Discussion » Questions » Legal » Would you work for a boss who abrogates your rights as an American citizen because he/she does not approve? Why?
RosieG

Would you work for a boss who abrogates your rights as an American citizen because he/she does not approve? Why?

Football players are hired to do a job. Play football. If they are good at it they are valued. If not they are probably let go. If some of them choose to kneel during a PRE-GAME period how does that affect their ability to do the job for which they were hired? I don't understand why there is a problem. Can someone please explain it to me politely?

Posted - October 11, 2017
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Responses


  • 13071
    If i worked at a pet store, I wouldnt tell my boss and the customers im a fish and need a water change ad naseum, and that is my first amendment right. Why? I would get fired, and he would lose customers.
      October 11, 2017 4:44 AM MDT
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  • 5354
    A work contract can include just about anything. Many Japanese Idols (pop stars) have a clause in their contract that say they must remain chaste, and that becoming pregnant would be a breach of contract.

    A NFL contract is not unlikely to demand that player be present and 'decorous' during the pre-game ceremonies.
      October 11, 2017 4:44 AM MDT
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  • 113301
    So kneeling would be considered "indecorous"?  Anything the boss wants to include would fall within that bailiwick? Would you give up your rights to work for someone who had strict rules? How much money would it take for you to sell your integrity/beliefs JakobA? Do you have a price? Would you work under such conditions? I couldn't. I honestly don't know if I could kneel. I'm almost 80 and if I did I'd probably need help getting up. Also I had a Miniscus tear in my right knee several years ago. It has since healed but it gives me trouble from time to time. I can't get down on my knees to scrub  floors any more because of it. But I would honor the right of those who wanted to kneel. I think anyone who believes in The Constitution ought not be selective about the parts they honor. Just my opinion.  Thank you for your reply! :)
      October 11, 2017 5:02 AM MDT
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  • 5354
    Well if you are the employer you can set whatever contractual conditions for employment you wan. The limit would be a demand that the employee should 'actively renounce religion XXX'. Then freedom of religion steps in. but a rule about not missionizing for any religion during working hours would probably be fine. It can cost a lot of working hours and underscore the idea that all religions are equally based on faith ;-))
      October 11, 2017 10:20 AM MDT
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  • 113301
     I have heard of some tight-a** jacka** employers demanding that their employees contribute to the campaign of the candidate of the owner's choice. A pox on the house of such as those.  I  cannot imagine anyone putting up with it but I'm sure some do. When money is the carrot and your entire diet consists of carrots I expect you will put up with anything. Thank you for your reply. Would you be the kind of boss who would demand that kinda crap? Do you respect the rights of others? Would you push your views on others and make their employment contingent on their complying with your views?  Thank you for your reply! :)
      October 11, 2017 11:35 AM MDT
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  • 7280
    What if the candidate of the owner's choice were already my choice as well. 

    Should I refuse to work there because he is requiring me to do something I've already choose to do before I even interviewed at that company?


      October 11, 2017 12:54 PM MDT
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  • 113301
    I don't want to be disrespectful tom so let me put this as gently and respectfully as possible. If his choice is your choice there is no infringement of your rights is there?. If his choice is NOT your choice and he insists that you comply that is a horse of a different color. I should think you would know that without my having to point it out. Your reply is argumentative which is not your usual MO. I know you have your reasons. I just can't fathom what they could possibly be. Thank you for your reply and Happy Thursday.
      October 12, 2017 2:37 AM MDT
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  • 34251

    The NFL’s game operations manual says the national anthem “must be played prior to every NFL game” and that “all players must be on the sideline” for it. Failure to do so “may result in discipline.”

    The manual also says that while the anthem is being performed, “players on the field and bench area should stand at attention, face the flag, hold helmets in their left hand and refrain from talking.”

      October 11, 2017 5:36 AM MDT
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  • 13071
    YAY!!
      October 11, 2017 5:37 AM MDT
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  • 2657
    Interesting. Is there a copy of the NFL 'Game Operations Manual' online? If so, I wonder when it came into affect and if the players realize it is a rule or if they just think of it as a custom?

    I only skimmed through this article but it seems to imply that it's not in the rulebook. Not sure if there is a separate game operations manual or if it really mentions it? Just curious.

    https://ktla.com/2017/09/25/do-nfl-rules-require-players-to-stand-during-the-national-anthem/

    you can view the complete 2017 NFL Rulebook here.)

    While the rulebook does not discuss the national anthem, it is mentioned explicitly in the NFL’s game operations manual, according to Time.

    A league spokesman listed the passage to Time, and it appears to be the same one that was either falsely or erroneously attributed to the rulebook.

      October 11, 2017 6:21 AM MDT
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  • 34251
    I don't believe it is posted online. The NFL site acknowledges its existence ...they refer to saying there is over 200 pages on how to conduct a game just during regular season. No one seems to be contesting that the rules do indeed say it. Some are as always playing word games with it. 

    Snopes says they have not been able independently verify the rule as they do not have a copy.  It is ruled as a "mixture" because some are incorrectly says the NFL rule book which only deals with game rules. This post was edited by my2cents at October 11, 2017 5:37 PM MDT
      October 11, 2017 7:36 AM MDT
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  • 5354
    The NFL is not employing the players, private team-owners are.
      October 11, 2017 11:54 AM MDT
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  • 34251
    But the NFL makes rules that the players and owners follow. 
      October 11, 2017 1:23 PM MDT
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  • 34251
    As long as the employee is protesting on their own time and not representing their opinion as that of the company's, I would have no issues. 
    But I will not be paying anyone to voice there opinions political or otherwise and certainly not paying anyone to protest.
      October 11, 2017 5:30 AM MDT
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  • 13071
    Good answer my2cents. ;)
      October 11, 2017 5:37 AM MDT
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  • 10996
    Yes, most of us do that. Here are examples. My employer didn't let me carry a gun at work even though it is my Constitutional right. The Constitution gives me the right to peaceably assemble, but my employer didn't allow it on company time or property. 

    Again, I wonder how many times you are going to post about this. Do you think posting your opinion over and over is going to change anything? Some will agree with, some will not and you already know who those people are on here. Why not take your outrage to where it will do some good?
      October 11, 2017 5:57 AM MDT
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  • 13071
    You go girl. (and dont come back) HAHAHAHAHA Just kidding. ;+
      October 11, 2017 6:04 AM MDT
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  • 2500
    You can always start your own football league and run it any way you see fit. No?

    And yes, it's certainly an individual's Right to NOT work for such an employer. No one is forcing those players to be employed by the team owners. This post was edited by Salt and Red Pepper at October 11, 2017 2:25 PM MDT
      October 11, 2017 11:39 AM MDT
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  • 7280
    I suppose a player also has the right to carry a small American flag and a pain of scissors out of the locker room and proceed to cut up the flag during the singing of the national anthem, clean up the mess, and then go out and quarterback the team to victory.

    And you would suggest that his value to the team as a quarterback remains unchanged?

    Then I can't explain it to you either politely or impolitely.


      October 11, 2017 12:49 PM MDT
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  • 113301
    According to the Supreme Court you can burn the flag tom. It is merely a symbol.
      October 12, 2017 2:39 AM MDT
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