I am kind of mixed on it.  I think that they chose the wrong place to protest, NOT because I don't think they should be able to protest, but because of what I said earlier.  The reason they are protesting has been lost in the rush to politicize it and the noise that is generated by politicizing it.  Too many on the right just see it as you do, disrespect for the nation and the flag, with no real thought as to why they are protesting, it is seen as disrespectful, so anything they have to say is dismissed.  Too many on the left just want to talk about free speech, without addressing the problems they are protesting.  Ultimately, for a protest to work, your message needs to come across clearly and theirs is being lost in the noise.

The fact that you at least stop what you are doing, is more than many do.  When I do see sports at bars or at a friend's house, too often, the anthem comes on and it is time to hit the bathroom, get another beer, or continue the chat before the game.