📡 Alabama football players, coaches to march on Monday in protest of racial inequality - TideSports.com

[Tidestalker]

Therein sir lies your quandary. One is a public display and the other is personal. However I will indulge you. The point is moot, I am too insignificant to make a difference. I have zero cable or internet and their one or two OTA games may or may not be watched.

Now please, indulge me. Are you a supporter of BLM? Not black lives matter.

I'd be lying if I said I was an active "supporter", but I understand and can appreciate pieces of the movement. And even more so, I can empathize with people who are actively involved in the movement due to some of the public policy issues stated above. The issue I noted, the history of unequal sentencing, is a prime example of why there should be some form of civil unrest.

In regards to the specific policing issues, I see more nuance. Every situation is different... Every suspect (or victim), every officer, every scenario. So to me it's not as black and white as right or wrong, every time. But when you pile on the "optics" of some of these cases along with the judicial side (as myself and @TerryP noted), frustrations become anger, and it continues to snowball. Where I differ from most people on either side of the political spectrum, is that I believe both parties are to blame for most bad policing. The unions have bought their way into politicians, legislation, and favorable litigation through both parties. And for the most part it is not a national issue, these are locally controlled policies by representatives of either party and the union in cahoots to make as little change as possible to their ability to lighten liability and personal financial losses. (I should add - Most GREAT POLICING is due to local policy, ideas, and execution as well)

When it comes to Alabama football, their support of the BLM organization wouldn't detour my fan-ship at all. We are far past the point of expecting athletes to not take a political stance... Social media and the internet have blown the doors off those walls. And just to keep it real - It's kind of Snowflake-ish to "quit" over a social issue, especially one you may not be able to fully relate to. Alabama football has brought me too much happiness, and the majority of players and CNS have shown time and time again they're stand up people with great intentions, for more than just individual reasons.

I'm well aware I'm an oddball in the political landscape as I kind of despise both sides of the isle. I'm also aware most, if not all of us, come here to talk football not politics. And here we are a bunch of football fans talking politics.... ... But at the end of the day, there is nuance and middle ground in most every issue. I don't think this is any different. RTR, and thanks to all who stay positive & open minded!

 

[BamaFan334]

I'd be lying if I said I was an active "supporter", but I understand and can appreciate pieces of the movement. And even more so, I can empathize with people who are actively involved in the movement due to some of the public policy issues stated above. The issue I noted, the history of unequal sentencing, is a prime example of why there should be some form of civil unrest.

In regards to the specific policing issues, I see more nuance. Every situation is different... Every suspect (or victim), every officer, every scenario. So to me it's not as black and white as right or wrong, every time. But when you pile on the "optics" of some of these cases along with the judicial side (as myself and @TerryP noted), frustrations become anger, and it continues to snowball. Where I differ from most people on either side of the political spectrum, is that I believe both parties are to blame for most bad policing. The unions have bought their way into politicians, legislation, and favorable litigation through both parties. And for the most part it is not a national issue, these are locally controlled policies by representatives of either party and the union in cahoots to make as little change as possible to their ability to lighten liability and personal financial losses.

When it comes to Alabama football, their support of the BLM organization wouldn't detour my fan-ship at all. We are far past the point of expecting athletes to not take a political stance... Social media and the internet have blown the doors off those walls. And just to keep it real - It's kind of Snowflake-ish to "quit" over a social issue, especially one you may not be able to fully relate to. Alabama football has brought me too much happiness, and the majority of players and CNS have shown time and time again they're stand up people with great intentions, for more than just individual reasons.

I'm well aware I'm an oddball in the political landscape as I kind of despise both sides of the isle. I'm also aware most, if not all of us, come here to talk football not politics. And here we are a bunch of football fans talking politics.... ... But at the end of the day, there is nuance and middle ground in most every issue. I don't think this is any different. RTR, and thanks to all who stay positive & open minded!

Ever seen White Boy Rick? Longest sentence ever for a non-violent offender. So you stand by your comments, there are plenty that go both ways.

As far as Black Lives Matters goes, their core principles are everything that's wrong with society. They don't believe in core family, mother, father raising kids together. Aren't there millions of studies done to show the fatherless impact on minority families in America? So when you stand for there not being a nucleus, you lost me cause you make zero sense.

I am with you on the fandom aspect of it unless it becomes an NBA and NFL type issue. These guys are more than welcome to be a part of whatever they want, just like I am. As much as I would like to converse and tell them how much I appreciate what they do for the university, the happiness they bring my kids, it'll never happen because I am closed off from them. Our coach has done a tremendous job of allowing these guys to speak their mind, but he has also gotten through to them that their actions have implications, something the NBA and NFL players apparently never got. Alabama is doing it the right way. They have my respect, but if the wheels fall off and it gets to blaming everyone else,then that's when they lose me.

