BEAVERCREEK — It’s been a year since a Beavercreek restaurant stopped showing NFL games and, according to the owner, he plans on continuing the tradition.
Bill DeFries, owner of Beef ‘O’Brady’s, reflected on the decision Wednesday in a Facebook post on the restaurant’s page.
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"One year ago, I made the decision to stop showing NFL games at my restaurant Beef 'O'Brady's," the post read. "This football season, we are continuing that tradition."
DeFries made the decision to stop airing NFL games and cancel the restaurant's NFL package due to players kneeing during the national anthem.
“The decision to stand up for the American flag and national anthem was—and is—the right one,” DeFries wrote.
More than a hundred NFL players took a knee during the anthem last season. Many players said they knelt to draw attention to and protest racial injustice or police brutality.
DeFries, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, posted that “we stand to honor those who have fought for our freedoms, from the American Revolution to the Civil War to global conflicts today that threaten liberty and justice for all.”
The decision to stop airing NFL games hasn’t hurt business, according to DeFries.
The restaurant has received “tens of thousands of visits, emails and letters from patriots in all 50 states.”
People have also sent in donations, which the restaurant reportedly added to its community support fund that benefits local veteran organizations.
By canceling the NFL package, the restaurant has reportedly saved $7,400 and freed up more funds to donate.
DeFries’ post also thanked those who supported the restaurant.
“Thank you to all of you who stood with us last year as Beef ‘O’Brady’s stood for America,” the post read. “I’m looking forward to seeing you stand with us again this year. God bless.”
