At least one 49ers player seems to be taking issue with ESPN analyst Trent Dilfers assertion that Colin Kaepernicks anthem stance has been bad for his team.
Wrote outside linebacker Eli Harold on his Twitter account on Sunday: Trent Dilfer you are an idiot You really just (expletive) me off.
Before Sundays slate of games, Dilfer said on Sunday NFL Countdown that Kaepernicks job as backup quarterback is to be quiet and sit in the shadows and get the starter ready to play Week 1.
Yet he chose a time where all of a sudden he became the center of attention, Dilfer said. And it has disrupted that organization. It has caused friction. And its torn at the fabric of the team.
Dilfer is a former 49ers quarterback who lives in the Bay Area and who is close friends with general manager Trent Baalke.
Kaepernick, however, was not the backup when he began refusing to stand for the national anthem in mid August. He was battling Blaine Gabbert for the starting job, although Kaepernick was injured at the time.
Whats more, although there have been plenty of assertions that Kaepernicks stance he says he cant honor a country that oppresses some of its citizens would cause a rift in the locker room, theres no evidence that has occurred.
A number of players have said that the team has grown tighter because of the issue. Chip Kelly, meanwhile, has said several times that it has not impacted how the team practices or prepares.
It is a very thoughtful group and I am proud of them, Kelly said Sept. 1. I am really proud of how theyve handled things, and if my job is to hand it off to them and let them handle it, I think they have done a really good job of that.
Meanwhile, more NFL players joined Kaepernicks protest Sunday. Four Dolphins, including veteran running back Arian Foster, took a knee during their teams anthem ceremony. Seahawks and Chiefs players stood with locked arms. One Chiefs player, cornerback Marcus Peters, stood with a raised fist, a stance made famous by sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos during the 1968 Olympics.
Kaepernick and safety Eric Reid plan to kneel during Mondays anthem. Both have said they dont know if other players will join them.
NFL: Carolina Panthers at Denver Broncos Thomson Reuters
NEW YORK (Reuters) - This opening games of the new National Football League season are expected to be marked by peaceful demonstrations during the US national anthem on Sunday by players trying to draw attention to racial disparities in the country"s justice system.
San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback Colin Kaepernick began the protests when he refused to stand for "The Star-Spangled Banner" during preseason games, at first choosing to sit on the bench and then later kneeling on one knee in a gesture that has divided fans.
Other players have followed suit, most recently Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall ahead of Thursday"s season opening win against the Carolina Panthers.
The players have been praised as high-profile allies of the Black Lives Matter movement, which grew as a response to a spate of police officers in cities around the country killing unarmed black men. About two-thirds of NFL players are black.
The protests have also provoked anger in some fans who see the gesture as disrespecting the US flag and the country in general.
Sunday"s 13 games coincide with the 15th anniversary of the attacks by al Qaeda hijackers that brought down the two largest towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. The league will play videotaped messages from President Barack Obama and his predecessor, George W. Bush, before each game, and a 9/11 decal will be placed on players" helmets, the league said.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. AP Photo/Ben Margot
The Seattle Seahawks have said they have decided as a team to stand and interlock their arms during the anthem on Sunday.
"Progress can and will be made only if we stand together," Doug Baldwin, a Seahawks wide receiver, said in a video he posted online announcing the team"s decision.
Kaepernick"s 49ers play their opening game against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday evening. Obama has defended Kaepernick, saying this week the player is exercising a constitutional right and provoking conversation "around some topics that need to be talked about."
Cam Newton Beats Tom Brady, Patriots vs. Panthers (Week 11, 2013 - FULL GAME) | NFL
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Some NFL ticket prices might be as low as $30 to $40, but the total cost of attending a game can be much higher. In fact, a recent GOBankingRates.com study found that the average total cost including stadium food and parking for two people to attend a home game is nearly $200. Of course, those costs are much higher if you attend NFL games at certain stadiums, such as the San Francisco 49ers" Levi"s Stadium and the Dallas Cowboys" AT&T Stadium.
For the typical family, the only way to attend an NFL game without breaking the budget is by taking small steps to save money along the way. From tips on how to find cheap NFL tickets to secrets to scoring NFL jerseys for less, click through to find out how you can stay in budget this football season.
1. Wait Until Just Before the Game to Buy NFL Tickets
Some NFL games are cheaper to attend than others but what if your favorite team is one of the most expensive? Luckily, you can find affordable tickets if you buy at the right time.
