The Junior Comanches, a football team of 8-year-old boys in Cahokia, Ill., followed in the steps of Colin Kaepernick and knelt during the national anthem while turning their backs on the American flag prior to a Sept. 17 game. The players planned and staged the demonstration to protest racial injustice, mainly against the verdict in the nearby St. Louis trial of former police officer Jason Stockley. People have been demonstrating in St. Louis since Stockley was acquitted of first-degree murder in the death of Anthony Smith, a black man who was shot during an arrest.

Former NFL player and Donald Trump supporter, Jim Brown, was asked his thoughts about the actions of the youth football team.

"Personally, I thought it was exploitation, and I don't personally do anything against my country and against my flag and against my national anthem," said Brown. "I work out the problems that we have and I try to contribute to the solutions. I like to give respect to the flag."

The team's coach, Orland Gooden, however, previously told Belleville News Democrat, that the parents approved of the protest, and the idea came from a discussion about the Stockley verdict and subsequent protests.

Gooden told the newspaper: “One of the kids brought it up and asked, ‘What’s going on in St. Louis? Why are they demonstrating and rioting?' He’s just an 8-year-old baby, and he’s asking me why they are doing it. I felt it was a teaching opportunity. As a coach and adult, it’s your role to protect those that are weaker and to enlighten them when you can.

“I know some of the people talk and speak as if I told the kids to turn around and do that. I didn’t. They brought up the subject and led the discussion."