The National Anthem is a symbol that represents our God given right to ask what it means to be American and which of our American values we value most. It is not sacrosanct.
The actual anthem was written when we were under attack by the British who wanted, once again to bring us under their control, who disrespected our freedoms and abilities to act as free and independent individuals as well as a free and independent nation.
There is a reason the First Amendment comes first. It was our Founding Father's most important value.
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
Kneeling is simply an act that petitions for a "redress of grievances". It is, therefore one of the most cherished rights and as such it should be respected.
What is true of Congress should also be true of NFL owners, corporations, or any local, state, or Federal institution, including the Executive Branch.
Athletes shouldn't protest because they make Millions? I don't even know how anyone can say that.
#1. Those athletes aren't saying that they are being oppressed FINANCIALLY. So why does their income make a difference. Oh wait, it's because that helps to deflect from the ACTUAL reason, which is....
#2. Those athletes are protesting not just for themselves, but for black and brown people whose voices could NOT be heard. You don't/won't hear MY voice. But you WILL hear theirs.
#3. ABSOLUTELY NOBODY FOUGHT AND DIED SO WE CAN STAND FOR THE NATIONAL ANTHEM. NOBODY.
That's not freedom. That's compulsory obedience. Like North Korea. What our soldiers fought for, was the freedom to be able to express ourselves. Even if that expression is through protest. THAT'S what our FIRST AMENDMENT guarantees us. You don't have to AGREE with why we protest. (but if you can't agree that there shouldn't be police brutality against minorities, or racial oppression, you're legitimately and delibrately blind), but we do indeed have that freedom.
Those athletes are asking our country to do better. And they're doing it peacefully. And you still have more of a problem with the fact they're protesting without violence, than the reasons why they are protesting. What does that say about YOU?
You can't demand that people protest non-violently and peacefully (especially if you were silent or made excuses when white supremacists carried torches, attacked people and ran cars into crowds of people barely a month ago, in fact some called that freedom of speech), and when they DO protest non violently and peacefully, you say "Wait not like that. I'm still uncomfortable".
What you REALLY mean, is that you don't want us to protest at all. As long as it isn't happening to them folks don't care.