 

[TerryP]

I'm well aware I'm an oddball in the political landscape as I kind of despise both sides of the isle.

Not yet

 

[XXL TideFan]

I think you're getting into semantics. Someone saying black lives matter, or having that statement on a shirt doesn't mean an affiliation with that organization. So if players are saying black lives matter, I have no problem with that.

It's not really complicated with me. I support protestors. I don't support people looting and committing crimes. I support law enforcement. I absolutely don't support bad cops and those who commit crimes and use their position of power to kill people unjustly. The cops in my family feel the same.

Actually we agree. I see the brand and it registers as a terrorist organization to me and I’m sure that I’m not one of a few.

 

[UAgrad93]

to "quit" over a social issue, especially one you may not be able to fully relate to

That was what I was referring to, people getting pissed because they can't fully relate to an issue and they automatically think since they say "black lives matter" then they must be supporting BLM and everything they stand for and promote. To me, that just shows their childishness, immaturity, and deep down hate for something or someone they don't understand.
I have been in education for 27 years. I've coached and taught them all, regardless of color. I loved them all regardless of their color. Some made it harder than others, but I stayed true. I was a walk on at UA for 2 years and I would stand beside all of my brothers on that team and support them. I've talked to some of my former players and teammates and told them straight up, "I haven't been in your shoes and I don't claim to understand." I did have a cop stick his pistol in my face during a traffic stop when I was 16. Long story short, I reached in the floor for my wallet and he saw that as a threatening move. SCARED THE SHIT out of me!!! I did get pulled over another time, about 6 weeks after the Rodney King incident and a cop about the size of Evan Neal told me to step out of the car. SCARED THE SHIT out of me again!!! Each time ended with no issues, but now I think about how some of these kids must feel. I don't claim to know it all. I try and take in all sides and evidence before expressing an opinion. I support a peaceful protest, condemn the rioting and looting. I support the GOOD men and women that put on the blue uniform. Those bad ones, need to have their asses road out on a rail.
As things have sort of moved along and information has come out, you see more people pointing back to the Breonna Taylor incident and demanding justice. That one is COMPLICATED to say the least. From no knock warrants, to castle doctrine, to cops being shot at and returning fire. A LOT of twists and turns. The Floyd and Blake incidents are totally different. Police reform is needed. Defunding the police is just ASININE!!!

 

[NickelDoubleDog]

Actually we agree. I see the brand and it registers as a terrorist organization to me and I’m sure that I’m not one of a few.

I'd also prefer not to see the Proud Boys or any other repugnant white supremacist domestic terrorist groups out doing their typical routine either

 

[BamaFan334]

That was what I was referring to, people getting pissed because they can't fully relate to an issue and they automatically think since they say "black lives matter" then they must be supporting BLM and everything they stand for and promote.

So why is it not ok for people to be proud of a Confederate flag?

BLM has the notion of being destructive, wants to seek and destroy values held by a ton of Americans, and are rioting and destroying property of others. There are also a lot of people saying Black Lives Matter in a peaceful way and actually promoting to be treated equally. What about people that genuinely fly the Confederate flag for Southern heritage? There is the belief that it only means hate and slavery, but yet there are people out there that fly it peacefully due to heritage, not hate. How can you sit there and say you should be able to decipher which BLM someone is standing for, yet all Confederate flags are unacceptable? Is this a case where someone's feelings mean more than another's, the exact same thing they are fighting to abolish?

 

[UAgrad93]

So why is it not ok for people to be proud of a Confederate flag?

BLM has the notion of being destructive, wants to seek and destroy values held by a ton of Americans, and are rioting and destroying property of others. There are also a lot of people saying Black Lives Matter in a peaceful way and actually promoting to be treated equally. What about people that genuinely fly the Confederate flag for Southern heritage? There is the belief that it only means hate and slavery, but yet there are people out there that fly it peacefully due to heritage, not hate. How can you sit there and say you should be able to decipher which BLM someone is standing for, yet all Confederate flags are unacceptable? Is this a case where someone's feelings mean more than another's, the exact same thing they are fighting to abolish?

