Raiders, Redskins demonstrate team-wide protests during anthem
After a day filled with protests over Donald Trump's recent comments about NFL players, the Oakland Raiders and Washington Redskins both partook in team-wide demonstrations ahead of Sunday night's prime time contest.
The majority of players and coaches on the Raiders, whose offensive line had reportedly planned to kneel together, sat together with arms linked during the national anthem.
United. pic.twitter.com/5rQI3G6oMb
— OAKLAND RAIDERS (@RAIDERS) September 25, 2017
Most of the the Redskins team decided to stand with arms linked, including owner Dan Snyder. A group of Redskins players that included receivers Jamison Crowder, Brian Quick, and tight end Jordan Reed elected to kneel.
Unity. pic.twitter.com/eJbzdcZnYR
— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) September 25, 2017
The Redskins released a statement following the anthem, though it did not mention Trump or any other specific reason for the demonstration.
A statement from the Washington Redskins. pic.twitter.com/GsCMfWTZ7T
— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) September 25, 2017
According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, fans booed the players and chanted "U-S-A".