The Cleveland Browns created the first headlines to come out of their Monday Night Football showdown against the New York Giants on August, 21 when a huddle of players on their side of the field veered from standing conventionally for the National Anthem and knelt down on one knee.
Eleven Browns teammates, both Black and White, unified to partake in the humbling gesture. And in addition to those who got down together, there were several players who connected themselves to the demonstration by placing a hand on those who descended to the ground. Tight end Seth DeValve, running backs Duke Johnson Jr. and Terrence Magee, safeties Jabrill Peppers and Calvin Pryor, cornerback Jamar Taylor, receivers Kenny Britt and Ricardo Louis, linebackers Chris Kirksey and Jamie Collins, and running back Isaiah Crowell all took to a knee. Meanwhile, punter Britton Colquitt, cornerback Jason McCourty, quarterback DeShone Kizer, defensive tackle Trevon Coley and offensive tackle Shon Coleman all stood around the huddle with their hands pitched in, in solidarity.
While it appeared as though the men had gotten down in prayer, they certainly stood out from the rest of the team standing for the anthem in the traditional manner. The demonstration comes one week after the Browns' coach, Hue Jackson, caused a stir, particularly among Kaepernick supporters, by telling the press that while he respects everyone's right to free speech, he hoped his team "don't have those issues."
The Browns organization has issued a statement addressing the actions of its players on Monday night, stating: "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. 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."
Source: bleacherreport.com
