During opening weekend in the NFL there were noticeable displays of anti-Black oppression and Black solidarity gestures among football players, which started nearly three weeks ago by San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
Kaepernick and Eric Reid once again kneeled during the national anthem before the Niners’ season opener against the Los Angeles Rams.
In addition to Kaepernick, Niners safety Antoine Bethea and linebacker Eli Harold joined their teammate Monday night by holding up fists. On the opposite sideline, Rams defensive lineman Robert Quinn and receiver Kenny Britt also held fists up during the anthem.
Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid took a knee during the national anthem while others raised their fist. pic.twitter.com/0xiXc4ymIG
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 13, 2016
Kaepernick has refused to stand for the anthem all season in protest of police brutality and racial oppression in the United States. Reid joined him during the final exhibition game when the two decided to kneel, instead of sit, in a move meant to show more respect to veterans.
Several players around the NFL joined the protest Kaepernick started nearly three weeks ago during games played on Sunday including Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall; Miami Dolphins linebacker Jelani Jenkins, receiver Kenny Stills and safety Michael Thomas.
During the New England Patriots game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, safety Devin McCourty and tight end Martellus Bennett stood for the anthem, but also raised their fists when it ended.
The raised fist salute was most notably used by track and field medalists John Carlos and Tommie Smith during the 1968 Olympics for similar reasons.
