Marshawn Lynch Doesn't Care What You Think, Sits for National Anthem in Opener
Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch made sure to let the nation know loud and clear that he would not be standing for the national anthem.
One would assume with a new head coach in place — Jon Gruden — there might be new team rules or standards. But Lynch once again sat for the anthem before Oakland’s exhibition opener against the Detroit Lions on Friday night.
The move came the evening after President Donald Trump criticized players on Twitter who refused to stand for the national anthem.
The NFL players are at it again – taking a knee when they should be standing proudly for the National Anthem. Numerous players, from different teams, wanted to show their “outrage” at something that most of them are unable to define. They make a fortune doing what they love……
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 10, 2018
The president said that “most of them are unable to define” what they’re demonstrating against.
In a second tweet, he said players who do not stand for the anthem should be suspended without pay.
…..Be happy, be cool! A football game, that fans are paying soooo much money to watch and enjoy, is no place to protest. Most of that money goes to the players anyway. Find another way to protest. Stand proudly for your National Anthem or be Suspended Without Pay!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 10, 2018
Lynch sat for the anthem all of last season but never gave a reason for his decision.
No other players on either team demonstrated during the anthem, with the Lions all standing together with locked arms.
The league and the NFL Players Association have yet to announce a policy for this season regarding demonstrations during the anthem. The NFL announced a policy in the spring requiring players to either stand for the anthem or remain in the locker room, but the league and the players union agreed in July to put that rule on hold.
Several players throughout the league demonstrated on Thursday night, including three players from the Miami Dolphins.
Kenny Stills and fellow wide receiver Albert Wilson took a knee during the anthem while defensive end Robert Quinn stood with his fist raised.
Stills called Wilson an “angel” for kneeling with him so he wasn’t the only one protesting.
Colin Kaepernick tweeted a photo of himself with Stills, praising him and Wilson for protesting.
“Stay strong brothers!” he wrote.
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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