Many folks were outraged at the NFL owners' vote to fine players who kneel in protest during games. The vote, which was announced Wednesday, May 23, is a pure indication of racism.

Tanya Wallace-Govern, executive director of the National Black Worker Center Project, which advocates on behalf of and empowers black workers, released a statement Wednesday underlining the true reason behind the collective resistance to players' right to protest peacefully. It was none other than white supremacy.

Wallace-Gobern did not hold back calling out the irony in owners' choice to make kneeling about "respect," as the players are simply kneeling in opposition to the injustice black people frequently face in America.

"The NFL's decision to fine teams and blackball players who kneel during the national anthem is an obvious display of white supremacy and white privileged thinking," the statement read. "A player's kneeling has never been about patriotism. The irony is that while owners attempt to make kneeling about respect, the players are kneeling in opposition to the disrespect and oppression of black and communities of color."

"This is more proof that America is stuck in a destructive and divisive cycle of bold and blatant bigotry and racial hatred aimed at people of color," Wallace-Govern stated. "Here we have a majority, white-owned sports league that profits off the labor of majority black athletes."

Where is the lie?

Wallace-Gobern said the organization will be watching the NFL closely in the days to come as football season approaches.

She concluded, "The National Black Worker Center Project will continue to highlight the NFL's actions and the action of all U.S. institutions, corporations and businesses that offer egregious examples of racist workplace discrimination and illustrate what #WorkingWhileBlack means."

Kudos to the National Black Worker Center Project for stepping up and speaking out against such a destructive, divisive and discriminatory decision.

National Black Worker Center Project

Get relevant content delivered to you once a week