NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell handed President Trump a victory on Tuesday after he sent a memo to all 32 teams directing them to have their players stand during the playing of the National Anthem. When players across the league took a knee during the National Anthem to protest the President, the liberal media went absolutely gaga. In fact, the Big Three Networks (ABC, CBS, and NBC) dedicated 92 minutes of coverage over two days, which resulted in the drowning out of the Puerto Rico Crisis (only 25 minutes). But following the NFL’s concession, all of them downplayed it.
In the memo, which was shared by sports reporter Adam Schefter on Facebook, Goodell wrote that “The current dispute over the National Anthem is threatening to erode the unifying power of our game, and is now dividing us, and our players, from many fans across the country.” Adding that, “we want to honor our flag and our country, and our fans expect that of us.” The details of how they would allow a platform for their players to respectfully protest would be presented at the league’s meeting next week.
Both ABC and CBS only dedicated news briefs to the league backing down. During ABC’s World News Tonight, all Anchor David Muir had to say was:
The NFL's new statement tonight about a possible new rule, during the national anthem. Commissioner Roger Goodell sending a letter to all 32 teams, saying he wants everyone to stand for the anthem, adding, quote, “we need to move past this controversy.” Team owners will consider a proposed new rule when they meet next week.
The brief lasted only 17 seconds. That’s a pittance when one realizes they spent 52 minutes and 54 seconds hyping players protesting the President. It’s highly unlikely that the NFL’s concession would garner anywhere close to that amount.
On CBS Evening News, Anchor Anthony Mason only told the viewers:
The commissioner of the National Football League wants to end the protests during the national anthem. In a memo to team owners today, Roger Goodell says he believes players should stand during the anthem, but he also wants to give them a platform for expressing themselves on social issues. The players say they're protesting racial injustice. Team owners meet next week to discuss the matter.
Meanwhile, on NBC Nightly News, they presented an entire report on the development but White House Correspondent Peter Alexander dismissed any notion of it being seen as a win by anyone but Trump. “President Trump trying to capitalize on what he sees as a political winner,” he claimed. He also seemed put off by Dallas Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones, who had already implemented such a directive to his players.
None of them mentioned the fact, as reported by Fox News Channel’s Howard Kurtz on Special Report, that the NFL had seen their ratings plummet an additional eight percent from last year. And on top of that, Kurtz noted, one poll showed that the NFL took a major hit as their favorability rating dropped from 57 to 44 percent, a 13-point swing.
It’s clear that more people than just President Trump knew that the NFL’s surrender was a political victory for him. It’s also clear that none of the Big Three Networks wanted to put a ‘W’ on board for him.
Transcript below:
ABC
World News Tonight
October 10, 2017
6:54:19 PM EasternDAVID MUIR: The NFL's new statement tonight about a possible new rule, during the national anthem. Commissioner Roger Goodell sending a letter to all 32 teams, saying he wants everyone to stand for the anthem, adding, quote, “we need to move past this controversy.” Team owners will consider a proposed new rule when they meet next week.
...
CBS Evening News
October 10, 2017
6:53:30 PM EasternANTHONY MASON: The commissioner of the National Football League wants to end the protests during the national anthem. In a memo to team owners today, Roger Goodell says he believes players should stand during the anthem, but he also wants to give them a platform for expressing themselves on social issues. The players say they're protesting racial injustice. Team owners meet next week to discuss the matter.
...
NBC Nightly News
October 10, 2017
7:18:21 PM EasternLESTER HOLT: We're back now with new developments in the saga over NFL players standing or kneeling during the national anthem. It's sparked a national debate far beyond football fans. Players saying silently protesting racial injustice, critics saying being unpatriotic. And tonight indications that the league might be about to make a move. NBC's Peter Alexander with details.
[Cuts to video]
DONALD TRUMP: The Pittsburg Penguins
PETER ALEXANDER: Tonight the President talking hockey but tackling football as Roger Goodell speaks out. This Goodell memo to team presidents: “We believe that everyone should stand for the national anthem. We want to honor the flag and our country and our fans expect that. And care deeply about the players and respect their opinions and concerns about critical social issues.”
The NFL now saying that controversy over player protests will be front and center when league owners meet next week and try to come up with a game plan. Still unclear whether standing for the stars and stripes will be written into the rules. A requirement. White House weighing in.
SARAH SANDERS: I think we certainly would support the NFL coming out in ask players to stand just as the President has done.
ALEXANDER: Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones already enforcing it.
JERRY JONES: My actions are going to be that if you do not honor and stand for the flag, then you won't play.
ALEXANDER: President Trump trying to capitalize on what he sees as a political winner. Today on Twitter demanding that U.S. change tax law to punish the NFL for disrespecting our anthem. In fact, the league gave up tax-exempt status a few years ago. Tonight the White House also defending Vice President's taxpayer-funded trip to Indianapolis, including that walkout after players took a knee to highlight racial injustice. Goodell conceding the dispute “is now dividing us” insisting “we need to move past this controversy.” Peter Alexander, NBC News, the White House.
