Group of Browns Players Kneel for National Anthem After Hue Jackson Discouraged Protest
A group of at least 10 Browns players knelt during the national anthem before Monday night’s preseason game against the Giants.
The group included Duke Johnson, Kenny Britt, Jamie Collins and Ricardo Louis. Four more players, including DeShone Kizer and Britton Colquitt, placed their hands on their teammates’ shoulders during the display.
Browns head coach Hue Jackson said last week that while he believes “everybody has a right” to protest, “Hopefully, that won’t happen.”
Seth DeValve, a second-year tight end, appeared to be the only white player who kneeled on Monday. Seahawks defensive lineman Michael Bennett said last week that it would take a white player joining the widespread protest “to really get things changed.” Justin Britt put his hand on Bennett’s shoulder during Seattle’s next preseason game and Chris Long also stood with Malcolm Jenkins while Jenkins raised his fist during the anthem.
The Browns released the following statement after the protest:
“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.”
