Kneeling for More Than Nothing

I like to have fun with Craig’s Corner. I find some of the best pieces to write are ones that readers can view, have a little laugh, and talk about this neat idea they read about with some of their friends. At this point in time it’s hard to find a reason to laugh. After the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, riots and protests have taken place throughout the United States, Canada, and even more recently, Winnipeg. Some of these riots have been peaceful, while others have not. But how does this translate back to hockey? First of all, I think it’s incredibly nearsighted to worry about sports when there are greater issues at hand. But let’s be honest, the sports world is a platform for athletes to share their thoughts, opinions, and beliefs. What if when the NHL returns we see a player kneel during the national anthem, just as Colin Kaepernick has famously done? This is a real possibility. How - as a hockey community - would we react to that? Would we try to understand the true issue at hand? Or would we dismiss it as a selfish act of complete disrespect towards our flag and country? I understand no one has the exact same opinion or beliefs, and that is ok. Actually, it’s more than ok because how boring would this world be if we were all the same? But as we near the return to hockey, and sports in general, we need to educate ourselves on the fundamental reasons behind these protests so that if we are faced with these uncomfortable situations, we can react appropriately. Do I have the answers? No. But I, just like all of us should be, am committed to educating myself on what I am fighting against. Now, more than ever, we are in this together.