After four of the Miami Dolphins chose to kneel during the singing of the National Anthem, the organization’s owner Steve Ross has come to their defense.
The trend of athletes and celebrities not standing during the “Star Spangled Banner” was sparked after Colin Kaepernick remained seated on the bench during a pre-season game.
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“I don’t think there was any lack of respect,” Ross explained. “Everyone in this team and whole organization respects the flag and what it stands for. These guys are making a conversation about something that’s a very important topic in this country. I’m 100 percent in support of them.”
Running back Arian Foster, linebacker Jelani Jenkins, safety Michael Thomas, and receiver Kenny Stills were the four players that protested the National Anthem. While they stood during a ceremony for the 15th anniversary of the tragic events of 9/11, the four NFL players knelt during the anthem.
When asked how he felt prior to kneeling, Thomas said: “Very nervous. But I know where my heart is in it. It’s not to be disrespectful, anti-blue, anti-patriotic. It’s to raise awareness and equality for all.”
Jenkins said, “It was pulling on my heart to stand up and not act like everything is OK, not act like I haven’t seen [problems]. I chose to get involved to see if I could create change. Raise awareness.” He continued, “I want it to be clear that there’s no disrespect to the military or the police officers. It’s not about that. I love everyone. To me love is progress, hate is expensive.”
While some of the Dolphin’s official tried to claim that Steve Ross was only discussing the players’ “right” to protest, it seemed pretty evident that the owner agreed with the stance of the players.
“This is a country where you’re allowed to indicate say where your preferences are and your feelings are,” he stated. “That’s what makes it so great. And I think it’s great [what the players did] I applaud them for doing it.”
How do you feel about the NFL players kneeling during the National Anthem?
[H/T Sun Sentinel]
