Marshawn Lynch Sits Out the National Anthem in Protest Before an Oakland Raiders Preseason Game
Some might call it “pulling a Kaepernick.”
One thing that’s been established about the un-retired Marshawn Lynch: he doesn’t really give much of a damn about others’ opinions. Beastmode is going to do what he wants.
Saturday night, he chose to sit down while the national anthem played prior to the Raiders-Arizona Cardinals preseason game.
Anyone who’s ever paid close attention to Lynch’s statements shouldn’t be too surprised. When Colin Kaepernick stirred controversy with the same kind of protest in 2016, Lynch said that anyone who wasn’t truly “racist. . .won’t see what [Kaepernick is] doing as a threat to America, just addressing the problem that we have.”
#Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch sits during the national anthem prior to #NFL game against Cardinals. @usatodaysports @azcentral pic.twitter.com/OAUOfZ39SH
— Mark J. Rebilas (@rebilasphoto) August 13, 2017
While no one has elaborated on the reason for Lynch’s protest, it’s likely to be similar to Kaepernick‘s, who explained his own peaceful protest by saying he would “continue to stand with the people that are being oppressed.”
“To me,” Kaepernick said, “this is something that has to change. When there’s significant change and I feel like that flag represents what it’s supposed to represent, this country is representing people the way that it’s supposed to, I’ll stand.”
Social media reactions to Lynch’s action were predictably mixed.
Sooner or later people are gonna realize Marshawn Lynch does whatever he wants to and doesn't care what u think about it! #BeastMode pic.twitter.com/iBQPIgCsGS
— Kay Anderson (@kaystyling) August 13, 2017
S/O Marshawn Lynch for sitting during the national anthem #BeastMode
— Chris (@MrRN2you) August 13, 2017
Lots of respect lost last night for Lynch. #beastmode Stand for the flag #NationalAnthem #RaiderNation #America
— Scott Kuenz (@KuenzScott) August 13, 2017
Now the #Raiders have taken the place of the #49ers as the persona non grata of the NFL. #Lynch #Beastmode
— 🇺🇸Ultra Patriot (@LIB3RTYforALL) August 13, 2017
Lynch did not play in the game Saturday, and Kaepernick has yet to sign with a team to play in the upcoming season.
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