Sorry, I was not trying to make it about me. I live in a St. Louis, where we have seen two protests in just over 18 months because of Police brutality/incidents. These protests turned from peaceful to violent or destructive. Shutting down people from shopping because "No Justice No Profits" or trying to shut down interstates and highways.

As for Branding and punishment lawyers are now stepping in and trying to stop punishment from employers as well. Will the employers protest that? No. They will make change where they can, by laws.

What I am saying is if you are passionate to take a knee as the TV is on you, then use that to enact other changes. Help secure funding for the "bad areas" that these shootings are happening in. Maybe help lobby for more strict gun control. Even go dicuss/talk with people about your experiences and how you overcame those difficulties.

They are athletes being paid to play great games for a career. They may have come up in bad environments, but I would bet many are not there now. Taking a knee in silent protest doesn't help those who need it, it brings attention to themselves.