Love the post, I think what gets lost is when you say "We live in a country that was founded (admittedly imperfectly) on the idea that we should stand up to injustice." I agree and so do millions, the problem facing athletes today is that when they choose to sit for the National Anthem they think they are fighting injustice when in reality they aren't. They just look ungrateful. Now, if these athletes sat and then offered meaningful input and ideas on how to stop injustices for ALL not just for their particular crowd then I think more and more people would get behind them instead of stand against them.
I am so glad you liked the post!
Regarding athletes kneeling for the national anthem, I have to respectfully disagree with you there. I think utilizing that form of peaceful protest is one of the best ways to get the conversation started. And frankly, I also don't think it's necessary for professional athletes to express gratitude to the United States. They don't work for the government and it's not necessary for them to pledge fealty to a nation so that they can do their jobs.