On the opening Sunday for the National Football League, the majority of players on the Baltimore Ravens stood for “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” a song considered the “black national anthem,” but knelt immediately after for “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
The Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” is currently being played. Ravens players are lined up at the goal line, while the Browns returned to their locker room. It looks like one Raven is kneeling. pic.twitter.com/DfGlVdXpFq
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) September 13, 2020
Only two players, cornerback Marlon Humphrey and linebacker Matthew Judos, knelt for both anthems, according to USA Today.
But the majority, including star quarterback Lamar Jackson and wide receiver Marquise Brown, intentionally knelt during the U.S. national anthem.
Rough estimate but I’d say over half of the Ravens players took a knee during the national anthem. Browns players stood together but a few players took a knee. pic.twitter.com/ntkVITBCdS
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) September 13, 2020
Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti defended the controversial move and called it a “demonstration for justice and equality for all Americans.”
“This was not a protest against our country, the military or the flag. Our players remain dedicated to uplifting their communities and making America better. They have proven this through substantive action. They are committed to using their platform to drive positive change, and we support their efforts,” he said.
Many others, however disagreed with Bisciotti’s assessment, including Outkick founder Clay Travis:
Question: how can the Ravens argue it’s not about respect for the anthem when they stand for the black national anthem and kneel for the United States national anthem? They can’t. They’ve checkmated themselves.
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) September 13, 2020
