“Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything.”

Written By Marcus Antonio Belgrove
 Updated 3:20 PM PST, Feb. 14, 2019
 www.uluvmystyle.com 

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​Nothing rings truer than the sacrificing of careers by two men who never met. Both sides are dug in on opposing factions of society. On a very controversial topic. Racial inequality, Police Brutality and the American Flag the NFL players who support social justice reforms. Most people have heard of former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick by now.
Meanwhile Kap, is rising like a Phoenix from the ashes! But a 64-year-old business owner, Stephen Martin, owner of Prime Time Sports in Colorado Springs, has a “principle” he is just not willing to bend a knee on! 

​Not now, and not ever! Even if it costs him his store, money and laying off his employees. Forget all of that it’s about the FLAG and standing in pledge of allegiance. You know that red, white and blue banner we conquer and unit behind, but has no feelings or soul. You know how people will kill, fight, and lose money over what that banner truly represents: The Future of this Country!
 
Instead of learning about the cause that Kap was for, or tolerance and compassion, Stephen owner of Prime Time Sports, has to now close up shop! Talk about one Hell of a self inflicted wound! His wife has to be pissed!!! Then has a complete bitch fit after seeing the Nike commercial starring Kap and then does the unthinkable. He decided to eliminate his entire Nike inventory worth $320,000 at 40% off or more. That hate for Nike and Kap, ended up depleating his bank account and ruined his business. 

Blacklisted

​Many of you may remember and know of Kap, the former NFL quarterback who has been out of the league for years after publically protesting police violence on the sidelines of games during the national anthem. It didn’t end there he was blacklisted and locked out the NFL back in 2017 by owners of the NFL.
 
He sacrificed his entire career and livelihood, to express to the world that “Black Lives Matter” by kneeling during the National Anthem at every game. This is at a time when multiple unarmed black people across the country were being killed almost daily by mostly white police officers. 

​He stance created such a racial uproar in America, reaching all the way to the White House, having the President weigh in in strong opposition. Demanding by tweet for the firing of all players who do not stand for the anthem. 

Hate is Really Costly

Leave it to Martin, and he says this is not about race but respect for the American flag so many American veterans died for. “There is social injustice in the criminal justice system,” Martin said. “Oh my God, Trayvon [Martin], Rodney King. These things are documented and filmed.” He just cant identify with Kap. Martins problems all began when he decided to take a stand. When he saw Football players kneeling.
 

 Closing Shop

​He set up an autograph signing in his modest store for $40 a pop to meet and greet with Super bowl winner with Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall. After seeing Marshall kneel with players Martin was fuming and canceled the signing losing out on the 10,000 he paid. "That part of the military respect that's in me just cannot be sacrificed or compromised, as I believe Brandon Marshall and Colin Kaepernick both did. I don't like losing a business over it, but I rather be able to live with myself," said Martin.
 
He started a grassroots opposition to Nike that never went beyond his store and the 4,000 photographs of active duty members of the military or veterans. He placed them all in the window to show military families, from Facebook he asked to send, in support of the flag.
They did along with small donations that have kept him afloat. It just wasn’t enough! When Kap was honored by Nike and mad the commercial released, Marshall went ape shit! He sent his small staff home and took down all the Nike posters. He then hung hand made signs from construction paper and wrote 40% off all NIKE.

Stephen Martin, owner of Prime Time Sports in Colorado Springs, Co. Pictured standing in front of a wall of 4,000 photos of US veterans sent to his store in solidarity with the US flag.

Really Bro?

​What he didn’t realize was that Nike was the majority of his inventory, and his customers preferred it despite the political fall out. Nike is known for making apparel for most of the pro and college sports teams. The brand has exclusive contracts with the NFL and NBA. "Being a sports store without Nike is kind of like being a milk store without milk or a gas station without gas. How do you do it? They have a monopoly on jerseys," said Martin. "As much as I hate to admit this, perhaps there are more Brandon Marshall and Colin Kaepernick supporters out there than I realized,"

​Now like Kap, he losing everything to stand for what he believes in the respect of the Flag. He is heading into retirement but still owes 5 years on his lease and 60k in back. His is also in the process of being evicted as of Feb. 07, 2019, from his store. You would think he would get it after losing so much but he said: "I didn't give in to big Nike and big dollars. I didn't give in. I did it my way!”
 
It’s not always a happy ending in social justice reform. These men sacrificed for their careers for principle. One man is standing in the past, and the other kneeling for the future generations, to rise and stand! Which are you? Comment below to move this discussion forward for the next generation.