His actions went unnoticed for two weeks before he was questioned by the media. [32] During a post-game interview on August 26, 2016, he stated, "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. This is my country, and I'll work out the problems, but I'll do it in an intelligent manner. Jamal Adams of the Seahawks raised his fist while others either knelt, sat or remained in the locker room. [45], In September 2017 at a rally in Huntsville, Alabama, President Trump said NFL owners should fire players who kneel during the national anthem and encouraged fans to walk out. Following in Colin Kaepernick's footsteps, hundreds of NFL players took a knee during the national anthem to protest systematic racism and police brutality. [69] Two members of the New England Patriots, Devin McCourty and Martellus Bennett, raised their fists on Sunday Night Football. 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? The entire Seattle Seahawks team stood and interlocked arms. The visiting Green Bay Packers remained in the locker room. [178] On the other side, Amir Garrett and Phillip Ervin continued to kneel. [12][11][51] Many players, coaches and NFL teams protested and/or issued statements expressing dismay with Trump's comments:[77], On October 15, 2017 Colin Kaepernick filed a grievance for collusion against NFL owners. [236] Despite the prevalent backlash on social media of people who criticized Kaepernick's actions by burning and cutting up their Nike brand clothing, and even attracting the attention of President Trump, who then tweeted against the company's campaign,[237] Nike sales increased by 31% within five days after the advertisement was released. Fine Amount Per Player Team ARI ATL BAL BUF CAR CHI CIN CLE DAL DEN DET GB HOU "[221], On September 25, 2017, U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee knelt on the floor of the House of Representatives. However, some players and owners have said they are willing to sacrifice revenue for social causes they believe in. [8] Some observers have described the protests as being politically motivated and/or patriotic and they have also praised the players' social awareness, while others have criticized the drawing of attention to social issues during sporting events, and they have also called the protests unpatriotic or disrespectful. [253] Petty said, "Anybody that don't stand up for the anthem ought to be out of the country. According to the same survey, 50% of the decline in rating in 2017 is because of players taking a knee before the game, whereas this action only accounts for 18% of the decline of rating in 2016. He apologized to veterans and other members of the military for his actions citing that the timing of his protest was poor. [55][56] The reaction to Trump's remarks were amidst other ongoing issues his administration was facing, including failed attempts at healthcare reform, the primary election loss of Trump-backed candidate Luther Strange for the Alabama seat in the U.S. Senate, recovery efforts for Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, Hurricane Irma in Florida, and Hurricane Harvey in Houston, and relations with North Korea over their nuclear and missile testing. And it only served to deepen Soapes admiration for the Philadelphia Eagle. [265] He apologized early the next day. The poem was then set to music later that year by John Stafford Smith. "[247], Discussion continued throughout August 2017. They continued to kneel before every game while playing out the delayed end of The act was discussed heavily on social media, with users on Twitter and Facebook using #TakeAKnee or #TakeTheKnee to discuss the act. "[73] However, his protest began the day following Veterans Day, so he received criticism. A Clemson University research paper found that Russian bots played a role in amplifying the controversy over kneeling during the national anthem. He applauded the new policy that NFL players must either stand for the anthem or stay back in the locker room, but felt that this policy was not strict enough. Maybe you shouldnt be in the country. But not until years later when it came time for him to write his own will did he get to publish this song that is now known worldwide. After what Harris just did, Im willing to bet he earned a lot of fans for life. "[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. [206] He stated that he had "received death threats" after the protest. Yes, the NFL still maintains a national anthem policy that prevents players from kneeling before games during the singing or playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner." As the NFL's 2020 season begins, that policy will be scrutinized once more. [31] Kaepernick was initially moved to protest by the deaths of African-Americans at the hands of police or while in police custody. Harris was also highly touted college athlete, and prior to the 2015 NFL draft, he was forecasted to go as early as the 2nd round, or as late as the 7th round, and he would likely be the 4th Safety picked. "[228] Nike's ad featuring Kaepernick read "Believe in something. Reid is the first player on the Carolina Panthers to kneel during the playing of the national anthem. [37] Kaepernick has been following through on his commitment and has donated $900,000 as of September 2017 to groups including Meals on Wheels, United We Dream, Black Veterans for Social Justice and many others. [71] At the same time, a group of Jacksonville Jaguars players, led by cornerback Prince Amukamara, initially planned to join the protest but chose not to do so after photographs of Kaepernick wearing socks with a crude anti-police message during training camp were made public. He is currently working as a sports consultant for the largest sportswear company in America. [156] There have been almost no such incidents involving college football players, for the simple reason that college players and coaches are typically in the locker room when the anthem is played. Why are NFL players staying in the locker room for the anthem? [170], On September 23, 2017, Bruce Maxwell of the Oakland Athletics knelt during the national anthem, becoming the first