Last week the union sent a letter to the 49ers saying some of its officers may boycott the games because of statements by Kaepernick about what he calls police brutality and racial injustice that have come with the quarterback’s refusal to stand for the national anthem.
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Marshall’s action during “The Star Spangled Banner” follows a series of similar protests by other athletes, led by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who did not stand for the song before his National Football League team’s last two pre-season games to protest against racial injustice and police brutality.
Kaepernick’s gesture opened a wide debate and put the microscope on a pregame tradition that has, for decades, been routine.
Marshall was standing with his hand over his heart during the anthem before a preseason game on August 20.
Marshall said he also believes taking a knee during the anthem is a way to “create dialogue”. It’s nearly like they want us to only go with the grain.
Broncos coach Gary Kubiak noted in preseason that while he wants all his players to stand for the national anthem but he respects their beliefs if they choose not to do so.
“I think it’s important to have respect for our country, for our flag, for the people who make our country better; for law enforcement; and for our military who are out fighting for our freedoms and our ideals”.
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His stance has gained momentum with 49ers team-mate Eric Reid, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane and United States midfielder Megan Rapinoe all kneeling before recent games. Marshall added that he “felt it was the right thing to do” and that he will continue to kneel during the anthem this season.