Didn't say it wasn't and I agree with you. I see your point. I think that the Confederate Battle Flag, statues, BLM, Black Lives Matter, etc., we all have factions that don't and won't look at both sides of it. I don't believe my family had anyone that fought for the Confederacy. Frankly, my family was too damn poor and would've been working for plantation owners or farmers with a little more at stake. I do have some family that to me, take that issue to the extreme and they don't see the other side. Destroying the statues? Hell no! Don't erase your history. Set up parks reserved for those statues.
As far as the BLM/ Black Lives Matter and what I see as acceptable, I'm just saying that our players, Alex Leatherwood, didn't make the video and give their support to the BLM organization. People get pissed at the players and at Saban and the University without evening attempting to separate the two. They merely want to be recognized as a man and not just a football player. It's like all of these incidents that have taken place in the past several months, George Floyd, Jacob Blake, Breonna Taylor, the young man shot in GA, etc. Some automatically say "if they complied, they don't die." Others say "well, they had a long criminal history." We have a society that doesn't take a moment to take it all in before making an informed decision.

 

[BamaFan334]

Didn't say it wasn't and I agree with you. I see your point. I think that the Confederate Battle Flag, statues, BLM, Black Lives Matter, etc., we all have factions that don't and won't look at both sides of it. I don't believe my family had anyone that fought for the Confederacy. Frankly, my family was too damn poor and would've been working for plantation owners or farmers with a little more at stake. I do have some family that to me, take that issue to the extreme and they don't see the other side. Destroying the statues? Hell no! Don't erase your history. Set up parks reserved for those statues.
As far as the BLM/ Black Lives Matter and what I see as acceptable, I'm just saying that our players, Alex Leatherwood, didn't make the video and give their support to the BLM organization. People get pissed at the players and at Saban and the University without evening attempting to separate the two. They merely want to be recognized as a man and not just a football player. It's like all of these incidents that have taken place in the past several months, George Floyd, Jacob Blake, Breonna Taylor, the young man shot in GA, etc. Some automatically say "if they complied, they don't die." Others say "well, they had a long criminal history." We have a society that doesn't take a moment to take it all in before making an informed decision.

I wasn't trying to get on to you, I was simply posing a question in general, but just used your comments to reply. I agree with you, Leatherwood is a model for peace and a guy that could probably reach the toughest stance on the other side because he has approached it cool, calm,and collectively, not with aggression. Who in their right mind could or would respect these rioters? All you can think about is how you would protect yourself and your family if they came knocking and that's a gun. If Alex Leatherwood approached me the way he did with his video, I'd listen and have a conversation.

 

[TerryP]

Nick Saban is leading Alabama's march today pic.twitter.com/jGRa90iifi

— Tony Tsoukalas (@Tony_Tsoukalas) August 31, 2020

 

[TerryP]

Senior Chris Owens, who has been very vocal over social media, is at the podium now. He said there are many social norms that Black people have had to adapt to like leaving your hands on the steering wheel when getting pulled over. “Equality, that’s all we want.”

— The Crimson White Sports (@CWsports) August 31, 2020

 

[TerryP]

Think about that for a second @XXL TideFan @Tidestalker

 

[Crimson&WhiteGecko]

Senior Chris Owens, who has been very vocal over social media, is at the podium now. He said there are many social norms that Black people have had to adapt to like leaving your hands on the steering wheel when getting pulled over. “Equality, that’s all we want.”

— The Crimson White Sports (@CWsports) August 31, 2020

I was taught by my father to do that when I was learning how to drive & I'm white. It never occurred that this had anything to do with race & everything to do with giving the policy officer as much see so he doesn't have any thoughts about reaching for his sidearm.

 

[It Takes Eleven]

Senior Chris Owens, who has been very vocal over social media, is at the podium now. He said there are many social norms that Black people have had to adapt to like leaving your hands on the steering wheel when getting pulled over. “Equality, that’s all we want.”

— The Crimson White Sports (@CWsports) August 31, 2020

Just that snippet, I'm 55 and I keep both hands on the steering wheel once I can get both front windows down. That's not a secret. I've driven several million miles in my profession, and years ago a buddy gave me a book as a joke, "The Speeders Guide to Avoiding Traffic Tickets". I read it and it served me well. "Starve the fear and feed the ego" was a key point.

I don't mean this as a knock on any law enforcement officer. It's a key part of getting along with the person at a store when you're trying to return an item, a nonconforming tag/registration at the DMV, a bank teller who might say your transaction is out of policy, etc. Be nice and disarming.

I was working in Atlanta on a temporary assignment almost thirty years ago before I moved here. I was driving on I-75, going about 75, and I was rear-ended by a guy driving like a madman. My pickup survived the collision enough that my mad redneck self decided to follow him off in the interstate into an older part of town. I had no cell phone, it was too long ago, but I had my window down and I flagged an Atlanta officer I met. He whirled around, I yelled out the window "hit and run driver ahead of me" and away we went. After an exciting drive, we ended up in a sketchy apartment complex. The officer approached the car, absolutely dark, no way to know if the guy was waiting on him with a sawed-off shotgun. The guy ended going for something under the front seat and the copy was wrestling him to keep him from it - while I bravely trained my headlights on the scene. A few seconds later, he gets backup and they help the perp into something a little less comfortable, which in this case was the asphalt. I would've shot the guy.

