Players and Teams Who Protested During National Anthem In Week 8
The player protests during the national anthem before NFL games are expected to continue in Week 8. The Houston Texans have been at the center of controversy regarding comments by owner Bob McNair, who described the ongoing player demonstrations as "inmates running the prison."
McNair made the comment during the Oct. 17 meeting in New York City between NFL owners, players and union leaders discussing the anthem protests. McNair issued an apology for his comments on Friday and then met with players on Saturday. He issued another statement expressing his regret.
Several players on the Texans reportedly considered a walkout from the team facility. Wideout DeAndre Hopkins and running back D'Onta Foreman did not practice after hearing the owner's comments. Left tackle Duane Brown told ESPN's Josina Anderson that he anticipated about "65 to 70 percent" of the team may kneel during the Star Spangled Banner on Sunday in Seattle.
A meeting is slated to take place on Monday in Philadelphia, where a coalition players will address immediate concerns regarding the anthem protests. Comissioner Roger Goodell and free agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who started the anthem protests in 2016, have also been invited. Kaepernick was also invited to the next meeting between the NFL players and owners.
Here is a list of players and teams that protested during the national anthem:
Vikings vs. Browns
All Vikings and Browns players stood during the national anthem. Vikings players locked arms during the anthem.
Raiders vs. Bills
All Bills players stood for the national anthem but Shareece Wright and Mike Tolbert stood behind their teammates again. All members of the Raiders appear to have stood during the national anthem.
Chargers vs. Patriots
Chargers tackle Russell Okung stood with his fist raised during the national anthem. All members of the New England Patriots stood dor the anthem.
Bears vs. Saints
The Saints kneeled before the national anthem and then stood during the Star-Spangled Banner. Many fans in the crowd booed during the kneel. It appears that all members of the Bears stood during the national anthem.
Falcons vs. Jets
Jets linked arms during the national anthem again with CEO Chris Johnson standing with them. It appears that all members of the Falcons stood during the national anthem.
49ers vs. Eagles
Seven members of the 49ers including Eric Reid, Marquise Goodwin, Adrian Colbert and Ali Harold took a knee during the national anthem. Malcolm Jenkins stood and raised his fists for the Eagles while Chris Long placed his hand on Jenkins' shoulder.
Texans vs. Seahawks
It is estimated that 40 members of the Texans knelt during the national anthem in protest of their team owner’s “inmates running the prison” remarks. Michael Bennett and other members of the Seahawks defensive line sat during the anthem.
Cowboys vs. Redskins
All members of the Cowboys stood for the national anthem. Defensive end David Irving raised his fist after the song. The Cowboys are one of six NFL teams that have not had a player protest.
This post will be updated with more information as the games continue.
