A new poll on the NFL by Los Angeles Times/SurveyMonkey demonstrates the culture war has taken a toll on and eroded support for the league, reports David Lauter of the L.A. Times.  About a third of those surveyed nationwide said their approval of the NFL has declined in the past five years. Only an eighth of respondents have more respect for the league now.

What happened five years ago? America — and cop-hating protests were in full force on National Football League playing fields and many angry fans stopped watching the games (evidenced by above photo of Colin Kaepernick, center, and teammates). Social justice warrior players pounded on the polarizing theme of America as the land of so-called “systemic racism”, and the NFL bought into that theme.

Lauter attributed two poll questions to the loss of approval, both dealing with how the NFL handled race issues which have arisen since then. Disapproving poll respondents believe the league is doing “too much to show respect for its black players.” This poll finding offers evidence that many Americans reject the NFL’s ongoing social justice activities, visible on playing fields, helmets, PSAs, Super Bowl pre-game features and NFL support for the “Inspire Change” initiative advocating for the defunding of police departments.