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Anthem row, 9/11 collide
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COLIN Kaepernick’s controversial decision to not stand for the US national anthem before NFL games could gain support when most teams open the season tomorrow — the 15th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.
The San Francisco 49ers quarterback sat or kneeled for “The Star-Spangled Banner” during exhibition games to protest treatment of African Americans after an offseason of shootings of unarmed black men by police and killings of police officers in response.
“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, as his actions triggered a firestorm.
On Thursday night, Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall refused to stand while the American anthem played during the Broncos’ season-opening game against the Carolina Panthers. No other players joined in the protest.
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane and soccer star Megan Rapinoe also kneeled during the US anthem recently in support of Kaepernick’s message.
The National Women’s Soccer League’s Washington Spirit played the US anthem before Seattle’s Rapinoe and other players took the field on Wednesday to avoid giving her another chance to kneel.
The Seahawks spoke of sending a message as a team before their season opener tomorrow at home against Miami, but the notion of disrespecting the US flag on September 11 had players rethinking what they might do. “To express a desire to bring people together, our team will honor the country and flag in a pre-game demonstration of unity,” Seahawks receiver Doug Baldwin tweeted.
But the lack of specifics left open a range of options for actions that could spark controversy as Kaepernick did.
Baldwin said the September 11 factor needs to be in the thoughts of anyone planning a protest move this weekend.
“Even if it wasn’t September 11, the point of the protest is to get people to think,” Baldwin said. “It’s very ironic that 15 years ago on September 11 is one of the most devastating in US history and after that day we were probably the most unified that we’ve ever been. And today you struggle to see the unity.
“It’s going to be a special day, a very significant day, but at the same time I think I’m looking forward to the many better changes that we can make.”
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