Louisiana Restaurant Protests Saints Decision To Kneel, Doesn't Show Game

A chicken wing restaurant in Louisiana chose not to show the New Orleans Saints football game on their televisions after the team's players decided to kneel. WOW Café & Wingery of St. Bernard announced via their Facebook page that the wings establishment would not be airing the Saints' game against the Panthers.

Although WOW Café & Wingery advertises on its Facebook page that it is "the primetime power packed, perfect place to enjoy every yard this season," the management chose not to air the widely viewed NFL game as they did not support the Saints players' decision to kneel during the national anthem.

https://www.facebook.com/wowcafeofstbernard/posts/2053306631349923

"I apologize to all of our guests but we will not be viewing the Saints game today in house," they wrote on their Facebook page. "Some of our local players chose to sit during the National Anthem, which will not be supported or praised at WOW. Again, we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Thank you."

The decision was respected and celebrated by many of the Chalmette area restaurant's diners and almost 3,400 Facebook fans. Messages of support came pouring in from customers.

"Thank you for standing up for what is right," wrote Facebook user Bruce Fitzgerald. "There is a difference between protesting and disrespect."

"Proud of you for taking a stand and not showing the Saints game after players took a knee," posted Elaine Whiteside. "They are a disgrace! I'll be sure to come to your cafe when I visit your town. Thank you for standing for your country!"

However, others took umbrage with the decision.

"These guys aren't protesting the flag, They're protesting inequality, in a nonviolent, exercise of their Constitutional rights. It's a shame that you think a forced display of "patriotism" is desirable — that is so un-American," wrote commenter Maggie Corchnoy.

Brook Songy Anastasiadis, owner of the WOW Café and Wingery, elaborated as to why she chose not to air the game in an official statement.

"I stand behind my decision and I want to make this clear, the sole reason that I didn't air the game is because I feel the players disrespected the National Anthem and that is something I hold dear to my heart. That's how I was raised, I have family members who served our great country in the military and I was taught to respect the National Anthem, the flag, the military and people in general," she said.