Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall knelt during the anthem before the NFL’s season-opening game between Carolina and Denver on Thursday and lost an endorsement deal within 24 hours.
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The Air Academy Federal Credit Union parted ways with him shortly after Thursday’s game, and on Monday, Marshall said CenturyLink, a cable/communications company, has ended its agreement with him.
In a statement, CenturyLink acknowledged its “respect” for Marshall and “the right of individuals to express their beliefs”.
On Sunday, four members of the Miami Dolphins kneeled during the anthem while Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters raised his right black-gloved fist – a protest that evoked memories of American runners Tommie Smith and John Carlos on the medal podium at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.
There is no formal or legal link between the playing of the national anthem before NFL games and honouring or respecting the United States military, but cultural links between the league and the military are strong. “We wish Brandon well on his future endeavors”.
Still, there were signs that a protest over racial injustice – set off last month when quarterback Colin Kaepernick declined to stand for the anthem at a preseason game – had merely been put on hold.
Marshall confirmed the move Monday, saying, “I just lost another endorsement.it’s not going to make me lose any sleep”.
He said Virgil Green was the only teammate he trust on the Denver Broncos that he told before the contest that he wouldn’t stand during the national anthem. Denver will host the Colts in their second game of the season on Sunday. I understand there will be things that come up, criticism and support.
But that’s not all, Marshall said, “I had a lot of negative, a lot of racist comments calling me the “n” word, derogatory words”. I’m a likeable guy. I support our players when they want to see change in society, and we don’t live in a flawless society. In our view, the national anthem is one of those moments. I can protest peacefully, I can stand or sit.
“Now he knows what it feels like”, Marshall said. I let them handle themselves.
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The Broncos linebacker, who was a college teammate of Kaepernick’s with the Nevada Wolf Pack, also noted he plans to give back to the community. He’s trying to change some laws and he’s trying to donate to some groups that are doing work at the ground level. “At the end of the day, I’m definitely good with my decision”.
