[153], On September 7, 2016, three volleyball players from West Virginia Tech knelt during the national anthem.[154][155]. [281], There is a wide divide of agreement on this subject between law enforcement groups; especially between the NBPA and The National Police Association (who felt that Kaepernick's gestures regarding the national anthem were disrespectful). [52][53][54] Reasons cited by players, owners, and coaches included supporting freedom of speech and opposing what they considered intimidation by Trump. He added, "I believe that taking a knee during the National Anthem is just another way for me to show my support for those who have been oppressed. Their actions were taken as part of a campaign called "Take a Knee for Justice," which was started by former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (who is now with the New York Giants).if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sportsmanist_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',118,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sportsmanist_com-medrectangle-3-0'); In a statement released through his representatives, Ross said he took a knee "to bring attention to the many issues that continue to plague our country today." 2023 The Black Sphere. "[280] Despite being police officers, the NBPA defends Kaepernick's actions because they feel that the issue of race must be addressed in order to tackle the ongoing issue. Jonathan Isaac of the Orlando Magic has been one of the only NBA players to stand during the anthem, citing his faith as the reason why he did not kneel. [17] In 2016 the NFL stated that "players are encouraged but not required to stand during the playing of the National Anthem"; its game operations manual reads that players "should stand" for the anthem. [30], Criminal justice reform is one of the top issues that NFL players have been supporting in their protests. In the opening game of the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup, all 22 starters from the Portland Thorns and North Carolina Courage knelt during the national anthem. [206] He stated that he had "received death threats" after the protest. When you hear one person say 'black lives matter' or 'blue lives matter,' all lives matter." This is my country, and I'll work out the problems, but I'll do it in an intelligent manner. [101], On May 23, 2018, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and all NFL team owners, except for two that abstained from voting in a show of hand voting process, approved a new policy that would require all players to stand during the national anthem or be given the option to stay in the locker room during the national anthem. The National Anthem provides our clubs and fans an important and time-honored opportunity to salute our country and stand up for its principles -- whether in the United States or in Canada. On September 24, 2017, the NFL protests became more widespread when over 200 players sat or knelt in reaction to Trump's call for owners to "fire" the protesting players. [257][258] Hill was later put on a two-week suspension for "a second violation of our social media guidelines", after Hill suggested people direct their disagreements towards advertisers of Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, after Jones stated he would bench any player who protested the national anthem on October 9, 2017. After the referee blew his whistle for kick-off, all the players and the coaching staffs took the knee. [17][21], Kaepernick and his 49ers teammate Eric Reid said they choose to kneel in San Diego during the anthem to call attention to the issues of racial inequality and police brutality. "[263], On June 3, 2020, during the protests over the murder of George Floyd, Drew Brees told Yahoo Finance that he stood by his 2016 opinion that kneeling during the national anthem was disrespectful to the flag and to the US. WebKaepernick and Marshall were by no means the first pro football players to be seen kneeling on the field. Its easy to see why this moment went viral. [223], On September 26, 2017, Louisiana Lt. Gov. [135], On September 17, 2020, the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns stood together with arms linked. [225], Oklahoma state representative Sean Roberts warned the Oklahoma City Thunder that if they kneel, he will reexamine their tax benefits. [180] The same members of the San Francisco Giants that knelt during the preseason continued their protest. [52][53] Other Republicans such as Florida senator Marco Rubio also expressed their discomforts against these policies as well. Beginning in 2011, the Denver Broncos then-quarterback Tim Tebow was seen kneeling on the sidelines, as if in prayer, often enough to inspire the neologism "Tebowing." [125], Washington Football Team players knelt in unison during a moment of silence before standing during the Star-Spangled Banner. There have been attempts by some owners to get their players to stop protesting during the anthem, but so far these efforts have failed miserably. Did the Jacksonville Jaguars stand for the national anthem? [203][204], Miami Heat player Meyers Leonard also chose to stand with his hand over his heart. He apologized to veterans and other members of the military for his actions citing that the timing of his protest was poor. [200] However, in the wake of the George Floyd protests, NBA commissioner Adam Silver reversed his stance, stating that he respects "teams' unified act of peaceful protest for social justice and under these unique circumstances will not enforce [the] long-standing rule requiring standing during the playing of our national anthem."