Football Announcer Suggests Taking 'A Few Shots' At National Anthem Protestors

At the moment, the United States is divided between those who think sitting for the National Anthem is a deplorable offense and those who think Colin Kaepernick has started one of the most meaningful movements since the Civil Rights era.

No matter which side of the fence you find yourself on in this debate, I think we can all agree that violence isn't the answer.

Last Friday, the stadium announcer at a Alabama high school football game suggested that anyone who sits for the National Anthem should be shot. To make matters worse, the PA announcer, Allen Joyner, is reportedly a pastor at Sweet Home Baptist Church in McKenzie, Alabama.

I'm not the most religious person in the world, but shouldn't a pastor be preaching about peace during these trying times?

According to The Washington Post, Joyner said,

If you don't want to stand for the national anthem, you can line up over there by the fence and let our military personnel take a few shots at you since they're taking shots for you.

Joyner's dangerous words were reportedly published in a Facebook post — which has since been deleted — by Denise Crowley-Whitfield:

Before Crowley-Whitfield's post was taken down, it was shared more than 4,000 times on Facebook.

The Butler County school district has reportedly admonished Joyner's comments, with superintendent Amy Bryan reportedly saying via email,

Patriotism should be a part of school events but threats of shooting people who aren't patriotic, even in jest, have no place at a school. Threats of violence are a violation of school policy and certainly not condoned by the school board.

In another Facebook post, which has since been deleted, Allen Joyner's church, Sweet Home Baptist Church, showed support for their pastor:

We can have a conscience conversation in this country without turning to violence. I know it's possible.

Citations: Alabama prep football announcer suggests shooting people who don't stand for the national anthem (The Washington Post)