Angry at the NFL players who refused to stand during the national anthem, about fifty people protested at a rally Sunday just blocks from Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium, where the New York Giants faced the Tampa Bay Buccaneers . “My attitude is, if my flag offends you, then I’ll help you pack,” said Jim Heckman. “You need to leave America if you can’t stand the flag.”
Patriotism is not the exclusive property of any one group. Showing real devotion to this country takes more than waving a flag and snarling at someone who doesn’t. It starts with understanding what this nation is supposed to be about.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a new back-up quarterback. By signing Ryan Fitzpatrick to a one-year, $3 million deal (plus incentives), Tampa Bay fills the void left by Mike Glennon’s departure to the Chicago Bears. The good news is the Bucs are free from a problem that faces other franchises from time-to-time when training camps begin. The words “quarterback controversy” will not be spoken or written when training camp begins in two months. Unless a pre-season injury says otherwise, Jameis…
As the calendar turns the page to a new year on Sunday, a familiar face will be back at quarterback for the Buffalo Bills. Former Florida State star EJ Manuel will lead his team against the New York Jets in the season finale for both teams. While starter Tyrod Taylor is officially being “benched,” the move is being described as a “business decision,” by sources close to the Bills. Taylor would be owed more than $27 million in guaranteed payments…
Two weeks ago, Republican Jack Latvala posted a statement on his Facebook page blasting Tampa Bay Buccaneer wide receiver Mike Evans for choosing to sit on the bench during the playing of the national anthem. A day later, after being barraged with a firestorm of criticism, Evans said he would no longer do so. Now, the Clearwater state Senator is calling on the public to sign a petition informing the National Football League that they proudly stand for the anthem. “If NFL players are…
Whenever the name Colin Kaepernick comes up, the conversation usually centers on something other than football. His recent political statements have overwhelmed anything he has done on the football field since regaining his starting role at quarterback. Of course, that was always subject to change were he to do something newsworthy with his helmet on. On Sunday in Miami, he changed the subject. No, the San Francisco 49ers did not beat the Miami Dolphins. Miami hung on for a 31-24…
Mike Evans is feeling the heat today — and so is his employer, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Evans decision to sit during the playing of the national anthem before Sunday’s game at Raymond James Stadium versus the Chicago Bears to protest the election of Donald Trump as president is predictably receiving negative reviews in Tampa — the home of MacDill Air Force Base — and the country. Among those critics is Clearwater Republican Sen. Jack Latvala, who says he’s “tired of it.” Since this…
