In response to the NFL’s anthem protest controversy, the league set an urgent and unprecedented meeting of players and owners in October which sought to abate the damage done by protests and boycotts. The issue at hand: Donald Trump’s tweets documenting his disgust with protesting players refusing to stand for the national anthem.
Despite an opening remark from Commissioner Roger Goodell in which he says, “Let’s make sure that we keep this confidential,” The New York Times recently obtained and authenticated three hours of audio covering the entire meeting. The recording documents a meeting in which exasperated players shared their frustrations about serving their owners’ business agendas. Further, owners with a history of supporting Donald Trump spoke candidly about the president’s desire to serve his own ends by unproductively weighing in and dividing the country.
As expected, Colin Kaepernick, who many feel has been blackballed from the league for early anthem protests, was a topic of conversation as well. Said Chris Long, a Philadelphia offensive lineman, “If he was on a roster right now, all this negativeness and divisiveness could be turned into a positive.”
Eric Reid, a former teammate of Kaepernick, attended the meeting wearing a pro-Kaepernick T-shirt over a dress shirt and tie, insisted to the owners in attendance that Kaepernick was being blackballed for his acts. “I feel like he was hung out to dry,” Reid stated. “Everyone in here is talking about how much they support us.” The room fell quiet. “Nobody stepped up and said we support Colin’s right to do this. We all let him become Public Enemy No. 1 in this country, and he still doesn’t have a job.”
Amid boycotts by sponsors and fans, the owners, too, were quick to speak up about the problem the league faced, as well as potential solutions.
Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and a long-time Trump supporter, spoke bluntly about his objections to Trump’s involvement in the social issue the league faced. “The problem we have is, we have a president who will use that as fodder to do his mission that I don’t feel is in the best interests of America,” said Kraft “It’s divisive and it’s horrible.”
Jeffrey Lurie, owner of the Philadelphia Eagles and outspoken Trump critic, offered, “We’ve got to be careful not to be baited by Trump or whomever else. We have to find a way to not be divided and not get baited.”
Houston Texans owner Bob McNair put the onus of cooperation on the players, rather than on external factors. Pleading for a stop to the controversial kneeling, “You fellas need to ask your compadres, fellas, stop that other business, let’s go out and do something that really produces positive results, and we’ll help you.”
While a clear rift between the players and owners continued throughout the remainder of the season, as the session ended, a joint statement between the players and league was released.
It read:
Today owners and players had a productive meeting focused on how we can work together to promote positive social change and address inequality in our communities. NFL executives and owners joined NFLPA executives and player leaders to review and discuss plans to utilize our platform to promote equality and effectuate positive change. We agreed that these are common issues and pledged to meet again to continue this work together.
In the wake of the audio recording, it’s unclear if the candor expressed in the meeting will hurt or help the NFL. The recording does reveal that even among the owners, President Donald Trump’s words have far reaching power to divide.
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Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.