What started with National Football League free agent Colin Kaepernick last year has become a trend in professional sports. By kneeling during the National Anthem, Kaepernick ignited a national firestorm over his actions and why he did it. Kaepernick viewed his display as an act of social justice warfare that brings awareness to racial issues he believes in. Opponents to him and his actions viewed his behavior as a disrespectful act against the country and those who keep it free.
The act has spread beyond the NFL, and now has reached Major League Baseball. Oakland Athletics catcher Bruce Maxwell became the first MLB player to kneel during the National Anthem at a game this past weekend, indicating now that sports are no longer safe from politicization.
Maxwell, who was born on a military installation in Germany while his father served in the U.S. Army, indicated this was his way to give a voice to those without one. Like Kaepernick and his supporters, he believes this is a way to bring awareness. He insists that his protest was not anti-American in the slightest.
“The point of my kneeling was not to disrespect our military or our constitution or our military,” Maxwell said. “My hand was over my heart because I love this country… I’m kneeling for the people who don’t have a voice.”
The team backed their player 100 percent after his controversial protest.
“The Oakland A’s pride ourselves on being inclusive. We respect and support all of our players’ constitutional rights and freedom of expression,” the team said in a statement.
Major League Baseball issued a separate statement about how they honor the country before each game, but stand by each players’ right to their opinions.
Athletics players and coaches were reportedly supportive of Bruce Maxwell’s actions, but it remains to be seen if other teammates or Major Leaguers elsewhere will join him.
ere goes MLB, down the toilet just like the NFL…
Like I said before… he seems confused, he’s kneeling but yet he has his hat over his chest…. what does he want to do? Kneel or show respect
Oh good. I’m not the only one who thought this.
He wanted to be relevant. He failed. God Bless America.
The main problem with these protests, in Stefan Molyneux’ words, is that they are “Not an Argument!”.
If their only argument against whatever – I’ve forgotten the point of this if any other than to say they don’t like Trump – is to throw some kind of tantrum on their employer’s time, there is nothing to listen to and they should be fired. Spoiled millionaire brats!
I’m still trying to figure out the point of that guy at the LP convention stripping to his underwear.
The kneeling NFL players put their hand over their heart too.
He plays for Oakland.
Enough said.
perfect level if he just turns to face his fellow team
I always considered kneeling a show of respect. Don’t the NFL players take a knee when a player gets hurt?
MLB had enough problems with popularity… If they don’t nip this now they’re in a world of hurt
The one behind him wanted to kiss him after he stood up.
Sad to see hatred for the country has spread so much. I didn’t think Obama was a president who liked the country but I don’t blame the country for him. Sad to see such divisive politics getting into sports.
The sports that don’t get the SOBs off the field will lose a signifcant portion of their base.
he better be the last overpaid asshole to protest on the fans time and fans dime