The NFL hasn’t punished players for taking a knee for the national anthem, and the Broncos last night issued a statement recognizing linebacker Brandon Marshall’s right to kneel during the anthem after he did so before Thursday’s opener.
Advertisement
There’s more. Marshall says he only told ONE teammate about his plans to protest before the Broncos vs. Panthers game. tight end Virgil Green. I’m not against police or America.
Glenn Strebe, president and CEO of Air Academy Federal Credit Union, announced in a Facebook post on Friday that the company is dropping Marshall as their spokesperson after a five-month partnership.
The Air Academy Federal Credit Union said Marshall has terminated its sponsorship with Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall. While we respect Brandon’s right of expression, his actions are not a representation of our organization and membership.
A fifth-round draft choice by the Jaguars in 2012, Marshall argued that his stance on social justice isn’t frivolous and that he developed his beliefs in college.
Kaepernick, who has said his protest is not aimed at the military, applauded from the sidelines during a second-quarter salute to military members. “I believe in my players”. We can talk all we want, but actions speak louder than words, so when [Kaepernick] took a knee, or sat down, he got people thinking. I feel for Kaep. This is our only platform to really be heard. In the eyes of a lot of people, I’ll be respected.
The NFL has previously said players are “encouraged but not required” to stand during the anthem.
“I support our players when they want to see change in society, and we don’t live in a ideal society”, Goodell added.
“I looked at my phone and I already have a bunch of hate comments, and this is why I’m doing this”, Marshall said. “But he understands the responsibility of it, I think, and shouldering it”.
Advertisement
The announcement came a day after Marshall knelt during the anthem at the National Football League opener between the Broncos and Carolina Panthers.
