nfl football

see stadium, sports

see colin K take a knee

see tax dodge

===

---

MMA

February 9, 2026, edition of Newsmax's Greg Kelly Reports

GREG KELLY (HOST): The silly bowl. Did you watch? I only watched a little bit. Sorry. It stands for so much — they're trying to destroy America. I do believe the NFL, they have no interest in this country or its culture. They're interested in money.

A couple of weird things just off the top. The Black national anthem. I know they do this in smaller games, but what the hell? I mean, it's crazy. The black, white and — no. Where's the red, white, and blue. It's green, black, and red, which is the pan-African color, apparently. Let's see.

Bad Bunny, bad guy. Why is he jumping up and down on a car? That's like a riot. That's code for rioting or something.

It's bad enough when these guys speak in English. I couldn't understand anything in Spanish. It's hard to tell what singers are singing about sometimes.

I think the whole thing had an LGBT, queer-ish kind of vibe, right? With the colors.

And not for nothing. But, you know, a lot of football players are killing themselves by playing football, right? I know those aren't the right guys, the right team, but CTE, that's a real bad thing. And that Goodell, he doesn't care about any of this. He cares about money mountain.

---

===

rww

02/11/2025

Kyle Mantyla

When Kash Patel appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee for his confirmation hearing on potentially becoming director of the FBI, he was asked about the multiple appearances he had made on a program hosted by far-right conspiracy theorist Stew Peters. Predictably, Patel feigned ignorance, prompting Peters himself to declare that Patel was clearly lying.

Patel's effort to now distance himself from Peters is understandable, given that Patel was likely fully aware that Peters is a racist, anti-LGBTQ bigot who regularly uses his nightly program, speeches, and social media accounts to promote white nationalism and virulent antisemitism while spreading wild conspiracy theories, bigotry, and open calls for violence.

All of this was on full display during last night's program, where Peters spent a half hour ranting that the Super Bowl halftime show featuring Kendrick Lamar was "an anti-white shitshow."

"After several consecutive years of conducting satanic rituals on live television, the NFL went right back to doing what it does best: Giving a platform to degenerate blacks," Peters fumed. "Every single one of America's biggest entertainment platforms—from the fake and gay rigged sports entertainment leagues like the NFL, to the music industry, to all of our TV shows—has completely given into this degenerate black filth culture that was created by a bunch of subversive Jews and then weaponized against the American public."

"Even though your conservative uncle will tell you, 'It was totally based because Donald Trump was there' and they didn't have 'End Racism' spray painted across the end zones as they usually do, this was an anti-white shitshow," Peters ranted.

"Let's just cut down the brass tack here," he continued. "What this is is an opportunity for a bunch of Jews and their black minions and whatever other shades of foot soldiers they can find to address a captive audience of retarded white cucks who actually tune into this shit and then beat them over the head with their racism propaganda."

"That's what America has become, which is tragic because it was never supposed to be this way," Peters said. "America was always supposed to be a white country."

"They're doing this because they hate white people and they wanna steal and they wanna destroy all of the things that white people have built, including your country," Peters asserted. "And egging them on, putting the battery in their little backpacks are the demonic little subversives that opened our borders to these savages in the first place: the Jews."

"It really is that simple," Peters concluded. "And it makes it easy to understand why America's Founding Fathers, by definition, were white nationalists. Because they knew that this country couldn't exist as some kind of a degenerate melting pot or a hodgepodge of the world's fucking rejects; people who flooded in from cesspits from Hell all over the world where they couldn't figure out how to rub two fucking sticks together. This country was founded by white people and it was founded for white people."

Video URL

IFrame Content

Patel, of course, is not the only GOP leader who has appeared on Peters' show, as Peters regularly manages to get Republican leaders, elected officials, and candidates for office to appear on "The Stew Peters Show." On top of that, Peters himself has even participated in ReAwaken America events alongside various Trump insiders and members of the Trump family.

---

an 7 24

republican threatens to hijack funding for football team unless it revives racist logo](https://www.alternet.org/republican-football-logo/)

Sarah K. Burris Raw Story

Right-wing media whine after new Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo discussed diversity and racism at his introductory press conference | Media Matters for America

---

// gamergate colin k

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Right-wing media have repeatedly launched wild attacks against Taylor Swift | Media Matters for America

Right-wing media spent 2023 lobbing sexist attacks at pop star Taylor Swift. According to them, Time magazine’s 2023 Person of the Year is a fake Christian, a Democratic agent, and possibly a witch. She’s also ruining football by dating an NFL player.

