San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has said that he'll continue to kneel during the national anthem to protest the oppression of black people in the United States. Some critics are offended by this because they feel it is disrespectful to the flag, and it helps explain why the Seahawks have chosen to stand with arms interlocked during the anthem prior to their 4:05 p.m. ET meeting against the Dolphins on Sunday.
It's also why the Chiefs did the same before their 1 p.m. ET kickoff against the Chargers:
#Chiefs linking arms pic.twitter.com/4Xl4UMvc9a
— Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) September 11, 2016
Second-year Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters raised his right fist during the anthem:
Marcus Peters with raised fist during Anthem. Locked arms by #Chiefs. No one sat or knelt. #USApic.twitter.com/zfHgrphj6l
— Jeff Rosen (@jeff_rosen88) September 11, 2016
More from the Kansas City Star's Terez Paylor:
The #Chiefs say they hope to have meetings with long-enforcement personnel throughout the week to help promote understanding
— Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) September 11, 2016
The #Chiefs say this didn't just happen today. Players have been wondering how to make a statement. Coaches and ownership are not surprised.
— Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) September 11, 2016
The Chiefs also released a statement to their website that was posted at 1 p.m. ET:
"After having a number of thoughtful discussions as a group regarding our representation during the national anthem, we decided collectively to lock arms as a sign of solidarity. It was our goal to be unified as a team and to be respectful of everyone's opinions, and the remembrance of 9/11. It's our job as professional athletes to make a positive impact on our communities and to be proactive when change is needed. Together we are going to continue to have conversations, educate ourselves and others on social issues and work with local law enforcement officials and leaders to make an impact on the Kansas City community."
-- Representing all Kansas City Chiefs players