I personally do not think that these players are disrespecting the flag by their actions, but believe that they think that African Americans have been (and still are) being disrespected and maltreated within the country it is the symbol of. This is a complex and deep-rooted issue, and to not examine it as such will only add to the divisive nature of it. I think these kids love their country, but want to use the platform available to them (they think) to make it a better place. They are not out burning the flag or defacing it (which they have the right to do). They are not voicing hate or using separatist language. They simply had the courage to take a knee, even though they knew it most-likely would be met with scrutiny by the public, fans, and probably some teammates.