## Taylor Swift, named Time's Person of the Year for 2023, has long been the target of right-wing attacks

- Taylor Swift made frequent headlines throughout 2023 — for her “Eras'” worldwide concert tour and movie, for becoming Spotify’s most-streamed artist for the year, and for being named Time magazine's Person of the Year. Swift has sold over 200 million albums over the course of her career and earned 12 Grammy awards since her debut at 16. Forbes,[12/13/23; Time magazine, 12/6/23; Morning Consult, 3/14/23]

- Right-wing media frequently target Swift and her fans with misogynistic insults. They’ve accused Swift of fomenting societal decline because she's an unmarried pop star, and, more recently, attacked her for being Time’s Person of the Year. Business Insider, [11/9/23; The Nation, 10/17/23; Media Matters, 12/7/23]

- :{:{Conservative backlash against Swift increased after she endorsed a Democrat in the 2018 Tennessee Senate race and expressed support for LGBTQ rights at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards. Swift became more outspoken about her seemingly liberal political beliefs after fans criticized her for not leveraging her platform during the 2016 presidential election. USA Today, [9/12/19; 10/7/18]}:

- Right-wing media have also targeted Swift’s relationship with Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce, primarily for Kelce’s appearance in a Pfizer ad promoting the COVID-19 vaccine. Right-wing media pundits have also attacked Swift over her attendance at football games. Media Matters, [9/27/23, 10/3/23]

## Right-wing media criticized Swift for supporting the LGBTQ community

- Daily Wire founder Ben Shapiro attacked Swift after she spoke out in support of the LGBTQ community at a Chicago concert during Pride Month. “You remember that time that Taylor Swift used to just be, like, a person who sang songs and without auto tune didn't sound amazing?" said Shapiro. “Well now she has decided that she's a political leader.” The Daily Wire, *The Ben Shapiro Show*, [6/5/23, accessed via YouTube]

- One America News' Alison Steinberg asked why “so many conservative Swifties overlook” Swift’s allyship with the “alphabet mafia” and supposedly liberal politics. Steinberg listed reasons why conservatives should ditch Swift – including that she is a “Christian while also being pro-choice,” that she openly supports President Joe Biden, and that she has “financial ties to the Soros family.” Guest Bryson Gray concluded, “This conservative support for Taylor Swift has to stop.” One America News, *In Focus*, [12/13/23]

- The Gateway Pundit attacked Swift for amplifying “anti-Christian and ‘pride’ themes” after she was named Time’s 2023 Person of the Year. The article added that “we should not begin by confusing that award with a moral endorsement. After all, Swift now shares that honor with the likes of Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin.” The Gateway Pundit, [12/8/23]

- The Daily Wire’s Michael Knowles performed an in-depth analysis of Swift’s music video for the song Lavender Haze, criticizing the video for casting a transgender model and adding that “lavender insinuates weird gay stuff.” Knowles ended the video by encouraging viewers to send in more “weird trans pop songs.” The Daily Wire, *The Michael Knowles Show*, [4/30/23, accessed via YouTube]

## Right-wing media lobbed sexist attacks against Swift, demanding she “release a sex video,” and shaming her for past relationships

- On Barstool Sports’ Pardon My Take podcast, co-hosts Dan Katz and Eric Sollenberger said they would tolerate Swift’s presence at NFL games only if she and Travis Kelce “release a sex video” — among other sexist attacks. After Katz noted that the New York Jets completed an “octopus” — scoring a touchdown and then completing a 2-point conversion for a total of 8 points — host Sollenberger added, “That’s what they should call Taylor Swift’s vagina." Media Matters, [10/3/23]

- Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk asked podcast guests, “Does Taylor Swift have any eggs left?” During a nearly 25-minute attack on Swift, Kirk and podcast guests made comments about Swift’s reproductive capabilities, called Swift “ugly” and “bitter,” and said Swift’s “body count will have a museum and galleria dedicated to it at the end of her career." Meidas Touch, [12/9/23]

- Fox host Greg Gutfeld slut-shamed Swift for her dating history. “Taylor Swift’s Instagram account has helped register more than 35,000 new voters," he said. “It’s nice that she's still on good terms with all her ex-boyfriends." Fox News, *Gutfeld!*, [9/22/23]

- Daily Wire host Candace Owens has repeatedly attacked Swift, saying Swift “has the maturity of a 15-year-old girl” and demanding to know, “Why hasn’t any man stepped up to the plate to marry her?” In April, Owens called Swift “the ultimate mean girl.” In September, Owens criticized Swift’s relationships with her exes. In October, Owens speculated that men won’t marry Swift “because Taylor Swift has a lot of personalities” and “her behavior is really, really cringy." Salon, [10/4/23; The Daily Wire, accessed 9/29/23; The Daily Wire, The Candace Owens Podcast, 4/16/23]