[201]. [134], Every Denver Broncos player knelt or raised their fists during the anthem, as well as all Tennessee Titans players, except Derrick Henry. So I would say, adios." "We as professionals should be able to express ourselves however we want," he said after the game. I'm playing hard because I've got this right freedom, because of the vets. [38][39] Kaepernick has also held "Know Your Rights" camps for young people of color. !function(r,u,m,b,l,e){r._Rumble=b,r[b]||(r[b]=function(){(r[b]._=r[b]._||[]).push(arguments);if(r[b]._.length==1){l=u.createElement(m),e=u.getElementsByTagName(m)[0],l.async=1,l.src="https://rumble.com/embedJS/u827p"+(arguments[1].video?'. San Antonio Spurs coaches Gregg Popovich, an "outspoken supporter of Black Lives Matter," and Becky Hammon also chose to stand for their own reasons. The Richmond, Virginia native, was a highly touted high school athlete, ranked as highly as #34 in the nation by some sports news outlets. [175] The Giants also continued their protest with Pablo Sandoval, Hunter Pence and several others joining in. On September 23, four players from Withrow High School, three black and one white, in Cincinnati knelt during the national anthem before their football game. The visiting Pittsburgh Steelers stood with linked arms hoisting an anti-racism sign while some raised their fists. After what Harris just did, Im willing to bet he earned a lot of fans for life. [185], Miami Marlins players wore Black Lives Matter shirts during warmups before their game against the Philadelphia Phillies. He's fired! I'm going to reach out to organizations, organizations that I feel are doing the best job to help the minority women, LGBT, African Americans, Latinos, people that are in fear of Donald Trump and his presidency. In an October 2017 match against Schalke 04, players and staff of German soccer club Hertha Berlin took the knee in solidarity. It's too important to not say something. [147] The FA, the governing body in England, announced that it would take "a commonsense approach" if Premier League players took a knee in protest at the murder of George Floyd. Opinion on NFL players kneeling during national anthem in the U.S. 2020, by age Players with most passing touchdowns in NFL history 2022; Players in NFL history with most receiving yards 2022; [49], Trump said his criticism of the protesters was not related to race. [183], Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Cavan Biggio, Anthony Alford and Santiago Espinal of the Toronto Blue Jays knelt during the anthem prior to their game against the Tampa Bay Rays. [289] Colin Kaepernick used this fact to an advantage and conducted his act of a peaceful protest which remained inconspicuous until President Trump posted his tweets on Twitter. However, the athletes received public support from University officials. Reid is the first player on the Carolina Panthers to kneel during the playing of the national anthem. Especially for Audrey, who struggled after losing both her father and her grandfather. [199], The NBA has a policy that requires players to stand up during the national anthem in their CBA, however many prominent players have expressed support for the NFL protests on social media or in interviews. I encourage others to please use your platforms for empowerment and change. [169] The two players did not receive any punishment for their protest. According to Ditka, "there has been no oppression in the last 100 years that I know of. Middleton also raised his fist while kneeling. Are MLB players still kneeling for the national anthem? [190], The Minnesota Twins plan to play both the Star-Spangled Banner and Lift Every Voice and Sing before their home games as well as a moment of silence at 8:46 pm during their home opener. He explained his decision to switch was an attempt to show more respect to former and current U.S. military members while still protesting during the anthem. He added, "You have to stand proudly for the national anthem or you shouldnt be playing. [207], The Boston Bruins planned on linking arms during the playing of both the American and Canadian national anthems when the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs began. WebTracking all reported fines & suspensions throughout the 2023 NFL season. This marked the first time that all players, coaches, and referees knelt for an event in one of the Big Four leagues in the US. That doesn't protect him, just because he served our country. On October 7, 2017, J. T. Brown of the Tampa Bay Lightning raised his fist while standing on the bench during the national anthem. [176], Prior to each game on opening day, players knelt in unison while holding a black rope. [264][266], NFL ratings have been in decline for the past couple years, except for the 2018 