Baltimore Orioles outfielder Adam Jones said he received significant, positive feedback from multiple Major League Baseball players Monday regarding his comments to USA TODAY Sports supporting NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s protests during the national anthem.
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“We already have two strikes against us already”, Jones, who is African American, told USA Today. But a lot of fans arriving at the stadium hours before the game said they have Kaepernick fatigue and just want to see some good ol’ fashioned football. You need those players.
“They say it’s not the time to do this”.
On August 26, after sitting during the national anthem prior to an exhibition game, Kaepernick said he would not “show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color”.
As a field-sized American flag was unwoven and “The Star-Spangled Banner” was played, Kaepernick and Reid, who had joined the protest in the preseason, took a knee at midfield. And they fight for freedom, they fight for the people, they fight for liberty and justice, for everyone.
“We also recognize that it’s an individual’s right to reflect during the anthem in different ways”. “However, during the almost two minutes when that song is playing, I believe everyone should put their hands on their heart and be proud of our country for we are all truly blessed”. Four Miami Dolphins players knelt, including four-time Pro Bowl running back Arian Foster.
A statement from the Chiefs players after the game said: “It was our goal to be unified as a team and to be respectful of everyone’s opinions, and the remembrance of 9/11”.
“Here’s a peaceful protest: never buy another shoe, shirt, or jersey of rich spoiled athletes who dishonor our flag”, Cruz said on Twitter in response to ABC analyst and former National Basketball Association star Jalen Rose, who tweeted praise of the demonstrations.
Color analyst and former 49ers quarterback Steve Young said Kaepernick, after being “insulated” past year, has become more outgoing.
President Barack Obama has weighed in, saying Kaepernick was exercising a constitutional right and provoking conversation “around some topics that need to be talked about”. The process is ongoing and not always flawless, as we have seen recently in Baton Rouge and across the country.
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Earlier in the night, on both sides of the massive flag that covered the Levi’s Stadium field, the quarterback who has openly protested police brutality and social injustice for almost a month had plenty of support. Because why? Because I’m speaking up for people who don’t have the voice.