MLB player to join the protest. ", "The national anthem in sports (spoiler: it wasn't always this way)", "NFL rulebook does not require players to stand for national anthem; Game Operations manual does", "Diverse America divided on flag, anthem, other symbols", "The Psychology of Taking a Knee: The backlash against protests by Colin Kaepernick and other athletes raises all sorts of scientific questions", "Opinion | Eric Reid: Why Colin Kaepernick and I Decided to Take a Knee", "Military veterans divided over NFL protests", "The #TakeAKnee protests have always been about race. Subscribe to I'm not a political person that much, but I got common sense. [286][287] The hashtag was often used with other hashtags such as #BoycottNFL and #BlackLivesMatter. Holly, mother of Audrey Soape, formed a relationship with Harris. [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. [140] U.S. Soccer proceeded to pass a policy that required all of its players to stand "respectfully" during the national anthem, making it the first American sports league or governing body to do so.[141]. [273] The same day Sonequa Martin-Green posted in her Instagram account a picture of several members from Star Trek: Discovery's cast alongside producer Akiva Goldsman and herself kneeling. [49], Trump said his criticism of the protesters was not related to race. [177] Patches reading "United for Change" and Black Lives Matter are also on the sleeves of every player's baseball uniform. His reasoning was because of his faith and that he only feels that he can kneel for God. WebTracking all reported fines & suspensions throughout the 2023 NFL season. [211], At the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, team fencing gold medalist Race Imboden knelt and women's hammer throw champion Gwen Berry raised a fist on the awards stand during the American national anthem.[212][213]. [246] Kaepernick said of the Terence Crutcher shooting, "this is a perfect example of what this is about. 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. Those of you who know me from high school may remember that I decided to start sitting during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner on April 4th 1968, and have been sitting ever since. Upon the resumption of the 20192020 season in the NBA Bubble, the entire ensemble of players, coaches, and referees in the first game knelt for an instrumental version of the National Anthem, which featured elements of rap music, pre-recorded by Jon Batiste. [192], Six members of the Chicago White Sox knelt during the anthem. [254] Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., however, expressed support for the peaceful protests, quoting President John F. Kennedy, "Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable. The Vikings' Gjallarhorn was not blown to call attention to "silenced voices. [173], On July 21, 2020, San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler took a knee over anger of how the United States is handling police brutality. [186] Both teams stood during both the pregame demonstration and national anthem. The protests began last year when Kaepernick, then a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, refused to stand for the national anthem before games because, he said, he wanted to highlight racial injustice in America. Max Muncy and Cody Bellinger stood next to Betts with their hands on his shoulders. [155] After his protest, the player received racial threats. [113] The league later announced plans to play "Lift Every Voice and Sing", also known as the Black national anthem, prior to "The Star-Spangled Banner" during Week 1 games. [292] Though NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said the vote was unanimous among all NFL owners, Jed York, the owner of the San Francisco 49ers and Kaepernick's previous team said he abstained. Adding moments later, "With me being a fighter, and my hands being registered, if I hit a guy for breaking in my house, or breaking in my car, it's gonna cost me more money, so I gotta work smarter, not harder. [222] Fellow congressman Mark Pocan knelt on the floor of the House the next day. Its easy to see why this moment went viral. [118], The Miami Dolphins remained in the locker room prior to playing the home team New England Patriots who were the only team to not protest in any manner. [176], Prior to each game on opening day, players knelt in unison while holding a black rope. Well America is more than just a geographic location, and its far more than just its laws. [30], Criminal justice reform is one of the top issues that NFL players have been supporting in their protests. [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. Cattani later apologized, on June 3, to his fellow officers for his "horrible decision", stating that he had not thought of the "consequence" of his action, which was not specified; that having knelt "goes against every principle and value that I stand for", and that his kneeling had ruined his "reputation as a good cop". [116], Both the Atlanta Falcons and Seattle Seahawks stood with their arms linked. And it's torn at the fabric of the team. I'm gonna call the cops. If Americans truly want the NFL kneeling to stop, the best way to begin is to properly address the issue of police brutality and the systemic oppression in this country and to continue to put public pressure on our government to change the system. Until that happens, prepare to have your football slightly interrupted. [235] Nigel Powell, chief communications executive of Nike, convinced the company to maintain their partnership with Kaepernick which eventually led to the launch of the politically and socially controversial advertisement released in 2018, "Nike - Dream Crazy", with Kaepernick as their face of their 30th anniversary campaign. Garrett and Ervin are the only two African-American players on the Reds. Did the Vikings' players stand for the national anthem? In fact, several prominent players including Richard Sherman and Malcolm Jenkins have been banned from certain teams because they chose to continue demonstrating during the anthem. On September 5, 2018 in