Television networks are reeling from declining viewership amid ongoing player protests during NFL games. The networks are going to extremes to conceal NFL players who are protesting President Trump and the American flag during the pre-game national anthem.
ESPN and other networks announced they would stop airing the national anthem during NFL pre-games this past Sunday.
The Oakland Raiders staff went one step further by swarming running back Marshawn Lynch as he sat on the bench during the playing of the national anthem.
Raiders and Broncos sidelines during the national anthem pic.twitter.com/Gon8DUDXpG
— SB Nation (@SBNation) October 1, 2017
Lynch arrived for work at the stadium wearing a black t-shirt that read, “Everybody vs Trump”.
Raiders RB Marshawn Lynch wearing an "Everybody vs Trump" T-shirt: pic.twitter.com/7aiCUbjLUD
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 1, 2017
The action of the Raiders staff prompted speculation that the team feared for Lynch’s safety due to death threats.
In related news, the NBA, fearing a drop in declining viewership, sent a memo to all teams warning players to stand during the national anthem or face the consequences.
In the memo obtained by ESPN, NBA Deputy commissioner Mark Tatum warned teams and players of an existing rule that calls for players to stand during the anthem.
The memo reminded players that individual teams “do not have the discretion to waive” the NBA rule.
