When baby boomers were growing up in the 1950s and '60s, many of the sports heroes we read about in the newspaper actually lived in the neighborhoods and communities they represented on the professional ball fields. They were literally in touch with their fan base, and when they used a phrase like "I know what you're going through" or "I feel your pain" they weren't just paying lip service.

Most of the pro sports athletes then did not earn much more than the average wage of the day, so many of the athletes needed a second job to support their families. Growing up as a Phillies fan, I recall one of my team's regulars, a catcher named Clay Dalrymple, selling supplies to the hardware stores in my home area during the off season.Along with the work ethic, the morals and temperament of the athletes were different then. As in regular society, words like honesty, integrity and character seemed to mean much more than today.The superrich pro athletes of today seem more "I" or "me-centered" than the ballplayers of my youth.Take Colin Kaepernick, the San Francisco 49er quarterback who refuses to stand for the national anthem because of what he sees as systemic racism in American society. No one denies his First Amendment right to protest.Five decades ago, U.S. track stars Tommie Smith and John Carlos used the Olympic stage in Mexico City to protest racial injustice, putting their fists in the air in a Black Power salute during their medal ceremony.What many questioned then and are wondering now is the forum the athletes use. Pro football stadiums provide a captive market where fans pay big money to see their professional athletes perform on the field, not pose in protest for the cameras on the sidelines.Kaepernick began his personal campaign on Aug. 26 when he remained seated during the national anthem at a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers."I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color," Kaepernick later explained. "To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."If he has an issue with the police over perceived injustices against blacks, why not take his protest to police headquarters? Of course, Kaepernick and the other athletes who have joined the national anthem protest are using the huge sports venues to gain the maximum amount of public exposure. And it has worked.Pro athletes in other sports have been taking a knee or raising their fists during the national anthem at sporting events. Some NBA players have already told reporters they plan to join in once their season begins.All age groups have been impacted. As of last week, protests during the anthem have occurred in at least 37 high schools, 17 colleges and two youth leagues in 30 states across the country.Free speech is a quality that makes us so unique as a free country. But we wonder how many of these protesting athletes have researched the history behind our flag, the Pledge of Allegiance or the national anthem. Some of the information would surprise them, including the fact that past generations had their own protests and controversies to deal with regarding the flag and anthem.In a recent game between Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints, neither team had any individuals protest during the anthem itself, but right after it finished, rival members from both teams met at midfield, holding hands and creating a circle at midfield to show their unity.The idea came from Saints head coach Sean Payton. Saints running back Mark Ingram later explained that it was very important to raise the issue of racial inequality while also acting in unison to show that the nation needs to come together.Ingram said everybody needs to care for each other and come together, just like members of the most successful sports teams. He said his teammates, even those who he played with in the past, are his brothers, adding that he is able to look beyond color and just see a guy who he works hard with and goes to battle with every single game.Many credit Kaepernick for having the courage to stand up for what he believes is right. That's fine. But there is greater strength in unity, as is reflected by team members bonding as one in the locker room and then operating as a cohesive unit on the field. The "we" rather than "I" or "me" mentality is what separates the average players and teams from the great ones.In that respect, Saints head coach Sean Payton and running back Mark Ingram deserve credit. They were able to show unity without disrespecting our national anthem, an enduring symbol for ALL Americans.By Jim Zbick |

tneditor@tnonline.com