There is a common misconception that all NFL ticket prices rise as the game draws nearer. But according to event ticket search engine SeatGeek, it"s actually better to make a purchase just a few days before the game. In 2015, for example, the average Bears ticket cost $249 three weeks before game day on the resale market. But three days before the game, that price dropped 22 percent to $195.
Just keep in mind, however, that the longer you wait, the fewer ticket options you"ll have to choose from.
2. Consider Buying Directly From the NFL Team
If football teams experience a drop in attendance and the number of season ticket holders, they might start offering variable pricing to attract fans, reports The Street. If that"s the case, you might be able to nab cheap NFL tickets by buying directly from the team. However, always compare ticket prices among sellers before you buy.
Find Out: 7 Ways Football Season is Making America Poor
3. Opt for Sports Bar Shuttle Service
When it comes to parking at NFL stadiums, the league average is $31.21. But if you"re attending a football game at the Dallas Cowboys stadium, parking is as high as $75, according to the 2015 Team Marketing Report.
Luckily, you might be able to take advantage of a free shuttle service from a bar near the stadium. In Dallas, for example, J. Gilligan"s Bar & Grill feels the pain of overcharged Cowboys fans and offers a free ride from the bar to the stadium.
4. Drive Almost All the Way to the Game
Another way to beat the NFL parking costs: Drive as close to the stadium as you can get, find a free or cheap parking space and then book an Uber or a similar ride-hailing service to take you to the game.
Of course, this strategy might not always work, especially if the ride-hailing rates are high. But plan well in advance and you might end up saving some serious cash.
5. Take a Road Trip and Attend an Away Game
If you live in an expensive NFL market, it might be worth it to wait until your team plays a regional team offering cheaper NFL tickets.
For example, the cost of a New York Giants game at MetLife stadium could be more than $100, but somehow you find tickets to a Philadelphia Eagles game at Lincoln Financial Field for less than half the price and they"re playing the Giants. You could get more value for your money by taking a road trip to see the Giants play away from home.
6. Wait Until an Unpopular NFL Team Is in Town
You"ll most likely pay more to see your team play winning franchises or teams with huge fan followings. That"s because demand for those tickets will be high, which translates to higher ticket prices. If you don"t care which team your favorite team is playing, consider going to a game that you know will be in less demand.
7. Beware of Stadium Food Eat Before the Game
Stadium food can be expensive, especially if you"re taking the whole family. According to the Team Marketing Report, the average price of a soft drink is $4.79 and a hot dog is $5.29. If you have to feed four people, the total price comes out to more than $40. That price might not seem so bad, but throw in a couple of beers for the adults and snacks for the kids, and it can quickly skyrocket.
To save money at the game, eat before you go. By walking into the stadium with a full stomach, you can resist the urge to splurge on stadium food.
8. Bring Your Own Snacks to the Game
Many stadiums don"t prohibit sealed bottled water and snacks, as long as they"re in a bag that meets the league standard. The Cincinnati Bengals" Paul Brown Stadium, for example, allows unopened bottled water. And the Denver Broncos" Sports Authority Field at Mile High allows food items in a clear plastic bag.
9. Stay Sober
The average cost of a beer at an NFL game is $7.42, according to the Team Marketing Report. But it can be much higher in different cities. For example, it"s $10 at a San Francisco 49ers game and $10.75 at an Oakland Raiders game all the more reason to consider staying sober and perhaps volunteer to be the designated driver.
10. Opt for the Nosebleeds
At the time of writing, tickets to see the Eagles play the Browns in Philadelphia way up high in section 217 were going for $106 on SeatGeek. Meanwhile, tickets on the 50-yard line down in section 101 were around $250. If you care more about saving money than being up close, just buy the cheaper tickets.
11. Don"t Buy Autographed Collectibles at the Pro Shop
Autographed football memorabilia is one of the many collectibles that might pay off big down the line. Plus, they"re awesome keepsakes.
However, they"ll likely be more expensive at the pro shop. A white panel football autographed by Darrelle Revis, for example, goes for $229.99 at the Jets Pro Shop online. Meanwhile, the same autographed ball is on sale for around $184 at SportsMemorabilia.com.
