There is new fallout from the fierce debate over Cleveland Browns players kneeling during the national anthem.
Cleveland safety forces have backed out of a plan to hold a large flag on the field for the opening game.
A dozen Browns players created a firestorm during a recent preseason game by not standing during the anthem. They created the largest demonstration in the NFL during the anthem since former San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick started his protest more than a year ago.
Some police officers and paramedics are doing something about it. The Cleveland Police Patrolmen’s Association and ILA Local 1975, representing the city’s dispatchers, EMTs and paramedics, said the Browns came to them weeks ago, and the team wanted city safety forces to hold the flag on the field for the opening game.
EMS union president Daniel Nemeth said it sounded great until a group of Browns players took a knee during the anthem.
“This hit home with me. I am a veteran, an 8-year veteran with the U.S. Marine Corp. So, to disrespect the flag by taking a knee is not something I was going to be a part of,” Nemeth said.
Fox 8 interviewed Police Union President Steve Loomis who said the following while attending the National FOP Conference in Nashville this week.
“I’m here at a national police convention, and soon as they hear that I’m from Cleveland, the first question is ‘What about those stinking Browns?'” Loomis said. “So if the ownership of the Browns and the league are going to allow that type of stuff to happen, and then come to us and say, ‘We want you to help us with the flag,’ that’s hypocritical. We’re not gonna participate.”
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