Bombs Bursting In Air

Talk about a slow news day.

I can't believe the asinine commentary being slung around town regarding a photo of a Cal State Bakersfield player during the national anthem.

Nikki, I hope you're not taking this too seriously.

I'm not going to rehash the entire debate up to this point, but some self-absorbed types are slinging mud at a CSUB women's basketball player, who they believe was observing the playing of the National Anthem inappropriately.

Hands behind the back and not over the heart.

Anyone who's ever played organized sports knows the athlete's pose all too well.

Hands clasped behind the back, facing the flag, chin up.

I've done it before, while singing along, never thinking for one moment that it was showing disrespect.

Now, I put my hand over my heart. (Any Condors fan who's ever looked at the booth during a game I'm working can attest to that.)

Nikki did nothing wrong and the torment that she's probably been put through is shameful.

Anyone remember Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf?

The former Denver Nugget who converted to Islam and refused to stand or face the flag during the Anthem back in March 1996?

He took a beating for it and was even suspended for one game while the league worked out a compromise.

For those of you who've lashed out in the paper and blogs, get a life.

To the paper, give it a rest.

*Although they did add a nice photo of Bill Thomas to keep the debate going.