Tampa Bay Lightning F J.T. Brown has not ruled out ‘taking a knee’
Tampa Bay Lightning forward J.T. Brown has not ruled out the possibility of joining the NFL players who have chosen to ‘take a knee’ in protest of the National Anthem.
Unless you have been living under a rock for the last week or so, there is no doubt you have seen or at least heard about the turmoil going on in the NFL and around the world right now. These are turbulent times we live in right now, and people have been using every possible outlet to get their message across.
Things have escalated to heights many would never have believed possible. It has gotten to the point where the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, has weighed in on the issue. There is no denying it has become one of the most polarizing issues in the world right now. Unfortunately, there have been more than a few friendships ended based on their respective opinions on the matter at hand.
The Tampa Bay Lightning’s 2017-18 season is a mere nine days from officially kicking into gear. While it is unknown at this point whether or not any players plan on mounting a protest of their own, it would be silly to believe the NHL is going to be immune to the current controversy.
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There is one Tampa Bay Lightning player in particular who has been rather outspoken on his views on the subject, Lightning forward J.T. Brown. As the hockey world was preparing for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, Brown spoke out against the comments made by Team USA Head Coach Jon Tortorella regarding his intentions to bench any player who elects to sit for the National Anthem.
As the issue has burned with a renewed brightness, J.T. Brown has once again weighed in on the situation. In an interview with Tampa Bay Times Sports Columnist Martin Fennelly, Brown said he respects the NFL players for what they’re doing by coming together to achieve a common goal.
“I don’t agree with (the president’s) comments,” Brown told Fennelly. “As with anything, some people will agree, some people won’t. I respect all the players for what they’re doing, coming together.”
While Brown hasn’t definitively said whether or not he planned on mounting any sort of protest of his own, he also hasn’t ruled out the possibility.
“I won’t say no,” Brown told Fennelly. “But right now, I’m focusing on our season.”
As with every issue, there are two sides to every story. There are those who would commend J.T. Brow and the other athletes (and actors) who have taken a knee in protest for their willingness to put themselves out there in order to bring the matter to the intention of a wider audience.
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At the same time, there are those who would condemn him for his views (and potential actions) because they feel politics should be left out of things like sports and entertainment; something that has been widely regarded as an escape for people looking to cast off the troubles of everyday life.
No matter which side of this particular issue Tampa Bay Lightning fans find themselves on, there are a few things we know for sure. The issue at hand won’t be cooling off any time soon, and as the Lightning prepares to kick off their 25th Anniversary Season, the NHL will not be immune to similar protests.
The one thing we need to keep in mind, not just as Tampa Bay Lightning fans but as human beings in general, people are going to have their opinions on the matter. It’s simple human nature. As long as we are respectful of one another and our opinions, we should be able to come out on the other side in a better place.
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The biggest positive Lightning fans have right now is the fact the offseason is about to come to an abrupt end and the Tampa Bay Lightning are about to officially kick off their 2017-18 season. The Bolts are looking to kick off the new season on the right skate and make their way back to the top of the NHL and potentially capture the team’s second Stanley Cup Championship.