season, which saw an increase of 4%. They continued to kneel before every game while playing out the delayed end of last season. "[247], Discussion continued throughout August 2017. [288], The previous national anthem policy by the NFL written about a decade before the new policy in May 2018 contained vocabulary that allotted more leeway in the players' behavior during the national anthem before games. He also believes that the Black Lives Matter movement has Marxist roots and is against the nuclear family. [122], Bisi Johnson, Tajae Sharpe, Alexander Mattison, Ameer Abdullah, Jalyn Holmes and Nate Meadors of the Minnesota Vikings knelt. "[229] In September 2016, after Brandon Marshall knelt during the national anthem, Century Link and Air Academy Federal Credit Union dropped him as a paid sponsor. [284] On May 31, Lieutenant Robert Cattani knelt during the protests in Lower Manhattan's Foley Square. However, the campaign did result in a temporary drop of 2.2% in the company's stock price. He quickly changed his method of protesting and joined his teammates during the following game against the Kansas City Chiefs. [133], Over twenty players on the New York Giants either knelt or raised their fists. [27] There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.[26][27], After Kaepernick started his campaign to create awareness about excess police brutality towards minorities, especially African-Americans, commentators have mainly shifted focus to the patriotic aspect of kneeling rather than the meaning behind it; thus weakening Kaepernick's primary goal. [99][100] It was the first time a Texans player had knelt during the anthem. [233] In December 2017 Sanderson Farms CEO questioned whether the NFL protests were to blame for falling chicken wing prices. "[242] Boxer Floyd Mayweather criticized Kaepernick, stating, "You know, a lot of times, we get stuck, and we are followers. And I think that's important. His actions went unnoticed for two weeks before he was questioned by the media. Tebow was awarded a trademark for that term in 2012. [124] The visiting Las Vegas Raiders linked arms. However, the Minnesota Vikings took a chance on him, and he spent six seasons (2015-2020) with that team, becoming a stand-out player who was tagged as a Franchise Player. [64], Kaepernick and Marshall were by no means the first pro football players to be seen kneeling on the field. Whats the worse that could happen? It was played with teams in locker room", "Washington Spirit players unhappy with owner's anthem move", "USWNT's Megan Rapinoe kneels for national anthem before Thailand match", "U.S. Soccer banned Megan Rapinoe's national anthem protest without caring to understand it", "How national anthem rules differ across sports leagues", "Hertha Berlin players take knee during German anthem", "George Floyd death: Jadon Sancho & Marcus Thuram join protests against racism", "Football's Black Lives Matter protests deserve applause, says Infantino", "Bundesliga Black Lives Matter protesters to face no punishment", "George Floyd death: Liverpool footballers 'take a knee', "FA unlikely to discipline players for taking a knee as Fifa urges leniency", "Premier League rises to occasion with players taking a knee", "U.S. Soccer Federation president apologizes to Megan Rapinoe, says anti-kneel policy 'missed the point completely', George Floyd: US Soccer overturns ban on players kneeling, NWSL players kneel during anthem in solidarity with Black Lives Matter movement, "Europe divided on taking the knee during EURO 2020 football tournament", "West Virginia Tech volleyball players kneel during national anthem", "Tracking the Kaepernick Effect: The anthem protests are spreading", "ECU chancellor, Gov. He eventually stood during the playing of 'O Canada. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. [161] The players previously stood during the national anthem, with this being the first time they took the knee. Trump stated he would love to see NFL owners say, "get that son of a bitch off the field right now, out, he's fired. Harris did more than just be a good American, he went out of his way to be a light that helps others see, for an eleven-year old girl who had recently endured tragedy. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder", adding that he would continue to protest during the anthem until he feels like "[the United States flag] represents what it's supposed to represent. "[22] Some regard kneeling as disrespectful to those who have died or been wounded in service of the United States, such as police officers or military veterans. [187], Prior to their game against the Cleveland Indians, Kansas City Royals players wore Black Lives Matter shirts. "[228] Nike's ad featuring Kaepernick read "Believe in something. Did the Jets take a knee during the national anthem? [160], On February 23, 2019, eight players of the Ole Miss men's basketball team took a knee during the national anthem at their home-game against Georgia. [52] Others said they took offense to Trump demeaning the integrity of their primarily African American colleagues, when a month earlier he had hesitated to condemn the white nationalists who protested in Charlottesville, Virginia