Miscellaneous moments in football and national anthem history, a thread. In 1936, this gentleman wanted severe reprimands for college football players who did not pause their game when flag-raising ceremonies were conducted at the same time as the opening kick-off 
In 1948 a columnist in the Los Angeles Times lamented the increasing tendency to play the anthem before sporting events. It cheapened true patriotism, he said, plus it led to "atrocious" musical performances
In 1954, a Pittsburgh man attending an NFL game was arrested for refusing to remove his hat during the playing of the national anthem (he was later acquitted). Here's how the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette presented the story:
In 1957, a white high school in Mississippi decided to protest federal laws and court decisions related to desegregation by playing "Dixie" instead of the national anthem before games
Adding to the thread 👇
In 1973, a newspaper columnist in Florida experienced the wrath of his readers after he defended Redskins running back Duane Thomas's right to turn his back during the national anthem
After the 1997 Super Bowl, a New Jersey man wrote to his newspaper to complain about Luther Vandross's apparently disrespectful rendition and also the players who did not follow flag code Title 36, U.S.C. Chapter 10, as amended, etc.
Really, though, for historical context on the national anthem, politics, and protest in sports, go to the experts. Four recommendations: @bassab1 amazon.com/Not-Triumph-Bu…
Rec #2: @loumoore12's twitter account and also this book amazon.com/We-Will-Win-Da…
Rec #3: @JesseBerrett's brand new book amazon.com/Pigskin-Nation…
And rec #4, @hbryant42's must-read new book amazon.com/Heritage-Athle…
bonus rec: @mirarose88's forthcoming book, whenever it is released. In the meantime, you can read this: thenation.com/article/uncove…
Finally, not really a recommendation just self-promotion, here’s my contribution to the conversation
