San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler had no interest answering fan and media critics Tuesday, but was fearless responding to the president of the United States.
After President Donald Trump tweeted that he doesn’t watch the games if players knelt the anthem, after Kapler and his most virtuous friend 10 of his coaches and players kneel the national anthem Monday, Kapler issued a strong retort to the president.
“My answer is that I don’t see this as disrespectful at all, ” he said. “I see something more American than protecting what’s inside you. I see something more patriotic than nonviolent demonstrations when things are frustrating and annoying.”
“And finally, no one could logically do the right thing to ourselves. No matter what the leader says, he’s not likely to stick to a game. The most critical thing is that we are constantly looking to do the right thing.”
“What guides our resolve is waking up those who prefer to wake up for them.”
#BoycottMLB?: Those who use the hashtag don’t seem to be the kind of baseball enthusiasts who want baseball, says Christine Brennan
Bruce Maxwell: first MLB player to kneel national anthem applauds giants, Gabe Kapler for highlighting injustice
Trump, who ridiculed the NFL for players kneeling the national anthem, this time took baseball after learning of the Giants’ social standing.
“I can’t wait to revel in the game,” Trump tweeted, “however, in either case, I witness a player kneeling to the national anthem, a sign of serious disrespect for our counterattack and our flag, the game ended for me.” “.
Still, players such as Giants gardeners Jaylin Davis and Mike Yastrzemski issued statements after kneeling saying they showed no disrespect to the flag, army or country, but were only seeking to raise awareness of the country’s social injustices.
“The resolution I made to kneel last night has nothing to do with how I feel about the flag or the people who serve and appear in our country (like my two grandparents),” Davis said. “I am truly grateful for the sacrifices any of you have made for our counterattack. On the other hand, I promised to exploit my form of plats to talk about what was inside and I intend to do so.”
More: After kneeling with teammates and manager, Giants rookie Jaylin Davis vows to ‘keep the conversation going’
Yastrzemski wrote in an Instagram post Tuesday: “The United States Flag represents to me the ultimate sacrifice that a man or woman can make. They have made the selfless decision to devote and risk their life for the protection, peace and freedom of our country. For them, I will always cover my heart and be forever grateful.
“As I knelt last night, I sought to be held accountable, and I hope others will be guilty that something has to move and I am able to connect the replenishment because we all deserve the freedom for which our veterans and our active members have sacrificed their lives. ”
***