The first full week of the NFL 2018 preseason began with a defiant start.
NFL players continued their national anthem protests by kicking off the preseason with fists in the air, some on their knees on Thursday night as the league began the 2018 preseason.
President Donald Trump, who has been openly critical of the league and has condemned players who disrespect the flag and the nation with their protests, denounced the renewed demonstrations in a tweet Friday.
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
Despite the controversy surrounding the protests, some players chose to demonstrate during several early NFL preseason games on Thursday, Fox News reported.
This is not going to end well.
“NFL preseason sees kneeling, raised fists, during national anthem via the @FoxNews App https://t.co/DUqHlXMLoh— Janie Johnson (@jjauthor) August 10, 2018
Miami Dolphins wide receivers Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson knelt during “The Star-Spangled Banner” behind their teammates who were standing along the sideline before their game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who did not appear to be protesting. Defensive end Robert Quinn stood and raised his right fist.
Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson kneeled during the national anthem.
— Adam Beasley (@AdamHBeasley) August 9, 2018
Kenny Stills, Malcolm Jenkins, other NFL players continue to protest racial injustice during anthem: https://t.co/Ay48pfxNu3 pic.twitter.com/LLPHYnKSrb
— Deadspin (@Deadspin) August 10, 2018
Former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who sparked the protests by kneeling during the national anthem last season to protest social injustices, tweeted in response to Stills and Wilson’s reported protests.
My brother @kstills continued his protest of systemic oppression tonight by taking a knee. Albert Wilson @iThinkIsee12 joined him in protest. Stay strong brothers!✊????
???? @footcandles#imwithkap #imwithereid #takeaknee pic.twitter.com/LimoadfUcW— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) August 10, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins and cornerback De’Vante Bausby raised their fists during the anthem before a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
New #Dolphins DE Robert Quinn with a fist raised during the playing of the National Anthem, but I could not see anyone kneeling @nbc6 @NBC6Sports pic.twitter.com/HtpptbGSVd
— Chris Fischer NBC6 (@FischerNBC6) August 9, 2018
Malcolm Jenkins and De’Vante Bausby raised their fists during the anthem. Michael Bennett walked out of the tunnel during the anthem and spent the anthem walking toward the bench. Chris Long placed his arm around Jenkins’ shoulder.
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) August 9, 2018
Read the full article here.
Via BPR
