Trump v NFL

For John, BLUF:  Is the NFL going to go the way of K-Mart?  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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DirecTV Allows Some NFL Refunds After Anthem Controversy

The sub-headline:

"Satellite broadcaster will let at least some customers get refunds for its Sunday Ticket package of NFL games if they cite players’ national anthem protests."

The Wall Street Journal has three Reporters on this, Joe Flint, Amol Sharma and Andrew Beaton.  The dateline is 26 September 2017.  The full story is behind a paywall, but here is an excerpt:

DirecTV is letting at least some customers cancel subscriptions to its Sunday Ticket package of NFL games and obtain refunds if they cite players’ national anthem protests as the reason, customer service representatives said Tuesday.

Sunday Ticket’s regular policy doesn’t allow refunds once the season is under way. But the representatives said they are making exceptions this season—which began in September—in response to the protests, in which players kneel or link arms during the national anthem.

Spokesmen for DirecTV-parent AT&T Inc. and the National Football League declined to comment.

The shift is the latest twist in a controversy that has divided the nation after President Donald Trump blasted players who took a knee during the anthem and said they should be fired. He has called on people to walk out of stadiums when players are kneeling.

“For people to disrespect that by kneeling during the playing of our national anthem, I think is disgraceful,” Mr. Trump said on Tuesday.

Several teams have issued statements defending the rights of their players to express their opinion. The NFL also has shown solidarity with the players.

While there has been, in the media, a lot of weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth, I think that Mr Trump either chose his target wisely or is incredibly lucky.  The National Football League is in some degree of economic trouble and this protest action isn't helping.

Hat tip to the InstaPundit.

Regards  —  Cliff