State Senator Paul Bailey (R-Sparta) today (Tuesday, September 26, 2017) responded to numerous media inquiries regarding his social media posts expressing disappointment and opposition to numerous NFL football players’ #TakeAKnee protests. Over the weekend, Senator Bailey posted on both Twitter and Facebook his disappointment in opposition to players not taking the field and standing for our National Anthem prior to kickoff. Bailey posted on Facebook, “I will not lend support for those who would disrespect America, by refusing to pause and stand in honor of our National Anthem.”

Sen. Bailey said today he would make good on his promise to leave his premium season ticket seats empty, saying, “I won’t witness the hijacking of pre-game ceremonies that disrespect our flag and challenge the honor of any of the men or women who have sacrificed to preserve our freedoms to enjoy these leisure-time activities.”

For the remainder of the season, Senator Bailey said, he will leave his five 50-yard line seats vacant and donate an amount equal to the tickets value, split between two worthy organizations. The two organizations are C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors), an organization which provides assistance to the families of fallen law enforcement officers, and the Upper Cumberland Honor Guard, which provides a proper military burial for veterans.

Senator Bailey added, “My donation to these two organizations is meant to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our communities, as well as veterans no longer among us to stand in respect to our flag. I encourage others to do the same.”

Senator Bailey said his actions are not done in his role as an elected official, but as a Titan fan and season ticket holder.

“As Americans, we respect everyone’s right to protest, but dissent is a two-way street. My actions are to voice displeasure and disappointment at the current NFL teams’ behavior, which I believe disrespects those who have sacrificed their lives for our country, as well as law enforcement officers killed in their sworn duty to protect and serve our communities,” he continued.

Bailey concluded by encouraging all Titan fans to remember the words of the NFL commissioner Elmer Layden who introduced the National Anthem to pre-game activities during the turmoil and sacrifice of World War II, “The playing of the National Anthem should be as much a part of every game as the kickoff. We must not drop it simply because the war is over. We should never forget what it stands for.”