Football and politics have never crossed paths as frequently as they have in the past months, and there's at least one high school hoping to keep the two separate from one another.
Parkway High School in Bossier, Louisiana, sent a letter out to players and their parents warning them that demonstrating during the national anthem will lead to less playing time and possibly being kicked off the team.
Here's the letter in its entirety:
To: Student Athletes and Parents
The LHSAA (Louisiana High School Athletic Association) allows school principals to make decisions regarding student participation in the National Anthem while competing in athletic contests and games. Parkway High School requires student athletes to stand in a respectful manner throughout the National Anthem during any sporting event in which their team is participating. Failure to comply will result in loss of playing time and/or participation as directed by the head coach and principal. Continued failure to comply will result in removal from the team. Parkway High School is committed to creating a positive environment for sporting events that is free of disruption to the athletic contest or game.
Sincerely,
Waylon Bates
Principal
Parkway High School
For many players on Parkway teams, the idea of being removed for demonstrating might not be a big deal, but Parkway has produced plenty of FBS talent in recent years. Current North Carolina and former LSU quarterback Brandon Harris is a product of the school, and the 2018 recruiting class alone has Florida State commit Israel Mukuamu, TCU commit Justin Rogers and five-star receiver Terrace Marshall, who is considered the top wide receiver in the country.
And it has begun.
— Shaun King (@ShaunKing) September 28, 2017
High schools are now following Trump’s order.
Will kick off any players who don’t stand during the National Anthem. pic.twitter.com/lfNWyW7z5f
Donald Trump instructed NFL owners that they should cut players who refuse to stand during the national anthem before games two weeks ago, calling any player who kneeled (like Colin Kaepernick) a "son of a bitch." The NFL responded last Sunday with more players kneeling, locking arms and otherwise demonstrating during the anthem. This practice has also extended to other sports.
