"As long as the politicization of what is essentially entertainment continues..."

The defense department payed the NFL millions to salute the troops as a recruitment tool for years. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/defense-department-under-scrutiny-paid-patriotism-marketing-contracts-sports-teams/ That is politicization of the game.

The military flat out lied about Pat Tillman https://theintercept.com/2017/09/28/pat-tillman-nfl-protest-death-army-disgrace/ that is politicizing the game.

In fact, playing the anthem at all is politicizing the game. 

The game is already politicized so why then is it wrong for predominantly black players to take a political stand as well. Why can't they demand that our nations live up to the ideals the flag represents, liberty and justice for ALL. Working to better ones country is true patriotism. Standing for the anthem takes little effort. Demanding everyone stand for the anthem is mindless nationalism and does nothing to better the country we love.