and murdered a counter protester. [295], During the George Floyd protests on June 4, 2020, about 20 players released a video reciting the names of victims, demanding that the NFL condemn racism and admit its policy against peaceful protests were wrong and to affirm that black lives matter. Trump calls for firing protesting players, Role of Russian bots in amplifying controversy, National Football League Players Association, Division II men's basketball champion game, Hutchins Center for African & African American Research, "The Deafening Silence of Colin Kaepernick", "Nike's Deal With Kaepernick Draws Cheers and Pictures of Burning Shoes", "After Trump Blasts N.F.L., Players Kneel and Lock Arms in Solidarity", "NFL players protest during anthem; Colin Kaepernick, President Trump respond', "Aaron Rodgers sticks up for player protests during national anthem', "Hillary Clinton defends kneeling NFL players, says 'that's not against our anthem or flag', "Everything you need to know about NFL protests during the national anthem", "Kevin Jackson: 'Kaepernick Effect' to Blame for NFL's Ratings Decline", "Anthem kneeling isn't aimed at veterans, and other NFL protest misconceptions", "Taking a knee: Why are NFL players protesting and when did they start kneeling? "[33][34], After that interview, Kaepernick pledged to donate the first $1 million of his $11.9 million salary from the 20162017 season to different organizations that help communities in need. Harbaugh wrote, "His willingness to take a position at personal cost is now part of our American story. "[171][172] Maxwell received a standing ovation from A's fans before his first at-bat following his protest. In May, Trump threatened to remove football league sponsorship deals if its players didn't stop kneeling during the anthem. WebThe 2022 USFL regular season will begin April 16 and run through mid-June, followed by the playoffs. [242], Sportscaster Bob Costas offered support for Kaepernick stating, "Patriotism comes in many forms and what has happened is it's been conflated with a bumper-style kind of flag-waving and with the military only so that people cannot see that in his own way Colin Kaepernick, however imperfectly, is doing a patriotic thing. Irv Cross, former NFL star and the first African American to work full-time as an analyst on national TV, had stage four brain disease CTE when he died aged 81, researchers say. He remained in the locker room until the coin toss. When he dies, he's going to be wrapped in an American flag. The head coach of the Virginia Cavaliers football program, Coach Mike London, continued to recruit him, and for Harris, that loyalty meant everything. [48] His statement came after a new research indicated that NFL players are at high risk for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) due to the likelihood of multiple head injuries. I'm gonna call the cops. [285], Kneeling during the national anthem became a symbol of resistance, similar to the black power fist. [68] (Tebow's actions were not considered controversial at the time. After six seasons in Minnesota, Harris was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2021. It brings to mind another NFL figure who sacrificed his career. Other teams elected to remain in the locker room rather than take the field for the anthem. That is why we decided to raise our banner during the anthem this season.". America is set of overarching norms, mores, values, and traditions, held by a group of people. But the military is involved in the playing of the anthem. [268][269] A UBS securities analysis show that the primary cause of the drop in the ratings from the NFL is mainly due to players protesting the national anthem. [23] Torrey Smith, ex-wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers, had said in an interview: "I understand why people are offended by people protesting the National Anthem. "[221], On September 25, 2017, U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee knelt on the floor of the House of Representatives. National Anthem", "What must Americans do during the anthem? [117] After the anthems, both teams knelt during a moment of silence. [261] On September 26, 2017, Joey Odoms, the national anthem singer for the home games of the Ravens, resigned citing the "tone/actions of a large number of NFL fans in the midst of our country's cultural crisis". [14][15][16] National Football League (NFL) players were not mandated to be on the field for the playing of the national anthem until 2009. WebThis edition of the Official Playing Rules of the National Football League contains all current rules governing the playing of professional football that are in effect for the 2022 NFL [195], On July 25, 2020, New York Yankees players Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Hicks both knelt during the anthem becoming the first Yankees players to do so. 7 In the NFL, Cleveland Browns tight end Seth DeValve is the only White player to kneel to protest the national anthem, though others expressed solidarity by locking arms or touching kneeling players during the anthem, or staying in their locker rooms rather than entering the field. 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