2018 couldn't end without dredging up the NFL's kneeling National Anthem lalapalooza one last time (see Amy Schumer Labels Non-Kneeling White NFL Players ‘Complicit’ in Racism and The Inspiring Reason this NFL Anthem Photo is Going Viral). TMZ caught up with Ted Cruz. And the new beard he's trying ever so hard to pull off. The question was about former Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt and how the league handled domestic abuse allegations. Cruz stayed on brand and discussed a different PR disaster instead.

"I think it has been amazing watching the NFL do unprecedented damage to their brand and the way they handled the anthem protest," Cruz said.

"I think it was spectacularly harmful to professional football."

So, we asked if Congress should have stepped in and gotten involved (outside of President Trump's public critiques) ... to which Cruz replied, "At the end of the day, I trust the fans to exercise the appropriate check."

Senator Cruz isn't wrong, I just hope this is the last time we have to hear about the National Anthem kneeling heads shoulders knees and toes, knees and toes. Maybe 2019 can be the year when sports are just sports. Hashtag goals and wishful thinking.

At least until the Redskins sign Colin Kaepernick. Kap may be a douche, but he at least sucks less than Mark Sanchez.

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