Poll Finds That National Anthem Protests Are the Main Reason Why NFL Ratings Are Down
National anthem protests are apparently the leading factor for the National Football League’s plummeting television ratings this season, according to a new poll.
With viewership down by approximately 12 per cent this season, a poll conducted by Seton Hall shows 56 per cent of football fans voted yes when asked if players not standing for the anthem is one of the contributing factors accounting for the drop.
Distraction from the presidential campaign and controversy over the handling of domestic violence cases among players were also were also cited as top factors for the decline in the NFL’s viewership through the first five weeks, findings showed.
‘It is somewhat remarkable that the impact of the national anthem protest seems to hold, given that the action occurs pregame and isn’t even televised,’ Rick Gentile, director of the poll said.
Protests during the national anthem have been a hot-button issue in recent months, starting with the decision by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick to not stand for its playing.
Kaepernick has cited racial injustice and police brutality among the reasons for his protest, and many athletes from other sports have since followed his lead in various ways, including linking arms during the anthem.
The poll, conducted October 24-26, surveyed 841 adults across the US, asking each participant to identify seven different factors as a reason accounting for the decline in ratings.
Weighing in on each of the factors, respondents were allowed to answer ‘yes’, ‘no’ or ‘I don’t know’, with national anthem protests receiving the most yes responses.
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