12. Search Groupon for NFL Fan Gear
Before buying team swag at the game, go home, get online and check Groupon for the NFL online shop. At the time of writing, Groupon was offering 27 coupons for the NFL online store, including 10 percent off your first order and up to 70 percent off the NFL Outlet.
13. Become an Atlanta Falcons Fan
The Atlanta Falcons grabbed headlines earlier this year when the team announced dramatic price reductions on food and beverages at Mercedes-Benz Field. Hot dogs will cost just $2, 12-ounce domestic beers will be just $5, and nachos and pizza will go for only $3.
14. Buy Parking Passes Online
Here"s another way around sky-high parking costs: Book your spot online through sites like ParkWhiz. In 2013, ABC News reported finding deals as high as 70 percent off, as well as a $10 parking pass.
15. Chip In for NFL Season Tickets
You"ll likely experience significant cost savings if you opt for an NFL season pass instead of buying single-game tickets. Once you have a season pass, you can go to the games you want. And if you can"t make it to a game, you might be able to sell the tickets on a third-party site. You"ll need to read the fine print to be sure, but this method will save you money and make you money, as well.
16. Barter Services for Cheap NFL Tickets
Season ticket holders are often looking to get rid of tickets. For example, one Eagles fan on Craigslist who, for whatever reason, cannot attend any games is looking to offload NFL tickets.
When season ticket holders are in a tight pinch, they might be willing to barter the price of the ticket for a service. It doesn"t hurt to ask. Who knows you might able to score free or cheap NFL tickets this way.
17. Volunteer at the NFL Stadium
Some teams, like the Carolina Panthers, are calling for volunteers to assist with pre-game and halftime events that take place on the field. It"s unclear how much, if any, of the game volunteers will get to see, but they certainly get an up-close and personal experience that most fans would envy.
18. Join an NFL Fan Club
If you join your favorite team"s fan club, you might have access to some money-saving opportunities. The Green Bay Packers" adult fan club, for example, offers chances to win tickets to a home game, training camp sidelines passes and more. Plus, you can get discounts on regular-priced merchandise at pro shops.
19. Take Advantage of NFL Promotions and Giveaways
You might be able to offset the cost of seeing your favorite NFL team live by taking advantage of any deals, promotions or giveaways featured on the NFL team"s website. The Atlanta Falcons and Aaron"s, for example, are offering eight fans the chance to win two tickets to an upcoming home game.
20. Carpool to the Game
And last, use a service like Waze Carpool or team up with friends and carpool to the NFL game. You"ll save money on gas, tolls and, of course, parking.
Expectations for Seattle Seahawks and Russell Wilson Heading into 2016 | NFL Network
The Miami Dolphins cheerleaders perform during a preseason game against the Tennessee Titans at Hard Rock Stadium on September 1, 2016 in Miami Gardens, Florida.Photo: Getty Images
The NFL is back! And the road to Super Bowl LI (51, for the Roman numeral-challenged) begins here in Week 1. The Miami Dolphins hope to pull out the upset over the perennial playoff standout Seattle Seahawks. If you decide to watch this game, tune in early: Doug Baldwin of the Seahawks revealed his teams plans to interlock their arms in unity during the National Anthem. Will it be controversial? Well see!
WHAT TIME DOES THE MIAMI DOLPHINS VS. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS GAME START?
The Dolphins and Seahawks will kick off at 4:05 P.M. Eastern.
HOW DO I LIVE STREAM THE SEATTLE SEAHAWKS VS. MIAMI DOLPHINS GAME?
The Dolphins/Seahawks game is being broadcast on CBS. Unfortunately, this means options are limited. Due to current restrictions, NFL games broadcast on CBS are NOT shown on CBS All Access, CBSs streaming platform.
One possibility for fans is PlayStation Vue. Subscribers to their Access basic cable streaming service have access to CBS, though channel lineups vary by region.
Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks throws the ball against the Oakland Raiders in their preseason game at the Oakland Alameda County Coliseum on September 1, 2016 in Oakland, California.Photo: Getty ImagesCAN I STREAM VIA DIRECTV SUNDAY TICKET?
You can, but only if you live at an address at which DirecTV does NOT offer service (and only out-of-market games). Check your eligibility here.
WHAT ABOUT NFL GAME PASS?
NFL Game Pass shows games that have already concluded. If youre fine with on demand NON-live games, sign up for $99/year.
WHAT ABOUT TWITTER? I HEARD THEY WERE STREAMING THE NFL THIS YEAR.
