Videos trending on Twitter and Facebook show people burning Kaepernick’s jersey while the national anthem is playing in spite of his decision.
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When the Seahawks and Miami Dolphins gathered on their sideline three hours later at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, the Seahawks locked arms and stood for the performance. Michael Brown, Philando Castille, and Alton Sterling are just a few that have died at the hands of police officers and caused mass protests across the United States. I feel that what was going on in law enforcement, it does need to change.
Other players have followed suit, including Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall before Thursday’s season opening win against the Carolina Panthers.
“Well, I think it’s a lack of respect for our country”, Trump said. We hope today’s events will continue a respectful and thoughtful dialogue in our community on unity, inclusiveness and togetherness.
National Football League commissioner Roger Goodell told NBC that players should be allowed to protest – even on the anniversary of the deadly 9/11 attacks – but should also respect those who have sacrificed for America. “I mean, any time you do something, a protest, you know there’s going to be backlash”.
With fervor over national anthem demonstrations at an all-time high, the focus on “The Star-Spangled Banner” was never greater than Sunday, which marked the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks. He spoke to students during an assembly about his career and about overcoming adversity, “just like we did with 9/11”, he said.
We encourage all members of our organization to stand at attention during the national anthem out of respect and appreciation for the freedoms we are afforded as Americans.
Tommie Smith and John Carlos, gold and bronze medalists in the 200-meter run at the 1968 Olympic Games, engaged in a protest on the victory stand in which they raised their fists in what is frequently described as a “Black Power salute”.
Two players on the Patriots, Martellus Bennett and Devin McCourty, also raised their fists during the anthem before their game against the Arizona Cardinals. “We are a team and we are going to be together”.
And players from the Seattle Seahawks locked arms during the anthem at the start of their Sunday game, as did Chiefs’ players.
“The big thing that hit me through all this was this is a backup quarterback whose job is to be quiet, and sit in the shadows and get the starter ready to play Week 1”, Dilfer said on “Sunday NFL Countdown”.
“I support our players speaking out on issues they think need to be changed in our society”.
Players wore red, white and blue decals in remembrance of the attacks on the back of their helmets and coaches wore 9/11 pins.
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He has vowed to continue to kneel during the anthem in the pre-game ceremonies of his team’s clashes this season.
