The tragic mass shooting at Uvalde, Texas sent shockwaves throughout the entire country. Sports figures across all leagues expressed their sorrow and called for action from authorities. One such figure was San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler. Kapler decided to boycott the national anthem in response to the mass shooting.
While most managers expressed their support towards the Giants manager, one person wasn't on board. Tony La Russa, the Chicago White Sox' manager, voiced his displeasure with Gabe Kapler's actions. In particular, La Russa criticized Kapler's method of protest, saying it was disrespectful to the veterans of the country. (via Yahoo! Sports)
“I think he's exactly right to be concerned … with what's happening in our country. He's right there. Where I disagree is the flag and the anthem are not appropriate places to try to voice your objections. Some of their courage comes from what the flag means to them and when they hear the anthem. You need to understand what the veterans think when they hear the anthem or see the flag.”
Protests during the national anthem have been a rather controversial topic for a long time now. The topic was brought about in 2016, when NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who decided to kneel during the anthem as a form of protest. Kapler's decision to stay in the Giants locker room during the anthem has reignited this conversation.
Kapler wasn't the only San Francisco coach to speak out regarding the Uvalde shootings. Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr gave an impassioned speech a few hours after the shooting, urging lawmakers to do something about these shootings.
A furious, emotional and fed up Steve Kerr pleaded with senators to do something about the mass shootings. pic.twitter.com/fmERY4izFl
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) May 24, 2022
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