a respectful, "unified black men" exchange wouldn't mean a goddamned thing, NOW, at least. they got what they wanted from the players coalition, so they ultimately give two shits about this.

perhaps had this unity been exemplified during the ACTUAL meetings with the owners, things would have advanced further. one doesn't need to be a professional negotiator to realize that deal was shitty as fuck and they capitulated way too damn quick. them owners had one goal only: how to get them to stop kneeling, rather than how do we address their motivation FOR kneeling.

strong emotions motivate actions that impact change. A misstep doesn't doom you forever, especially with those that are sincerely supporting the cause. Those that were against weren't going to change their mind anyway at this point.

Malcolm is a politician and says all the right things, publicly. I am leery of his private/true actions.

And honestly, only people who paid close enough attention to the protest are really understanding or appreciating the backstory. It's a violent fucking sport, jawing beforehand from time to time will always be part of the game.