Black NFL Player, Brandon Marshall, To Stand For National Anthem

Brandon Marshall, a Black NFL player, took to his Instagram account to explain his decision to stop kneeling when the national anthem is played.

Most Blacks in the United States, especially those in the limelight, have taken steps to stand against the unbridled police brutalities and racial abuses against Black people. The fight for justice and equality in America took different forms and approaches. One of the famous ways of protesting in the sports cycle was taking a knee during the U.S. national anthem. This gesture adequately created the awareness required to draw the attention of many to the need to stand against racism in America. One of such people who took the decision to also protest NFL games was Denver Bronco’s linebacker, Brandon Marshall. After a series of continues kneeling whenever the national anthem is played, the Black NFL player has decided to stand for the anthem for the rest of the season. What might have influenced Marshall’s pronouncement? Is he giving up on the fight for justice? Well, find the answers to these questions in the information we have provided below from tap-rated news agencies.

THE ROOT

Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall, arguably the second-most visible Black NFL player to protest aside from Colin Kaepernick, has decided to stand during the national anthem.

Marshall explained on his Instagram account that while he won’t be kneeling during the national anthem, he won’t stop fighting for social and racial justice.

For the 1st half of the season, I’ve been taking a knee for the National Anthem to raise awareness for social injustice and to start conversation about what all of us can do to make a positive change, Marshall wrote on social media. I’m encouraged with the many productive discussions and progress that has taken place as the Denver Police department has decided to review its use of force policy. I’m proud to have joined so many of my peers throughout sports who’ve also made their own statements.

“Going forward, I will be standing for the National Anthem — not because everything is perfect, or because I’m changing my stance on things. But because of my hope for what we can become. Just because I am standing doesn’t mean the work will end. There’s much work to be done. I’ll continue to recognize and support organizations that are stepping up as leaders and making a real difference in our community, and I will do my part to be there for those in need.

Marshall added that the Idriss Stelley Foundation, “a grassroots organization in the [California] Bay Area that offer[s] free support to victims of police violence,” is one of the organizations he’ll be supporting, Yahoo! Sports reports. Read more.

Broncos’ Brandon Marshall — ENDS NATIONAL ANTHEM PROTEST … I’ll Stand from Now On: Denver Broncos linebacker… https://t.co/xEQ5AClHGZ

— Valerie Hamlin (@ValerieHamlin3) November 7, 2016

SKY SPORTS

Marshall began kneeling as part of the NFL anthem protest which was started by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick at the beginning of the season and has since been taken up by players around the league.

However, after meeting with the Denver police department Marshall has decided to reverse course and he stood by Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak prior to the team’s 30-20 loss to the Raiders in Oakland on Sunday night.

On the television broadcast, NBC sideline reporter Michele Tafoya said Kubiak stood beside Marshall because he wanted to show his own support for his player. According to Tafoya, Kubiak said he was proud of Marshall expressing his feelings and how he dealt with the backlash.

The 27-year-old explained he will be standing for them and the late O’Shaine Evans, an Oakland man who was shot and killed by a San Francisco police officer in 2014.

Marshall continued: “One of those organisations is the Idriss Stelley Foundation, a grassroots organisation in the Bay Area that offer free support to victims of police violence. I’ll be standing for them and the family of the late O’Shaine Evans on Sunday night in addition to making a donation from my Tackle Change program to further the meaningful work of this group.”

“I really appreciate the support from my family, team-mates, coaches and fans. I’m grateful for those who have taken the time to hear me out.

“I’m excited for what all of us can accomplish when we truly work together.” Read more.

Marshall’s bravery is worth applauding and this is what we expect from all Black people; to boldly stand up for their right. Moreover, the Black NFL player’s decision to stop kneeling doesn’t mean he has given up on the fight. He is only exploiting other means to get the mission accomplished. Blacks deserve a much better life and we will ensure that we attain that through our peaceful demonstrations and dialogues.