Football turned political over the weekend following President Trump’s comment that players who kneel during the national anthem should be fired.
For the Panthers, the team stood tall on the sidelines during the anthem. All but one defense end, Julius Peppers, were present. Peppers chose to stay in the locker room saying his decision wasn’t about disrespecting the flag.
“You know what went on this week with the comments that were made by the president. I felt like he attacked our brothers, my brothers. It was appropriate to stand up with them and stay in the locker room.”
More than 130 NFL players protested during the national anthem on Sunday. The spread in protests came after President Trump called protesting NFL players “sons of bitches” and said they should be fired. After his comments, there was an outpouring of criticism from NFL owners, many of whom said that their players have every right to protest peacefully.
Head Coach Ron River says he wants his team to envision an America free of injustice.
