Despite John Elway's Pro-Anthem Stance, 2 Broncos Players Don't Even Bother to Show
Linebacker Brandon Marshall and wide receiver Demaryius Thomas weren’t with their teammates on the sideline for the national anthem prior to the Denver Broncos’ game against the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday night.
Marshall and Thomas emerged from the tunnel behind the Broncos’ bench after the anthem was over.
In Arizona, Los Angeles Chargers starting left tackle Russell Okung raised his fist during the anthem prior to the team’s game against the Cardinals.
Okung (No. 76) stood with his fist raised behind the rest of the Chargers players, who lined up on the sideline for the anthem.
https://twitter.com/thejackwang/status/1028461835073114112
The league and the NFL players’ union have yet to announce a policy for this season regarding demonstrations during the anthem after the league initially ordered everyone to stand on the sideline when the anthem is played or remain in the locker room.
Marshall has knelt in the past during the national anthem, following the lead of his college teammate, Colin Kaepernick, who started the protests in 2016.
They played together at Nevada.
Thomas hasn’t been involved in the demonstrations, but he wore the Malcom Jenkins’ “You ain’t listening” T-shirt at a pre-camp barbecue last month.
The latest protest from the pair of Broncos starters could still be construed as a bit of a surprise, considering that general manager and executive vice president of football operations John Elway has taken a pretty strong stance on the issue.
President of Football Ops/GM John Elway to @BroncosTV on players’ National Anthem statements: pic.twitter.com/Q6F9rszh4x
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) September 26, 2017
“I’m one that believes in standing for the National Anthem, and I’ve always believed that,” Elway said via statement after President Donald Trump really ratcheted up the pressure on the NFL before Week 3 of last season.
Elway has made no qualms about how much he appreciates America.
“I believe that this is the greatest country in the world,” Elway said in the statement.
Elway also urged players to “take the politics out of football,” a plea that clearly fell on deaf ears as far as Thomas and Marshall were concerned.
The Broncos were blown out 42-28 against the Vikings in their preseason opener.
Of note, Minnesota has never had a player protest the national anthem. The Chargers lost 24-17 to the Cardinals.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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