No Whining Zone

Never before has being a team been so important in the world of sports. With Fantasy sports leagues focusing on the accomplishments of an individual more than a team, social media policies addressing positive team relations are so important.

I once heard someone say dissent should be stopped at all costs. I do not agree with that. I thing dissent should be handled in a professional manner and go through proper channels. Gone are the days of bad mouthing your boss to your spouse to let off some steam and your spouse is the only one who knows your true feelings. Now people are posting negative opinions on the internet, where anyone can see them. Most often this is not good for team moral.

Ross Kaminsky says that football should be a game to unite us, not a place to show the world your grievances. I appreciated his perspective as a fan of football as the drama unfolded with the protest for black lives matter during the National Anthem. I respect the player’s right to protest and say no respectively with a large powerful audience watching.  Ignoring issues won’t make them go away. I want to be united as part of the team watching the game.  This causes a stir on social media both for and against the issue of racism in America.  Some of those post are driving a change and others shove back because they think we are just fine the way we are. But the issue was at the front of everyone's mind 

The United States’ Constitution gives us the right to freedom of expression. Does that give us permission to post everything on the internet?

The more I think about it, as much as I want politics out of sports, and players staying away from their personal beliefs on the internet, they would be untrue to themselves if they didn't defend what they value most at all times. I try to use everyday moments as teaching moments for my family. Why can't sports players do the same? Kaepernick felt that all of the United States were unaware of the injustice of racial prejudiced, and made a choice to kneel during the National Anthem. Recently he stated that he believes changes have been made and he wants to stand during the National Anthem. This act divided the players, league, and team. 

Why do I feel it's okay to make a stand in public in the stadium and not on the internet? In public you have some control as to where and how your information is disseminated. Once something is posted on the internet, people can change the content of what you said and did to suit their personal needs. Following your leagues social media policies lets you voice your opinion in a way that doesn't make who you work for look bad. All actions will reflect on yourself. 

So take your opinions, choose your battles, and follow proper grievance procedures to make a change. The internet is there for a purpose, but not to disrupt your work as a team. But make sure when you are making your issues know you are not distracting your team from doing their best. We all want a win in the end, for the issue and the game.