[Old School Hound]

@ Granny Bear ,

Thank you for your response. I respectfully disagree with you, but I appreciate you responding to my question.

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Listen, I support them 100% in their action. My bigger thought is, how would this have played in Rupp Arena, with 20,000+ UK supporters on hand? Unfortunately, I think I know the answer to that one.

Idk man there's a lot of supporters who understand the concept. I get what you're saying though. It would probably sound more like a village whore house orgy with boos and cheers at the same time lol. Could you imagine? Bang bros would be all over that LOL

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I find taking a knee during the anthem extremely disrespectful to this nation and to all of those Americans who have shed blood and been maimed fighting to keep our country free. This is the first year that I have not subscribed to ESPN, the SEC network, etc. so that I could watch as many UK basketball games as possible. I refuse to watch any sports event in which both teams disrespect the country in which I live and love. 

Shame on UK and John Calipari for politicizing the game of basketball. It is just another reason why John Calipari and his one-and-done recruiting strategy, and almost entirely non-Kentuckian rosters were always bad ideas. Kentuckians, on the whole, are a patriotic group and UK's basketball program should reflect the state that supports it.

You are entitled to you're opinion hoot you see it as disrespectful others do not. It still don't change the game. Kentucky clobbered a decent Florida team man, That's all that matters to me. People get confused and that's okay. This country was built on god, by god, for our people, by our people. Taking a knee is just another way to submit that people want change, for Christ sakes we have idiots storming the capital burning our cities for what? I would think taking a knee is the least thing to worry about being Americans fight for FREEDOM not the anthem. Without freedom America is no more. To a point I believe you are right about doing it to get recruites etc. So what? Its basketball all I care about is winning.

As you said, I am entitled to my opinion and the character of the players and coaches representing my alma mater matters to me. I don't care what they do on their own time but if they do not support their own country while wearing the blue and white uniform, then I will not support them. It is a privilege to wear the UK uniform and represent the school and the state of Kentucky.

I suspect that at least half of the people living in Kentucky have a similar opinion to mine and I will never understand why any business, and big time college basketball is a business, would elect to insult half of their customers and supporters.

& as you said "I find taking a knee during the anthem extremely disrespectful to this nation and to all of those Americans who have shed blood and been maimed fighting to keep our country free" 
Out of all that all I got from it was the term FREE. What is freedom to you hoot? Is it taking an oath promising to protect that right as a free man for our families and the morals we hold dearly. Is it having the freedom to get on bluegrass rivals.com and having the right to express you're opinion with me and others?That's all it is hoot. Freedom defines America. Taking a knee is a submission something were all taught. Kentucky was playing like the #1 team in the nation last night and just because they took a knee they're going to read all the backlash from people for what reason? Because some think its disrespectful? how is it disrespectful? Did you ever take a knee for something bigger then you? Either way hoot freedom is all that matters. Kentuckys team showed their freedom to stand up for what they believe in no pun intended. & as a fan it is a privilege to watch these talented young guys represent us in playing the game. & like you said a privilege to wear that uniform. Were 3-0 conference baby after starting the worst in almost 100 years. & they took them to the wood shed. Cheer up 

I am perfectly happy, thank you very much.   Freedom, as I used it, is our right to be free from the oppression of our own government and all of the associated rights listed in the U.S. Constitution, including the Bill of Rights that the original 13 states demanded that it include. I support every UK player's right to enjoy all of those rights. However, none of them have a constitutional right to express disrespect for our flag, anthem or anything other personal opinion while representing the University of Kentucky without repercussions.

They are kneeling during the national anthem because the University of Kentucky's administration and basketball staff allow them to do so. I find it offensive and it is your right to approve of the behavior or celebrate it as the expression of freedom if you so choose. Is it the most offensive thing that is going on in this world today? No, far from it, but IMO, it is symptomatic of much larger issues in our society. Young people need to understand that in the real world, adults are not free to behave however they want while somebody is paying for their time. College athletes are compensated for their time in exchange for representing their school in a sport.

You may very well be happy, Hoot, and I sincerely hope you are. However, for someone who is so happy, a lot of your posts  suggest that you are a very angry man. Can a person be both happy and angry? I'd say so. But if the anger is allowed to subside, the happy Hoot might be even happier.

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Im not saying that I would take a knee either, but I'm still going to watch them play. To me, its not a big deal. Go big blue!

Go Big Blue!!! That's what I say, Oledad92 . If you are  fan of UK(and I can tell you are a passionate fan), I say root these young men on to victory whether you share their political beliefs or not. They are at a very critical point in their season and seem to be figuring things out. I say get behind these kids.