of dollars in the NFL,or other leagues, he or she should not be allowed to disrespect….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 23, 2017
This is also not the first instance of anthem controversy in the Circle City.
On the night honoring Peyton Manning, during the Colts vs 49ers game, Vice President and former Indiana governor Mike Pence attended. As it had become normal, Colts players kneeled for the national anthem. After witnessing this, Mike Pence left the game.
After leaving arguably the most important game of the season, Pence had this to say:
I left today’s Colts game because @POTUS and I will not dignify any event that disrespects our soldiers, our Flag, or our National Anthem.
— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) October 8, 2017
This bill would be perfectly legal, as players would still be able to kneel for the anthem, but the Colts would be required to pay refunds.
Follow @FPC_Colts on twitter for more updates as the story unfolds.
Ben Pfeifer is the Managing Editor of the Colts for Full Press Coverage, and the AFC South Division Editor. Want to continue the discussion? Contact Ben Pfeifer on Twitter @Ben_Pfeifer_ and @FPC_Colts.