- After Swift made her first appearance at a Kansas City Chiefs game, several right-wing media figures resorted to criticizing her for her appearance. Mediaite collected tweets from right-wing pundits calling Swift “mid” and “homely” after she was spotted in a VIP box with Kelce’s mother. Mediaite, [9/26/23]

- NewsNation host Leland Vittert accused Swift of “punching down” after she called the men criticizing her for attending Kansas City Chiefs games “Dads, Brads, and Chads.” Vittert compared Swift’s response to Hillary Clinton's description of Trump supporters as “deplorables” in 2016. The Federalist culture editor Emily Jashinsky added, “This is something she should be careful not repeat in the future because men don't have a lot of places anymore where they're just for men." NewsNation, *On Balance with Leland Vittert*, [12/11/23]

- PragerU personality Aldo Buzzatoni said that “instead of telling young girls to be single, to break up with their boyfriends,” Swift should use her “influence over these young women” to “promote marriage” and “conservative values.” Buzzatoni continued, “I think the time spent doing that would be a lot better than like I said, promoting young girls to be single and breaking up with their boyfriends and bashing men.” One America News, *In Focus*, [11/17/23]

- In an article for The Federalist titled “Taylor Swift’s Popularity Is A Sign Of Societal Decline," Mark Hemingway claimed that Swift is famous for being “near constantly romantically aggrieved.” Hemingway also stated that he is “not sure [Swift’s] popularity is a testament to her talent” and compared her music to pornography, stating, “Bad pop songwriting is like pornography: You know it the moment you hear it.” The Federalist, [9/5/23]

## Right-wing media attacked Swift for her relationship with NFL player Travis Kelce, who appeared in a COVID-19 vaccine PSA

- On Fox News’ Primetime, cryptocurrency influencer Aubrey Strobel insinuated that Swift’s relationship with Kelce was part of “a long-game strategy to knock the Chiefs out of Super Bowl contention.” Strobel stated, “I do think there is something going on. She shows up. Taylor is very careful with her reputation. She doesn’t just go anywhere. She shows up in the box, with his mother, she’s jumping up and down, but I think we are missing something.” Fox News, *Jesse Watters Primetime*, [9/28/23]

- Fox News contributor Joe Concha blasted Swift for reportedly swearing at a Chiefs game. “If I heard that and my son was dating a girl who has a mouth like a teamster, that's it,” he said. Swift reportedly chanted “let’s fucking go” in a private box. Twitter/X, [9/29/23; The Daily Mail, 9/29/23]

- OutKick host Clay Travis suggested Swift was to blame for the Kansas City Chiefs’ subpar performance. “Maybe Taylor Swift is seen as the Yoko Ono of the Kansas City Chiefs?” he said. OutKick, *OutKick The Show*, [12/11/23]

- After Swift first appeared at a Kansas City Chiefs game, Travis claimed Swift was “wasting [her] time” with Kelce if she wanted to get married. Travis stated, “If the purpose of dating is to get married, you are wasting your time with Travis Kelce. He is a dime a dozen. He's not that good-looking, his career is almost over — you can do better even if you want to date a tight end in the NFL.” OutKick, *OutKick the Show*, [9/26/23]

- Discussing Kelce’s ad for Pfizer on The Megyn Kelly Show, Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk questioned, “What will break his heart first: his new relationship with Taylor Swift or the COVID shot? … They’re both in the business of breaking hearts.” Kirk added, “I find it rather repulsive, to be perfectly honest, that a supposedly alpha male person like Travis Kelce is pushing a vaccine toward a demographic that doesn’t need it.” Mediaite, [9/25/23]

- In response to a claim about the “Taylor Swift effect” helping Kelce’s jersey sales and social media followers skyrocket, BlazeTV host Jason Whitlock posted, “No. That's the benefit of selling out to Big Pharma and Bud Light.” In another post, Whitlock questioned, “What professional athlete in the prime of his life and health would be out promoting the vaccine given all the data about the injuries and whatnot” and criticized Kelce’s relationship with “Taylor Swift, hardcore leftist [who] promotes abortion.” Twitter/X, [9/26/23; BlazeTV, Fearless, 9/26/26, accessed via Twitter/X 9/26/23]

