Police union calls for boycott of Miami Dolphins services
By Brian Miller
The Miami Dolphins are once again finding themselves in the middle of a P.R. nightmare. Following the decision of four members of the team to kneel during the National Anthem, the Broward County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Association, is calling for a boycott of police services.
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The union is calling for a suspension of services that include escort and protect the team. This in response to the kneeling down of Arian Foster, Kenny Stills, Jelani Jenkins, and Michael Thomas.
On the 15th anniversary of the 9-11 terrorist attacks, the four decided they would kneel during the anthem as a sort of silent protest regarding the recent rash of black lives being taken by police officers around the country.
Since they knelt, the backlash has been swift and has not had the intended outcome that they likely desired. Although despite the negativity, people are still talking. unfortunately no one is talking about a solution to the problem.
What was supposed to be a way to unite the country in some ways it has only served to divide it. Where the Dolphins chose to kneel, teams who stood together arm in arm, like the Seahawks are finding a far more positive message.
The president of local 6020, Jeff Bell has contacted the executive board and is urging them and all law enforcement to stop doing work for the Dolphins.
"“To Everyone,“Today, I contacted the executive board of the Broward Sheriff’s Office Deputies Association Local 6020 in reference to the actions of a few Miami Dolphin players. As a law enforcement union, we certainly encourage people to exercise their constitutional right of freedom of speech. However, in certain professions, an individual’s freedom of speech must take a back seat to the organization or government entity that they choose to represent. Even the NFL’s governing body and the ownership of individual teams set strict policies in order to make sure players represent the league in the most professional way.“With this said, I can not fathom why the Miami Dolphin organization and the NFL would allow the blatant disrespect of the American Flag and what it stands for during the national anthem. It is a privilege to play in the NFL, not a given constitutional right. The Miami Dolphin players, staff and family members enjoy full police escorts from the Broward Sheriff’s Office on a regular basis. These escorts often involve putting the men and women of law enforcement agencies at risk as they block intersections during peak traffic times in order to expedite the travel time between facilities.“We have buried coworkers who have unnecessarily lost their lives protecting the lives of individuals. Some law enforcement officers even lost their lives while protecting the lives of the very same individuals who were protesting against law enforcement. The Broward Sheriff’s Office Deputies Association Local 6020 is seeking the immediate termination of all Miami Dolphin escorts until such time the Miami Dolphins and the National Football League set forth a policy that will not tolerate the disrespect of the American Flag and National Anthem during any sanctioned games or events.“We no longer support an organization that values financial profit over a minimum conduct standard. What good is it to ask singers to sing the national anthem, honor guards to preform services or ask the United States Air Force to conduct fly overs during the National Anthem if the same organization will not even set a minimum code of conduct for its players?“Until further notice, I respectfully ask all members of law enforcement not to work any detail associated with the Miami Dolphins unless ordered to do so. Again, I would also respectfully ask the Broward Sheriff’s Office to refuse any security details associated with the Miami Dolphins until such time the Miami Dolphin organization mandates a code of conduct for their players during all sanctioned events.Jeff BellPresidentLocal 6020” – Via the MiamiHerald"
All four players have stated they intend to continue with kneeling during the National Anthem. Whether the officers who are assigned or volunteer to work Dolphins games will continue to do so remins to be seen. Miami returns home in week three to face the Browns.