I have previously written on the NFL kneeling controversy and the feckless approach of Commission Roger Goodell. Conversely, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee has taken a firm and clear position as evidenced this week with the probation given to two athletes for protests during the anthem at the Pan American games.

Hammer thrower Gwen Berry raised her fist i while fencer Race Imboden took a knee n protests while on the medal stand last week in Lima, Peru. 

The penalty was only probation for a year (and both will still be eligible for Tokyo next year) but that is far departure from the NFL which has followed a policy that no one seems to be able to understand or even articulate.

Protests of this kind are more serious for Olympic athletes who agree to represent the United States. There are a myriad of difference ways that athletes can carry out protests, but, when they are competing for the United States, they are representing all of the citizens rather than themselves.

What do you think?