- Far-right influencer and self-described “Alpha Male” Nick Adams wrote that Kelce had knelt for the anthem and done ads for Pfizer and Bud Light. He added: “Taylor Swift hates America. Taylor Swift hates President Trump. Taylor Swift loves communism. Maybe Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift would be good together.” Twitter/X, [9/25/23]

- OutKick host Charly Arnolt suggested Swift and Kelce were in a public relations relationship “to push woke products, also woke political agendas.” Before playing Kelce’s Pfizer ad, Arnolt said, “A lot of debate whether that’s a legitimate relationship. But they're using people like this, celebrities, to push woke products, also woke political agendas. It's clearly working.” OutKick, *OutKick the Morning*, [10/5/23]

## Right-wing media claimed Swift promotes witchcraft and Satanism

- In a social media post, Rumble host Stew Peters implied that Swift should be burned alive for witchcraft. While sharing a social media post from Swift which mentions “casting spells,” Peters stated: “Taylor Swift promotes witchcraft and encourages her fans to ‘cast spells.’ I’ve heard that Salem, Massachusetts has a remedy for witches." Twitter/X, [10/19/23]

- Also citing the “casting spells” social media post from Swift, former GOP gubernatorial candidate Kandiss Taylor attacked Swift for “celebrating witchcraft” and “influencing innocent minds to be enticed with the dark side of spirituality.” Her post went on to state, “Let’s see how much Lucifer cares about you or your career. I promise. He doesn’t.” Twitter/X, [10/18/23]

- Stew Peters responded to Kandiss Taylor’s tweet, “George Soros might own Taylor Swift’s music, but the devil owns her soul.” Peters previously called Swift “demonic.” Twitter/X, [10/19/23, 11/19/23]

- One America News’ Steinberg said she was creeped out by Swift’s use of “kind of witchy” dances and Swifties' “take me to church” chants during the Eras tour: “I've heard in her Eras tour that one of her dances is kind of witchy — her and the dancers hold these yellow globes and are wearing these long hoods. The whole thing looks really creepy to me. And then, in addition to that, there is also apparently a trend among the Swifties where before one of her songs comes on, they all chant ‘Take me to church.’ Of course, these are all just sort of conspiracies, but I do find the whole situation rather fascinating and peculiar.” One America News, *In Focus*, [11/17/23]

- Steinberg also wondered aloud if a Harvard course on Taylor Swift’s pop culture power was an attempt to “instruct you on how to relinquish any morals and values you might have, and just indoctrinate you, and force you to become a full-blown satanist.” Steinberg stressed, “I’m a firm believer in that Hollywood celebrities are sort of hand-selected and once you reach a certain level you kind of have to be willing to sell your soul to Satan to achieve real success. … So I’m confused as to what this course is actually going to teach.” One America News, *In Focus*, [11/29/23]

## Right-wing media accused Swift of being a Democratic Party operative

- Former Trump adviser and right-wing podcast host Steve Bannon compared Swift to election denier and MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, suggesting that Swift is a “powerful political force” for the left. According to Bannon, “Taking Mike Lindell out of Walmart was a monumental piece of the history of this political movement. Just like today, announcing Taylor Swift is Time's Person of the Year ... is another major political statement, because she's a powerful political force on their side, like Mike Lindell's a political force on this side. A cultural figure.” Real America’s Voice, *War Room*, [12/6/23]

- Turning Point USA’s Kirk blamed Swift for anti-choice losses during the 2023 midterms, as “all the Swifties want is swift abortion.” Kirk added, “We act as if she is like Mother Mary or something. Newsflash, she ain't Mother Mary.” Real America's Voice, *The Charlie Kirk Show*, [11/8/23]

- OAN’s Steinberg said she believes Swift is “the perfect political weapon for the Democrat agenda.” “She's trendy. Everyone loves her. She comes off as super sweet, but in reality, her entire value set completely contradicts anything Christian or conservative,” Steinberg stated. “I think she's propped up as an idol for Gen-Z girls so the Democrats can possibly use her to win votes for Biden.” One America News, *In Focus*, [12/6/23]

- In a series of social media posts, anti-Muslim bigot Laura Loomer claimed that the 2024 election would be “MAGA vs Swifties.” In an earlier post, she alleged that the Democratic Party is “100% using Taylor Swift to try to get Democrats elected.” Twitter/X, [12/11/23, 12/6/23]

