Topic: Black National Anthem

Orlando Magic player Jonathan Isaac explains his decision not to kneel during the national anthem or wear a Black Lives Matter shirt. Isaac, an ordained minister, states that his support for Black lives is rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ rather than political gestures. He faces questioning from a reporter who asks what religion has to do with protesting police brutality.

The NFL announced it will play "Lift Every Voice and Sing," commonly known as the Black National Anthem, before games during the 2021 season. This move, combined with aggressive vaccine marketing, has led some long-time fans to abandon the league. Critics argue the league is using social justice initiatives to distract from controversial health policies and internal labor disputes.

Orlando Magic player Jonathan Isaac is praised for his decision to stand during the national anthem and forgo wearing a Black Lives Matter jersey. During a press conference, Isaac explains his stance through his Christian faith, stating that the Gospel provides the ultimate support for all lives. The questioning from reporters is criticized as "asinine" and indicative of a lack of professional journalistic standards.

Sports commentator Jason Whitlock criticized the NFL's decision to play "Lift Every Voice and Sing," often called the Black National Anthem, before games. Whitlock argued that the move undermines the unifying power of sports and Americana, labeling the leadership's actions as "cowardice." He further claimed that the Black Lives Matter organization is a Marxist political entity that is fundamentally anti-religious.

Speculation regarding the NFL's upcoming season suggests that teams may be pressured by the Black Lives Matter movement to hire Colin Kaepernick as a condition of operation. The debate revisits the origins of Kaepernick's protest, disputing whether he initially sat on the bench due to his playing status or as a deliberate political statement. Critics argue that political activism has superseded sports journalism in the coverage of these protests.

During Black History Month, several NBA teams played "Lift Every Voice and Sing," often referred to as the Negro National Anthem. The hosts review a performance of the song by Ray Charles on the Dick Cavett Show. They discuss the cultural implications of having alternative national anthems and the difficulty of audience participation with the song's rhythm.

The movement to protest the national anthem, sparked by Colin Kaepernick, continues at various sporting events. In Miami, singer D'Nessia Lawrence took a knee while performing the Star Spangled Banner to reveal a Black Lives Matter t-shirt. The hosts criticize the logic of protesting the anthem while being the one hired to perform it, calling the act "crazy" and "confused."