Megan Rapinoe stands, locks arms with teammates for national anthem
U.S. women’s national team player Megan Rapinoe stood for the national anthem on Sunday, locking arms with her Seattle Reign FC teammates before a home game against the Washington Spirit.
Rapinoe made waves for her decision not to stand last week, in what she called “a nod to [Colin] Kaepernick.” She was prevented from continuing the protest on Wednesday in Washington, D.C. when Spirit owner Bill Lynch had the anthem played ahead of schedule.
The Reign came out in support of Rapinoe’s initial protest, and the midfielder said she’d continue kneeling for the anthem during future USWNT matches.
• Support for Colin Kaepernick and his message flourishes
Kaepernick, the 49ers’ backup quarterback, has been in the news lately for choosing not to stand for the national anthem before preseason games, voicing concerns over racial inequality and police violence in America.
It's been a point of great contention, with several notable athletes and even commissioner Roger Goodell voicing their disagreement. Many have come out in support of Kaepernick as well, the most recent being Stephen Curry.
The 28-year-old now has the top selling jersey in the league, and will donate $1 million of the proceeds to the community.
