That came less than a week after Rapinoe wasn’t given the opportunity to kneel before a contest against Washington because Spirit owner Bill Lynch chose to have the anthem played while both clubs were still in the locker room.
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The USWNT player knelt during the national anthem on Thursday in the team’s friendly match against Thailand, marking the first time she had done so on the global level.
Then, when the public-address announcer introduced the United States national anthem, the American midfielder continued her protest of racial injustice in the country and dropped to her right knee for the duration of the rendition by an Air Force master sergeant. U.S. Soccer was not happy about it, and they were loud and clear about it. But the will-she-or-won’t-she chatter on Rapinoe and her national team protest is becoming at least as big of a story.
In the end, she did it anyway.
Rapinoe kneeled during the national anthem before the Seattle Reign’s match earlier this month. I think there are more positive and constructive ways to do it, but, man… we’re talking about it. Look at us.
“I think those conversations should be had”.
Representing your country is a privilege and honor for any player or coach that is associated with U.S. Soccer’s National Teams. I think that’s a part of a national symbol.
Rapinoe also took a knee earlier this month during a game in IL to support Kaepernick. “So, in terms of standing for a national anthem, I think that’s an expectation for a national team player”, Ellis said. The first amendment rights of Rapinoe and her teammates do not extend into their jobs and her employer can discipline her or terminate her employment if they feel she’s brought their organization into disrepute.
“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color”, Kaepernick said, via NFL.com.
American soccer star Megan Rapinoe knelt Thursday during the national anthem before a NWSL game between Team USA and Thailand. “Especially in a sports environment, it’s something the country is very passionate about, but there is a bigger conversation here that is more important than sports”.
The 31-year-old has used the visibility of the national team to address off-field issues.
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Rapinoe, who is an avid supporter for LGBT rights, has also has been vocal about equality in general and says her support for Kaepernick was something she felt she had to do.
