Kate Upton "Not standing up to the national anthem is disgraceful"

Besides pumpkin-spiced everything and cooler weather, there's another sign that fall is on the way. Sunday night football is officially back in action. And this week, NFL games happened to coincide with the 15-year anniversary of 9/11. During the Miami Dolphins game, several players chose to kneel during the "Star-Spangled Banner." While this gesture was part of an ongoing protest of the country's current racial injustice — and not a statement about the tragedies of Sept. 11 — some viewed the timing as offensive. For example, model Kate Upton responded to the National Anthem protests by voicing her disappointment and calling the move a "disgrace." In turn, Upton upset many people who made their feelings known on social media, saying that the 24-year-old was totally missing the point of the protests.


Not only did Upton tweet about the NFL players, but she also further elaborated on Instagram. Here's an excerpt from Upton's Instagram caption:

In my opinion, the national anthem is a symbolic song about our country. It represents honoring the many brave men and women who sacrifice and have sacrificed their lives each and every single day to protect our freedom. Sitting or kneeling down during the national anthem is a disgrace to those people who have served and currently serve our country. Sitting down during the national anthem on September 11th is even more horrific.

She continued the lengthy post by explaining that people can "protest all they want and use social media all they want," but during this song, she expects them to stand and put their hand over their heart. She added, "After the song is over, I would encourage everyone to please use the podium they have, stand up for their beliefs, and make America a better place." However, you could argue that the last part seemingly contradicts itself — because for these players, their podium is the football field.

I would 'stand up' to her all day long..

She can think, and say, what she likes thanks to the exact same rules that let him think and say exactly what he likes. Can't have it both ways, love.

I'm fairly sure she isn't trying to ban people from not being able to stand for the anthem, so I really don't see the point you're trying to make.

I would encourage everyone to please use the podium they have

The point is she's getting all upset and suggesting he shouldn't do it.

But the same rules that say she's allowed to say that defend his right to say what he's saying.

It's the typical American inability to detect irony.

In my opinion, the national anthem is a symbolic song about our country.

The men and women who fight for their country do so to protect the rights of its citizens; not standing to the national anthem is one of those rights. Personally I agree that its disrespectful but respect their right to protest.

This is a very new phenomenon. There has been a long tradition of celebrities, sportsmen and women and politicians who don't know the words to our national anthem. But as for a mark of our identity and to the brave soles who lost their lives in numerous pointless battles in our history - are you sure?

"God save our gracious Queen..." So basically, we are singing about a fictitious entity saving a German woman who has been made head of our country simply because of her parents? And we are supposed to be proud of that fact?

There is nothing un-nationalistic about not standing behind our anthem. If anything, those who protest or ignore it are simply exercising their democratic right to do so. If you want to live in a country where everyone stands to the anthem or gets shot for disobedience, go and live in North Korea.

The only time I put my hand on my heart is when I'm having palpitations. I have a son in the Armed Forces. He goes ballistic at me when I won't stand up.