There are plenty of other ways that they could have chosen to get their message across besides disrespecting and protesting against the flag and the country. They could take a knee when giving interviews if taking a knee is important to do. They can take a knee on every step onto and off of their practice times. They could rally and take knees outside of police departments, court houses etc… . They could explain exactly what they are protesting and what they think needs to happen to change it. They could pool their resources and take out ads, billboards, write articles that explain what they think and to convey their messages with the picture of people taking a knee.
To try and say that it is not disrespectful is the lie. When you protest something you are showing or stating your disapproval of it. If you disapprove of the flag and the country then that is not respect it is disrespect. To try and say differently is absurd.
I disapprove of and I protest against your flag and your country. The police officers in this country intentionally murder unarmed black men and are not punished for their crimes instead they get paid leave. This is a country that is and the flag represents, institutional racism. No disrespect intended.
