If you've been to a sporting event in the United States, then you know that it's customary to hear the National Anthem being blasted throughout the venue. It's also customary that everyone in the stadium stands up with their right hand over their hearts for the duration of the song. Many believe that the custom of standing during the National Anthem dates back to 1891 when Senator Julius C. Burrows, who was giving a speech at a West Point graduation ceremony, suggested that "...every true American, soldier or citizen, when he hears the grand notes of our National air, rise to his feet in patriotic recognition..."

However, a little over a year ago, former 49ers quarterback, Colin Kaepernick took a knee, during a pre-season football game while the national anthem blared throughout the stadium.

Why did he take a knee?

In a post-game interview, Kaepernick explained that he would not "...stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color." Since then, several NFL superstars have decided to stand - well kneel - behind Kaepernick by also taking a knee during the pre-game playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner."

This, of course, received a lot of media attention, causing quite an uproar. Many NFL fans are enraged that the athletes are choosing not to stand during the National Anthem, and some fans are so infuriated by the protests that they have posted Facebook videos where they are setting fire to apparel and merchandise from their favorite teams. Several fans are also suggesting that people boycott the NFL. Others, including President Trump himself, believe players should be fined, suspended, or even fired if they choose not to stand.

So why are these fans so angry? Well, several fans feel like by not standing during the national anthem, the players are metaphorically spitting in the faces of any military personnel, past and present, because men and women fought and died for America's freedom. These fans also believe that if players choose not to stand during the national anthem, they must hate America, and many fans feel like these athletes are over-paid, over-glorified, freedom-hating "sons of bitches."

But is any of this true? Do NFL athletes hate America and the military? While this can never actually be proven, many athletes, including New Orleans Saints quarterback, Drew Brees, have publicly gone on record saying that while they do stand behind those players that are protesting, they do not agree with the manner in which they are choosing to protest.

Should the players who choose not to stand be fined, suspended, or fired? In my opinion, no.

While I do not agree with the way these players are choosing to protest, I do believe that it is their First Amendment right as Americans to peacefully protest in whatever manner they see fit. Many fans feel like the protesters are giving the finger to the same men and women who died for their freedom to protest. However, these men and women died for just that - freedom: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom to peacefully protest, freedom to petition the government. These NFL players are doing just that - exercising their rights to freedom. They're not hurting anyone or causing any harm; they are simply trying to bring light to issues that have been swept under the rug for several decades.

This country was molded by men and women who spoke out against societal injustices. Imagine where we'd be today as country if leaders like Abraham Lincoln, Susan B. Anthony, or Martin Luther King had never stood up for what they believed in. So, Let them use their platforms as professional athletes to speak out on issues that are important to them. Let them, as Americans, exercise their rights to free speech. Let them peacefully protest. Let them take a stand against injustices in our country. Let them kneel.