A brief contemplation on what NBA players’ response to the recent discussion on behavior during play of the national anthem could be. It wasn’t clear if numerous fans, who were distracted by fidgeting children and the multitude of food options behind the stands, noticed.
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In a statement released by the Spirit, they claimed the anthem was played early, due to Rapinoe’s “disrespect”. Kaepernick has been joined by a handful of others in the league, but Rapinoe, for the moment, has continued to kneel alone in the NWSL.
For 14 minutes, she spoke very little about soccer. It’s important to have white people stand in support of people of color on this.
Rapinoe has previously stated that she plans to continue to kneel during national anthems.
Prior to the Reign’s match against the Chicago Red Stars this past Sunday, Rapinoe took a knee during the playing of the national anthem as “a nod to Kaepernick”.
“Saddened by it”, she said.
Rapinoe told the Washington Post that the Spirit’s statement was in poor taste, especially considering the language used and the timing – just a few days before the 15th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks. “And I know it means something a little bit different when I’m wearing the USA shirt”.
“I support our players when they want to see change in society, and we don’t live in a flawless society”, Goodell added. “Especially when you have two anthems, I’ve already seen stuff about standing for the Thai anthem and not standing for the U.S. anthem. I personally believe very strongly in that”.
“When there are men and women that give their lives for their flag, for their anthem, have given their lives, continue to put themselves on the line with our services for our flag, for our anthem, families that have been disrupted, traumatic physical injuries, traumatic mental injuries for these people that give us the opportunity to do the things we want to do”, Tortorella said. In a statement, the team said it recognizes Rapinoe’s action “was offensive to some and a source of inspiration to others”.
“I don’t know that I know how to answer that”.
“I have to wait my time and work”, he said. “It’s a complex issue”.
“My grandfather being in the military it hit home for me as well”. “Obviously there is some negative going on, but I am not rolling through the trolls”.
“I am disgusted with the way he has been treated and the fans and hatred he has received in all of this”, Rapinoe told Julie Foudy of ESPNW. We need to have a more thoughtful, two-sided conversation about racial issues in this country. “Just need to accept that [it is] not ideal, things are broken”.
Rapinoe has said publicly that as a gay woman, she feels she can relate to the feelings of Kaepernick in regards to saluting a flag that hasn’t always supported her and her way of life.
Shortly before Spirit players came to speak to the media, a team spokesperson had an announcement. This left reporters a combination of bewildered and annoyed.
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Seattle lost to Washington, 2-1 on the night, effectively ending the Reign’s playoff hopes.
