While Tony La Russa respects Gabe Kapler, he said he disagrees with his decision to protest the national anthem.
Last Friday, San Francisco Giants coach Gabe Kapler announced that he would no longer take the field for the national anthem until he feels better about the country. His decision stems from the tragedy that occurred in Ovaldi, Texas where 19 students at Robb Elementary School and two teachers were killed by an 18-year-old with an AR-15 rifle.
Before the team’s game against the Cubs, Chicago White Sox coach Tony La Russa said that while he respects Kapler and agrees with his stance on gun violence, he disagrees with his decision to protest the national anthem.
You can listen to La Russa’s comments below, courtesy of Daryl Van Schouwen of Chicago Sun Times.
Tony La Russa disagrees with Gaby Kapler’s decision to protest the national anthem
La Russa says that his objections to Kapler’s protest against Anthem relate to soldiers and military personnel.
Kapler wrote a message on his lifestyle and fitness website, CaplifestyleAnd the Discuss the tragedy that occurred in Ovaldi and talk about what his father taught him as a child.
“When I was about the same age as the Ovalde children,” Kapler wrote, “my father taught me to defend allegiance when I thought my country represented its people well or to protest and stay seated when it didn’t.” “I don’t think he represents us well now.”
Before the San Francisco game against the Cincinnati Reds, Kapler made clear his decision as to why he didn’t take to the field for the national anthem.
“I don’t plan on going out for the national anthem from now on until I feel better about our country,” Kapler said. “This is going to be the step. I don’t expect it to necessarily move the needle, it’s just something that I feel strong enough to take that step.”
Kapler decided not to participate in the national anthem due to the senseless acts of violence that took place in Ovaldi and resulted in the death of 21 innocent people. La Russa, while respectful of Kapler, disagrees with this decision.
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