Twitter is indeed streaming a number of games, but only Thursday night games, and not all of them.
REX Ronald O. Perelman Performing Arts Center at the World Trade Center
Before September 11, the World Trade Center was used often by film crews in New York
Before their tragic destruction in the September 11 attacks, the World Trade Center"s Twin Towers were among the most recognizable buildings in New York City, which also made them a frequent shooting spot for movies centered in the Big Apple. Here"s a look back at the WTC"s appearances in movies, as well as some of the most famous callbacks to the Twin Towers after they fell.
Top 10 Bears Plays of 2015 | #TopTenTuesdays | NFL
Former Chicago Bears kicker Robbie Gould was abruptly released by the team earlier this week, but despite the shock of his exit he still says he will have fond memories of his time with the team.
In a letter to fans that Gould posted to his website, he thanked Bears fans for their support and the team for giving him an opportunity to play in the NFL when his career began in earnest.
His letter reads:
As my time as a Chicago Bear has come to an end, I wanted to take a moment to write a letter to sincerely thank the entire city for the past eleven years of my career.
I arrived in Chicago in 2005, feeling both lucky and excited for the opportunity to fulfill my childhood dream of playing for a first-class NFL organization. I cannot thank The McCaskey Family enough for making the start of my dream come true.
I know I have not been perfect, so I thank you for supporting me during the ups and downs of my career. Thank you for cheering for us when we won, and thank you for your words of encouragement when we didnt. I have the most amazing job in the entire world, and you have made it easy for me to love every single minute of my time here.
It is my hope that the Chicago Bears bring home a Super Bowl win this year, each and every one of my teammates throughout my career has worked laboriously to bring home a Lombardi Trophy for you. For that reason, this town deserves it.
On a personal level, I have been incredibly fortunate during my journey here, from marrying my wife, to the birth of my two sons. Each and every day is a blessing here for us. Chicago will always be home.
Thank you, from the bottom of my familys heart, for the laughs, the tears, the experiences, and the memories. It has undoubtedly been some of the best years of our lives.
Once a Bear, Always a Bear,
Robbie, Lauren, Griffin, and Gavin.
Gould played for the Bears for 11 seasons, including their NFC Championship season in 2006. Over that time, he made 85.4 percent of his field goals, the 10th best percentage in NFL history, and scored a total of 1207 points, a Bears team record.
Published at 1:16 PM CDT on Sep 9, 2016
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US OPEN 2016 - Angelique Kerber d. Caroline Wozniacki - Post-Match INTERVIEW
Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Kerber bested Karolina Pliskova in three sets to win her first ever title at the US Open.
Angelique Kerber has won the US Open, downing Karolina Pliskova in the women"s finals on Saturday, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4. Kerber had already earned the world No. 1 ranking thanks to Serena Williams losing in the semifinals, but this will strengthen her case.
Pliskova was the woman who bested Williams, and she herself beat Kerber in the finals at Cincinnati prior to the US Open, so she still has to have plenty of confidence. It was her first ever Grand Slam final appearance and going forward, she has put the rest of the field on notice.
Not just by besting Williams, but by pushing Kerber to three sets and giving her a very tough go of it in the finals.
Kerber took the first set without issue, though it had a lot more to do with Pliskova"s sloppy play than anything. Pliskova hit a huge 17 unforced errors in the first set alone, while Kerber had just three of them. She also double faulted twice.
But Pliskova calmed down, found her groove and only committed 12 unforced errors in the second set. She also won on a massive 89 percent of her first serves, and converted the one break she needed to take the second set, 6-4.
In the third, Pliskova enjoyed her first lead of the match. After holding serve on the opening game, she had a double break opportunity and managed to earn the break on her second attempt. From there, she held her serve and took a 3-1 lead in the final set. But Kerber held her next serve, and she battled back to break Pliskova to tie things up and get the match back on serve.
Kerber held again, and then fought Pliskova to deuce. She managed to score the break and was suddenly threatening to win. She held brilliantly and ended up taking the match.
Kerber"s win at the US Open caps off a brilliant 2016 campaign. She won both the US Open and the Australian Open, and made it to the finals of Wimbledon on top of that. Her late career resurgence is a surprise to many, but she will have all the confidence in the world going forward.
Pliskova has now played in her first Grand Slam final -- now she needs to get back to one and win it.
