The announcement came a day after Marshall knelt during the anthem at the National Football League opener between the Broncos and Carolina Panthers.
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Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall became the latest athlete to kneel during the USA national anthem in a protest against social injustice before his team’s game against the Carolina Panthers on Thursday.
The San Francisco 49ers quarterback has been the center of controversy during the NFL preseason when he made a decision to sit during the national anthem in protest of police abuses against the African-American community. “There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder”.
“While we encourage members of the organization to stand during the Anthem, we understand, respect it’s a personal decision”.
It is interesting that while Marshall explicitly said in his post-game comments that his protest was not aimed at the military or police he was dropped by a sponsor with very strong military connections. Now, four players have refused to stand for the anthem and maybe an entire team is planning to act in unison. “In respecting such American principles as freedom of religion and freedom of expression, we recognize the right of an individual to choose and participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem”.
“I’m going to get a lot of scrutiny and I understand that. I believe in my players”.
Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall says standing up for social justice by kneeling during the national anthem before Denver’s season opener was worth it even though it cost him an endorsement deal. Then, other players started to join in, not only in football, but in other sports as well, such as soccer. “But I think that (rumor of conversion) comes along with people’s fear of this protest, as well as Islamophobia in this country”.
Kaepernick protested because of his anger at police actions, believing that they are unjustly targeting African Americans. “I’m proud of it”. I, just like the athletes, will continue to take a knee. I know my family will support me.
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I’m with Colin Kaepernick, because I’m exhausted of oppression for my fellow people of color.
