The NFL has lost Vin Scully.
The Los Angeles Dodgers' Hall of Fame former broadcaster told an audience who joined him Saturday night for "An Evening with Vin Scully" at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium that players' demonstrations during the national anthem have soured him on the sport to the point where "I will never watch another NFL game."
"I have only one personal thought, really. And I am so disappointed," the 89-year-old Scully, who retired last year, said in answer to a question about how NFL owners, players and Commissioner Roger Goodell are trying to work up a solution to the demonstrations that have been a national lightning rod for debate and hurt the NFL's product. "I used to love, during the fall and winter, to watch the NFL on Sunday. And it's not that I'm some great patriot. I was in the Navy for a year, didn't go anywhere, didn't do anything. But I have overwhelming respect and admiration for anyone who puts on a uniform and goes to war. So the only thing I can do in my little way is not to preach.
"I will never watch another NFL game."
Starting with Colin Kaepernick in the summer of 2016, NFL players earlier this season took a knee, locked arms or remained off the field as a way to raise awareness of social injustice and police brutality. Their message became misdirected as targeting the military and President Donald Trump weighed in, calling for any "son of a bitch" who kneels to be fired. The matter was further compounded late last month when Houston Texans owner Bob McNair referred to players as "inmates running the prison."