Several Browns take knee for national anthem

Monday Night Football in Cleveland didn't even kick off before there was controversy. Several Browns players knelt during the national anthem instead of standing, following the lead of other prominent players around the league.

Nate Ulrich @NateUlrichABJ Several #Browns players knelt during national anthem. Jamie Collins, Seth DeValve, Duke Johnson, Kenny Britt and Ricardo Louis among them.
<time class="dt-updated" datetime="2017-08-22T00:06:41+0000" pubdate="" title="Time posted: August 22, 2017 00:06:41 (UTC)">8:06 PM - Aug 21, 2017</time>

Earlier in the week, Browns coach Hue Jackson spoke out about the civil activism and right of his players to protest. He later had to clarify his comments after he felt some misconstrued his intent.


The action was not mentioned by the ESPN broadcast crew.

Kneeling and bowing their heads, the Cleveland Browns bonded over something bigger than football.


More than a dozen players huddled together on the team's bench Monday night to protest during the national anthem.


The group, which included veterans, rookies, starters and backups, gathered in front of some water coolers and behind their teammates who stood on the sideline shortly before the Browns hosted the New York Giants.


Linebacker Jamie Collins, running backs Isaiah Crowell, Duke Johnson and Terrance Magee, safety Jabrill Peppers, tight end Seth DeValve, wide receivers Kenny Britt and Ricardo Louis and defensive back Calvin Pryor dropped to one knee in a circle while rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer, offensive tackle Shon Coleman, punter Britton Colquitt, defensive back Jason McCourty and offensive lineman Marcus Martin stood and supported their teammates by putting their hands on their shoulders.
Colquitt, one of two white players in the group, also placed a hand over his heart.


The protest was the largest so far in a movement started last season by quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who is currently out of the NFL. In recent days, Seattle defensive lineman Michael Bennett and Philadelphia defensive back Malcolm Jenkins also have called attention to what they feel is racial injustice in the country.


Oakland running back Marshawn Lynch also has sat during the national anthem in the preseason, but hasn't elaborated on his reasoning.


At halftime, the Browns released a statement.


"As an organization, we have a profound respect for our country's National Anthem, flag and the servicemen and servicewomen in the United States and abroad," the team said through a spokesperson. "We feel it's important for our team to join in this great tradition and special moment of recognition, at the same time we also respect the great liberties afforded by our country, including the freedom of personal expression."


Browns coach Hue Jackson drew criticism last week when he seemed to indicate he didn't want his players to protest. However, Jackson clarified his remarks to say he respected any player who wanted to demonstrate.


"The intent of my comments was not to discourage individual expression from our players in light of a cause that moves them to personal expression," Jackson said. "I'm disheartened that I gave anyone that impression because I did not speak with enough clarity. However, my words did reflect my concern — that I would express to any player — about protesting during the anthem. There are many effective ways athletes can utilize their platform if they so desire, but I would respect any individual decision, as ultimately, it would be the player's choice after much thoughtful dialogue."

is that a protest or a prayer? it is the Browns afterall....

What is the point of taking a knee? Doesn't make much sense to me. Support the right to do it, but not sure what difference it makes

Mr_Mark said:

is that a protest or a prayer? it is the Browns afterall....

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it does look more like a prayer

Like I said, play the National Anthem before the players come out.

owners need to put in contract that they stand and be obedient

The NFL is quickly becoming indistinguishable from a Black Lives Matter Rally.

The NFL Commissioner needs to stop this. He doesn't seem to understand how bad this is for the brand.

Over paid divas. They don't why they doing. Give some of ur $$ to poor blacks to better them

Railbird said:

owners need to put in contract that they stand and be obedient

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The NBA players agreement has a clause that states that the players must stand for the National Anthem.

While I'm not a fan of what is taking place, I don't like the idea of them being required to stand for the national anthem as part of their contract. Goodell is a big enough a-hole so I don't want him stepping in. I'm with StevieRay - if these highly paid athletes really believe that they and others are being oppressed then they should take some of their money and put their wealth towards something that will make their lives and community better. Kneeling isn't going to accomplish anything other than piss fans off.

most of my friends don't like it, but do not get angry about it. I am angry about it. I WILL keep watching football as I love it, but at some point will come by boiling point

These idiots piss me off it takes 2.5 mins to show this country respect for all the people that sacrificed there lives for all the freedoms that you enjoy today so put your hand over your heart and stand for it.

Gravy said:

These idiots piss me off it takes 2.5 mins to show this country respect for all the people that sacrificed there lives for all the freedoms that you enjoy today so put your hand over your heart and stand for it.

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you are wrong on two counts:

1. your statement is too respectful
2. your statement is too rational

the fact that we feel a need to discuss this subject proves that respect and rational does not apply to these ingrates.

Guys, there is a simple solution which I have already done. I cancelled my NFL ticket subscription after 20 years. They kiss my ass, plus I have an extra $300 in my pocket.

I'm not going to let a few idiots change the way I live my life. Just like I would advise anyone in life, I believe you do the right thing, be good, be honest, treat people with respect, and let the chips fall where they may. You can't please everyone, so don't bother trying. People will disappoint you, including family. If you can look in the mirror and be proud, you have nothing to worry about.

There will always be assholes in this world, there will always be a racist jackass, just know that they are a fractional minority and stop being a victim.

We can't legislate utopia, so stop trying. Live life, be proud. There sre consequences for the decisions you make. Be it good or bad. Just ask Colin Kap

very simple, just turn off the nfl, until the nfl and owners lose money, they will never stop this crap and imo it will only get worst until better if it is not stop soon..tell your friends turn off the nfl