ST. CHARLES • Amid the national debate over free speech and protests against alleged police brutality, a Veterans of Foreign Wars post in St. Charles has stopped showing National Football League games because members feel players are disrespecting the flag.
A news release issued by Post 2866's commander, Paul Schmidt, said NFL games won't be shown anymore in the post's Club Room until the league and its players "show proper respect to our flag."
Schmidt said all members attending a meeting Wednesday voted to turn off the NFL games.
Their decision is in reaction to football players on various levels, from pro to high school, protesting police behavior toward African-Americans by kneeling or remaining in the locker room as the national anthem plays.