I was discussing sports with a lady who said she used to be a huge NFL fan, but the kneeling thing had lost her.

OK, I view that as an overreaction, but I fully understand it's deeply offensive to some people.

But then came the tell:

"They're all just thugs."

Unfortunately, the race of the players involved has a lot to do with the reaction. Too much to do with it. And President Dog Whistle fed it.

"They're all just thugs."

When I hear someone say this I immediately stop listening. Means the person speaking is completely uninformed. Most NFL players are anything but thugs.