- Newsmax host Mark Kaye suggested Swift is a Democratic operative because she held voter registration drives at concerts. According to Kaye, “What better way to get a bunch of young girls to vote for Joe Biden than to convince Taylor Swift to be his spokesperson? That's why when she went out to her concert, she was more than happy to promote the ‘go out and register to vote’ mandate.” Kaye also said it’s “interesting that this pop sensation and this football star are getting together just before an election year to promote not just registering to vote, voting for Democrats, but also getting your COVID vaccine. Is it all just a coincidence, or is this pre-planned by the Democrat Party?” Newsmax, *The Mark Kaye Show*, [12/9/23]

- Pizzagate conspiracy theorist Jack Posobiec accused Swift of being a “psyop” and “a statecraft asset for years” in a series of absurd social media posts and claimed “2024 will be the full payoff” for Democrats. In one post, Posobiec claimed that “conservatives who applaud Taylor Swift Time Mag award psyop” will be responsible for losing the country. Twitter/X, [12/6/23; 12/6/23; 12/6/23; 12/6/23]

- Dom Lucre, a right-wing conspiracy theorist who previously shared child sexual abuse imagery online, theorized that liberal financier George Soros was responsible for Swift being named Time's Person of the Year. In his full social media post, he claimed that her “music rights had been purchased by George Soros,” before insinuating a connection, adding that Times’ award “doesn’t come cheap.” Twitter/X, [12/6/23; Media Matters, 7/28/23]

- In a social media post, right-wing account End Wokeness speculated that Swift was an operative for “the regime.” The full post read, “Why is the regime pushing Taylor Swift so hard? Because she is a 2024 Get Out The Vote operation that will be activated soon.” Twitter/X, [12/6/23]

---

https://www.mediamatters.org/google/newsmaxs-benny-johnson-black-national-anthem-should-be-illegal-you-shouldnt-be-able-do-there

https://www.mediamatters.org/ben-shapiro/ben-shapiro-complains-about-all-women-flyover-during-super-bowl

https://www.mediamatters.org/health-care/anti-choice-figures-twist-rihannas-pregnancy-and-powerful-super-bowl-performance-anti

https://www.mediamatters.org/daily-wire/daily-wire-host-complains-about-lift-every-voice-and-sing-performance-super-bowl-it-libs

===

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an 2 23

Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (R-Colorado) boisterously complained about the "Black National Anthem" being played at Super Bowl LVII on Sunday.

"America only has ONE NATIONAL ANTHEM," Boebert tweeted. "Why is the NFL trying to divide us by playing multiple!? Do football, not wokeness."

The song, Lift Every Voice and Sing, will be performed by Abbott Elementary star Sheryl Lee Ralph and had its National Football League debut at the 2020 season's inaugural game. It was then reaired ahead of Super Bowl LV on February 7th, 2021. It was also broadcast before every match this year.

"Often referred to as 'The Black National Anthem,' Lift Every Voice and Sing was a hymn written as a poem by NAACP leader James Weldon Johnson in 1900. His brother, John Rosamond Johnson (1873-1954), composed the music for the lyrics. A choir of 500 schoolchildren at the segregated Stanton School, where James Weldon Johnson was principal, first performed the song in public in Jacksonville, Florida to celebrate President Abraham Lincoln's birthday," the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) explains on its website. "At the turn of the 20th century, Johnson's lyrics eloquently captured the solemn yet hopeful appeal for the liberty of Black Americans. Set against the religious invocation of God and the promise of freedom, the song was later adopted by NAACP and prominently used as a rallying cry during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s."

Twitter users relentlessly trolled Boebert and her remarks.

Jay Black: "There world hasn’t heard whining like this since the waiting room at the gastroenterologist after your dumdum gun restaurant served pork sliders."

Ty-22: "Speaking of wokeness: - Ron DeSantis is so woke he wants school girls' menstrual info recorded by the school staff. - Ron DeSantis wanna ban books for school kids but not AR-15. Ron DeSantis wanted to ban Disney (backfired). Sen Scott wanna ban Medicare & Social Security."

Honest sports takes: "The American national anthem is not representative of all Americans, it is representative of white Americans."

Chidi: "Karen wants to speak to the NFL manager. Go find a safe space"

Tom Bonier: "Two thoughts: 1) You came within a few hundred votes of losing last year, and will face less favorable turnout in a presidential year. You may want to reconsider your positioning. 2) It seems like you're the one being divisive here."

Tony Posnanski: "All Americans can agree that you can go f*ck yourself."

