The Bucs finally won a home game–and did so in impressive fashion by thrashing the Chicago Bears, 36-10. But that’s not what dominated the media account of Sunday’s game. The spotlight was shared with Mike Evans’ anti-Trump gesture.
Evans, the Bucs talented receiver, remained seated on the bench when everybody in RayJay not in a wheelchair stood for the national anthem. It was his way of symbolizing his disapproval of Donald Trump’s election. “I know when something’s not right,” explained Evans.
Two points.
First, Mike Evans exercised a constitutional right on behalf of a cause that matters mightily. And peaceful protests are as American as football. Evans is also ahead of the curve. In January the Million Women March comes to Washington the day after the inauguration. In effect, Evans is in the vanguard of concerned Americans who are saying: “For blatantly obvious reasons, we don’t approve of these election results. But we do, of course, accept them. Now it’s up to you, Mr. President-We-Don’t-Approve-Of-And-Didn’t-Vote-For to prove us–the popular vote plurality–wrong.”
Second, the timing was awful. Something this important–and provocative–needs to be thought through. Sunday happened to be a “Salute to Service” military tribute–the Bucs way of honoring America’s veterans. Any national anthem demonstration on such an occasion was inappropriate at best, disrespectful at worst.
Moreover, Bucs ownership and head coach Dirk Koetter were blindsided. As was Vincent Jackson, Evans’ mentor, who has created a foundation to assist military families.
One more thing. Apparently Evans didn’t vote, a more traditional manifestation of core beliefs and conscience.