Adam Jones disappointed in lack of MLB protests of national anthem
Baltimore Orioles outfielder Adam Jones toldUSA Today that he is not surprised by the lack of protests during the national anthem in baseball.
“We already have two strikes against us already,” Jones said. “So you might as well not kick yourself out of the game. In football, you can’t kick them out. You need those players. In baseball, they don’t need us.”
“Baseball is a white man’s sport,” Jones added.
In late August, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick decided not to stand for the national anthem in protest of racial inequalities and injustices taking place in America, including police-related violence. He has continued his protest during the regular season. Several other football players across the league have joined in the protest.
Jones has been one of the most outspoken baseball players on to social issues involving African American people.
“I’ve seen Kaepernick called the N-word,’’ Jones said. “Just because he’s being sensitive to what has happened to African-Americans in this country. It’s crazy how when people of color speak up, we’re always ridiculed. But when people that are not of color speak up, it’s their right.”
• Players across NFL protest during national anthem
NBA players are currently in their off-season but stars like Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant have voiced their support for the movement. U.S. women's soccer star Megan Rapinoe has decided to kneel during the national anthem of games.
No major league baseball player has kneeled or sat during the national anthem yet.