---

pro publ 6 22

4: The Magic of Sports Ownership: Make Money While (Legally) Reporting Losses

The tax code offers business owners a slew of methods to erase income through deductions, none more awesome than buying a sports team, as former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer did with the Los Angeles Clippers. It doesn’t matter whether the team is actually profitable and growing in value. It can still be a write-off. (In some cases, we found, owners could effectively deduct a given player’s contract not once, but twice. They’re allowed to take deductions comparable to those for factory equipment that loses value as it ages, even as teams almost inevitably gain in value.) That’s one reason owners tend to pay far lower tax rates than the athletes they employ, or even the people serving beer in the team’s stadium. In our story, we found a Clippers arena worker who made $45,000 a year and paid a higher tax rate than the billionaire Ballmer. (Ballmer said he pays the taxes he owes.)

5. Build, Drill and Save: The Real Estate and Oil Businesses Can Both Be Tax Havens

In certain industries, like real estate or oil and gas, the tax breaks are so plentiful that billionaires can erase their income entirely even as they grow richer. That’s how real estate developer Stephen Ross (who also happens to own the Miami Dolphins)went 10 years without paying any income tax. Ross said that he followed the law. Another mogul, this one in the oil business, managed to tap a near bottomless well of write-offs via one of the biggest oil spills in history. (The mogul’s representatives did not respond to requests for comment.)

...

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521 an

Texas House votes to remove state funding from sports teams that don't play national anthem at games

The Texas Tribune May 25, 2021

"Texas House votes to yank state funding from sports teams that don't play national anthem at games" was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.

The Texas House gave preliminary approval on Monday to the so-called“Star Spangled Banner Protection Act," a conservative-backed bill that would require any professional sports teams with contracts with the Texas state government to play the national anthem before the start of a game.

Senate Bill 4 was passed on a voice vote, with no changes by the House. It is expected to receive a record vote and final passage on Tuesday and head to Gov. Greg Abbott's desk.

House Republicans defeated several proposed amendments along partisan lines, signaling more division on the issue in the lower chamber than was seen in the Senate, which passed the bill last month with overwhelming bipartisan support and only two votes against it.

Athletes protesting the national anthem has become a divisive and partisan issue since NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick began kneeling in 2016 to protest police brutality against Black Americans.

In February, Patrick named the bill one of his legislative priorities after Mark Cuban, the owner of the Dallas Mavericks, stopped playing the anthem before home games, which went largely unnoticed during the pandemic with no fans in the stands.

That decision quickly drew the ire of conservative lawmakers in the state.

“Sell the franchise & some Texas Patriots will buy it," Patrick said in a tweet at the time. “We ARE the land of free & the home of the brave."

In a public response to the outcry condemning his decision, Cuban expressed support for the anthem, but he said team executives “also loudly hear the voices of those who feel that the anthem does not represent them." The NBA later said all teams would play the anthem before games.

During Monday's debate on the House floor, opponents questioned the constitutionality of a law that they said ties funding to free speech by threatening negative action against sports teams that choose to express their opinions by declining to play the anthem.

“Once again, we're carrying legislation that is openly and aggressively unconstitutional," said state Rep. Gene Wu, a Houston Democrat who unsuccessfully tried to turn the bill into a resolution, allowing the House to take a stand in favor of the anthem without the force of law.

The bill's House sponsor, state Rep. Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, said the bill does not violate free speech because teams can still choose not to play the anthem and forgo the funding and business relationship with the state.

“It's very simple. If they do not want to play the national anthem, they don't take the tax dollars," Burrows said. “If we're going to go ahead and subsidize with hard-earned American dollars the sporting facilities and the teams in the different ways that I think is articulated in this bill, then this would apply."

Attempts by Democrats to require teams to play both the “Star-Spangled Banner" and “Lift Every Voice and Sing," or to choose between them, were shut down along partisan lines.

“Lift Every Voice and Sing" is commonly known as “the Black national anthem," said Rep. Jasmine Felicia Crockett, D-Dallas, who authored one of the amendments.

“I don't even understand why we would feel the need to force someone into singing any song," Crockett said. “But if we are going to force people to sing a song, we should at least be mindful of the people playing on these teams, the people that are actually in the stands supporting these teams."

Burrows opposed the amendments “with the deepest amount of respect to my friend and colleague" because he wanted to avoid any changes to the bill, which would slow its progress to the governor's desk during the final week of the legislative session.

This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2021/05/24/texas-house-national-anthem/.

The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org.

