One of the most anticipated subjects to the opening Sunday of the NFL season would be wether anyone would chose to protest the National Anthem. That Sunday just so happens to be the 15th anniversary of September 11th.
Though there were no protests during the 1:00 ET slate of games, four Miami Dolphins players, including Arian Foster, Jelani Jenkins, Michael Thomas and Kenny Stills, all took a knee during the anthem.
Arian Foster among four Dolphins to take a knee during anthem https://t.co/VrRCH5eafE #MiamiDolphins pic.twitter.com/12wWD8HVUP
— Sportsnaut (@Sportsnaut) September 11, 2016
“We counted 4 #Dolphins who kneeled” Video #NFLSunday pic.twitter.com/QAXQqqyZfv
— ChuckModi (@ChuckModi1) September 11, 2016
The Dolphins, like other teams who have found themselves in the situation where their players refused to stand released a statement shortly after:
“We encourage all members of the organization to stand at attention during the national anthem out of respect and appreciation for the freedoms we are afforded as Americans. We also recognize it is an individual’s right to reflect during the anthem in different ways. We respect those liberties and appreciate the sacrifices that everyone has made for our country, especially on this day of remembrance. We hope today’s events will continue a respectful and thoughtful dialogue in our community on unity, inclusiveness and togetherness.”
On the other sideline, Seahawks players linked arms as a team and all stood, even after reports are they the majority of the team wanted to kneel while holding their hands over their hearts as the Dolphins did.
