LONDON: Many NFL Players Kneel Or Link Arms During National Anthem In Defiance Of Trump’s Attacks

NBC Sports reports:

Many players knelt and those who didn’t linked arms as “The Star-Spangled Banner” was sung before today’s Ravens-Jaguars game in London. The early kickoff from London was the first NFL game since President Trump blasted protesting players on Friday evening, urging NFL owners to fire any players who don’t stand for the anthem.

Jaguars owner Shahid Khan, who donated $1 million to President Trump’s inauguration ceremony, was among those linking arms on the Jaguars’ sideline. All of the players who knelt for the American anthem appeared to stand for “God Save the Queen.” The NFL always includes both countries’ anthems for London games.

Protests are expected across the NFL today, as players who initially protested during the anthem to demonstrate against police shootings are now expressing their opposition to the president’s comments.

The scene in London seconds before NFL Sunday kicks off on international stage. Some @Jaguars @Ravens #TakeTheKnee, others lock arms pic.twitter.com/IDILRvT30U

— Nick Giovanni (@NickGNews) September 24, 2017

Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan also stood and locked with his players during the anthem pic.twitter.com/k7p8qOKG3L

— BuzzFeed News (@BuzzFeedNews) September 24, 2017