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bit neglected, gets revived periodically when trump needs red meat distraction/ dog whistle?

https://www.mediamatters.org/video/2018/08/10/fox-business-ed-rollins-claims-nfl-protests-are-political-strategy-congressional-black-caucus-play/220969

---

aha: military has far and away best rep of any gov't agy tho ME wars not popular; trump sees himself as a tough guy and likes to surround himself, appear to ally w/ them eg rally on aircraft carrier; //nixon claimed/used support from hardhats, called football coaches to give advice; djt uses mil and cops as scenery; cf uber aha on Fem

also ford and RR; america's team dallas cowboys (face v heel?); no longer #1 vs baskeball w/ AA stars? [hiphop?]

https://www.alternet.org/2019/11/trump-used-money-raised-for-vets-as-campaign-slush-fund-that-should-end-his-political-career

teflon --> kevlar?

has rule no city can own, even if pay fair mkt price

new England Patriots owner Robert Kraft — a top Trump ally — charged with soliciting prostitution

David Badash / The New Civil Rights MovementFebruary 22, 2019

Jupiter, Florida police have charged billionaire Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots and a top Trump ally, supporter, and friend, with soliciting prostitution. Describing Kraft as “one…

crony cap scammed $ to buy dallas cowboys?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2017/11/28/trump-tweets-that-nfl-is-weak-and-out-of-control-because-of-players-national-anthem-demonstrations/

Trump tweets that NFL is ‘weak and out of control’ because of players’ national anthem demonstrations

By Cindy Boren November 28

Malcolm Jenkins and Rodney McLeod continue to raise a fist during the national anthem, with Chris Long (at left) showing support. (Chris Szagola / Associated Press)

Nearly two dozen NFL players continued to kneel, sit or raise a fist to the sky to bring attention to social injustice and police brutality during the national anthem Sunday, a demonstration that once again drew the attention of President Trump.

On Tuesday morning, he tweeted: “At least 24 players kneeling this weekend at NFL stadiums that are now having a very hard time filling up. The American public is fed up with the disrespect the NFL is paying to our country, our flag and our national anthem. Weak and out of control!”

Donald J. Trump

@realDonaldTrump

At least 24 players kneeling this weekend at NFL stadiums that are now having a very hard time filling up. The American public is fed up with the disrespect the NFL is paying to our Country, our Flag and our National Anthem. Weak and out of control!

4:45 AM - Nov 28, 2017

31,976 31,976 Replies 20,249 20,249 Retweets 99,352 99,352 likes

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According to numbers compiled by the Associated Press from its reporters at stadiums around the country on Sunday, 23 players continued to demonstrate, a number that has held fairly steady over the last few weeks as players and NFL owners have met to convert their demonstrations into action. In Oakland, for instance, Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch continued to sit while nine Seattle Seahawks players, including defensive end Michael Bennett, either sat or took a knee. Three of their opponents on the San Francisco 49ers’ sideline — linebacker Eli Harold, safety Eric Reid and wide receiver Marquise Goodwin — also took a knee. Rams linebacker Robert Quinn raised a fist during the anthem, as did the Eagles’ Malcolm Jenkins and Rodney McLeod. As usual, they were joined by teammate Chris Long, who placed a hand of support on Jenkins’s back as he stood with his other hand over his heart. Two players, Kansas City’s Marcus Peters and Tennessee’s Rishard Matthews, remained in their locker rooms during the anthem.

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As for the president’s comment about attendance, through Week 12 it was listed at nearly 12 million fans for the league’s 32 teams by Pro Football Reference, with Week 12 drawing just over 1 million.

Business Insider reported last week that average attendance at NFL games was actually up slightly, from 68,914 per game in 2016 to 69,264 per game, through the first 10 weeks of the season. (Sunday marked Week 12.) It’s important to note, though, that NFL ticket sales are driven by season-ticket purchases and individual games purchased before the season starts and the league wants teams to report “tickets distributed” rather than the number of fans who actually attend. In the San Francisco 49ers’ Santa Clara stadium, attendance can be listed as topping 70,000 on Sunday while the stadium (especially the sunny side on hot days) looks empty.

NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told The Post in an email that 98 percent of all available tickets have been sold and that sales are down one percent, a figure that doesn’t include the Los Angeles Chargers or Rams, which have significantly reduced seating capacity at their stadiums.

Trump’s Tuesday tweet continues a theme he has sounded since September, when, in a speech in Alabama, he called for NFL owners to suspend or fire any “son of a b—-” who doesn’t stand for the anthem, a demonstration begun by Colin Kaepernick in the summer of 2016. On Friday, he tweeted that Commissioner Roger Goodell “has lost control of the hemorrhaging league. Players are the boss!”

