It seems that free agent QB Colin Kaepernick has started a movement, and it’s spreading. We saw Marshawn Lynch and Michael Bennett kneel during the anthem this preseason. Also, we saw the Malcolm Jenkins put his fist in the air during the anthem.
Tonight, in Cleveland, 11 Browns’ players knelt during the anthem before their preseason game against the Giants.
Browns head coach Hue Jackson said the following last week about his players kneeling during the anthem: “I would hope that we don’t have those issues,”
According to ESPN, the following players took a knee:
Tight end Seth DeValve, running backs Duke Johnson Jr. and Terrence Magee, safeties Jabrill Peppers and Calvin Pryor, cornerback Jamar Taylor, receivers Kenny Britt and Ricardo Louis, linebackers Chris Kirksey and Jamie Collins, and running back Isaiah Crowell (who was not in uniform).
The following players stood nearby:
Britton Colquitt (who also had his hand on his heart), cornerback Jason McCourty, quarterback DeShone Kizer, defensive tackle Trevon Coley and offensive tackle Shon Coleman.
Here is what the Browns’ organization said in a statement on Monday:
“As an organization, we have a profound respect for our country’s National Anthem, flag and the servicemen and servicewomen in the United States and abroad. We feel it’s important for our team to join in this great tradition and special moment of recognition, at the same time we also respect the great liberties afforded by our country including the freedom of personal expression.”
Woah. A ton of Browns kneeling during the national anthem here pic.twitter.com/Qv6qSPs6kX
— Jordan Zirm (@clevezirm) August 22, 2017