Regarding the NFL and other sports protests during the national anthem, a suggestion for segregating politics from the sports forum is to choose not to play the anthem. While it is a tradition and a habit, it is not required. Other fiery music, fight songs, or sports related tributes can be used to fire up the event.
Friends of ours from Europe have commented that they find it surprising that we play the national anthem at the opening of so many American sport activities. This type of nationalism reminds them of historic events on their soil that began as allegiance in too many public settings and they are uncomfortable with it.