Colorado Rockies: Charlie Blackmon’s refreshing take on taking a knee

There is no question that Charlie Blackmon has continue to improve his game on the field this season for the Colorado Rockies. His 36 home runs heading into Monday’s series opener against the Miami Marlins at Coors Field are the third-most in Major League Baseball history for a leadoff hitter. His feats this season have also put him in the same company as Joe DiMaggio. But there’s also the off-field side of Blackmon that endears him to the local media and fans as well.

When asked a question, Blackmon is honest and candid. He will use his dry sense of humor to let a reporter know that he or she has asked a question that maybe was not the best (or smartest) one to ask. Talking to the media may not be the favorite part of Blackmon’s job, but talking to him always produces a nugget or two of knowledge for any of us lucky enough to be inside the Colorado clubhouse.

Such was the case on Monday when Blackmon was asked about the recent National Football League controversy over kneeling or not taking the field during the Star-Spangled Banner.

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“Loaded question,” Blackmon chuckled when he was asked about his feelings. Then, however, his tone became a bit more serious and guarded.

"“As a person with my own thoughts and feelings, I need to understand that no matter what side of the line I fall on that, statistically speaking, about half the country might feel differently than I feel,” Blackmon told Rox Pile and other media members. “For me to be arrogant enough to say that the other half of the country is wrong or say that I am definitely right I think is the wrong thing to do.“That being said, that’s probably all I’ll say. I’m proud to be an American and I’m also thankful to have the First Amendment. I can see it going both ways. I have my opinions but that doesn’t mean that they’re right. I’ll probably just keep those to myself.”"

Opinions are like an elbow (or another part of the human anatomy, as my grandpa also used to remind me) because everyone has one. There has been plenty of discussion over the topic over the last 24 to 48 hours. However, leave it to Blackmon and his way of putting things to let people know that he will keep his opinions to himself and focus on the Wild Card race.

Next: Previewing Colorado's series against the Miami Marlins

Some may see Blackmon’s comments as vanilla or down the middle. However, in a time when inflammatory language and emotions seem to be the norm, it was refreshing to hear someone not throw more fuel on an already raging fire.