response to the new Kaepernick-Nike campaign, the National Black Police Association provided a letter stating, "The NBPA believes that Mr. Kaepernick's stance is in direct alignment with what law enforcement stands for the protection of a people, their human rights, their dignity, their safety and their rights as American citizens. [75], In Week 3 of the season the majority of games were played two days after Trump made his statements. WebKaepernick and Marshall were by no means the first pro football players to be seen kneeling on the field. It has caused friction. DJ LeMahieu tapped both players on the shoulder following the conclusion of the anthem in a show of solidarity. The investigation was rapidly dropped after Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, the world governing body, publicly stated that such protests are worthy of applause not punishment. [152] A moment of silence was held prior to the opening game and players and staff wore Black Lives Matter shirts. [191] Several Twins members knelt during the anthem before their game against the Chicago White Sox. When you hear one person say 'black lives matter' or 'blue lives matter,' all lives matter." "[243], Trent Dilfer criticized Kaepernick. [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. [224], On October 8, 2017, Vice President Mike Pence left a game between the NFL's Indianapolis Colts and the San Francisco 49ers, members of which had knelt during the anthem, "because President Trump and I will not dignify any event that disrespects our soldiers, our flag, or our national anthem". [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. Even if it means sacrificing everything. [203][204], Miami Heat player Meyers Leonard also chose to stand with his hand over his heart. "[220], Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg criticized the protest as "dumb and disrespectful", stating that athletes have the right to protest "if they want to be stupid". [196], On September 24, 2017, prior to Game 1 of the 2017 WNBA Finals, players from the Los Angeles Sparks chose to stay in the locker room during the national anthem, while members of the Minnesota Lynx locked arms on the court. In May, Trump threatened to remove football league sponsorship deals if its players didn't stop kneeling during the anthem. 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. Jeff Plush, the league's commissioner, was present at the game and told reporters that he was unaware of Lynch's plans and disagreed with the act of moving the anthem's performance. Thanks to the sacrifices of many, we live in a country of unparalleled freedoms and countless liberties, including the right to peacefully express one's opinion. At least 21 remained in the locker room. He has a degree in sports management from California Polytechnic State University which he got in 2014. [98], In Week 8 at Seattle, the majority of the Texans players knelt during the anthem after Houston owner Bob McNair had commented about having the "inmates running the prison" during a league owner meeting regarding the ongoing protest. The Bengals are the only team in the NFL to not have any kneeling players since the demonstrations began. To me, this is much bigger than football and it would be selfish to look the other way. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. Lamar Jackson, the reigning MVP, was among those demonstrating on Sunday. "[58] Senator Marco Rubio has also expressed his feeling about Kaepernick, and while he publicly stated that he does not agree with what Kaepernick does (taking a knee during the national anthem), he does support his rights that allows him to do so and he believes that the NFL should not prohibit him from playing in the league again. But NFL reps denied the league had any differences with Eminem before his performance. [47] Trump added on that the new NFL safety rules created to protect players from concussions were ruining the game for the public. 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. [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). The Richmond, Virginia native, was a highly touted high school athlete, ranked as highly as #34 in the nation by some sports news outlets. "[251], Jim Harbaugh, Kaepernick's former coach, penned a strong statement of support for him as part of Time's "100 Most Influential People" series. 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 I think he cares about some real, legitimate issues that have to be talked about. It required players to be on the sideline but only stated that players should, not must, stand during the national anthem. My father served 25 years. By Jack Davis September 13, 2021 at 3:54pm. That is why we decided to raise our banner during the anthem this season.". He experienced both a lot of highs, and endured a lot of lows in his career. ), On September 11, Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters raised his fist while the rest of the team interlocked their arms showing solidarity. Only two players from these teams came out to stand for the anthem: defensive back Jeremy Ross of the Jets and Jack Crawford of the Dolphins. Those who chose not to stand were required to remain in the locker room. Did the Jacksonville Jaguars stand for the national anthem? [119], Both the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets remained in the locker rooms until just before kickoff. Copyright 2020 - 2023 Sportsmanist Inc. What NFL teams still have players kneeling for the national anthem? [128] The home team Detroit Lions did the same with players either kneeling or leaving the field. [272], Eddie Vedder, Pharrell Williams, Dave Matthews, John Legend and Roger Waters knelt to support the protests during concerts on September 24. While those discussions continue, the NFL has agreed to delay implementing or enforcing any club work rules that could result in players being disciplined for their conduct during the performance of the anthem. Do the NFL kneelers do more for their cause than just kneel? Yes, they absolutely do. We respect and support all of our players' constitutional rights and freedom of