“NICK BOSA IS A GREAT PLAYER,” cheered Donald Trump in a Truth Social post. Before Bosa’s stunt, the exchange of support for one another was very clear, especially in the public eye. In week 9, after a 30-27 win against the Dallas Cowboys, defensive end for the San Francisco 49er Nicholas “Nick” Bosa expressed his endless support for Donald Trump by jumping up and down whilst wearing a “ Make America Great Again” hat on the field. After proudly interrupting teammates George Kittle, Brock Purdy, and Isaac Guerendo post-game interview, Bosa repeatedly pointed to the slogan in front of national television. However, when reporters addressed the stunt in the post-game interview, Bosa responded, “I’m not going to talk too much about it, but I think it’s an important time,” a league source told ESPN. While speaking to reporters the following day, Trump won the presidential election against his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris. Bosa was asked about a possible fine, and he claimed, “I haven’t got one yet, but if it comes, it comes.”He then followed with, “It was well worth it”.
Of course, controversy followed Bosa and his arrogant act, but has he been reprimanded the way Colin Kaepernick has? Colin Rand Kaepernick is an American civil rights activist and former professional football quarterback. In a preseason game in 2016, Kaepernick kneeled during the national anthem in protest against racial injustice, police brutality, and oppression in the country. Nevertheless, league rules prohibit players from displaying a personal message or using non-sponsored branding, especially at any point during the game when visible. Unfortunately, Kaepernick stood behind what he believed and was rumored to have been “blackballed” because of his on-field political statements, leaving him unsigned and later leaving the NFL.
A very clear double standard is evident when comparing these two athletes. Nick Bosa did the same thing Kaepernick did; however, it was done in a different way. Many can argue about the controversy surrounding these athletes’ stories, but the common denominator for both is how society picks and chooses who they want to remain successful. Society would prefer someone who expresses bewildering opinions over someone who peacefully recognizes and fights against the injustices in this world. Nick Bosa and Kaepernick couldn’t be a better example to express this clear bias. As a man who believes in peaceful protest, he ended up and is still dealing with the consequences that society has placed upon him. Nick Bosa, on the other hand, had to pay a fine and get to go on about his career. Sad to say, but the privilege of many white individuals is very evident, especially when Nick Bosa makes claims as if he knows that he will be sheltered. It’s sad that an athlete that many young boys look up to makes arrogant decisions, as Nick Bosa demonstrated. Not only did he pull a stunt that could jeopardize his eligibility to play, but he also made continuous remarks in interviews that proved he did not care about what would come. He knew he would not get reprimanded for his questionably patronizing behavior.
That’s the most significant issue. As a society, we have come so far and progressed tremendously, but when a white man expresses his political viewpoints, we all must turn the other cheek. Although Bosa was fined $11,255, the story never remains the same when it involves someone of color. Pittsburgh Steelers’ WR George Pickens was fined $10,231 for displaying a “personal message” on his black eye. The personal message contained the following words, “Open F – – – ing Always.” Unfortunately, Kaepernick suffered consequences for peaceful protests. Yet it is extremely unfortunate that Bosa has yet to deal with the effects of his behavior; a clear bias is present when another athlete expresses their political viewpoints. A doomed world we live in, but we must not forget that regardless of our position in this world, it is almost inevitable to ignore that our society is broken.
