MLS Supports Players Standing, Kneeling During National Anthem
Jun 9, 2020, 10:45 AM
Eric Reid #35 and Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers kneel in protest during the national anthem prior to their NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi's Stadium on October 23, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Major League Soccer released a statement reiterating it’s support for players to peacefully protest during the national anthem prior to league games, including taking a knee.
“If MLS players or staff decide to stand, kneel or otherwise exercise their right to peaceful protest during the playing of the National Anthems before league games, we support them.” – @MLS reiterates position on players kneeling during National Anthems https://t.co/seRiPzBl0h
— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) June 9, 2020
“While fostering an environment of diversity, equality and inclusion, Major League Soccer stands by the ideals of freedom of speech and the right to peaceful protest that are the hallmarks of the United States and Canada. If players or staff decide to stand, kneel or otherwise exercise their right to peaceful protest during the playing of the National Anthems before league games, we support them,” the statement read.
“I CAN’T BREATHE” #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/uUYzoqccob
— dcunited (@dcunited) June 7, 2020
Three years ago MLS Commissioner Don Garber sent a note to league personnel supporting players’ freedom of expression. The message came during the highly publicized and criticized national anthem protests by former San Fransisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and USWNT star Megan Rapinoe.
Tom Hackett is a Utah and Real Salt Lake Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the It’s Utah’s World Podcast (Utah Football themed) and The Lion’s Den Podcast (Real Salt Lake themed). Follow him on Twitter: @TomCantHackett.