Donald J. Trump

@realDonaldTrump

Can you believe that the disrespect for our Country, our Flag, our Anthem continues without penalty to the players. The Commissioner has lost control of the hemorrhaging league. Players are the boss! https://twitter.com/danscavino/status/933959401580490753 …

3:48 AM - Nov 24, 2017

25,363 25,363 Replies 15,311 15,311 Retweets 60,829 60,829 likes

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The NFL’s over 1,600 players are not required by rules to stand for the anthem and owners, who met last month with players to discuss an issue on which they are divided, have declined to compel them to do so.

Last month, the New York Times’ Upshot blog found that the NFL has become one of the most divisive brands in the United States as it seeks common ground between a player population that is predominantly black and a fan base that is mostly white. In addition to the league’s other negative headlines, TV ratings have dropped and were not helped by lackluster games on Thanksgiving Day.

“There is no question the league is suffering negative effects from these protests,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who has since gone on to wage his own war against Goodell and fellow owners, said in October. “I care about a lot of things, but our ability to be substantive is based on having a strong NFL, a league that people are really interested in and want to watch games. At all times, if I am anything, I am first and foremost a proponent of making the NFL strong. Making us have as many people watching the game as we can and watching in light of what we are doing and that’s playing football.

“If all this makes you stronger to represent messages, let’s don’t do it in a way that tears down the strength of the NFL.”

KATHY WILKES

Kathy Wilkes is an award-winning labor writer and editor, and a former union organizer, co-founder, officer, negotiator, and communications director.

tickets/ skybox useful bribe?

Robert Powelson, President Donald Trump’s newly appointed commissioner to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), received both gifts and reimbursements for travel, lodging, and hospitality from the energy and utility sectors in his previous position as a state regulator. He will now regulate those sectors at the federal level.

Powelson, a Republican, began his tenure at FERC last week. Documents and emails recently uncovered by the Energy &Policy Institute, a watchdog monitoring attacks on renewable energy, indicate that he maintained a close relationship with industry groups as a member of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.

In addition, earlier this year, Powelson said pipeline opponents are engaged in “jihad,” a statement which drew criticism from activists and further solidified his pro-industry image.

NFL Game and Industry Conferences

DeSmog has found that according to Powelson’s financial interest disclosures at the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission, in September 2013 he accepted two tickets from NRG Energy to attend a football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and San Diego Chargers. Each ticket cost $105. Powelson attended the game with James Steffes, a senior vice president at NRGEnergy, a large energy company operating numerous power generating stations throughout the U.S.

From Powelson’s 2013 disclosure to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.*

That year, Powelson also received several reimbursements to participate in industry conferences. In June, the Edison Electric Institute, a powerful national utility trade group which has fought distributed solar power, funded Powelson’s attendance at the institute’s convention in San Francisco. Three months later the Florida Natural Gas Association paid for Powelson to attend its conference in Orlando. Powelson was keynote speaker at both events.

The same year, Powelson attended two energy and utilities investment conferences paid for by the organizers. In January the investment firm Boenning & Scattergood funded his participation in its Investor Energy Conference, and in March Morgan Stanley paid for his attendance at its Utilities Conference. Powelson was again keynote speaker at both events.

According to Powelson’s 2014 disclosure, GEE Strategies, an energy and utilities consulting firm, funded his attendance at its Energy Leadership Forum in Falls Church, Virginia. Emails recently uncovered by UtilitySecrets, a joint watchdog project by the Energy & Policy Institute and Center for Media & Democracy, indicate that GEE Strategies has close ties to the Edison Electric Institute, which funded the firm’s Energy Leadership Forum meeting last year.

Other emails show that Edison Electric Institute invited Powelson to speak at its board’s winter meeting in January this year. The meeting was held in Palm Beach, Florida. Also in 2017, Powelson served as president of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC).

The Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission considers gifts and reimbursements for travel, lodging, and hospitality as different categories, requiring public officials to report them separately.

Reached for comment, a FERC spokesperson told DeSmog that Commissioner Powelson followed all applicable Pennsylvania state rules with regard to travel and reimbursement while he was a member of the public utility commission (PUC). The spokesperson added:

“For the meetings that you listed, he was a speaker or a panelist. In those roles, Commissioner Powelson’s participation was a customary and necessary part of the performance of his duties, and reimbursement was not a gift to him or the PUC.

The 2017 EEI meeting, which he attended as a speaker and in his capacity as President of NARUC, has not yet been filed because it is still 2017. It will be on the 2017 listings when those are all filed.”

Powelson’s “jihad” Remark

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239 713 IND STATLER, BONNIE JO $100,000 12/14/2016

4101 GULF SHORE BOULEVARD

NAPLES FL 34103 Philanthropist wife of Ben Statler, coal mining executive and investor in Pittsburgh Steelers