On Sunday September 11, 2016 – the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks – the Miami Dolphins played the Seattle Seahawks. But before the game even started, four Miami Dolphins players, caused an uproar in the form of peaceful protest. Since then, Sports Illustrated model, Kate Upton, called them out for their actions.
While the national anthem played across the stadium, running back Arian Foster, outside linebacker Jelani Jenkins, free safety Michael Thomas and wide receiver Kenny Stills, got down on one knee, instead of standing. Only two of the four of them put their hands over their hearts, per the traditional stance.
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“This is unacceptable. You should be proud to be an American,” Upton tweeted about the protest. “Especially on 9/11 when we should support each other.”
This is just one of many protests that have been going on in the sports world since San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick made a statement by sitting through the National Anthem. He did this in protest against social injustice, and many athletes who have since joined him to the disdain of many onlookers.
“Protest&speak ur mind whenever u want but during the 120secs you should support the people who protect our freedom,” Upton continued on twitter.
Upton, like many others, believe that what these athletes are doing is disrespectful to America and the troops that have fought for our country. Upton’s comments hold even more weight given that this particular protest happened on the anniversary of 9/11.
The model also took to Instagram to explain herself. She said that she “could never imagine multiple people sitting down during the national anthem on September 11th anniversary,” and that the “lessons of 911 should teach us that if we come together, the world can be a better and more peaceful place.”
