5-at-10: Fourth of July headlines, more Kaepernick tentacles, Braves next piece, soccer’s big moment, Rushmore of movies with a holiday in the title

This undated product image obtained by the Associated Press shows Nike Air Max 1 Quick Strike Fourth of July shoes that have a U.S. flag with 13 white stars in a circle on it, known as the Betsy Ross flag, on them. Nike is pulling the flag-themed tennis shoe after former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick complained to the shoemaker, according to the Wall Street Journal. (AP Photo) This undated product image obtained by the Associated Press shows Nike Air Max 1 Quick Strike Fourth of July shoes that have a U.S. flag with 13 white stars in a circle on it, known as the Betsy Ross flag, on them. Nike is pulling the flag-themed tennis shoe after former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick complained to the shoemaker, according to the Wall Street Journal. (AP Photo)

By Jay Greeson July 4, 2019 3 min read

Happy Independence Day, friends.

The regulars around these parts know the drill on holidays. We’re in; we’re out. Quick and easy.

Deal? Deal.

From the satellite offices in the Hampton Inn outside beautiful downtown Jackson, Tennessee, let’s roll.

Kaepernick continues to make headlines

From the Tennessee Smokies drawing the original American flag in the infield dirt and tweeting “Hey @Kaepernick7 after a lot of thought, we have decided it’s best to just do it. #America” to a Georgia apparel company releasing an original American flag t-shirt with the word “Victory” on it, the Nike decision continues to generate news.

The t-shirt folks are capitalizing on the division of opinion. The Smokies have apologized – which is ludicrous to me – and called it a lighthearted take on a current situation after deleting the tweet.

And know this: The owner of the Tennessee Smokies is interim University of Tennessee president and former governor candidate Randy Boyd.

Telling July 4th news items

The top six items this morning on the Yahoo news portal were quite revealing.

Yes, on a holiday like today, there is less business news or financial discussion.

But check this out: The first four – two on Kaepernick, one on Halle Berry being named Ariel in the live-action “Little Mermaid” and an argument between Fox and a black politician – had race as a key component.

The other two were Women’s World Cup soccer.

Happy 4th everyone.

Soccer’s big day

We have discussed before the lack of a notable sporting connection to July 4th.

Memorial Day is the first time we start looking at baseball. Labor Day is the opening of college football. Thanksgiving is made for the NFL, naps and a baseline of 3,500 calories. Christmas should be the opening day of the NBA season.

July 4? Hot dogs.

Well, this Sunday – which we know is actually 7/7 – has turned up aces for American soccer fans.

Women in the World Cup Finals. Men playing rival Mexico in the Gold Cup. Wonder how the ratings will do?

Braves new weapon?

You kind of expect the Braves offense to produce, especially after being blanked on Tuesday.

So those nine runs and the three big homers were nice for sure.

But we’re all here for another rookie arm like Bryse Wilson, who pitched six strong innings and allowed only two runs in the 9-2 win over the Phillies.

Side question: Is there a team-sport athlete more fun to boo than Bryce Harper? Discuss.

Today’s question

Rushmore of movies with a holiday in the title?

Go and have a great holiday.