On Monday, ESPN suspended Jemele Hill for two weeks for what they called “a second violation of our social media guidelines.”
ESPN’s Statement on Jemele Hill: pic.twitter.com/JkVoBVz7lv
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) October 9, 2017
While no further explanation was provided, it’s pretty clear, ESPN was protecting business interest. Jemele responded to tweets suggesting Dallas Cowboys players would be sellouts, if they didn’t kneel for the national anthem after after owner Jerry Jones said he would bench any Dallas players who protested the anthem.
Jemele presented an alternative, she said as fans, they could support the players by voting with their dollars and support.
Don’t ask Dak, Dez & other Cowboys players to protest. A more powerful statement is if you stop watching and buying their merchandise.
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) October 9, 2017
Or, how about not patronizing the advertisers who support the Cowboys? You can watch and do that, right? https://t.co/duPNqxFta7
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) October 9, 2017
This play always work. Change happens when advertisers are impacted. If you feel strongly about JJ’s statement, boycott his advertisers. https://t.co/LFXJ9YQe74
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) October 9, 2017
Clearly the NFL and it’s sponsors are also ESPN’s bread and butter. The suspension comes after Hill was in the headlines in September for referring to Donald Trump as a “white supremacist” on Twitter, while listing his actions since he has taken office.
At 3AM on the west coast, Trump took to Twitter to take a shot at Hill and mention ESPN’s ratings:
With Jemele Hill at the mike, it is no wonder ESPN ratings have “tanked,” in fact, tanked so badly it is the talk of the industry!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 10, 2017
He also had another shot at the NFL
Why is the NFL getting massive tax breaks while at the same time disrespecting our Anthem, Flag and Country? Change tax law!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 10, 2017
But not everyone in the NFL is on Trump’s very bad list. On Monday Trump had a lot of praise for Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones
A big salute to Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, who will BENCH players who disrespect our Flag.”Stand for Anthem or sit for game!”
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 10, 2017
Jemele has received tons of support online from fans, journalists, celebs and public figures. Head to page 2 to check that out.
A big salute to Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, who will BENCH players who disrespect our Flag.”Stand for Anthem or sit for game!”
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 10, 2017
jemele plays middle linebacker?https://t.co/mjF7QZbkhi
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) October 10, 2017
Odd. Talk of the industry on this end is Puerto Rico, Russia, DACA, healthcare, gun control, immigration, racial injustice…and it’s ‘mic.’ https://t.co/T89G324B0U
— Michelle Beadle (@MichelleDBeadle) October 10, 2017
Shouldn’t a dude, ya know pass 1 item on his agenda, before pointing out the ‘failings’ of anyone else? Deflection: So hot right now.
— Michelle Beadle (@MichelleDBeadle) October 10, 2017
Also a lot of talk around presidential ratings. 32%: Down in every state. Sad! https://t.co/T89G324B0U
— Michelle Beadle (@MichelleDBeadle) October 10, 2017
Stop attacking our colleague Jemele Hill, any other journalists or media entities. We are doing our work. https://t.co/AygiHLUX0y
— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) October 10, 2017
Should frighten every American when POTUS targets an individual employee, of private company, for any reason, especially political activity. pic.twitter.com/L5DSJIzNSo
— David Rothschild (@DavMicRot) October 10, 2017
This is about what the kneeling started with, to protest the unbalanced treatment of black people by certain members of law enforcement https://t.co/PuqYPMm2yn
— Jill Munroe (@StilettoJill) October 9, 2017
???????? or BECAUSE she’s… wait for it…. GOOD at what she does. If you don’t watch, how would you know what she contributes https://t.co/UpwmLM2kwV
— Jill Munroe (@StilettoJill) October 9, 2017
Jemele Hill was basically suspended for being Black and thoughtful while at ESPN. Her suspension is completely outrageous.
— Shaun King (@ShaunKing) October 9, 2017
read @jemelehill tweets. still confused as to why they are grounds for suspension. where’s the lie? #iStandwithJemele #IStandWithKap #noNFL
— Gina PrinceBythewood (@GPBmadeit) October 9, 2017
Jemele’s “The Six” co-host Michael Smith sat out Monday’s show but is expected to return Tuesday evening.
