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NFL Players Resume Protests During National Anthem

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Malcolm Jenkins. Photo by philly.com

Several NFL players, headlined by Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins, resumed protests during the performance of the National Anthem as NFL preseason action got underway Thursday evening.

Jenkins, an all-pro player and the leader of the defense of the defending Super Bowl champions raised his fist on the sidelines during the National Anthem. Jenkins was joined by cornerback De’Vante Bausby and defensive end Chris Long. In other games, Miami Dolphins wide receivers Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson took a knee during the national anthem. Dolphins defensive end Robert Quinn and 49ers wide receiver Marquise Goodwin raised their fists.

Jenkins took to Twitter explaining his actions:

“Before we enjoy this game let’s take some time to ponder that more than 60% of the prison population are people of color. The NFL is made up of 70% African Americans. What you witness on the field does not represent the reality of everyday America. We are the anomalies….”


 

The NFL is currently negotiating the issue of protests during the national anthem with the NFL Players Association, but thus far NFL owners have chosen to side with President Trump in forcing the players to stand during the anthem.

President Trump has tweeted extensively about this issue and some, including Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, feel that Trump has hijacked the entire issue.

“I don’t know how many times we can say, as a player and as a group, how much we love and support and appreciate the troops, and the opportunities this country allows us,” Rodgers said during an NFL Network interview this week. “But this is about equality and something bigger than ourselves, and bringing people together, and love and connectedness and equality and social justice, and putting a light on people who deserve to have the attention for their causes and their difficult situations that they’re in. You know, people have their opinion- you shouldn’t do it during the anthem, you shouldn’t do it during this—that’s fine. But let’s not take away from what the real issue is.”