Players around the NFL continued to protest inequalities in the US justice system and police brutality as they refused to be silenced by Donald Trump.
Three Miami Dolphins protested during the anthem:
Dolphins players Kenny Stills, Albert Wilson, Robert Quinn protest during the anthem https://t.co/HkAgJhjJMz
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) August 10, 2018
To get more stories like this, subscribe to our newsletter The Daily.
According to the Florida Times-Union, several Jacksonville Jaguars did not take the field during the anthem:
#Jaguars CB Jalen Ramsey, LB Telvin Smith and RBs Leonard Fournette and T.J. Yeldon were not on the field with the rest of the team for the playing of the national anthem. They came out of the tunnel a few moments later.
— Phillip Heilman (@phillip_heilman) August 9, 2018
Ten New York Giants knelt in unison in the end zone during the playing of the national anthem before their game with the Cleveland Browns according to CNN.
NFL Players Are Not Protesting the National Anthem
Contrary to what Donald Trump tweets, NFL players are not anti-American or protesting the national anthem. The NFL players are protesting police brutality and unequal treatment of people of color in the justice system. The protesters have nothing against the national anthem and are engaging in an activity that defines democracy. They are protesting against policies and the conduct of their government.
What Trump and his empty flag wavers are attempting to define as unpatriotic is one of the greatest acts of patriotism that an American can engage in. As long as the inequality and mistreatment persist, NFL players are going to continue to protest.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.
Awards and Professional Memberships
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association