I'm talking to the officers after everything calms down and they're complimenting me on being willing to follow the guy - he had actually hit two other cars before me. I told them I was just pissed, but had no idea how they could walk up to a car at night not knowing what's in there. All law enforcement officers have my respect.

RTR,

Tim

 

[planomateo]

I turn on all my interior lights, inform them I have a conceal, ask to reach in the glove box. I want them feeling as safe as possible.

Generally speaking, I've always been this way. I've gotten sideways with a few cops over the years.

 

[Tidestalker]

Ever seen White Boy Rick? Longest sentence ever for a non-violent offender. So you stand by your comments, there are plenty that go both ways.

As far as Black Lives Matters goes, their core principles are everything that's wrong with society. They don't believe in core family, mother, father raising kids together. Aren't there millions of studies done to show the fatherless impact on minority families in America? So when you stand for there not being a nucleus, you lost me cause you make zero sense.

I am with you on the fandom aspect of it unless it becomes an NBA and NFL type issue. These guys are more than welcome to be a part of whatever they want, just like I am. As much as I would like to converse and tell them how much I appreciate what they do for the university, the happiness they bring my kids, it'll never happen because I am closed off from them. Our coach has done a tremendous job of allowing these guys to speak their mind, but he has also gotten through to them that their actions have implications, something the NBA and NFL players apparently never got. Alabama is doing it the right way. They have my respect, but if the wheels fall off and it gets to blaming everyone else,then that's when they lose me.

@BamaFan334 - You make a valid point! That is certainly a reason that many, like yourself, have used to be hesitant about the specific BLM platform and movement.

When it comes to organizations/leagues/movements, we don't have to agree with 100% to see value. It's the idea that you can't let perfection be the enemy of progress. I think the platform is far from perfect, but do believe progress and the overall movement is important... Especially in the areas previously discussed.

 

[Tidestalker]

Think about that for a second @XXL TideFan @Tidestalker

Go on....

 

[UAgrad93]

Senior Chris Owens, who has been very vocal over social media, is at the podium now. He said there are many social norms that Black people have had to adapt to like leaving your hands on the steering wheel when getting pulled over. “Equality, that’s all we want.”

— The Crimson White Sports (@CWsports) August 31, 2020

I was 16 the very first time I got pulled over. @Crimson&WhiteGecko , I had my windows down, nervous as a cat waiting for the officer. Both hands were on the wheel, when it dawned on me, “he is going to ask for my license so I should get it.” I panicked when I didn’t see my wallet. I then remembered that it was in the floorboard at my feet. When I reached down, not thinking about what it looked like to the officer, he screamed at me, with his pistol drawn, to “get your GD hands on the steering wheel!” I about bent the wheel from slamming my hands on there so hard at seeing the barrel of his pistol that close. When he asked what I was reaching for, I told him that my wallet was down there and I took a hand and pointed down. Again, “ get your GD hands on the wheel!” He took his flashlight and shined the floorboard and then told me to slowly reach and grab it. I had been playing baseball and only had sliding shorts on, so no pockets and that was the reason for my wallet in the floor. Everything ended well, but that experience really opened my eyes.
I think that we should all look at things from their “young perspective and inexperience“ and not from our more experienced eyes.

 

[BamaMD]

Ever seen White Boy Rick? Longest sentence ever for a non-violent offender. So you stand by your comments, there are plenty that go both ways.

As far as Black Lives Matters goes, their core principles are everything that's wrong with society. They don't believe in core family, mother, father raising kids together. Aren't there millions of studies done to show the fatherless impact on minority families in America? So when you stand for there not being a nucleus, you lost me cause you make zero sense.

I am with you on the fandom aspect of it unless it becomes an NBA and NFL type issue. These guys are more than welcome to be a part of whatever they want, just like I am. As much as I would like to converse and tell them how much I appreciate what they do for the university, the happiness they bring my kids, it'll never happen because I am closed off from them. Our coach has done a tremendous job of allowing these guys to speak their mind, but he has also gotten through to them that their actions have implications, something the NBA and NFL players apparently never got. Alabama is doing it the right way. They have my respect, but if the wheels fall off and it gets to blaming everyone else,then that's when they lose me.

Fake News. Fake Narrative.

 

[ElephantStomp]

Happy to see the team doing this and thankful Saban is leading from the front compared to other places

I believe the BLM and people supporting black lives matter are two different things and believe you can support one and not the other. I fully support black lives, but I have a FAR different opinion of the organization and their beliefs on some things