The Denver Broncos linebacker loses endorsement deal with Air Academy Federal Credit Union (AAFCU) when he kneel during USA national anthem prior to game-winning NFL season opener vs. Carolina Panthers.
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“Although we have enjoyed Brandon Marshall as our spokesperson over the past five months, Air Academy Federal Credit Union (AAFCU) has ended our partnership”, a statement from the company said. Marshall said. He went on to express his gratitude and support for his former teammate Kaepernick, and stood by his decision.
“But I feel like I’m doing something that’s bigger”.
Marshall was protesting against perceived civil injustices in American society and while the National Football League has not taken a stand against such protests one of Marshall’s sponsors has been quick to react. “I was thinking I could lose endorsements”.
“So when we have an opinion and we speak it, I feel like a lot of people bash us for what we have to say”, Marshall concluded.
He said he’ll donate time and money to worthy causes such as Wounded Warriors.
I grew up in this country and know firsthand the inequity economically, racially and otherwise, but I also know from people who taught me – those like my parents who had it much harder than I – how to engage in respectful dialogue, without calling you names. “Some people did decide not to, but I did”.
“Truth be to told, I’m not sure how long I’m going to do it”, Marshall said of kneeling during the anthem.
On Friday, Marshall retweeted messages of support for his action.
Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall got some of the tweets meant for the Broncos linebacker.
Marshall’s actions ― a protest against social injustice that followed San Fransisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s decision to kneel during the anthem ― were “not a representation of our organization and membership”, the credit union’s CEO, Glenn Strebb, said in a statement.
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“Since this has started, I’ve had conversations with him (Kaepernick) on a deeper level than I’ve ever had”, Reid said. National Anthem at NFL games%INLINE%. But I’m a man of faith and I really prayed about it for a lot of days. Reid said his teammates appreciate his willingness to take a stand.