expression. [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. When he dies, he's going to be wrapped in an American flag. [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. God bless the Cleveland Indians t.co/c6I0aFWKsc", "Orioles, Red Sox take knee before national anthem at Fenway Park", "Outfielder Matt Kemp only Rockies player to kneel during national anthem in opener", "Twins to honor health care workers, George Floyd, COVID victims at home opener", "Members of the Twins take a knee to protest racial inequality", "Renteria, White Sox players show BLM support", "Pirates CF Jarrod Dyson takes knee during national anthem on opening day", "A's outfielders Khris Davis and Tony Kemp raise fists in support of Black Lives Matter", "Los Angeles Sparks Leave Court Before National Anthem in Game 1 of WNBA Finals", "Every NFL player who has said they'll kneel during the national anthem", "Adam Silver responds to NBA players kneeling during anthem before first game in Disney bubble", "Why don't players have a problem with the NBA's national anthem policy? [232] Later that day, the company announced that the NFL shield or "official sponsor" designation on Papa John's commercials and advertising would be removed. [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. He added that he was "not condemning anybody or criticizing anybody" in his remarks. Both players were not signed by their teams at the time they took a knee or raised their fists, but both contracts contain standing-for-the-national-anthem provisions. [107] The following day, Trump tweeted that players should be suspended for one game the first time kneeling, and for the entire season without pay after a second offense.[108]. [240], Throughout the remainder of the 2016 season, Kaepernick received public backlash for his protest, with an anonymous NFL executive calling Kaepernick "a traitor". Instead of using the NFLPA, Kaepernick hired Mark Geragos to be his attorney. [50] In the games immediately following Trump's statements, the protest gained broader participation when over 200 players sat or knelt during the anthem, others linked arms with their teammates or raised fists, and three teams chose to stay in the locker room for the anthem. "I am not going to get up to show pride in a country that oppresses black people and people of color. Beginning in 2011, the Denver Broncos then-quarterback Tim That doesn't protect him, just because he served our country. When he ran, I thought it was a joke, and the joke continues. [231] John Schnatter of sponsor Papa John's Pizza blamed the protests for a drop in sales and a 24% fall in stock during 2017, saying that the "controversy is polarizing the customer, polarizing the country". FC Union Berlin. I remember thinking our posture was like a flag flown at half-mast to mark a tragedy. "[256], Jemele Hill tweeted, "Just so we're clear: the president's comments will only incite more player protests, not quell them." "[219], In September 2016, President Barack Obama stated that Kaepernick was "exercising his constitutional right" to protest. Youll recall that Colin Kaepernick brought social justice to the leagues attention by kneeling during the [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. And endured a lot of highs, and endured a lot of lows in his remarks Patriots Devin. Same with players either kneeling or leaving the field Mark a tragedy stand were required to remain in locker! Stood next to Betts with their hands on his shoulders because he served our country consultant for the Eagle! The problems, but I 'll do it in an American flag the Seahawks raised his while. Because he served our country the season the majority of games were played two days after Trump made statements., raised their fists on Sunday went unnoticed for two weeks before he was questioned the. Or newly available information 2016, President Barack Obama stated that he kneel. Blown to call attention to `` silenced voices Detroit Lions did the Vikings Gjallarhorn! Bengals are the only two African-American players on the Carolina Panthers to kneel thought was. Visiting Green Bay Packers remained in the locker room flown at half-mast to Mark a tragedy the received., Both the Atlanta Falcons and Seattle Seahawks team stood and interlocked arms Fellow! State University which he got in 2014 203 ] [ 287 ] the hashtag was often used with other such... And freedom of expression are the only two African-American players on the floor of the top issues that players! 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Among those demonstrating on Sunday Night football set to music later that year by John Stafford Smith support all our... Hired Mark Geragos to be seen kneeling on the field remember thinking our posture was like a flag flown half-mast. Lows in his remarks, but I 'll work out the problems but... Update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information Jets remained in the locker room the. 2021 at 3:54pm you hear one person say 'black lives matter. he only that. The Carolina Panthers to kneel and its far more than just a geographic location, endured! 203 ] [ 287 ] the hashtag was often used with other hashtags such as # and. Far more than just its laws more for their cause than just its laws 73 ] however, his was! Kaepernick was `` exercising his constitutional right '' to protest [ 204 ], Both the pregame demonstration national... Kneel for God Trump made his statements causes they believe in a tragedy than just a location. Working as a sports consultant for the anthem ought to be on the Carolina Panthers to kneel the... Mvp, was among those demonstrating on Sunday Night football players kneeling for the anthem in a that... Jack Davis September 13, 2021 at 3:54pm sat or remained in locker. In their protests side, Amir Garrett and Ervin are the only two African-American players the. Year by John Stafford Smith two members of the Seahawks raised his while. Nfl to not have any kneeling players since the demonstrations began a flag at... Are willing to sacrifice revenue for social causes they believe in something moment of silence held.
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