Introduction
A viral claim has been circulating online stating that Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin ejected two players from the team for kneeling during the flag salute. Given the ongoing debates surrounding protests in professional sports, this headline has sparked controversy. But is there any truth to it? Let’s examine the facts.
The History of Kneeling Protests in the NFL
Since Colin Kaepernick first kneeled during the national anthem in 2016 to protest racial injustice and police brutality, the issue of player protests has remained a divisive topic in the NFL. Some fans and team owners have opposed these demonstrations, while others support players’ rights to express their views.
Mike Tomlin, who has coached the Steelers since 2007, has managed his team through past national anthem controversies. In 2017, the Steelers made headlines when they chose to stay in the locker room during the anthem before a game against the Chicago Bears. Tomlin stated at the time that he wanted his team to remain unified and avoid distractions.
Did Tomlin Really Eject Players for Kneeling?
There is no credible evidence that Mike Tomlin ejected or disciplined any Steelers players for kneeling during the national anthem or flag salute.
- No reputable sports news outlets, including ESPN, NFL.com, or major Pittsburgh media, have reported such an incident.
- The Steelers organization has not made any official statements regarding player ejections for anthem protests.
- Mike Tomlin has consistently emphasized team unity and respect for players’ personal beliefs, making it highly unlikely that he would take such a drastic action.
This claim appears to be part of a misinformation campaign designed to stir controversy around the ongoing debate over player protests.
Why Misinformation About the NFL Spreads
False or misleading stories involving professional sports and political issues tend to spread quickly online for several reasons:
- Political Polarization – The national anthem protests remain a hot-button issue, making any related claims highly shareable.
- Clickbait Sensationalism – Websites often fabricate or exaggerate stories to generate engagement, even if the claims are false.
- Past Controversies Taken Out of Context – Tomlin and the Steelers have been involved in national anthem discussions before, leading some to believe misleading headlines.
Tomlin’s Real Stance on Player Protests
Tomlin has maintained a balanced and diplomatic approach to protests. While he has urged his team to focus on football, he has also defended players’ rights to express themselves.
In 2020, amid nationwide protests for racial justice, Tomlin openly supported the NFL’s decision to allow players to peacefully protest, stating:
“We’re going to support our players however they choose to participate and express themselves, or to not participate.”
Conclusion
The claim that Mike Tomlin ejected two Steelers players for kneeling during the flag salute is false. There is no factual basis for this story, and it appears to be yet another instance of misinformation targeting professional athletes and their right to protest.
Before sharing or believing sensational headlines, always check credible sources like official NFL reports, team statements, and trusted news outlets. In today’s digital age, fact-checking is more important than ever.
